Kristina McMorris explains the true story behind her historical novel, Sold on a Monday
Dear Reader,
For the characters in this story, their journey started with a picture—and the same can aptly be said of my endeavor to write this book. When I first stumbled upon an old newspaper photo of four young siblings on the steps of an apartment building in Chicago, their mother shielding her face from the camera, the sign in the foreground stunned me.
The photograph, which first appeared in The Vidette-Messenger in 1948, troubled me so much that I bookmarked the page on my computer. (One of many odd compulsions that differentiate historical fiction writers from normal people.) As a mom myself, I kept wondering what could have possibly pushed a parent to that point. In the direst of times, I could fathom perhaps having to give up my children for the sake of their well-being. But why on earth ask for money in return?
My mind spun with scenarios, ranging from coldhearted to compassionate, with many landing somewhere in between. On a search for the truth, I delved into research and discovered a follow-up article about the siblings who had once been the children in that haunting picture.A stunning claim by family members prompted me to examine the image more closely.
From the altered perspective I gained, the premise of Sold on a Monday emerged, rooted in an unexpected what-if: Specifically, what if a reporter's seemingly harmless choice while photographing a family in need led to unintended consequences for everyone involved?
Given the importance of such current topics as truth in journalism and the snap judgmentsor misconceptions too easily formed by society, I hope you'll especially enjoy my latest novel, Sold on a Monday.
Warm wishes,
Kristina
Unless otherwise stated, this interview was conducted at the time the book was first published, and is reproduced with permission of the publisher. This interview may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the copyright holder.
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