Behind the Scarlet Letter: History, Scandal, and the American Tragedy with Pat Suprenant

"The crime wasn’t the abortion—it was the sex outside of marriage. Let that sit with you for a while." – Pat Suprenant

On this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon welcomes Pat Suprenant, author of Behind the Scarlet Letter. Pat’s debut novel blends meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling to uncover the long-buried story that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Along the way, she delves into forgotten histories and reveals how they echo through the present. Discover the fascinating journey of uncovering truths, writing historical fiction, and navigating the challenges of publishing.

Uncovering Forgotten Histories: Pat’s passion for bringing hidden stories to light, including the real events behind The Scarlet Letter. The Intersection of History and Fiction: How Pat merges rigorous historical research with narrative storytelling. Themes of Power, Religion, and Morality: Exploring the enduring relevance of the historical events depicted in Behind the Scarlet Letter. The Writing Process: Pat’s method of creating a richly detailed world through multiple points of view. The Publishing Landscape: Challenges of breaking into the market as a historical fiction writer. Lessons from the Past: How historical tragedies provide insights into today’s cultural and political landscapes. The Joy of Writing: Balancing the art of storytelling with the business side of publishing.

Buy Behind the Scarlet Letter