This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
The Undertaking, about a new marriage caught up in the calamity of World War II, is the debut novel from Irish author Audrey Magee. Here, as part of our exclusive interview series with the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist, Audrey shares her inspirations.
What inspired you to write your novel?
The need to understand what it was like to have been an ordinary German during WWII.
The following banner is an affiliate one. That means Writing Tips Oasis receive a small % of the sale if you purchase The Novel Factory, but at no extra cost to you:
How does it feel to be shortlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction?
A teenage thrill in middle-age.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given as a writer?
Don’t skirt around the danger zone.
Which female authors inspire you?
Marguerite Duras and Christa Wolf. Herta Müller too.
If you could recommend one book to a friend what would it be and why?
Medea by Christa Wolf, for telling a story that we assume to know in a new and provocative way.
Thanks, Audrey!