Interview with Louisa’s Lament author Annie Graham
What was important to you about telling this story?
To recall a past gross injustice, buried at the time, which illuminates complex insidious power processes.
In what ways do you hope ‘Louisa’s Lament’ resonates with today’s readers?
Although set in the late 19th century in a major London Teaching hospital, this story still resonates as it shows something of the drama and conflicts caused as vested interests try to obstruct the birth and development of new ideas and ways of working.
What was helpful to you in our work together?
Through several iterations of critical review, editing and redrafting, I learnt to write in a more focussed way, making every word count.
What did you learn about editing in our work together?
Just how important it was to take out the padding and keep to the storyline, despite all the research that went into the book, and to maintain ‘narrative pace’.
How does writing and publishing feel different to your former working life?
The creative zeal in novel writing has its enjoyable moments compared to the drudge of academic report writing, and publishing the product of much research and hard work feels very satisfying.
Working with a professional editor has been a great learning experience.
Can you say something about your next writing/publishing plans?
I am working on another book based on my academic research and practice into power barons, networks and plays, and dysfunctional medical staff. It’s set in the early 1980s based on a true story of corruption and injustice. Then it’s back to the 19th century for more of the goings on in institutions as women enter the workplace.
What did you feel about the different formats of the book?
I was very impressed by the quality and presentation of both the soft and hard back versions, and the production of the e-book version was a revelation in terms of its quality. The publishing technology has come a long way and the efficiency in printing the books is very impressive. I am a convert.
How does it feel, to have achieved your goal of publishing ‘Louisa’s Lament’?
Relief after years of research and writing, but also a sense of elation that it all came together in such a fine set of products. Now, the next phase begins – the marketing and selling to generate lots of funds for my charities. (My book proceeds are for: Birkbeck College, London University, Students’ Support Fund in honour of the work the College does for students from hard-pressed non-traditional and disadvantaged backgrounds; and in celebration of its 200th year since founding in 1823; WaterAid, in honour of its work to bring clean flowing water to deprived communities around the world; and AFC Wimbledon Foundation, in honour of its support for the community’s young people to gain access to local sports facilities.)
Buy Louisa’s Lament at https://www.patoakleypublishing.london/ or https://amzn.eu/d/fevDMSL