True Fiction Project

Reenita Hora
  • 4.5 (6)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

The True Fiction Project is an unscripted-to-scripted podcast series that explores the journey of a story from non-fiction to fiction. It showcases the art of audio storytelling to explore how scripted fiction is inspired by our daily life, and it explores how audio storytelling can spark interesting IP that can be further developed for other media. Join our host Reenita Hora, as she conducts audio interviews with guests from all walks of life that have interesting stories. A fiction writer then listens to the interview, defines a main character inspired by it, and creates a piece of short audio fiction based on it. The episode pieces together the interview (non-fiction), the audio story + the print version (both fiction). Learn more at https://reenita.com/podcasts/true-fiction-project/

  1. Sep 26

    S8 Ep 6 - Designed by Preeti

    Welcome, I'm Reenita Hora, and on this episode of The True Fiction Project, I sit down with actor, writer, and producer Rashmi Rustagi to talk about her award-winning feature film, Designed by Preeti. Rashmi takes us behind the scenes of a story inspired by the real experiences of three Indian women and follows Preeti's journey from an abusive marriage toward independence and empowerment. We talk about the cultural expectations that can keep women in unhappy relationships, the importance of talking openly about mental health, interracial relationships, and why Rashmi believes even serious stories need a little laughter along the way. And yes, we get into the story behind the movie's infamous tofu joke! Plus, stay through the end for the Designed by Preeti trailer. Watch her film, Designed by Preeti, on Prime Video, and leave a review. Send me an Instagram DM @reenita_storyteller with a screenshot of the review and I’ll send you her cookbook, Designed by Preeti, as a special gift! Just in time for the festive season. Only a limited quantity is available so act fast! What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  ✅ How Rashmi's experiences growing up in Lucknow, India, and her early work in radio and theater eventually led her to acting and filmmaking in the U.S. ✅ How real-life stories inspired Designed by Preeti, and why Rashmi wanted to tell an ultimately hopeful story about a woman finding her independence. ✅ Why cultural expectations, stigma, mental health, and even interracial relationships can complicate the lives of Indian-American women. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   01:02 Reenita introduces Rashmi and Designed by Preeti 04:17 How Rashmi's mother encouraged her creative ambitions and helped launch her early career 05:20 Bienvenidos a Los Angeles and Rashmi's experience being part of an Oscar-shortlisted film 06:54 The real-life women who inspired Designed by Preeti 08:39 Domestic abuse, cultural expectations, and why women may stay in difficult marriages 11:03 The story behind the movie's very unexpected tofu/dildo joke 13:02 Why Rashmi ultimately removed the punchline from the film 14:41 Mental health, therapy, and changing attitudes across generations 18:18 What's next for Rashmi? A thriller road trip featuring three women 19:24 A special Designed by Preeti cookbook giveaway 21:46 Designed by Preeti trailer KEY TAKEAWAYS:  💎 Rashmi uses storytelling as a way to explore serious social issues while still leaving audiences with a sense of hope. For her, Preeti's journey is ultimately about a woman taking a stance, rebuilding her life, and standing on her own feet. 💎 Designed by Preeti grew out of real-life experiences involving three Indian women, including friends and a close relative whose stories stayed with Rashmi and eventually became the foundation for the film. 💎 The film explores the less visible layers of domestic abuse, including control, isolation, cultural stigma, and the pressure women can face from their own communities. ABOUT THE GUEST:  A powerful voice at the intersection of storytelling and social change, Rashmi Rustagi is a California-based actor, writer, and producer born and raised in Lucknow, India. Her acting credits include roles in major films such as The Avengers, India Sweets and Spices, and Hungry, as well as appearances on acclaimed television series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Atypical, and Never Have I Ever. She acted in the short film Bienvenidos a Los Angeles, which was shortlisted for the 2024 Academy Awards. Beyond acting, Rashmi has established herself as a socially conscious filmmaker. Her award-winning film, Unborn, streams on Amazon Prime Video and confronts the practice of female feticide within the Indo-American community. Most recently, she wrote, produced, and starred in Designed by Preeti, an award-winning feature exploring domestic abuse, mental health, interracial romance, and female empowerment. It is now available to rent on demand. Rashmi Rustagi’s website · Designed by Preeti · Rashmi’s Recipes · Rashmi on LinkedIn · Rashmi on Facebook · Rashmi on Instagram Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S8 Ep 6 - Designed by Preeti

