Olivia Spooner, a former University of Otago-trained pharmacist, has transitioned into a successful author with a passion for historical fiction. Her interest in history was sparked by a book she stumbled upon about the sinking of the New Zealand Shipping Company liner, Rangitane, during World War 2. This led her to write her first novel, “The Girl From London,” which delves into the evacuation of children from war-torn England to Australia and New Zealand.
Her subsequent novel, “Songbirds of Florence,” was inspired by the letters her grandfather wrote during the war, providing valuable insights into his experiences. Her latest work, “The American Boys,” explores the impact of American soldiers on New Zealand during World War 2.
Despite initially pursuing a career in pharmacy, Spooner found her true calling in writing after having her first child. She dedicated herself to honing her craft through online courses and avid reading. While she used to juggle writing with her pharmacy job and owning a book store, she ultimately decided to focus on writing full-time.
Spooner’s journey as an author has been marked by a commitment to research and a deep appreciation for storytelling. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with the creative freedom of fiction writing. Through her dedication and passion, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of historical fiction. Olivia Spooner, author of historical fiction novels, finds inspiration in the people she meets and the stories they share. Despite the challenges of finding time to write, she values the moments when she can fully immerse herself in her work. Walking and changing her writing environment often lead to breakthroughs in her creative process.
As she develops her characters, Spooner waits until she can hear their voices and conversations before starting to write. Her characters become so real to her that she wonders what they are doing outside of the story. She hopes that the emotions and journeys her characters experience resonate with readers today.
Spooner’s love for storytelling is evident in her excitement when receiving feedback from her editor and revising her work. While her first novels were published in the UK during the Covid pandemic, her historical fiction books have achieved success in New Zealand, reaching the top of bestseller lists.
As she prepares for the Queenstown Writers Festival and the release of her latest book, “The American Boys,” Spooner reflects on her writing journey. She looks forward to exploring different time periods in her future novels but remains dedicated to creating engaging stories that capture the essence of human relationships.
Don’t miss Olivia Spooner at the Queenstown Writers Festival on November 1st as she discusses her latest book, “The American Boys,” and her passion for historical fiction writing.
