When the Earth Wakes - Chrissie Parker
- Lynne Shelby
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Today, I'm deighted to welcome Chrissie Parker to Lynne Shelby Writes with a fab guest post about the true events behind her new historical novel, When The Earth Wakes.
Over to Chrissie . . .
I write historical fiction and ideas for my stories often come from the most random of places, taking time to formulate into what eventually becomes the final idea for a good story. With a background in history, archaeology and travel, most of my books are set in a far-flung location, that keep certain stories, events and history alive for future generations.
My latest book When the Earth Wakes is set in Greece, although it wasn’t a story that came easily. I had the original idea for it whilst I was doing research for a history book about the Greek island of Zakynthos, that I’m co-writing, with author Louise Morfis.
When the Earth Wakes is based around the true event of the Great Ionian Earthquake that occurred in 1953. It’s a subject I’ve wanted to write about for a long time, but I was initially hesitant because it was a tragic event. I didn’t know how to create a story that kept the event alive whilst also being respectful to what happened, and to those who were injured or lost their lives.
Whilst researching the history book, I stumbled across a short account relating to a Greek archaeologist who was visiting their family on Zakynthos when the earthquake struck. It was a truly honest account of before, during and after the event giving a real insight into what everyone went through.
The Greek archaeology report became the inspiration for the final book, including the jobs of my main characters Humphrey and Phoebe. It also helped to inspire Humphrey’s backstory and Phoebe’s Greek family expectations. The characters were great fun to write and I wanted them to have more of an emotional connection to the island than just being people who happened to be there to do a job. This was why I connected Humphrey through his family diaries and Phoebe through her living Zakynthian relatives. It was great to be able to delve into the 1800s and explore Zakynthos of old through Humphrey’s family diaries, as well as learning about the traditions of the day through Phoebe’s family.
When the Earth Wakes is a work of fiction, with fictional characters, but the events of the earthquake and the rescue effort that followed, are wholly factual. I’ve done my absolute best to write the book respectfully, to honour the memory of those who were affected and to show the bravery of the people who helped save the lives of so many Zakynthians.
I hope readers will enjoy visiting Zakynthos in When the Earth Wakes, whilst learning about this tragic event, so that it can never be forgotten.
Thank you, Chrissie for writing such an interesting post. Your new book sounds like a great read, and I was fascinated to learn about the inspiration behind the story. I am very much looking forward to reading When The Earth Wakes.
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About When The Earth Wakes
Can they save themselves and the history that’s become so important to them?
It's the summer of 1953. English archaeologist, Himphrey Lancaster, and Greek archaeoogical student, Phoebe Konstantinou, are traveling to Zakynthos to complete an archaeological survey of the island's historial sites.
Phoebe is excited to join the survey to show her family that Greek women can have careers, despite traditional expectations. Humphrey is looking forward to discovering more about his ancestors, who lived on Zakynthos – a place he’s only ever read about in books.
Assisted by Zakynthian locals, the archaeologists start work on their project. With Humphrey’s ancestor’s diary to guide them, they explore historical sites, documenting them for future generations.
Until a natural disaster strikes.
With Zakynthos in ruins, and no one to rescue them, Humphrey and Phoebe are forced to save themselves along with the island’s history that’s become so important to them.
If you would like to purchase When The Earth Wakes please click on the link below:
About the author:
Chrissie lives in Devon, UK, with her husband and has published ten books set in exciting locations including Greece, Egypt and Jordan, as well as contributing as a freelance article writer for various companies, academic journals and publications including The Greek Reporter, Bristolian, The Huffington Post, and the Zakynthos Informer.
In 2016 Among the Olive Groves won an historical fiction award in the Summer Indie Book Awards.Chrissie lives in Devon, UK, with her husband and has published ten books set in exciting locations including Greece, Egypt and Jordan, as well as contributing as a freelance article writer for various companies, academic journals and publications including The Greek Reporter, Bristolian, The Huffington Post, and the Zakynthos Informer.
When she’s not writing, Chrissie also works as a VA for several clients in the film, publishing, media and music industries. She also loves exploring her local canal, castles and old houses.
You can find out more about Chrissie and her writing here: