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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I welcome Karen Osborne, an award-winning author and podcaster. This intriguing conversation delves into how we use fiction to address political and historical issues without directly engaging in politics. Karen's newest book, "Justice for Emerson," is set in 1968 and explores themes of race and the treatment of black veterans during and after the Vietnam War. Her first dive into a city she created allows for the resurrection of characters from her prior book, "Reckonings," adding an extra layer of familiarity and depth for her readers.

My own work, "Adventures in Cinderbottom," focuses on the humanity of coal miners in Southern West Virginia, pushing back against the often negative stereotypes portrayed about the region. My ability to tell rich, humane stories has garnered positive feedback from actual residents of the cities I write about, showing that authenticity and sincerity resonate deeply with readers.

Timestamp:

00:00 Sibling search unravels family's mixed race history.
05:23 Characters make surprising choices, revealing their humanity.
07:42 Novel based on real events in 1924.
09:43 Memoir turned coming-of-age story in the 50s.
15:50 The Author creates a new setting for an upcoming book.
17:08 Adventures in Cinderbottom depicts humanity amidst hardships.
21:09 Fiction addresses political issues in a historical context.
25:29 Discussing memories with husband to fact-check.
27:54 Author's son, skilled beta reader, successful writer.
33:40 Showcasing expertise through podcast interviews, learning journey.
34:19 Podcasting has helped me become a better writer.
38:10 Persistence pays off for aspiring authors.
42:45 Inspiring students to become published authors.

Full show notes

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