From Policy to Prose: Iris Mitlin Lav’s Journey Into Fiction

Uncorking a Story

“I’ve always believed that within the realm of what’s possible, I can do it—and fiction was just another challenge to embrace.” — Iris Mitlin Lav

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Michael Carlon uncorks the remarkable second act of Iris Mitlin Lav, a seasoned public policy expert who turned to fiction writing after retirement. Iris shares how her real-life experiences and family history shaped her second novel, Gittel’s Freedom, a moving portrayal of three generations of immigrant women navigating identity, hardship, and hope. She opens up about the steep learning curve of fiction, the importance of editing, and the confidence it takes to pursue creativity at any age.

Key Themes:

1. Reinventing yourself in retirement

2. Transitioning from policy writing to fiction

3. The immigrant experience across generations

4. The role of women in shaping family legacy

5. The emotional and technical journey of writing a novel

6. Working with hybrid publishers and editors

7. Encouragement for aspiring writers later in life

Buy Gitel’s Freedom

Amazon: https://amzn.to/42x5TLu

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647428587

Connect with Iris

Website: https://irismitlinlav.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067865341751#

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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