Atomic Secrets and Fictional Spies: Leslie Schover on Turning Family History into a Novel

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"I took my parents’ stories from the Manhattan Project and wove them into a fictional spy subplot—because I’ll never know the real truth." — Leslie Schover

What happens when a clinical psychologist with decades of experience decides to write her first novel in her seventies? In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Leslie Schover shares how curiosity and family history inspired her debut novel, Fission: A Novel of Atomic Heartbreak. From Oak Ridge and the Manhattan Project to love triangles and espionage, Leslie reveals the fascinating journey of transforming real-life stories into compelling historical fiction.

Curiosity as a Superpower: How a news article about Soviet atomic spies sparked Leslie’s fiction journey. Family Ties to History: Discover the real-life connection between Leslie’s parents and the Manhattan Project. From Psychology to Fiction: Why Leslie shifted from publishing academic and self-help books to writing a novel. Challenges of Historical Accuracy: The research behind recreating Oak Ridge during WWII. Hybrid Publishing Insights: Why Leslie chose She Writes Press and what authors should know about hybrid models. Imposter Syndrome is Universal: Even seasoned professionals feel the doubt when starting something new. Awards and Validation: How Fission earned recognition as a historical novel and what that meant for Leslie.