Inside East Berlin and never giving up on getting published with Josie Ferguson

Better Words

Born in Sweden, to a family of writers and readers, Josie Ferguson moved to Scotland when she was two. She returned to Sweden in her twenties, where she completed a vocational degree in Clinical Psychology (MSc). Upon graduating, she moved to London to pursue a career in publishing, something she had dreamed about since delving into fictional worlds as a child, hidden under the duvet with a torch.

She later moved to Asia in search of an adventure and a bit more sun. She currently works as a freelance book editor in Singapore, where she lives with her husband and two young children. While training to become a clinical psychologist, Josie learned about the complexity of human nature, something she explores as a writer. She believes books about the past can change the future and she aspires to write as many as possible. The Silence in Between is her debut.

Our interview begins at 29:00

We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi!

Caitlin recommends: Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden

We love Tobias' novels and Wrong Answers Only is just as delightful. Marco is overwhelmed by what life looks like after school and escapes to a gap-year cruise with his best friend. Brilliantly fun and heartfelt, as always.

Listen to our previous chat with Tobias here.

Michelle recommends: Water by John Boyne

Water is a heartfelt novella following a woman who moves to an isolated Irish island to escape tragic events in her past. Stunning writing, a beautiful short story. It's the first in a quartet of novellas related to the elements.

In this interview, we chat about:

• The incredible true story that gave Josie the spark of inspiration for Lisette's story
• How Josie approached the dual timeline and the research involved for both
• Why is life in East Berlin still so fascinating?
• How Josie once went on holiday in North Korea
• The 20-year journey to publication for Josie

*Since we did this interview, The Silence in Between has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction prize. Congratulations, Josie!*

Books and other things mentioned:

• Anne of Green Gables
• You Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlane
• Jacqueline Wilson (author)
• Michelle working at the Buxton International Festival. Take a look at the pop-up shop.
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
• Nudism in East Germany by We Are History Podcast
• Michelle's Berlin recommendations
• Stasiland by Anna Funder
• The War on Women by Sue Lloyd-Roberts
• Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman (and associated podcast)

Follow @josie_ferguson_author on Instagram

The Silence in Between is available now. Thank you to Doubleday Books for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview.

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