Launch: Sherry V. Ostroff’s Mannahatta
INTERVIEW BY NICOLE EVELINA
Sherry V. Ostroff‘s new novel, Mannahatta, is the sequel to her timeslip story, Caledonia.
How would you describe this book and its themes in a couple of sentences (what is your ‘elevator pitch’)?
Caledonia and Mannahatta (the sequel) are about two women, separated by 300 years, but are bound by mysterious circumstances. Hanna, in the 21st century, keeps uncovering evidence linking her to 17th century Anna. Both women experience adventure, romance, and tragedy as the reader witnesses them becoming more and more connected.
How did you find out about this incident and period in history?
It started with my reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. That led to an interest in Scottish history and a particular event in 1698: The Darien Scheme. This was Scotland’s attempt to create a trading colony in Central America. It failed miserably. When I found that almost no Americans and very few Scots knew anything about this history-changing event, which would lead to the union of England and Scotland in the United Kingdom, I jumped at the chance to tell the story.
If you’ve been to your setting in person, what details from your own journey did you weave into the story?
I have visited almost every setting mentioned in Caledonia and Mannahatta. It is important to me that my writing be as authentic as possible. Caledonia includes several chapters about sailing on a 17th century ship from Scotland to the New World. My visit to the Old Dockyard in Southampton, England offered the opportunity to board ships of that era and to hear “old salts’” tales. One of those stories was how Admiral Horatio Nelson’s body was pickled after he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson had a fear of being buried at sea, so a barrel of alcohol was always on stand-by in case the worst happened. Therefore, his body was stuffed into the barrel and it was not opened until the ship docked in England several months later. Unfortunately, even with the alcohol, his body was in no condition for a viewing. He was quickly buried. That story, minus Admiral Nelson, was included in Caledonia.
Which character challenged you the most?
Really, none of them, although each was different, of course. Some were like onions. As you peeled their outer skins, they became different and so much more than when first introduced. Some were like mushrooms. They popped up and helped to move the story along. Those that I fell in love with, stayed around and became onions. In a couple of cases, those mushrooms continued into the second book, Mannahatta. Other characters are hard nuts. Those are the real historical characters, and you must remain true to who they were.
How did you decide to tell the story from multiple points of view? Why these?
Caledonia and Mannahatta are told in first person for a reason. When I started writing, I wrote in third person, but it wasn’t going so well. Thankfully, Hanna, the first character I created, told me she was telling the story in her POV. Since then, I have learned to listen to my characters. They know the best way to proceed. Therefore, both books are in first person, except in Mannahatta, there are two short scenes where the story slips into third person. That was done purposefully. I learned an important lesson early on – listen to your characters.
What kind of research did you do for this story?
I do extensive research because I want my story to be as accurate as possible. I only rely on the fictional side of the genre when I have exhausted my historical digging. I travel to almost every place mentioned in my books. I experience almost everything my characters live through. I try to eat everything they eat. I rarely do the research in advance because I am a pantser. I research as the need arises.
Share something with us that you learned while writing this book.
I learned that writing fiction is hard. My first book was creative non-fiction and I found that much easier. But then, I have written non-fiction most of my life. I find fictional writing very satisfying. To me, it’s like a giant puzzle with many intricate pieces that need to fit. There’s no fudging it, and when it happens, it’s a glorious moment.
What inspired you to start writing?
I was an avid reader from the time I was eight years old. And I have not stopped. I have always been in awe of authors who could write the big historical novels and do it well. Once I retired from teaching, I decided it was my turn to create what I loved.
What is your next project and how far advanced is it?
My next book will be a historical novel, of course. The setting is Spain. The year is 1492. But this novel will have nothing to do with Columbus. It is about two historically accurate families who are forced to make a life-altering decision.
What is the last great book you read?
Sarum by Edward Rutherford.
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