Writer and now novelist, Maggie Jankuloska, joined me on the show to discuss her debut children's novel, ‘The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice’.

Topics discussed include:

Bringing 17th century plague-ridden provincial France to life - creating the fictional township of Saint-Ophelie.

The elements required in any good historical fiction novel in order to create a strong sense of place. How this differs for a younger/child audience.

Marie the central character - the incorrigible dreamer and storyteller. How storytelling can keep us and others enduringly hopeful, even in the darkest and bleakest of settings and circumstances.

How kind characters remain kind, even to those that are wicked and have wronged them - what that says about human nature.

How we can form familial ties with those we meet through journeys and hardships.

And so much more!

Thanks heaps to Maggie for talking with me on the show. Grab a copy of ‘The Rat-Catcher’s Apprentice’ now!