Novelist John Passfield shares experience in turning local stories into literature

John Passfield spoke about turning local stories into literature, with examples from his London novel, Victoria Day, at our March 18 general meeting.

Here's how our March 2010 newsletter described John, in advance of his presentation:

John Passfield's approach to writing and publishing is unique. He publishes a companion journal for each novel in which he documents the day-by-day decision-making that went into the novel's development. He also chooses compelling subject matter.

In Grave Song, he explored one man's loss of his family to the 1930's cholera pandemic.

In Jumbo, he explored public reaction to the death of the circus elephant in 1885, a loss that reverberated around the world.

In Pinafore Park, he explored the response of St. Thomas residents to the drowning of children in 1925.

In Rain of Fire, he explored how an inquiry tried to assess responsibility for a deadly train crash in 1887.

Now, in Victoria Day, John weaves together themes explored in previous works as he tells the story of the sinking of the steamboat Victoria in London on May 24, 1881.

How did he do it? John will discuss his process and share his thoughts about how local history and literature can shape each other and enrich our understanding of both.