Elizabeth Winkler, a renowned journalist and book critic, joins us from Washington, DC to discuss her latest book, "Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature."

This thrillingly provocative investigation delves into the Shakespeare authorship question and explores why questioning the identity of the god of English literature has become unacceptable and even considered immoral.

In her book, Winkler taps into the approach of "heresies" to make her research and writing more engaging. She highlights how the theory that Shakespeare may not have written his plays is an unspeakable subject in the history of English literature. Scholars acknowledge the lack of concrete information about the Bard's biography, yet publicly questioning his authorship is deemed blasphemous. Winkler sheds light on the forces of nationalism, empire, religion, mythmaking, gender, and class that have shaped our admiration for Shakespeare over the centuries.

Drawing on the insights of writers and thinkers like Walt Whitman, Sigmund Freud, and Supreme Court justices, Winkler explores the potential identities of the true author hiding behind Shakespeare's name. Could it be a forgotten woman, a disgraced aristocrat, or even a government spy? The plays themselves, with their themes of mistaken identities and concealed truths, add an intriguing layer to the mystery.

As Winkler interviews scholars and skeptics, she also delves into the larger issue of historical truth and how human imperfections shape our understanding of the past. She emphasizes that history is a story, and the narrative we construct depends on the story we seek. By examining stories like the 1964 case of Miss Evelyn May Hopkins, who left a third of her inheritance to the Francis Bacon Society to find the original manuscripts of Shakespeare's plays, Winkler explores the deep-rooted beliefs and biases that influence our perception of history.

Throughout our interview, Winkler shares her inspiration and how it can benefit other writers. She discusses specific tools, exercises, and formulas she used to organize her ideas, such as the captivating story of Miss Evelyn May Hopkins and her connection to the Bacon-Shakespeare manuscripts.

Furthermore, Winkler reflects on how she has made connections and created opportunities to produce and promote her creative work. Her relentless pursuit of the Shakespeare authorship question and her ability to engage with scholars and skeptics have propelled her career as a journalist and literary critic.

Our thanks to Simon & Schuster for supporting this podcast episode.

Elizabeth's Website

@elizabethlaurenw on Instagram

Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson