Stories Behind The Story: Heather Morris on survival and the power of music
Stories Behind the Story with Better ReadingSummary
Heather Morris, author of the bestselling novel "The Tattooist of Auschwitz," reflects on her journey as a writer and the profound impact of her work. Since the release of her debut book in 2018, which has sold approximately 14 million copies worldwide, Morris emphasizes that while her success has opened doors to meet readers, it has not changed her core identity. She attributes the book's success to the power of word-of-mouth recommendations rather than traditional marketing strategies.
Morris shares her transition from screenwriting to novel writing, revealing that the inspiration for "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" came from her close friendship with Lale Sokolov, the book's protagonist. After struggling to find a publisher for her screenplay, she was encouraged to adapt the story into a novel, which led to a successful crowdfunding campaign that attracted publishers. Since then, she has published several more novels, including her latest work, "The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse," which intertwines historical events with personal narratives, showcasing the resilience of individuals during the Holocaust.
In her writing process, Morris collaborates with historians and researchers to ensure accuracy while also immersing herself in the emotional experiences of her characters. She discusses the significance of music in her latest story, highlighting how it served as a lifeline for a young Jewish girl during World War II. Morris's dedication to storytelling and her ability to connect with readers continue to shape her literary career.
Show Notes
Heather Morris joins Cheryl Akle to discuss her latest novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse, and the remarkable true story that inspired it. She shares how a chance conversation with composer Hans Zimmer led her to this story of courage, survival and the power of music, along with her writing process and journey to becoming a bestselling author. The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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