Author Kathleen Kent on Writing The Heretic’s Daughter

Enjoy this  in-depth author interview with New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Kent. Kathleen opens up about her writing process, her journey from aspiring writer to published novelist, and the craft behind transforming family history into compelling historical fiction.

Kathleen's debut novel, The Heretic's Daughter, tells the story of her ancestor Martha Carrier, who was executed during the Salem Witch Trials on August 19, 1692. Martha was from Andover, the town with the most accused witches was blamed for a smallpox epidemic that killed 13 people. Even when her children were tortured into confessing against her, Martha refused to admit to crimes she didn't commit.

This episode offers invaluable insights for aspiring novelists and historical fiction writers, covering everything from research techniques to finding your voice as a writer. Whether you're working on your first novel or looking to deepen your craft, Kathleen's experience and teaching expertise provide practical guidance for writers at every level.

Kathleen Kent is a New York Times bestselling author and member of the Texas Institute of Letters. Her novels include:

• The Heretic's Daughter (David J. Langum Sr. Award for American Historical Fiction, Will Rogers Medallion Award)

• The Traitor's Wife

• The Outcasts (American Library Association "Top Pick" for Historical Fiction)

• The Dime, The Burn, and The Pledge (Edgar Award-nominated crime trilogy)

• Black Wolf

Kathleen teaches writing workshops and has worked with Texas Writes to mentor aspiring authors.

• Kathleen's journey from aspiring writer to published author

• The writing process behind The Heretic's Daughter

• Research techniques for historical fiction writers

• How to balance historical accuracy with storytelling

• Finding and developing your unique voice as a writer

• Working with family history and sensitive historical material

• Navigating the publishing process

• Teaching writing and what aspiring novelists need to know

• Transitioning between historical fiction and crime fiction genres

• Martha Carrier's powerful story of resistance

• The Andover witch trials and why this town had the most accusations

• The 1690 smallpox epidemic and its connection to witch accusations

• How children were tortured into testifying against their parents

• Cotton Mather's role in documenting the trials

• The legacy of Salem Witch Trials victims

historical fiction writing, Kathleen Kent, The Heretic's Daughter, writing process, aspiring novelists, Salem Witch Trials, Martha Carrier, Andover witch trials, writing advice, author interview, historical research, novel writing, writing workshops, craft of writing, historical fiction authors, publishing advice

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Links

Kathleen Kent Website

Purchase the novel: The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen Kent

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