Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Nightingale

Hi Lydia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

As a kid, I wanted to be a meteorologist- a storm chaser, specifically- but really only because Helen Hunt played one in “Twister”. I eventually took a different cue from Ms. Hunt and became an actor instead. I studied Theatre Arts Performance from 2007 to 2011, double-minoring in History and Creative Writing as “backups”. I had no idea then that I would end up following that minor track all the way to obtaining a Masters in Public History in 2019, or that I would make writing about history my main focus.

Since undergrad, I’ve written several plays about German women during and after World War II, a docent training manual for the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, a few articles about public history, and a queer sci-fi romance novel set during the 1950s Red Scare titled “Drawn”. I do continue to perform here and there, but my dream is to be a full-time author of fiction and non-fiction books.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My twenties were a rocky time for my mental and physical health. I struggled with anxiety and depression for several years before being diagnosed with bipolar type 1 in 2015. It took me about eighteen months to get that under control, but things took another unfortunate turn when I then ran into problems with alcohol abuse. Thankfully, I got help and was able to quit in 2018, and I have been sober ever since.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am an actor and a writer who specializes in dramatic historical interpretation. I am especially known for my plays about the German female experience during and after World War II; my play ADELE IN BERLIN was shown in the 2023 Rochester Fringe Festival to two sold-out audiences.

As mentioned above, I am working on a queer sci-fi romance novel set during the 1950s Red Scare titled “Drawn”, which is currently in the beta-reading stages with Folio Unbound, LLC. I hope I will be known for that novel once it’s published next year! I am most proud of my ability to tap into my characters’ feelings and motivations to create engaging, believable dialogue. I credit this to my years of experience as an actor interpreting characters for the stage and screen.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

I have learned that community is everything and should never be taken for granted.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljnightingale/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lydiajnightingale/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lydianightingale6779