Paul Chiswick
asked
Mark Gillespie:
Intersting choice of writing. Roth did a great job with The Plot Against America. Seems plenty of subjects to screw up or put right! And who's to say historians tell the truth anyway? ;-) So what ideas are you working on?
Mark Gillespie
Thanks Paul. The Plot Against America is definitely one of the best works of alternate history and even after so many others written about the Nazis and WW2 - and there are so many! - it still stands out.
You're absolutely right. There are so many subjects for writers to either screw up or put right. Sometimes though, screwing them up is more interesting as well as fun :) As mentioned, most alternate history concentrates on WW2, and also the American Civil War (in which the South win). I like messing with popular culture myself, although the next alternate history idea I'm working on tackles the London riots of 2011. And in this reality, the riots don't stop after four days - they don't stop at all and London starts to fall. It's told from various perspectives: those taking part, the media, government, police etc...and I used a lot of documents taking from the real riots to research the various perspectives. Hopefully it works!
Thanks very much for the question Paul. Don't hesitate to get back in touch if you ever feel the need.
All the best,
Mark
You're absolutely right. There are so many subjects for writers to either screw up or put right. Sometimes though, screwing them up is more interesting as well as fun :) As mentioned, most alternate history concentrates on WW2, and also the American Civil War (in which the South win). I like messing with popular culture myself, although the next alternate history idea I'm working on tackles the London riots of 2011. And in this reality, the riots don't stop after four days - they don't stop at all and London starts to fall. It's told from various perspectives: those taking part, the media, government, police etc...and I used a lot of documents taking from the real riots to research the various perspectives. Hopefully it works!
Thanks very much for the question Paul. Don't hesitate to get back in touch if you ever feel the need.
All the best,
Mark
More Answered Questions
Paul Chiswick
asked
Mark Gillespie:
Good luck with that . . . it sounds interesting and challenging. Didn't touch much upon my life . . . though Handsworth riot was a little too close for comfort! If you ever need a publisher, speak to me. Take a peek at www.writeideas.co.uk. All the best with the writing. ? (nneds a question mark!)
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more