Conference Agenda
Explore the sessions, speakers, and conversations driving a Writing Revolution.
Wednesday, March 18 – Prologue Day
(All times listed are U.S. Eastern Time Zone)
11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Zoom only
Panel: Rethinking Individual Promotion of Your Work with Vanitha Sankaran and Linda Ulleseit
Description: You’ve written a book—now what? How do you find readers? For many authors, the thought of marketing can feel overwhelming. Questions like “What platform should I use?” or “Who should I follow?” can leave you stuck. And for those who prefer the solitude of writing, the idea of self-promotion can be especially daunting. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.
Paper Lantern Writers was created to address these challenges. By forming a collective, we’ve discovered the power of community. Together, we’ve built a supportive network where we share strengths, amplify our reach, and thrive in the historical fiction space. It’s not about competing for sales—it’s about growing together.
Session Goals:
1. Demonstrate how a collective can drive growth.
2. Teach authors how to build their own supportive community.
3. Highlight the benefits of collaboration and leveraging individual strengths.
Presenters: Linda Ulleseit, Vanitha Sankaran
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Zoom only
Workshop: The Heroine's Journey: A Narrative Structure for Creating Compelling Character Arcs with N.J. Mastro
Description: Writers often rely on the hero’s journey to shape their stories—a path where protagonists venture outward to achieve great things for others. But what if your character’s greatest challenge is not an external quest, but an internal reckoning? When a protagonist must confront past wounds and face their deepest fears, the heroine’s journey offers a powerful alternative. Despite its transformative potential, this narrative structure remains unfamiliar to many writers.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the heroine’s journey alongside the hero’s journey, using examples from well-known novels to highlight their differences and strengths. Participants will have the chance to analyze their own story structures, discovering which journey they’ve followed—or which might better serve their characters’ growth.
Session Goals:
1. Illuminate the key differences between the hero’s and heroine’s journeys.
2. Guide writers in identifying these structures within their own works.
3. Empower participants to revise or plot stories for deeper, more meaningful character arcs.
Presenter: N.J. Mastro
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
Heinze Quill Publishing is a boutique independent press dedicated to exceptional historical fiction and creative nonfiction that brings forward the stories of women who reshaped society, often without recognition. Founded by author Jill George and named for her grandmother’s quill, the press curates a selective catalogue emphasizing resilience, allyship, and the unyielding pursuit of truth. With a commitment to literary excellence, deeply researched storytelling, and visionary narratives, Heinze Quill Publishing illuminates untold histories and inspires writers and readers alike — a mission perfectly aligned with the spirit of the History Through Fiction Conference.
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Zoom only
Presentation: Getting the Little Things Right, so the Big Ones Can Shine with Grace E. Turton
Description: Every memorable historical novel rests on a foundation of careful research—not just the grand events that define an era, but the subtle, authentic details that make a world feel real. The historian’s commitment to capturing the nuances of daily life, the language spoken, the customs observed, and even the food enjoyed, forms the bedrock for powerful storytelling. In this presentation, we’ll explore how uncovering these often-overlooked specifics can prevent anachronisms and infuse your narrative with a vivid sense of time and place.
Through practical examples and research strategies, you’ll learn how attention to the ‘little things’—from ingredients in a meal to the etiquette at the table—can elevate your story. By getting these details right, you empower the larger historical moments and allow your characters’ journeys to truly resonate, transforming a good story into an immersive historical experience.
Session Goals:
1. Highlight the importance of authentic details in historical fiction.
2. Share methods for researching and uncovering everyday specifics.
3. Demonstrate how small details enhance character arcs and major events.
Presenter: Grace E. Turton
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Zoom only
Presentation: From Family to Fiction with Lindsay Marie Morris
Description: Family stories are more than memories—they’re the seeds of powerful fiction. In this engaging and interactive lecture, historical novelist Lindsay Marie Morris draws from her Sicilian-American heritage and World War II-era fiction to demonstrate how personal history, cultural traditions, and significant events can be transformed into rich, authentic narratives. Participants will discover practical research techniques, creative tools, and story-building strategies to begin crafting their own historical fiction rooted in family experience.
Through real-life examples and hands-on guidance, you’ll learn how to uncover meaningful family history, connect personal stories to broader historical themes, and shape these elements into compelling fiction that resonates with readers.