  2. Sep 15

    S8 Ep 5 - The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore

    Welcome, I'm Reenita Hora, and on this episode of True Fiction Project, I talk with debut novelist Anika Fajardo about her new women's fiction release, The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore. Born in Colombia and raised in Minnesota, Anika opens up about writing a memoir, two middle-grade novels, and now a magical-realism story about a woman haunted by the voices of her deceased female relatives. We dig into grief, identity, and the long road to finding her Colombian father, a real search that inspired this family saga novel. Tune in to hear Anika read an excerpt describing the fateful 1989 meeting between Dory's parents in Rome. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  ✅ How magical realism rooted in Colombian author Anika Fajardo's heritage shapes her voice and storytelling style. ✅ Why Dory hears a chorus of ancestral voices left behind by her deceased female relatives. ✅ How Anika's publishing journey, from memoir to middle grade fiction, led to her women's fiction debut. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Anika Fajardo introduces the premise of her women's fiction novel The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore 01:59 Anika discusses her memoir, Magical Realism For Nonbelievers, and the story behind its title 03:44 How Anika stumbled into writing middle grade fiction with her novel What If a Fish 07:08 Anika explains the ancestral voices that follow her protagonist Dory throughout the story 13:10 Anika reads an excerpt describing her parents' fateful 1989 meeting in Rome, Italy KEY TAKEAWAYS:  💎 Dory's chorus of deceased relatives illustrates generational grief and how women absorb the messages of those who raised them. 💎 The novel weaves a present-day female protagonist story with a 1980s Colombian setting, featuring flashbacks of her parents' romance. 💎 Anika's life as a Minnesota author, teacher, and reviewer shaped her lifelong love of adult fiction and storytelling. ABOUT THE GUEST:  Anika Fajardo’s debut novel is The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore. She is also the award-winning author of Magical Realism for Non-Believers: A Memoir of Finding Family, and the middle-grade novels What If a Fish and Meet Me Halfway. Born in Colombia and raised in Minnesota, she currently lives with her family in Minneapolis. Anika Fajardo - Website Gobblefunking with Words - Website Anika Fajardo - Facebook Anika Fajardo - Instagram Anika Fajardo - Threads The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore - Book Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S8 Ep 5 - The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore

  3. Aug 25

    S8 Ep 4 - Moonshine Over Georgia

    Southern Fiction comes alive in this episode of True Fiction Project as author Chris Skates shares the true story behind his novel Moonshine Over Georgia. Host Reenita Hora talks with Chris about his grandfather, a Prohibition-era revenue agent who hunted moonshiners through the Georgia woods, and how those family memories became historical fiction. Chris also reflects on his winding path from nuclear chemist to White House speechwriter, and how that unlikely mix shaped his storytelling voice. Tune in to hear Chris Skates read a gripping excerpt describing the violent aftermath of a real moonshine-related murder that shaped his book. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  ✅ How Chris Skates turned decades of family stories about his grandfather's work as a revenue agent into the Southern Fiction novel Moonshine Over Georgia ✅ Why real Prohibition-era moonshine busts in Georgia were far more dangerous and heartbreaking than the Hollywood version ever showed ✅ How the notorious John Wallace murder case connects directly to the events depicted in this historical fiction story ✅ How a career as a White House speechwriter helped Chris sharpen his fiction writing craft and finally finish the book he started decades earlier Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Chris Skates explains how his grandfather's work as a revenue agent during the Prohibition Era inspired Moonshine Over Georgia 05:16 The emotional childhood memory that first revealed the real toll of the moonshiners' trade on families 09:00 How raids worked in the field and why the Southern fiction genre captures this history so vividly 16:18 Chris teases the real-life connection to the John Wallace murder case made famous in an old TV movie 22:09 Chris Skates reads a historical fiction excerpt from Moonshine Over Georgia depicting the case's violent turning point KEY TAKEAWAYS:  💎 Chris Skates spent nearly two decades interviewing his grandfather, tracking down living witnesses, and digging through archival records to make Moonshine Over Georgia as historically accurate as possible 💎 The real Prohibition-era moonshine trade caused widespread alcoholism, poverty, and violence, giving this Southern fiction story a weight that goes far beyond a simple crime tale 💎 Chris's mother, who lived part of this story as a child, confirmed that his historical fiction portrayal of her father captured the man and the era with striking accuracy ABOUT THE GUEST:  Chris is a novelist with 30 years of experience as a chemist at nuclear and coal plants. He’s been able to combine this diverse background of science and energy with a passion for writing. Chris began publishing in 2000, with over 150 stories, articles, and columns to his name, alongside four novels. He’s also contributed to Turkey Call Magazine and is preparing a non-fiction collection. His writing journey culminated in key roles as a speechwriter and energy advisor at both the state and national levels of government.   Moonshine Over Georgia is, though, Chris’ most prized and honored work to date. A historical fiction novel, it draws on the harrowing, exciting, and very real stories that Chris’ grandfather would tell him while he was growing up, when he was working as a revenue agent in Prohibition-era Georgia.  Sample of Moonshine Over Georgia Moonshine Over Georgia: A Novel Based On Actual Events - Amazon Chris Skates - LinkedIn Moonshine Over Georgia - Facebook  Chris Skates - Facebook Chris Skates - X Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S8 Ep 4 - Moonshine Over Georgia

