Bringing historical festivities back to life
Celebrations, feasts and traditions have always been part of what makes us human. They bound our ancestors to their ancestors and can do the same for characters in historical fiction. Some feasts are moveable; all can be moving, both to characters and to readers. Some...
In tune with the past: using music to set the tone for your historical fiction
You’ve researched, you’ve developed your characters and plot, and you are ready to write. Perhaps you’ve already begun writing, but something is not working. It’s difficult to pinpoint, but the feeling of your story doesn’t seem authentic. How can you capture what it...
How to write convincing male characters in historical fiction
Even taking into account titans like Bernard Cornwell, the vast majority of historical fiction authors are women. As are their readers. Now, you should be incredibly suspicious of anyone who claims to be an expert in masculinity. Chances are, they are trying to sell...
Dictation for historical fiction authors: speed up the research process (and your first draft)
You just might have an invaluable writing tool in your pocket or sitting on your desk right now. A smartphone. It’s a modern gadget with a key function that can have a fantastic impact on your life as a historical fiction author. It has on mine. From note-taking to...
#6: Elevate your writing: the power of critique groups
Episode 6 Elevate your writing: the power of critique groups, with Syd Young 22 August, 2023 In this episode, hosts Theo and Julia are joined by Syd Young, an author, lawyer, and longstanding participant in The History Quill’s group coaching programme. Syd’s...
Giving your book a second soul: using other languages effectively
The idea that another language gives us a second soul comes from Charlemagne. As a polyglot and ruler of a multilingual territory, he understood what other languages meant to individuals and to societies. Tolstoy understood it too. In War and Peace, his aristocrats...
#5: Writing gothic historical fiction
Episode 5 Writing gothic historical fiction, with Anna Mazzola 26 July, 2023 In this episode, hosts Theo and Julia are joined by Anna Mazzola, the award-winning and bestselling author known for her captivating gothic historical novels. With a background in law as a...
Marketing hacks for historical fiction writers
For many writers, marketing a book is the hardest part of the publishing process. It requires us to go out into the world and smile at people and make them like us — all the reasons we chose to become writers in the first place (not). And after a while, all the book...
#4: Unearthing forgotten tales
Episode 4 Unearthing forgotten tales, with Piper Huguley 28 June, 2023 In this episode, hosts Theo and Julia are joined by author Piper Huguley to explore the power of historical fiction in uncovering hidden narratives, and the art of crafting compelling biographical...