Interview with Ash A. Milton, Author of Decoding History: The Invisible Thread

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Decoding History: The Invisible Thread?

After leaving Washington, D.C., as part of the first round of the federal deferred resignation program, I became consumed with writing this book. A woman in a video mentioned being called a “book whore” by a man because she had a TBR pile on her bed. That inspired the initial concept of a future library hidden beneath a brothel. The Museum of the Native American is built on the site of a historic brothel, which worked out perfectly for the story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Decoding History: The Invisible Thread, what would they be?

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child for Eliza, and “Father Figure” by George Michael for Dave.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’m a multi-genre reader and writer—it all depends on my mood. Before bed, I prefer something lighter because I don’t sleep well if I focus on heavy topics.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lingering Shadows by Kate Aukes, The Lake Murray Murders by Steven Jacobs, Bealz: Prince of the Southside by G.E. Moore, Evil Was a Child Once by Wendra Coleen, Maa Maa Blacksheep by Seema Sandeep Tiwari, and To Die Is Different Than Supposed by Alissa Butterworth.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The final dance at the ball. I woke up in the middle of the night and wrote the scene—it had been haunting me.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I love listening to jazz or modern music rewritten for classical instruments. I avoid any music with lyrics while writing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

A woman passionate about writing, DIY, gardening, and fuzzy slippers.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

We have a chance to learn from history and shape the future.

Ash A Milton is the author of the new book Decoding History: The Invisible Thread

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