Session Goals:
1. Teach participants how to research and uncover meaningful family history.
2. Show how to connect personal stories to broader historical events and themes.
3. Help writers begin shaping that material into compelling historical fiction.
Presenter: Lindsay Marie Morris
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Zoom only
Workshop: The Art of Description with Eric Z. Weintraub
Description: Description is the bridge that transports readers into the heart of a historical setting, allowing them to experience the world you’ve meticulously researched. In this workshop, Eric Z. Weintraub will begin with a focused presentation on how to use historical research to inform and enrich the worlds we create on the page. Following this, participants will dive into a hands-on writing session, crafting scenes that rely solely on descriptive language to bring history to life.
By isolating and exploring one literary device at a time, this workshop will reveal the surprising creative choices that can elevate your approach to writing historical fiction and deepen your storytelling.
Session Goals:
1. Demonstrate how historical research can inform vivid description.
2. Guide participants in writing scenes using only descriptive language.
3. Uncover creative strategies for enhancing historical fiction through focused literary techniques.
Presenter: Eric Z. Weintraub
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Zoom Only
Title: The Mechanics of Misbelief: How to Hide Big Truths in Plain Sight with Lara Lehman
Description:
Through a guided exploration of consciousness and representation, this session introduces writers of historical fiction to the concept of misbelief and mechanical errors as portals into a character’s psyche. Every habitual choice a character makes—diction, syntax, or conventional behaviors—carries clues to what they misunderstand about their world. These “blind spots” both stall progress and drive plot, offering a rich opportunity for narrative tension.
This session shows how to embed misbeliefs within mechanical mistakes—a “burnt tongue” of repeated errors that simultaneously conceals and reveals information to the reader. Participants will explore artistic and anecdotal connections among thinkers on the subject, paired with examples from the presenter’s own writing and mentor texts that illuminate this technique in action.
Session Goals:
Understand the concept of a character’s misbelief and how it shapes their narrative arc.
Learn how habitual language choices can signal internal conflict or misunderstanding.
Explore techniques for hiding information in mechanical mistakes to create subtle, compelling storytelling.
Engage with examples and readings that demonstrate these concepts in practice and inspire participants’ own work.
Presenter: Lara Lehman
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Zoom only
Presentation: The Enigma of Cultural Appropriation with Elizabeth McLean
Description: Cultural appropriation is a complex and evolving topic—especially for writers of historical fiction. In this thought-provoking session, we’ll define cultural appropriation, explore its many forms, and examine why it remains such a fluid and debated issue. Through real-world case studies—including Lionel Shriver’s controversial speech in Brisbane, the debates around Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt, and Susan Swan’s encounter with descendants of The Biggest Woman in the World—we’ll illuminate the challenges and responsibilities that come with writing across cultures.
We’ll discuss the importance of thorough research, approaching subjects with curiosity and humility, consulting with cultural insiders, and the value of sensitivity readers, author’s notes, and bibliographies. We’ll also consider the limits of our own knowledge and the ethical questions that arise when fiction draws from cultures beyond our own. If all fiction involves some degree of cultural appropriation, what redeeming qualities can historical fiction offer?
Session Goals:
1. Understand the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, and learn how to responsibly navigate the line between them.
2. Learn strategies for incorporating historical characters and cultures into fiction without falling into controversy or exploitation.
3. Gain tools to defend the integrity and historical accuracy of your work.
Presenter: Elizabeth McLean
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
Shauna McIntyre is a freelance editor at Creative Roots Editorial and a former academic researcher and writer in the social sciences. As a member of the Historical Novel Society, she has reviewed over 30 books for the Historical Novel Review magazine and writes online features for the HNS website. Her monthly Substack newsletter, Creative Roots Letters, offers inspiration, resources, and personal anecdotes for those writing historical fiction and family history. She is currently working on a novel about female prairie homesteaders. When she is not editing, writing, or reading, she can usually be found rambling through the countryside looking to fill her curiosity cabinet and notebook.
Friday, March 27 – Pre-Conference
(All times listed are U.S. Eastern Time Zone)
4:00pm - 8:00pm - Atrium
In-Person Conference Registration
Begin your conference experience in the bright, welcoming atrium of the Wylie Center. Check in at the registration table to pick up your badge, conference tote, and materials, along with a warm greeting from the HTF team. Whether you’re arriving early to mingle or stepping in just as the sessions begin, the atrium offers an inviting space to get oriented, connect with fellow writers, and kick off a weekend of storytelling and discovery.