  4. Jul 31

    S8 Ep 3 - The Last Waltz

    In this episode of The True Fiction Project, actor Rishi Jaiswal walks us through his unlikely leap from aerospace engineering to a national Broadway tour, his lead role in The Revolution's Wife, and the deeply personal story behind his new short film, The Last Waltz. This movie is about a South Asian family confronting their trans daughter's identity and the silence that follows. We also talk about dance, Sundance, and the strange coincidences that shaped this casting. Tune in to hear the trailer of The Last Waltz, highlighting the moment a father finally faces the daughter he can barely name. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  ✅ How Rishi Jaiswal traded aerospace engineering for a career on stage and screen, starting with So You Think You Can Dance and a national tour of Life of Pi on Broadway. ✅ Why he sent a freedom fighter poem about Gaza to land his role in Revolution's Wife, and how that bold risk paid off during the casting process. ✅ How growing up around a family dance studio and Bollywood culture shaped the way Rishi approaches every character he plays on screen and stage. ✅ Why The Last Waltz speaks directly to the South Asian community about learning to accept a trans child, even without fully understanding her journey first. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Rishi Jaiswal shares how he became involved in Revolution's Wife 03:25 How a Gaza freedom fighter poem helped Rishi land his role in Reenita's script 05:14 Discussion of the Revolution’s Wife script 07:56 The Sundance Film Festival encounter that unexpectedly brought Nosheen into the cast as Padma 11:35 From aerospace engineering to a family dance studio, tracing Rishi's winding path into the arts 15:10 Rishi introduces The Last Waltz, his own short film about a trans daughter and her parents 22:38 Watch the exclusive trailer for The Last Waltz ahead of its debut at the LA Shorts Festival KEY TAKEAWAYS:  💎 Rishi's role in Revolution's Wife was a lifelong dream 💎 Following your fears, not avoiding them, is what pushed Rishi from a stable engineering path into acting and dance, including his years with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. 💎 Real support does not require full understanding. Reenita and Rishi agree that parents do not need to fully understand their children, only to keep showing up for them. BIO Rishi Jaiswal is an Indian-American actor, filmmaker, and founder of Aikyam Entertainment. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, his career spans from national television—including shows like So You Think You Can Dance, ABC’s Prank Panel with Johnny Knoxville, and NBC’s American Auto opposite Ana Gasteyer—to starring roles in national commercial campaigns. He penned the award-winning play Radicals, which is slated for a stage return early next year. Rishi also wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the feature film Unmasked now that recently gained distribution, and he is currently starring in an upcoming short film based on the Gadar revolutionary movement "Revolution's Wife", directed by Reenita Malhotra. His latest project, The Last Waltz, is set for its world premiere at the Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival." early next month! ABOUT THE GUEST:  The Last Waltz Tickets LA Shorts Fest Rishi Jaiswal - Instagram Rishi Jaiswal - LinkedIn Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S8 Ep 3 - The Last Waltz

