Join author Janis Robinson Daly as she reveals how the secrets of our past can surprise, delight, educate, and inspire the writing of a novel.

While researching her family history, Daly learned that her great-great-grandfather had an active role in the founding of the Women’s Medical College in Philadelphia. Inspired by this discovery, Daly wrote her first novel, The Unlocked Path, which tells the story of the early graduates of that school.

The Unlocked Path centers on educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Pearson Edwards. In 1897 Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt's suicide, Eliza rejects her mother’s wishes for a society debut, and at a time when five percent of doctors are female, she enters a woman’s medical college. With the support of a circle of women and driven by a determination to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts her new life path. Combining science and sympathy, she triumphs to heal others and herself.

Organic Chemistry may slay her, if the strain of endless study, odoriferous labs, and gruesome surgeries don’t claim her first. As a young intern, she summons a forthright confidence asserting her abilities to those mistrustful of a woman doctor. Through her work with poverty-stricken patients, she defines her version of suffrage work to champion women’s rights for and beyond the right to vote. Love is found, love is lost. During a visit to the fairy-tale-like city of Newport, a new relationship may fulfill her desires. When global events devolve into chaos with the 1918 influenza pandemic and a world war, Eliza renews her vow to help and heal.

Janis Robinson Daly grew up outside of Boston and currently splits her time between Cape Cod, New Hampshire, and Florida.