PHOTO: Award-winning author Beth Duke, whose evocative storytelling and masterful blend of history and fiction have captivated readers worldwide.
The Award-Winning Author Discusses Anywhen, Tapestry, and More
Beth Duke shares insights into her novels, including Anywhen and Tapestry, discussing time travel, Southern culture, music’s influence, and the power of storytelling to connect generations and reshape historical perspectives.
Beth Duke is a masterful storyteller, weaving intricate narratives that captivate readers with their depth, warmth, and striking originality. An Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author and recipient of numerous literary honours across continents, she possesses a rare ability to transport her audience into beautifully rendered worlds—whether through the evocative landscapes of her beloved Alabama or the exhilarating realms of time travel.
Her latest novel, Anywhen, exemplifies this brilliance, seamlessly merging science fiction with historical moments like Woodstock, crafting a tale that is both thrilling and profoundly thought-provoking. Duke’s exploration of human connection, nostalgia, and the boundless potential of artificial intelligence elevates this novel beyond genre, cementing her status as a writer of extraordinary vision.
Readers have long been enchanted by her previous works, including Tapestry, It All Comes Back to You, and Delaney’s People. Each novel delves into themes of identity, heritage, and the intricate bonds that define us, resonating with an emotional honesty that lingers long after the final page. Her deep Southern roots infuse her storytelling with authenticity, offering a rich and nuanced portrayal of Alabama that counters outdated stereotypes with compelling, heartfelt narratives.
In this interview, Duke shares the inspirations behind her novels, the challenges of intertwining history with speculative fiction, and the undeniable influence of music on her work. Her passion for storytelling, love of history, and unerring ability to craft unforgettable characters make her a true literary treasure.
It is a privilege to feature Beth Duke in this edition of Reader’s House Magazine, and we invite you to immerse yourself in her world—where past and future collide, where every character is vividly alive, and where the power of story reigns supreme.
Beth Duke’s storytelling brilliance blends history, heart, and imagination, crafting unforgettable narratives that transport readers through time and emotion with effortless grace.
‘Anywhen’ blends science fiction with historical events like Woodstock. What inspired you to merge these genres and settings?
Like many people, I am fascinated by the idea of time travel; it’s a glorious story device without the need for tedious quantum mechanics. (My quantum mechanics are kind of rusty.) Rather than science fiction, I set out to write a novel including a glimpse of a utopian future in which artificial intelligence has been harnessed to benefit all of humanity. In fact, the first glimmer of Anywhen came to me as a vision of an AI “glitch animal”, an external manifestation of one’s inner emotions. I love that idea! From there, it was easy to imagine a society in which the centennial anniversary of Woodstock creates a nostalgia and yearning for all things peace, love, and harmony. The music, the fashion, the raw passion of the 1960s, and the festival’s significance in U.S. history made Woodstock an irresistible destination for my time-traveler.
Baezy’s journey in ‘Anywhen’ contrasts 2101 with 1969. How did you approach depicting these distinct eras?
I see intriguing parallels between 1969 and 2101. Baezy describes her society as one that has fully realized the ideals of the Woodstock generation: peace, love, an end to hunger, living in harmony. The late 1960s were a time of upheaval and division in the U.S., especially when contrasted with the rigid norms of the Fifties. Teenagers shed long dresses and sweater sets for miniskirts and knee-boots; Elvis had just begun to swivel his hips and parents everywhere did what parents of teens always do—they freaked out. Soon, anti-war and civil rights protests set youth completely apart from their conservative parents.
By 2101, that type of rebellion was no longer necessary. Exploring the stark contrast between the counterculture movement of the Sixties and the fully realized unity of Baezy’s utopia was fascinating.
‘Tapestry’ received accolades, including a Bronze Medal in Southern Fiction. What themes do you explore in this novel?
Tapestry explores the profound impact of readily accessible DNA analysis on the world. Families of all kinds have learned of daughters, sons, and other relatives they never knew existed, sometimes leading to great upheaval. I was also able to weave interesting, little-known African-American and Native American history into a novel that is, at its heart, a touching and funny journey. With a thoroughly detestable villain and a young girl growing up in the gloriously matriarchal household of a nearly-magical grandmother, there’s plenty to captivate a reader.
In ‘It All Comes Back to You’, how did you develop the relationship between Ronni and Violet across different timelines?
Ronni and Violet meet at just the right moment, each fulfilling a deep, unspoken need in the other. As Ronni learns more and more about Violet’s past, she and the reader are profoundly moved by the unexpected hardships Violet faced. It’s a super-popular book club selection for a reason: the powerful bond between the two women, combined with the stunning twist at the end, have led some to call it a “three-glasses-of-wine discussion book.”
Your stories often reflect Southern life. How has your Alabama upbringing influenced your writing?
My beloved home state has long been the victim of negative media portrayals. I think my earliest works were, in part, a response to the movie Sweet Home Alabama—I was living in Florida at the time and horrified by the tired stereotypes it reinforced. For the record, I don’t have a crazy uncle who fires a Confederate cannon every afternoon and I’ve never uttered the words, “You have a baby. In a bar.“
Through my novels, I try to showcase the real Alabama—the warm, welcoming, educated, intelligent people who live here. I love introducing the Marshall Space Center, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, stunning mountain vistas, and so many other remarkable aspects of the state.
“I try to showcase the real Alabama—the warm, welcoming, educated, intelligent people who live here.” – Beth Duke
Time travel is central to ‘Anywhen’. What challenges did you face intertwining futuristic elements with historical events?
Honestly, that wasn’t hard at all! The future is fun to write because absolutely no one can question your version. The Woodstock Music & Art Fair of 1969 required a great deal of research, but that was an exciting and enjoyable quest.
Music plays a significant role in ‘Anywhen’. How did you integrate 1960s music culture into the narrative?
Music has been a popular vehicle for social and political protest for centuries—far longer than many realize. Woodstock was a brilliant showcase of that spirit. Picture half a million young people, united in their pro-peace and anti-Vietnam War stance, chanting along with Country Joe McDonald’s “F-I-S-H cheer”, which he transformed into a filthy, alternatively spelled anthem for that crowd. Now imagine their parents hearing it! “GIVE ME AN F…” —those opening words became one of the most stunning musical refrains in modern history. Incorporating the essence of Woodstock’s music into Anywhen was easy and natural, from the rising stars it launched—like Carlos Santana—to legendary acts like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Sly & the Family Stone.
