Thank you, @Barbara at Projectkin. For bringing us all together but more so your generosity of time, energy, inspiration and leadership. We are all better because of your tireless effort!
Good luck with your foray into fiction, Lori. It’s certainly a whole different skill set, but I think you have it. I faced the same dilemma and after much debate with myself wrote a novel that eventually found a publisher. I’m very excited but also nervous about how readers will react. Publishing schedules being what they are, it won’t be out till June. And strangely enough, my main character is also a Julia.,
How exciting and congratulations! I’ve written fiction before, and it is not my natural writing style or even my first reading choice, so…but challenge is good, right? 😉
Thanks Lori for all you have contributed on Substack this year. I just had a quick look through your archive to see if I could name a couple of favourites but there are too many to name! … Just can't pick … Although I think it was The Incorrigible John George who first introduced me to your writing and that series is definitely among my many favourites . Looking forward to reading more from you this year.
Smashing the Liquor Machine was on my reading list this year, too, and I only now appreciate how much I learned from that book! What a year, indeed. As to your question about fictionalizing some stories for which you can't find a factual record for what occurred, have at it! I think as long as it is clearly labeled as historical fiction, you're good -- and it might be a service to others who are considering fictionalizing as to what was fictionalized and why. When I read historical fiction, I always want to know what was fact and what was fiction.
That was another of your recommendations, now that I think of it - thanks!
Agreed - how to stay true to who I am here while writing historical fiction “inspired by” is a hurdle I’m inching over right now. Suggestions are appreciated 😉
There is a middle ground known as creative nonfiction and I think your holiday story about the Pullman porter fits there. You tend to hew as closely to the facts as possible even when fictionalizing. Most fiction writers focus on the plot and situate it within a historical context. A good example to show the difference is two different books written about the sinking of the Gustloff (maritime disaster in WWII). My client Cathryn Prince wrote the nonfiction account (Death in the Baltic) and Ruta Sepetys fictionalized the history as Between Shades of Gray. Reality-based fiction is a subgenre of YA (Young Adult fiction).
What a truly amazing year, Lori! You know I’m a massive fan of everything you do, but my absolute favourite new venture has been the Margin Notes series. The stories are, of course, brilliant in their own right, but getting a glimpse behind the curtain and seeing how you’ve put them together is such a unique and wonderful idea. Here’s to another amazing year in 2026!
I’ve loved having your writing pop into my inbox this year and it was fun reading your reflections on the year as well as vision for what’s next! I’m excited to keep following along.
What an amazing year, indeed. Bravo. You’ve been an amazing asset to this community since the day you arrived. Thank you for all you’ve done.
Thank you, @Barbara at Projectkin. For bringing us all together but more so your generosity of time, energy, inspiration and leadership. We are all better because of your tireless effort!
🥹 goodness. There’s something magical happening here. It’s an honor to be here to witness it.
Good luck with your foray into fiction, Lori. It’s certainly a whole different skill set, but I think you have it. I faced the same dilemma and after much debate with myself wrote a novel that eventually found a publisher. I’m very excited but also nervous about how readers will react. Publishing schedules being what they are, it won’t be out till June. And strangely enough, my main character is also a Julia.,
How exciting and congratulations! I’ve written fiction before, and it is not my natural writing style or even my first reading choice, so…but challenge is good, right? 😉
Thanks Lori for all you have contributed on Substack this year. I just had a quick look through your archive to see if I could name a couple of favourites but there are too many to name! … Just can't pick … Although I think it was The Incorrigible John George who first introduced me to your writing and that series is definitely among my many favourites . Looking forward to reading more from you this year.
Thanks, @Jane! That story is among my favorites, too. Such a scoundrel!
Smashing the Liquor Machine was on my reading list this year, too, and I only now appreciate how much I learned from that book! What a year, indeed. As to your question about fictionalizing some stories for which you can't find a factual record for what occurred, have at it! I think as long as it is clearly labeled as historical fiction, you're good -- and it might be a service to others who are considering fictionalizing as to what was fictionalized and why. When I read historical fiction, I always want to know what was fact and what was fiction.
That was another of your recommendations, now that I think of it - thanks!
Agreed - how to stay true to who I am here while writing historical fiction “inspired by” is a hurdle I’m inching over right now. Suggestions are appreciated 😉
There is a middle ground known as creative nonfiction and I think your holiday story about the Pullman porter fits there. You tend to hew as closely to the facts as possible even when fictionalizing. Most fiction writers focus on the plot and situate it within a historical context. A good example to show the difference is two different books written about the sinking of the Gustloff (maritime disaster in WWII). My client Cathryn Prince wrote the nonfiction account (Death in the Baltic) and Ruta Sepetys fictionalized the history as Between Shades of Gray. Reality-based fiction is a subgenre of YA (Young Adult fiction).
Such a great year and looking for more in 2026!
Thanks, @Pam! I’m thrilled to have you here.
Well deserved success, Lori! Thanks for your help and comments.
Thanks, @David Shaw, your work continually challenges me to do better.
No babe, I’m running to try to keep up with you.
What a truly amazing year, Lori! You know I’m a massive fan of everything you do, but my absolute favourite new venture has been the Margin Notes series. The stories are, of course, brilliant in their own right, but getting a glimpse behind the curtain and seeing how you’ve put them together is such a unique and wonderful idea. Here’s to another amazing year in 2026!
I can’t wait to read more of your wonderful work.
Thanks, @Paul! For everything, including your kind words. I really enjoy putting the Margin Notes together so am thrilled they’re of value to others.
I absolutely love the concept it really is unique, nobody else does anything like this!
I’ve loved having your writing pop into my inbox this year and it was fun reading your reflections on the year as well as vision for what’s next! I’m excited to keep following along.
Thanks, @Katy! You lit up my morning 💫
I can feel you cheering as you wrote this!
I am super excited for the coming year - so many stories I can’t wait to research and retell!
Thanks so much for bringing me onboard with @Bicentennial Memory Project - it’s gonna be a fabulous celebration year 🇺🇸
Wait - I thought you brought me on board the Bicentennial Memory Project? Lmao