HISTORICAL HAPPY HOUR

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Episode: 57
December 4, 2024
37 Minutes

International bestselling author Aimie Runyan is our guest! Join us to discuss her new novel, Mademoiselle Eiffel. Claire Eiffel, the brilliant daughter of architect Gustave Eiffel, becomes her father’s confidante and indispensable assistant, supporting his ambitions until she’s pushed aside by a young protégé, Adolphe Salles, who later becomes her husband. As the Eiffel Tower rises, Claire’s devotion is tested by scandal and her father’s imprisonment, forcing her to fight for both her family’s freedom and their legacy.

Aimie K. Runyan

Aimie K. Runyan is a multipublished and bestselling author of historical fiction. She has been nominated for a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year award and two Colorado Book Awards. She lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband and two (usually) adorable children.

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In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey chats with Aimie K. Runyon about her latest historical fiction novel, Mademoiselle Eiffel. Set during the Belle Époque, the book uncovers the remarkable life of Claire Eiffel, the eldest daughter of Gustave Eiffel, architect of the Eiffel Tower. Runyon shares insights into her research, including accessing the Eiffel family archives at the Musée d’Orsay, and details her creative process in bringing Claire’s untold story to life. They also explore themes of family, legacy, and female strength against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving Paris.

Here’s what we covered:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Aimie K. Runyon and her novel, Mademoiselle Eiffel.
[00:01:22] The inspiration behind the novel and Paris’s transformation after the Franco-Prussian War.
[00:03:22] Researching Claire Eiffel’s life and accessing the Musée d’Orsay archives.
[00:07:29] Writing historical fashion and the symbolism of corsets in the Belle Époque.
[00:11:52] Claire Eiffel’s arranged marriage and its impact on her personal growth.
[00:14:42] Challenges of writing historical fiction about real people.
[00:20:50] Exploring Gustave Eiffel’s complex legacy and the Panama Canal scandal.
[00:27:32] Advice for aspiring authors and the importance of perseverance and community.

HISTORICAL HAPPY HOUR

Hosted by Jane Healey, Historical Happy Hour is a live interview and podcast featuring premiere historical fiction authors and their latest novels.

HISTORICAL HAPPY HOUR

Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie Runyan

Aimie K. Runyan

HISTORICAL HAPPY HOUR

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