Historical Books
Liminal Spaces: A Profile of Erik Larson
WD gives a peek at the daily routine of Erik Larson and the writing process behind his bestselling narrative nonfiction in this Nov/Dec 2020 profile by Zachary Petit.
Jennifer Boresz Engelking: On Giving Readers a New Appreciation of History
Debut author Jennifer Boresz Engelking discusses what led her to write her historical nonfiction book Hidden History of Lake County Ohio and how research gave her a new appreciation for her hometown.
Peter Vronsky: When History Is More Bizarre Than Fiction
Historical nonfiction author Peter Vronsky shares what surprises him about writing true crime books and how he negotiates titles with his publisher.
Ken Quattro: Researching and Writing About Overlooked Comics History
Comic historian and author Ken Quattro shares what inspired his nonfiction title Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists of Comic Books, why journalism training influences his research process, how writers can stretch their writing muscles, and so much more.
Francesca Beauman: Falling in Love With the History of Personal Ads and Dating in America
Francesca Beauman shares what inspired her most recent history title (Matrimony, Inc.), what section of the newspaper she always turned to first, why writers need to love their subject, and more!
Robert L. Richardson: A Story Worth Sharing
While researching another book, Robert L. Richardson came across a story worth sharing from a pilot who will turn 100 later this year that became his latest title, Spying From the Sky: At the Controls of U.S. Cold War Aerial Intelligence from Casemate Publishers.
Jaime Breitnauer: Writing About the Spanish Flu Epidemic and Its Influence on History
Author spotlights (like this one with Jaime Breitnauer, author of The Spanish Flu Epidemic and Its Influence on History from Pen and Sword) are a great way to learn how authors are finding success writing and publishing their books.
How to Select the Best Topic for Historical Nonfiction—and How to Pitch It
When considering the best topic for a work of historical nonfiction, you must consider your reasearch, your target audience, and what you seek to accomplish. Author Cory Taylor discusses what goes into this process, and how to pitch the work once it's complete.