The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street | Susan Jane Gilman | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Susan Jane Gilman discusses her journey in writing her first novel and the inspiration behind "The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street."

Transcript

SUSAN JANE GILMAN: Hi. I'm Susan Jane Gilman. Thank you for coming to "The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street." I'm going to speak today a bit about the creative process because "The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street" is my fourth book, but it's my first novel. I always intended to be a novelist, but it took me about 30 years to get here. My first b... Read More

Key Insights

• ✍️ Gilman's transition from nonfiction to fiction writing showcases her versatility as an author.
• 🇮🇸 "The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street" is inspired by historical events and the dynamic character of Lillian Dunkle.
• 🖐️ Technology plays a significant role in shaping the contemporary writing and publishing landscape.
• 🍦 Gilman's research into the ice cream industry's history adds depth and authenticity to her novel.
• 👨‍🔬 The creative process behind crafting a complex character like Lillian Dunkle involves a blend of research, imagination, and authenticity.
• 🤑 Historical context provides a rich backdrop for exploring the intricacies of character development and narrative storytelling.
• 💁 Gilman's experiences as a writer and journalist inform her approach to storytelling and character creation.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Susan Jane Gilman's background in nonfiction influence her approach to writing her first novel?

Gilman's experience in nonfiction writing allowed her to approach her novel with a factual and researched perspective, blending history seamlessly into the storyline.

Q: What inspired Gilman to create the character of Lillian Dunkle, the Ice Cream Queen?

The lack of complex female antihero characters in modern literature motivated Gilman to craft Lillian Dunkle, drawing inspiration from historical figures in the ice cream industry.

Q: How did the historical context of the ice cream industry shape the narrative of "The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street"?

Gilman's research into the history of ice cream production in America influenced the development of her characters and the storyline, intertwining their lives with significant events of the 20th century.

Q: How does technology impact the writing and publishing industry, as discussed by Susan Jane Gilman?

Gilman discusses the influence of technology in book reading habits, noting the rise of e-books and the challenges faced by traditional publishers in the modern digital age.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Susan Jane Gilman shares her transition from nonfiction to writing her first novel, "The Ice Cream Queen."

• The inspiration for the novel came from her love of ice cream history and the desire to create a complex female antihero character.

• Gilman delves into the backstory of the novel, highlighting the research and creative process involved.