PHOTO: Michael Beashel, celebrated author of The Australian Sandstone Series, brings history and construction to life in his captivating novels.
Blending Historical Accuracy with Fictional Narratives
Michael Beashel combines his construction expertise and historical research to create authentic fiction, exploring themes of ambition, love, and vengeance in 19th-century Sydney, enriched by his Irish heritage and Sydney upbringing.
Michael Beashel stands out in the literary world as both a masterful storyteller and a custodian of Australia’s architectural and cultural heritage. His unique blend of history, construction, and human emotion crafts narratives that transport readers to the vibrant streets of 19th-century Sydney—a city alive with ambition, enterprise, and strife.
As the creator of The Australian Sandstone Series, a collection of nine independently published novels, Beashel has achieved a remarkable literary feat. His debut novel, Unbound Justice, reached No.4 in the Australian Historical Fiction Amazon rankings, a testament to his skill in blending meticulously researched history with riveting fictional plots. His works delve into themes of ambition, love, and vengeance, set against the backdrop of Sydney’s burgeoning building industry.
Beashel’s own story enriches his writing. With Irish ancestry, a Sydney upbringing, and decades of professional expertise in construction, he breathes life into his tales. His deep understanding of the builder’s craft and the historical contexts of architecture form the backbone of his narratives. His dedication is evident in the painstaking research he undertook to capture the essence of 19th-century Sydney, from authentic building costs to the struggles of Irish laborers who left their mark on the city’s skyline.
Michael Beashel masterfully blends history and fiction, crafting narratives that captivate readers with authenticity and emotional depth.
In an interview with Reader’s House, Beashel shared insights into his creative process. He explained how his fascination with the construction industry from an early age inspired him to weave it into the heart of his novels. His Irish heritage and Sydney upbringing naturally influenced his storytelling and character development, providing a rich tapestry for his narratives.
Beashel’s historical research process is thorough, drawing from resources like the New South Wales State Library, Sydney City Council archives, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. His professional experience in construction also shapes his depiction of 19th-century Sydney’s building landscape, adding authenticity to his work.
Balancing historical accuracy with compelling fictional narratives presents challenges, but Beashel manages to create a sense of setting that resonates with readers. His use of colloquial dialogue and sensitivity to cultural attitudes of the time further enhance the authenticity of his stories.
Ultimately, Beashel aims to entertain and inform. He believes in creating characters that are relatable yet capable of extraordinary actions, placing them in believable yet extraordinary situations. His advice to aspiring authors is to focus on accurate historical settings, develop complete character biographies, and continuously write and refine their work.
Michael Beashel’s novels not only entertain but also educate, leaving readers enthralled and enlightened. His passion for history and storytelling knows no bounds, making him a distinctive voice in the world of historical fiction.
Source: Reader’s House