2:00pm - 4:00pm - Register Now
Tour: Cabot House Museum Tour + Walking History Experience ($25)
SOLD OUT
Description: Step into the rich Revolutionary War and colonial history of Essex County with a private guided tour of the Cabot House Museum, followed by a walking tour of local landmarks tied to both Revolutionary and Witch Hunt-era events. This immersive experience is perfect for lovers of historical fiction, research, and New England history.
Limited space available
For Transportation, meet in the Atrium at 1:30pm
6:00pm - 9:00pm - Register Now
Tour: Salem Ghost Tour + Group Dinner ($15)
SOLD OUT
Description: Join us Friday, March 27, at 8 PM for an exclusive pre-conference ghost tour led by Salem Ghosts, part of U.S. Ghost Adventures. Walk the storied streets of Witch City and uncover chilling tales of Salem’s haunted past. Arrive early to enjoy an optional group dinner at the Mission Boathouse at 6 PM (dinner not included in registration fee).
Thanks to our sponsor, attendees receive a 50% discount in exchange for posting a short blog or social media review of the experience. Space is limited—reserve your spot today.
Space is Limited
For transportation to dinner, meet in the Atrium at 5:30pm
For transportation to the Ghost Tour, meet in the Atrium at 7:30pm
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
Cathryn Huff is a seasoned creative director and designer known for brand-driven, thoughtful design that forges strong emotional connections. She brings strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and a sharp eye for typography, layout, and color to every project. Cathryn is the cover designer for History Through Fiction, where her work helps shape the visual identity of the press and its books.
Saturday, March 28 – Conference
(All times listed are U.S. Eastern Time Zone)
7:00am - 11:00am - Atrium
In-Person Conference Registration
Begin your conference experience in the bright, welcoming atrium of the Wylie Center. Check in at the registration table to pick up your badge, conference tote, and materials, along with a warm greeting from the HTF team. Whether you’re arriving early to mingle or stepping in just as the sessions begin, the atrium offers an inviting space to get oriented, connect with fellow writers, and kick off a weekend of storytelling and discovery.
All Day
Location: Ipswich (Revolutionary Emporium)
Exhibitor Hall Book Display
Description: Step into the Revolutionary Emporium, an energetic hub open throughout the conference where authors, editors, publishers, and creative professionals showcase their work. Wander through the exhibitor tables to discover new books, craft insights, writer resources, and innovative offerings that support and inspire the historical fiction community.
Exhibitors who reserve a table will enjoy a dedicated space to sign and sell their books during designated exhibit hall hours, as well as an unmanned display presence for the full duration of the conference—ensuring their stories and services reach attendees all weekend long. The Emporium is a place for exploration, conversation, and connection, and serves as the vibrant heart of our Writing Revolution.
All Day
Location: Hamilton (Reader’s Assembly)
Networking & Book Exchange
Description: Connect with fellow writers, swap books, and spark new ideas—all in this dedicated space for conversation and community.
All Day (In between sessions)
Location: Atrium
Letters from the Revolution - A Sponsored Interactive Experience
Description: Write a postcard, share your story, and add your voice to “Letters from the Revolution,” a living installation hosted by author Jill George.
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
The Narrative Guild is a collective of experienced editors, coaches, and publishing professionals dedicated to helping writers unlock their stories’ full potential. From developmental editing and manuscript critique to copyediting, proofreading, coaching, and publishing support, The Narrative Guild offers personalized guidance at every stage of the creative process. Whether refining structure, polishing prose, or navigating the publishing landscape, their team combines editorial expertise with a deep commitment to literary excellence and author success.
7:00am - 9:15am
Location: 2nd Floor Break Station, Beverly or Zoom
Continental Breakfast & Opening Remarks from Sarah Penner (Opening Remarks begin at 8:30am) (A continental-style breakfast will be served starting at 7:00 a.m. Please feel free to join us at your convenience.)
