79: Patrick Gale on Love Lane, Family Secrets & Writing Real Lives into Fiction

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by bestselling author Patrick Gale to discuss his new novel Love Lane, a story rooted in family history, silence, and the complicated truths we inherit.We explore how Patrick approached writing fiction inspired by real people, particularly his own family, and the emotional and ethical challenges that come with it. From uncovering long-buried secrets in letters to reimagining the life of his great-grandfather, Patrick shares how fact and fiction blur in the writing process.We also dive into the fascinating historical backdrop of the novel, from post-war Britain to the realities of prison life in the 1950s, and the culture of silence that shaped family dynamics at the time.Patrick opens up about his writing process, why he still writes everything by hand, how reading work aloud shapes his prose, and the advice every aspiring writer needs to hear.Find Patrick here: https://galewarning.org/Buy Love Lane: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/love-lane-a-searing-portrayal-of-escape-and-the-power-of-love-home-and-a-family-patrick-gale/04b20fa7daa5894d?ean=9781472257468&next=tBooks recommended in this episode:The Flint Anchor: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-flint-anchor-sylvia-townsend-warner/2029107?ean=9780241476086&next=tArmadale: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/armadale-wilkie-collins/22331?ean=9780199538157&next=t