Host Jolene MacFadden interviews North Florida writer Nancy Blanton, author of five independently published historical novels set in 17th-century Ireland, including her latest, The Noblest Share of Earth, about a family conflict over the fertile peninsula of Inishowen in County Donegal. Blanton shares her background in journalism and corporate communications, her research-driven process using timelines and character profiles, and her preference to build plot before characters. She discusses traveling to Ireland for authenticity, distributing widely through IngramSpark, and co-founding Amelia Indie Authors after agents urged her to write something other than Ireland. Blanton explains her reluctance to use AI, her reliance on professional editing and beta readers, and writing in multiple first-person viewpoints. She previews a forthcoming novel moving toward the 1660 Restoration and Charles II, and shares advice to focus on telling the story and keep publishing details in perspective. Check out the Author's website: https://nancyblanton.com

00:00 Show Intro and Sponsor

00:41 Meet Nancy Blanton

02:14 Latest Novel in Ireland

03:24 Social Media and Global Writers

04:23 Support System and Publishing Path

06:16 Going Wide and Distribution Tips

09:17 Research Driven Writing Process

11:42 Plot First and Character Building

12:46 AI Tools and New Projects

16:14 Next Book and Research Plans

18:57 Accuracy vs Creative License

20:06 POV Choices and Writing Life

21:39 Editing Beta and ARC Readers

25:34 Dream Casting and Killing Darlings

28:45 Best Writing Advice and Influences

31:18 Current Read and Wrap Up

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