Presentations & Press
Presentations
I’ve been fortunate to have been invited to give talks to a variety of organizations and book clubs. One of the nice things about writing historical fiction is that you learn stuff, things that readers, libraries or historical groups might be interested in. In the recent years, I have been talking to Norwegian American groups about my research on Norway in WWII, but the rich history behind all my novels have taken me to many places.
A Brief History of Norway in WWII
I had the great honor to be asked to give a “brief” history of Norway during WWII for my Sons of Norway lodge in DC for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Norway. Ten minutes is pretty fast, but there were more speakers to come who had personal stories of life there. Funny thing, though. I came AFTER the military attaché at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington D.C. who had a Phd. in history. Ulp.
Pilgrimage to WWII Sites
I have researching and writing about the Resistance in Norway for several decades. The Shetland Bus and the tragedy at Telavaag. Norway are stories prominent in my novels. In the June of 2023, I was invited to be on a panel at Shetland Noir, a crime and mystery festival headlined by Ann Cleeves (Vera and Shetland series) and Marsali Taylor. In Shetland. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine going there to see the sights of where the Shetland Bus started from. To make things sweeter, friends in Trondheim, Norway invited me to join them at their summer home south of Bergen. Now I could fulfill my other dream, go to Telavaag. I could also visit museums in Bergen to research material for my latest novel, The Brisling Code.
Press
SR Klushman interview
Strider does a one-on-one interview with Janet Oakley, discussing her newest book, Brisling Code, (to be released mid-September), prequel to her award-winning Quisling Factor, part of her series on Norway in WWII. The'll also discuss her other numerous works of...
History Through Fiction Podcast appearance
During the interview, host Colin Mustful talks with Oakley about the Norwegian resistance movement during WWII, the important reason her main character can speak in sign language, and how her own family history helped make her into a storyteller. Don’t miss it! Listen...
The 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Norway May 8 1945
I had the great privilege to be invited to present a 10 minute History of Norway during WWII. I really put my teaching skills to wrote. As I happened, I came after the Royal Norwegian Embassy attache there who is also historian. https://youtu.be/lIYeKCNt0_s
My Reading & Discussion on Bestselling Reads
In which I get to read an excerpt from Mist-chi-mas: A Novel of Captivity and talk about the background behind the novel. I also have a great chat with author and journalist Scott Bury about writing historical fiction and my deep interest in Norway in WWII ....
Talking history with AC Fuller
Find the interview here:https://acfuller.com/talking-historical-fiction-j-l-oakley-episode-114-december-2-2016/ Once a journalist in New York, A.C. Fuller now writes fiction at the intersection of media, politics, and technology. Before he began writing full time, he...
Quisling Book Launch at Village Books
If you missed the launch of Quisling, you can still watch the replay here:https://www.crowdcast.io/e/jl-oakley
A Novel Talk with Wendy Kendall
Author J L Oakley joins co-hosts Carl Lee and Wendy Kendall for a fascinating talk about her historical thriller set in Norway. Janet's artful blend of can't-catch-your-breath history with unforgettable characters is an epic read. https://youtu.be/J5sHef2Y_CQ