  5. Jul 21

    S8 Ep 2 - Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life

    This episode of the True Fiction Project dives into the remarkable true story behind the historical fiction novel, Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life, by Pamela Reitman about Charlotte Salomon, a young Jewish artist who painted over a thousand works while fleeing the Nazis in France. We talk about the ethics of biographical fiction, how Pamela handled the unanswered questions of Charlotte’s life, and why this story of art born from unimaginable loss still resonates today. This conversation reveals the research process behind historical novels and what it means to give voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Tune in to hear Pamela and excerpt of the novel when Charlotte is being reminded that she is a genius artist. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  How biographical fiction differs from traditional biography when writers face gaps in the historical record Why Charlotte Salomon's artwork Life? Or Theater! is considered a masterpiece of Holocaust literature and modern art How author Pamela Reitman decided which relationships, like the one with Wolf Abrams, to fictionalize and which to leave ambiguous The role that art and trauma played in helping Salomon process the loss of her mother and family during Nazi occupation Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   01:10 Pamela Reitman shares her historical fiction novel about Charlotte Salomon's and explains the difference between biographical fiction and traditional biography writing 04:34 Discussion of the Wolf Abrams relationship and the choice to leave their romance ambiguous 07:49 Pamela describes the genesis of the book, since there was already a biography 10:39 Pamela shares how she discovered Charlotte Salomon's work at the Jewish Museum in San Francisco 13:08 Discussion of the time period during which Charlotte’s  work was created, and where the listener can learn more about this amazing woman 15:56 Pamela reads a moving excerpt from her novel about Charlotte's belief in her own artistic genius KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Writers of biographical fiction carry a unique responsibility, especially as Holocaust survivors who could verify the facts become fewer with each passing year Charlotte Salomon's more than 1,300 paintings, created in a single year while she lived without identity papers, eventually became an opera that debuted in Salzburg in 2017 Pamela Reitman believes art served as a way to transform suffering rather than heal it completely, shaping the emotional core of her historical novel ABOUT THE GUEST:  Pamela Reitman, a Jewish Book Council Network author, is an award-winning writer with numerous publications in literary journals, news outlets, and magazines. She has a B. A with honors in English from Columbia and an MPH from UC Berkeley. She is retired from a career in public health and community service focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Pamela is also Director Emerita of Makor Or: A Jewish Meditation Center in San Francisco. She now lives in Healdsburg, California, with her husband.  Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life is Pamela’s debut novel. Over two months on Amazon’s Hot New Releases for Biographical Literary Fiction, Kirkus Reviews calls this novel “a vividly detailed rendering of a real life caught in a maelstrom of 20th-century horror.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pamela Reitman (@PamelaReitman1) - Facebook Pamela Reitman - Website Amazon.com: Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life: A Novel Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S8 Ep 2 - Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life

  6. Jul 7

    S8 Ep 1 - The Secret Book Society

    What happens when historical fiction dares to challenge the rules? On the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora welcomes New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin, whose latest novel, The Secret Book Society, uncovers the radical act of women reading books in the Victorian era. A three-times-widowed Countess builds a secret book club, defying a culture that viewed literate women as dangerous. Madeline shares her extraordinary path through self-publishing, traditional publishing, and deep historical research, writing over 40 books along the way. Rich with Victorian women's history, hatpin fighting, seances, and the language of flowers, this episode is a love letter to storytelling. Tune in to hear the author read the prologue, in which a street boy delivers a single boot as proof that a woman may have been wrongfully taken to a lunatic asylum. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  ✅ Why historical fiction set in the Victorian era continues to captivate readers, and how the rigid etiquette of the period creates a rich backdrop for subversive, empowering storytelling rooted in women's history. ✅ How self-publishing works in the romance novel market, including why authors must release books every one to two months to remain visible, and how Madeline Martin balanced that pace with a full-time career and family. ✅ How a real historical account of a woman wrongfully committed to a lunatic asylum became the foundation for The Secret Book Society, demonstrating how literary fiction is born from documented history. ✅ How intentional detail, including the language of flowers, hatpin fighting, and female authors of the era, can transform a novel into an immersive, layered reading experience. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Madeline Martin introduces The Secret Book Society and its Victorian-era setting, where women's reading was actively suppressed 02:36 Madeline shares her 20-year writing journey, from childhood storytelling to publishing over 40 historical fiction and romance novels 05:06 A candid look at self-publishing: writing six to eight books a year, managing every detail, and why independent publishing is demanding 09:56 The transition from historical romance to literary fiction, and why a hatpin played a significant role in the novel  15:41 Madeline reads the prologue of The Secret Book Society KEY TAKEAWAYS:  💎 Victorian era restrictions on women's reading were not just social norms; they were enforced control. The Secret Book Society reclaims that history by centering women's empowerment through the radical, joyful act of gathering to read works by female authors. 💎 Madeline Martin's publishing path illustrates the demanding realities of self-publishing, where output volume directly determines visibility. Her shift to traditional publishing allowed her to trade quantity for quality, producing one richly researched historical fiction title per year. 💎 The most compelling literary fiction is often grounded in stranger-than-fiction historical truth. Martin's discovery of a real Victorian woman saved from an asylum by a single thrown boot proves that history, when told with heart and craft, needs very little embellishment. ABOUT THE GUEST:  Madeline Martin is a New York Times and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance, with books translated into over 25 languages. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband (known as Mr. Awesome), two amazing daughters, and two very spoiled cats. The Secret Book Society: A Novel – A USA Today Bestselling Historical Gothic Mystery: Martin, Madeline Madeline Martin (@MadelineMartinAuthor) - Facebook Madeline Martin - Instagram Madeline Martin (@MadelineMMartin) / Posts - X Madeline Martin - Threads Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S8 Ep 1 - The Secret Book Society

