EPISODE 70: Character Backstory and Myth with Academic Turned Bestselling Author, Karen Odden

Send us a textIn this episode of Wayward Writers, USA Today bestselling author Karen Od​d​en joins the show to discuss her fascinating journey from academia to a successful career in historical fiction. Karen shares her background, the inspiration behind her novels, her research process, and the intricate art of developing character backstories. The conversation delves into the importance of personal myths, worldly and personal realms shaping characters, and effective techniques to avoid the dreaded info dump. With interesting anecdotes and practical advice, Karen offers a wealth of insights for aspiring writers.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:56 Karen Od​den's Writing Journey01:59 From Academia to Fiction04:47 Victorian Mysteries and Inspirations05:56 Book Covers and Author Input08:32 Character Development and Personal Myths10:33 Injustice and Revenge Themes16:26 Building Backstory and Worldly Realms18:01 Historical Divorce Laws and Women's Rights18:29 Worldly and Personal Realms in Character Development19:59 The Dreaded Info Dump: A Personal Anecdote23:26 The Importance of Starting Your Story in the Right Place27:20 Crafting Authentic Conflicts Through Backstory27:33 The Queen's Gambit: A Case Study in Personal Myth35:05 Advice for Aspiring WritersF​ind out more about Karen Odden HERE!​The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon​The Stories We Live By: Personal Myths and the Making of the Self by Dan P. MacAdams This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com