Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes: Do True Villains Really Exist?

Is anyone ever truly a villain?Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes has spent nearly two decades helping other authors find their readers. This year, it's finally her turn.In this episode, David sits down with Stephanie to explore the darker side of Victorian England – a world where women could be institutionalised for almost anything and dangerous secrets had devastating consequences.Inspired by her home in a former Victorian asylum, Stephanie discusses the real history behind her debut Thornby Manor, the enduring appeal of gothic fiction, and why she believes human nature is far more complicated than heroes and villains.Plus, she shares what it was really like going from publishing professional to debut author, navigating rejection, finding an agent, and experiencing the submission process from the other side for the very first time.Send Me Your Book Confessions — share your favourite books, collecting stories, questions and reactions to episodes.