  7. May 14

    S7 Ep 12 - Last Light Over Galveston

    Historical fiction meets raw human resilience in this rich conversation with award-winning author Jennifer Wright on this episode of the True Fiction Project. Jennifer’s book, Last Light Over Galveston, centers on women's empowerment during the turn of the century, following a young woman who defies her wealthy family in search of purpose, only to find herself stranded in Galveston as a monster hurricane bears down. Jennifer reveals how writing fiction based on real historical events gives readers the empathy that dry textbooks simply cannot. From her journalism roots to her life as an Air Force wife abroad, Jennifer brings an outsider's curiosity and an insider's discipline to every story she tells. Tune in to hear an excerpt of the book to when the character Kathleen arrives in Galveston, contemplating a decision as she arrives at the ocean. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Why historical fiction is one of the most powerful tools for helping readers connect emotionally with real historical events, and how award-winning author Jennifer Wright uses storytelling to bring the human side of history to life in ways that journalism and textbooks simply cannot. How women's empowerment in the early 1900s was both revolutionary and dangerous, and what it cost a young woman to walk away from wealth and family in pursuit of purpose and passion during the turn of the century. What the research process looks like for a fiction writing project rooted in a real natural disaster, including how firsthand newspaper accounts from 1900 shaped the world of The Last Light Over Galveston. Why the period voice of historical fiction is one of the most challenging craft elements to master, and how collaboration with a skilled editor protects the authenticity of the story. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Jennifer Wright, award-winning author, introduces Kathleen, a wealthy woman craving purpose beyond marriage at the turn of the century 02:27 Jennifer shares her journey from journalism to marriage to historical fiction and explains why historical storytelling can reveal the human side of history 07:30 The plot of Last Light Over Galveston unfolds: women's empowerment, family conflict, and survival during the Galveston Hurricane 10:30 Jennifer discusses the different time periods she chooses to write about and how books are marketed 15:30 Jennifer and Reenita discuss the challenge of period voice and how editors protect the authenticity of historical fiction 18:34 Jennifer Wright reads a snippet of the prologue of Last Light Over Galveston, of character Kathleen's arrival in Galveston KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Historical fiction has a unique power to draw readers into events they might otherwise dismiss. Jennifer Wright's work proves that when you place a fully realized human being inside a natural disaster, readers stop seeing history as a subject and start feeling it as an experience. Jennifer Wright's creative process begins with six months of deep research into a historical event before a single word of fiction is written. Her ability to compress that into three months under a publishing contract for Last Light Over Galveston speaks to both her discipline and her instincts as a fiction writing professional. Labeling books by age category, such as young adult or new adult, can quietly shrink an award-winning author's readership. Wright argues that a compelling protagonist transcends age and that character development should be the draw, not a marketing bracket. ABOUT THE GUEST:  Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school and eventually earned a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul–and definitely way more fun. A born-and-bred Hoosier, she was swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to fit old curtains into the windows of a new home. She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband and two children. Her debut novel, 'If It Rains,' was nominated for a Kipp Award, and her second novel, 'Come Down Somewhere,' was a 2023 Carol Award finalist. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Jennifer Wright - Facebook Jennifer Wright - Instagram Jennifer Wright - Website Last Light over Galveston: by Wright, Jennifer L. - Amazon Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S7 Ep 12 - Last Light Over Galveston

