LangdonsOlivia Twistis a gender-flipped version of Charles Dickens famed novel,out March 6.
Life as a female illusionist seems too dangerous, and she must honor her fathers memory.
Check it out below.
LORIE LANGDON:Hi Heather!
Whatve you been up to since our grand adventure?
HEATHER WEBB:Hello, my friend!
LANGDON:Uh… yeah.
Youve written a continuation for the characters fromOliver Twistand Ive written a reimagining ofThe Phantom of the Opera.
Id say were brave women, wouldnt you?
We took on some larger-than-life stories and made them our own.
There are some definite advantages and pitfalls in attempting this sort of project.
What were some for you?
LANGDON:For me, the advantages outweigh the pitfalls.
WhileOlivia Twistwas inspired by the characters.
A passion project for sure!
WEBB:In writingThe Phantoms Apprentice, I have to admit, I felt a bit of trepidation.
Every step of the way I questioned myself.
How much of the original do you incorporate?
How do you balance your own creation with another that is so well loved?
You could call this a major pitfall.
You could also call it a wonderful challenge.
It was one I knew I had to take.
LANGDON:The balancing act is tricky and going into it with a solid vision is key.
I just realized both of our retellings incorporate inspiration from a book and a musical!
In my case the Dickens classic and the musicalOliver!, which are also vastly different from one another.
WEBB:Im a huge musical fan.
Just about every time Im in New York, I make it a point to see whats hot.
Im lucky to live so close to the city.
Lorie, whats something that surprised you while researching forOlivia Twist?
Some people were literally walked to death!
Thats how I feel on a treadmill walked (and bored) to death.
It all began with a seance conducted by two young sisters.
When spirits appeared on stage, riots broke out at many of the conjurers shows.
LANGDON:Thats fascinating!
Did you incorporate this phenomenon into your novel?
WEBB:I did!
How did you handle this aspect, Lorie?
Did you find it difficult to create relatable historical characters, in particular, the males?
LANGDON:Throughout much of history, men were raging male chauvinists.
We know youve come a long way.)
WEBB:Id have to agree with you, here.
What is in her heart is precisely what modern readers can relate to, regardless of the era.
Human nature and human needs dont change.
LANGDON:For an author, these cultural disparities can become problematic.
Which brings up another interesting question; why write historical at all?
For me, it starts with my love of building worlds.
And even more so when I can bring historical periods to life for my readers.
You were on your own.
And anything was possible!
Historical writers, ultimately, really love to learn as well.
Never mind hygiene and food.
Theres so much to know!
LANGDON:Beautifully said, Heather.
Dont even get me started on historical fashions!
Lets suffice it to say that research is the fuel that lights my creative fire.
Now to something a bit more fun.
LANGDON:Oh yeah!
(Highly debatable, I know).
It won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
If you havent seen it… find it… download it… watch it tonight!
I adore that version ofPride & Prejudice.
LANGDON:Hmm, aGreat ExpectationsYA reimagining…
I could get behind that!
(Runs off to start researching…)
