91: Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes on Thornby Manor, Gothic Fiction & Dark Victorian History

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by debut author Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes to talk about her gothic historical novel Thornby Manor.Stephanie takes us inside the haunting world of Thornby Manor, a mist-shrouded house filled with secrets, where nothing is quite as it seems. We discuss her love of gothic fiction and the classic influences behind the novel, from Jane Eyre to Rebecca, and how setting can become a character in its own right.We also dive into the fascinating and disturbing historical context behind the book, including the treatment of women in Victorian England and how easily people, particularly women, could be institutionalised and silenced. Stephanie shares the real-life cases that inspired her story and how history shaped her protagonist, Briar.As someone who has worked in publishing for over 16 years, Stephanie gives an honest and eye-opening insight into what it’s really like trying to get published - even when you’re already in the industry. We also chat about balancing writing with a full-time job, the realities of being on submission, and what’s next for Stephanie as she begins work on her second novel.If you love gothic fiction, historical mysteries, and behind-the-scenes insights into the publishing world, this is an episode for you.Find Stephanie here: https://www.instagram.com/bramwelllawes/Buy Thornby Manor here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/thornby-manor-the-spellbinding-intoxicating-new-debut-historical-mystery-stephanie-bramwell-lawes/6b30e6b7752a8d62?ean=9781917764124&next=tBooks recommended in this episode:Falling Angels: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/falling-angels-tracy-chevalier/232392?ean=9780007217236&next=tLife After Life: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/life-after-life-the-global-bestseller-now-a-major-bbc-series-kate-atkinson/ba956f364de24820?ean=9780552776639&next=tThe Show Woman: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-show-woman-an-incredibly-gripping-moving-and-inspiring-historical-page-turner-emma-cowing/0e4c75568e3860b3?ean=9781399737395&next=tThe Pleasure Palace: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-pleasure-palace-gripping-and-unforgettable-historical-fiction-from-the-acclaimed-author-of-the-show-woman-emma-cowing/2cfe3e9adf35f7f8?ean=9781399737449&next=t