  8. Apr 21

    S7 Ep 11 - Taylor Era by Era

    Taylor Swift biography writing takes rare skill, and Caroline Sullivan has mastered it. On the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora sits down with UK-based music journalist Caroline Sullivan, author of Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography, exploring Taylor Swift's remarkable rise. Caroline shares how deep research and dry wit shape her storytelling, revealing surprising details about Taylor's music activism, her fight to reclaim her album rights from Scooter Braun, and her extraordinary bond with her mother. Tune in to hear Caroline read from the afterword of Era by Era, capturing the final emotionally charged night of the Eras Tour in Vancouver and what comes next for Taylor Swift. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  What an unauthorized biography actually means legally, and how a skilled music journalist like Caroline Sullivan conducts deep research without ever meeting the subject, using published sources, industry contacts, and her own expert voice to tell a compelling story about a Taylor Swift biography. How Taylor Swift's music activism led her to spend nearly five years fighting to buy back her first six albums from Scooter Braun, ultimately reclaiming her album rights and setting a powerful precedent for artists across the music industry. How Caroline approached the tone of Era by Era differently from other Taylor Swift books by weaving in dry British humor and personal music journalism perspective, turning dense research into a reading experience worthy of a Sunday Times bestseller. Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/ TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Reenita opens with a bold question about unauthorized biography writing and what permissions are actually required. 02:00 Caroline Sullivan discusses her six books, including pop star profiles of Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Dua Lipa, and Taylor Swift 04:10 Deep dive into music journalism research methods and why published sources form the backbone of a music biography 06:36 The origin story of Taylor Era by Era, how the publisher approached her after her Dua Lipa book, and how it sold 50,000 copies 12:20 Discussion of Taylor Swift's music activism, her long battle to reclaim her album rights, and her influence on the broader music industry 19:00 Caroline reads from the afterword of Taylor Era by Era, covering the final night of the Eras Tour in Vancouver and Taylor's appearance at the Grammy Awards KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Writing a Taylor Swift biography without the subject's cooperation is entirely legal and achievable through thorough research, industry sources, and a strong authorial voice. Caroline Sullivan proves that an unauthorized biography can outsell the competition when personality and craft drive the narrative. Taylor Swift's relentless pursuit of her album rights against Scooter Braun is one of the most significant acts of music activism in modern industry history, and one that Caroline documents with admiration throughout Taylor Era by Era, showing how Taylor uses her platform to benefit all artists. The Eras Tour was far more than a concert series. With 149 dates, a terrorist threat in Vienna, and fans paying just to listen from behind the stage, it became a cultural phenomenon that Caroline argues marks a turning point in pop star history and in Taylor's personal legacy. ABOUT THE GUEST:  I'm a UK-based music journalist who writes for The Guardian and more, and have written seven books, most recently Taylor: Era by Era - an unofficial biography of Taylor Swift. Caroline Sullivan - Facebook Caroline Sullivan - Instagram  X: @TheCSullivan Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    S7 Ep 11 - Taylor Era by Era
See All (116)

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The True Fiction Project is an unscripted-to-scripted podcast series that explores the journey of a story from non-fiction to fiction. It showcases the art of audio storytelling to explore how scripted fiction is inspired by our daily life, and it explores how audio storytelling can spark interesting IP that can be further developed for other media. Join our host Reenita Hora, as she conducts audio interviews with guests from all walks of life that have interesting stories. A fiction writer then listens to the interview, defines a main character inspired by it, and creates a piece of short audio fiction based on it. The episode pieces together the interview (non-fiction), the audio story + the print version (both fiction). Learn more at https://reenita.com/podcasts/true-fiction-project/

Information

  • Creator
    Reenita Hora
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Reenita Hora
  • Show Website
    True Fiction Project