Talk - Where No Shadow Awaits: the Evolution of a Historical Novel

Professor Angela K. Smith is speaking at the Plymouth Proprietary Library on Wednesday 26 August, from 14:00 to 15:00. The talk is called Where No Shadow Awaits: the Evolution of a Historical Novel, and it's a look at how her research shaped her First World War historical novel.

Smith is Professor Emerita of Modern Literature at the University of Plymouth, so she's coming to this from a lifetime spent with books and teaching. The talk isn't just about the finished novel, but the work that went into it — the research she did on the First World War and how that shaped the story. If you've ever wondered how a writer moves from a pile of historical notes to a completed book, this is exactly that process laid out. It's as much about the craft of writing as it is about the history itself.

It's a one-hour session, so it's a relatively short commitment on a Wednesday afternoon. The subject matter — the First World War — is one that still pulls a crowd in this city, and the talk is aimed at an adult audience with an interest in literature, history, and the Great War. If you're into historical fiction or the way history gets woven into stories, it's right up your street.

It's a paid event, with tickets at £5 for members and £8 for non-members. The PPL is on St Barnabas Terrace, Plymouth PL1 5NN. If you want to make sure you've got a seat, it's worth contacting the library at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, you can just turn up on the day. The talk runs from 14:00 to 15:00.