Season 10, Episode 3 - Lynn Cullen

Written By Colin Mustful

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Lynn Cullen, author of When We Were Brilliant. Cullen discusses her inspiration for the novel, focusing on the unique relationship between photographer Eve Arnold and Marilyn Monroe. The conversation explores Eve’s groundbreaking career, her empathetic approach to photography, and the challenges both women faced in a male-dominated world. Cullen also shares insights into her writing process and passion for historical fiction.

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About the Author

Lynn Cullen is a bestselling author known for bringing historical figures to life by exploring the real people behind the legends. Inspired by childhood travels with her family, she visits the places her subjects lived to better understand them. Her novels, including When We Were Brilliant, begin with a question and have earned honors such as NPR Great Read and Oprah Book of the Week. Cullen lives in Atlanta when not researching her next story.

An ambitious Marilyn Monroe and pioneering photographer Eve Arnold form an unexpected partnership…

When aspiring icon Marilyn Monroe approaches documentary photographer Eve Arnold in 1952, she proposes a collaboration that will change both their lives. Initially skeptical, Eve is soon drawn into Marilyn’s world, and the two women form a deep, complicated friendship. As Marilyn’s fame skyrockets, Eve’s photographs capture her true essence, while both women challenge expectations and fight for their own futures.

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Colin Mustful

Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction, an independent press dedicated to publishing historical narratives rooted in factual events and compelling characters. A celebrated author and historian whose novel “Reclaiming Mni Sota” recently won the Midwest Book Award for Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction, Mustful has penned five historical novels that delve into the complex eras of settler-colonialism and Native American displacement. Combining his interests in history and writing, Mustful holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and believes deeply in the power of understanding history to shape a just and sustainable future.

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Season 10, Episode 2 - Gabriella Saab