Episode 39 Constance Hays Matsumoto co-author of Of White Ashes

2025-07-15

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In this episode, we talk with Constance Hays Matsumoto, co-author of Of White Ashes, a sweeping historical novel inspired by her husband Kent’s family history during World War II. Guided by Shakespeare’s “What’s past is prologue,” Connie writes to help us learn from the past and inspire positive change today. She shares how she and Kent uncovered his parents’ stories of Japanese American internment and the bombing of Hiroshima — and why they chose to tell it themselves rather than through a doc...

In this episode, we talk with Constance Hays Matsumoto, co-author of Of White Ashes, a sweeping historical novel inspired by her husband Kent’s family history during World War II. Guided by Shakespeare’s “What’s past is prologue,” Connie writes to help us learn from the past and inspire positive change today.

She shares how she and Kent uncovered his parents’ stories of Japanese American internment and the bombing of Hiroshima — and why they chose to tell it themselves rather than through a documentary or ghostwriter. We discuss the deep research behind the book, how she balanced fact with fiction, and how the Japanese principle of gaman (enduring the unbearable with dignity) shaped her characters Ruby and Koji.

Connie also talks about the challenges and rewards of co-writing with a spouse, the response from readers, and her hopes for Of White Ashes to help keep these stories alive for future generations.

Connect with Connie and learn more at www.matsumotobooks.com or reach out via her site’s contact page.

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