Lottie Beauchamp’s War follows a woman searching for information on her great aunt who served in the Women’s Auxilary Air Force during WWII. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Thank you for inviting me to interview. A few years ago I read about women serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce (ATA) and found their stories fascinating. From there, I began to research other areas where women’s contributions were significant to Allied success in WW2. Their bravery can never be underestimated. It made me think how incredible it would have been to have worked with these women.

From these wonderful accounts, Lottie Beauchamp’s War began to evolve. I wanted to combine fiction with some fact and my research began.

Lottie’s life is fascinating, and you included so much detail readers will be able to experience life during WWII. What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?

I read a lot of books and searched internet archives about the lives of the women. I also delved into as much detail as I needed for authenticity, for example, what transport was available, what certain streets looked like, the time the moon rose on a certain day in France, etc! It’s amazing just how much information is out there. I should stress, Lottie, her personal story, all dialogue and representation of the people who existed, is fiction but I’ve tried to make the story as authentic as possible within the historical setting.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

To celebrate the astonishing bravery of women in WWII and highlight some of the inequality that existed in their roles.

What is the next story that you’re writing, and when will it be published?

I’m just beginning research on another area of history…

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