Historical
Olesya Salnikova Gilmore: On Introducing Russian History to Fantasy Readers
Author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore discusses the changes her manuscript underwent throughout the writing process of her debut historical fantasy novel, The Witch and the Tsar.
Martha Anne Toll: On the Power of Memory
Author Martha Anne Toll discusses the mythology that inspired her debut novel, Three Muses.
Ellie Marney: On the Unique Challenges of Writing Historical Fiction
New York Times bestselling author Ellie Marney discusses the history behind her new YA murder mystery, The Killing Code.
Amanda Flower: On Making a Sleuth Out of a Poet
USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower discusses the very moment she had the idea for her new historical mystery, Because I Could Not Stop For Death.
Ellie Midwood: On the Duty of Historical Fiction Writers
USA Today bestselling author Ellie Midwood discusses the timeliness and cautionary tale of her new historical fiction novel, The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz.
Desideria Mesa: On Combining History and Fantasy
Author Desideria Mesa discusses writing memorable characters in her debut historical fantasy novel, Bindle Punk Bruja.
Lola Jaye: On Telling Untold Stories in Historical Fiction
Author Lola Jaye discusses the urgent feeling she had when she knew it was time to write her new epic historical fiction novel, The Attic Child.
5 Secrets for Mining the Stories in Your Own Home To Inspire Compelling Historical Fiction
Bestselling and award-winning writer Yvette Manessis Corporon found family stories passed down through generations were more than just familiar anecdotes, but important historical moments. Here, she shares 5 ways to mine the stories in your life to inspire compelling historical fiction.
7 Tips for Fictionalizing Real Historical Characters
When to retell history, when to imagine new scenarios, and who’s safe to use as a subject—author Gill Paul shares 7 tips for fictionalizing real historical characters.
Writing Nonfiction History vs. Historical Fiction
Author John Cameron discusses how nonfiction history and historical fiction are more similar than they are different.
Phong Nguyen: On Freedom To Invent in Historical Fiction
Award-winning author Phong Nguyen discusses his lifelong dream of writing his new historical fiction novel, Bronze Drum.
Historical Fiction Authors Don’t Expect Their Characters’ Battles To Appear in Modern Headlines, but Here We Are
What happens to historical fiction when history repeats itself? Author Addison Armstrong discusses writing about the past and seeing it reflected in the present.
Making Middle-Grade Novels Believable
Tapping into universal human emotions, doing lots of research, knowing the ending to your story before you start, and more—author Elizabeth Raum shares how to make middle-grade novels believable.
Jennifer Chiaverini: On Sharing Nearly Forgotten Moments in History
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini discusses the forgotten history that led to her new historical fiction novel, Switchboard Soldiers.
Minette Walters: On the Impact of War on Ordinary People
Bestselling crime writer Minette Walters discusses why she chose to write her new historical fiction novel, The Swift and The Harrier.
5 Research Tips for Writing Historical Fiction
Author Piper Huguley shares her five research tips for writing historical fiction that readers love and writers love as well.
The Writer's Digest Interview: Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn, the bestselling author of The Alice Network talks writing for love and the market, and the inspiration behind her new novel, The Diamond Eye.
Writing Multigenerational Fiction: Lessons Learned
Award-winning novelist Robin Lee Hatcher shares her thoughts on how to write multigenerational historical fiction by focusing on the truths that remain constant through the ages.
5 Tips for Writing About Real-Life Heroes in Historical Fiction
What makes an ordinary person do a heroic thing, and how do we best convey them in fiction? Here, USA TODAY bestselling author Mario Escobar shares 5 tips for writing about real-life heroes in historical fiction.
Ann Leary: On the Power of Female Friendship
New York Times bestselling writer Ann Leary discusses how uncovering family history led her to writing her new historical fiction novel, The Foundling.
4 Things Writers Should Know About Investigative Reporter Nellie Bly
Bestselling and award-winning Maya Rodale shines a light on the famous reporter and how her work can still inspire today’s writers.
Balancing History and Story in Historical Fiction
Author Shelly Sanders shares the historical fiction books that led her to writing her own historical fiction novels, and tips on balancing history and story when pursuing historical fiction.
Writing Historical Fiction Focused on Wartime Holland
International bestselling author Imogen Matthews shares the process she followed to write her historical fiction trilogy based in wartime Holland.
Aimie K. Runyan: On Focusing on the Craft
Bestselling author Aimie K. Runyan discusses the research that inspired her new historical fiction novel, The School for German Brides.