If you’re into art heists, historical thrillers and all things Italy, this episode is for you.
My guest today is Margaret Philbrick— and if you're a writer who loves diving into history, character and craft, you're in for a treat. Margaret’s latest novel is inspired by none other than Caravaggio, the infamous artist whose life was as chaotic and dramatic as his paintings. We talked about how she turned that inspiration into a gripping story that blends art history, emotional depth, and suspense — and what it takes to write fiction that’s rooted in real-life people and events.
But this episode isn’t just about art heists and brooding painters. Margaret and I also dug into the writing life itself — the messy, beautiful, behind-the-scenes stuff. We talked about how she protects her creative time, the rituals that keep her grounded, what it’s like working with multiple agents across genres and how research can actually become one of the most energizing parts of your process (when you let it be an adventure instead of a checklist).
Margaret’s approach to writing is honest, thoughtful, and full of wisdom — the kind that reminds you why you fell in love with writing in the first place.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
• How Caravaggio’s life and work inspired Margaret’s new novel
• The challenges (and joys) of writing fiction based on real historical figures
• What themes like guilt and identity add to character development
• How cinematic storytelling influences her work
• The value of research — and how to make it fun and immersive
• Why she has multiple agents for different genres — and what that’s taught her
• The daily writing habits that help her stay consistent and inspired
• How she protects her creative space in a world full of distractions
• Patience, persistence, and the long game of building a writing life
About Margaret:
Connect with Margaret:
Website: https://margaretphilbrick.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretannphilbrick
Check out her latest novel, House of Honor -The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity: https://margaretphilbrick.com/books/
Connect with Liz:
Instagram: @lizmugavero
Website: cateconte.com
If you enjoyed this episode:
Make sure to hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you’ve got a minute, leaving a quick review helps other writers find the show — and keeps the conversations going.
Share this one with a fellow writer or art lover who needs a little inspiration today.
Thanks for listening — and keep writing. Your words matter.
Share this post