Valur Gunnarsson & Sarah Bower on writing alternate histories

<p>Icelandic writer Valur Gunnarsson joins Sarah Bower to discuss his work, with a focus on alternate histories. He is best known as a writer of creative historical fiction; his first novel was a Viking fantasy and his third an alternative history where the Germans invade Iceland in World War II. Meanwhile, his second novel was a piece of autofiction set in the aftermath of the economic collapse of 2008. His fourth book, Bjarmalönd, is set in the former Soviet Union. He also co-founded Grapevine magazine and has made three albums and a poetry book. </p> <p>Valur was in town virtually as part of our Imagining the City residencies, which you can find out about here: <a href='https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/imagining-the-city/'>https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/imagining-the-city/</a></p> <p>Meanwhile, Simon and Steph get over-excited about recording the first podcast IN DRAGON HALL since March 2020. While some Covid-19 rules remain in place, this week marks the first public event held in the building since the start of lockdown. As such, the centre is a hive of activity - as you'll hear in the background of this episode.</p> <p>We're also launching the City of Literature programme as part of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival this week. Find out all about it and book your (FREE!) tickets here: <a href='http://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/cityoflit-21/'>http://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/cityoflit-21/</a> </p> <p>Hosted by Simon Jones and Steph McKenna</p> <p>Join our Discord community: <a href='https://discord.gg/3G39dRW'>https://discord.gg/3G39dRW</a></p> <p>Find out more about what we do: <a href='https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/'>https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/</a> </p> <p>Music by Bennet Maples.</p>