Description: Join us as New York Times bestselling author Sarah Penner opens the conference with reflections drawn from her remarkable creative journey—from growing up in a log cabin in the Kansas woods to becoming an internationally acclaimed novelist whose work has reached readers in more than forty languages. Sarah will share insights shaped by her leap from corporate finance to full-time writing, her love of travel and history, and the sparks of inspiration that have guided her since first discovering the “big magic” of storytelling. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the joys of the creative life, Sarah’s remarks set the tone for a weekend dedicated to craft, curiosity, and the transformative power of fiction.
9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Panel: How Do I Know When My Novel is Ready with Eric Z. Weintraub, Colin Mustful, Jillian Forsberg, and Alina Adams
Description: Every historical fiction writer eventually reaches that pivotal moment of doubt: Have I revised enough? Do I need another beta reader? Is my manuscript truly ready for submission? In this candid and practical conversation, HTF authors share their firsthand experiences navigating these questions and the often–uncertain path to manuscript readiness.
Panelists will explore tangible benchmarks for assessing your draft, how to interpret and implement feedback from beta readers, and ways to push past perfectionism, fear, and over-editing.
Session Goals:
1. Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of what “ready” can look like—and a realistic, actionable roadmap for preparing a manuscript for agents, editors, or publication.
Presenters: Eric Z. Weintraub, Colin Mustful, Jillian Forsberg, and Alina Adams
9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Marblehead or Zoom
Workshop: Poetry & Art as Portals to the Ever-Present Past: A Revolutionary Approach to Process with Lara Lehman
Description: This interactive workshop explores how poetry, visual art, and other creative forms can spark imagination and enhance both writing and historical research. We’ll begin with an interpretive performance of Mary Oliver’s “The Journey”, demonstrating how language can be a springboard for creative thinking. After a brief discussion of the research rationale, participants will engage in choice-driven warm-ups—such as magnet poetry, Zen doodles, and blackout texting—that organically generate material for exploration.
The session will then introduce two practical methods: layered annotation and captioning, with demonstrations of how these practices inform the facilitator’s own writing. Participants will apply the methods to self-selected texts and share their work in a community gallery walk and reflection, experiencing firsthand how accessible, low-stakes creative exercises can expand both imagination and historical insight.
Session Goals:
Explore how poetry, painting, and other everyday art forms can inform and inspire both writing and research.
Experiment with practical techniques—layered annotation and captioning—in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Leave with tools and a mindset for independent implementation, enabling participants to connect creatively with historical material and enrich their writing process.
Presenter: Lara Lehman
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
Readerly offers expert book coaching for authors of historical fiction, historical mystery, and upmarket fiction. Led by Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Robin Henry, Readerly provides personalized guidance—from planning and drafting to full manuscript reviews—helping writers develop compelling, polished novels with confidence.
10:45am - 11:45am
Location: Marblehead or Zoom
Workshop: Writing Full Time – Making the Leap with Madeline Martin
Description: Deciding to become a full-time author is a major life choice—and one that requires strategy, planning, and courage. In this candid session, Madeline Martin shares her personal journey from balancing a full-time career as a Business Analyst, writing up to eight books per year, and navigating single parenthood, to finally making the leap to full-time writing after a layoff.
Through her story, she will explore the practical considerations involved, including identifying opportunities, managing financial and lifestyle changes, building a sustainable writing routine, and leveraging past experiences for success. Participants will gain real-world insight into the challenges and rewards of committing fully to a writing career.
Session Goals:
Understand the practical steps and life adjustments involved in transitioning to full-time writing.
Learn strategies for maximizing productivity, managing multiple projects, and creating sustainable income streams.
Gain inspiration and actionable guidance for making informed decisions about a career in writing.
Presenter: Madeline Martin
10:45am - 11:45am
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Group Presentation: Revitalizing Your Novel with Linda Ulleseit and Vanitha Sankaran
Description: Whether you’re just beginning your journey into historical fiction or are a multi-book author, this session offers tips, techniques, and resources to elevate your writing. We’ll introduce key concepts from Crafting Stories From the Past, exploring approaches to research, novel structure, writing strategies, and curated resources for historical fiction authors.
Our in-depth focus will highlight three chapters that provide practical guidance for bringing stories to life:
Using non-Western story structures to create unique narratives
Bringing horses and other historical details vividly to life
Fictionalizing your own family experiences for richer storytelling
From big-picture structure to small, nuanced details, this session provides strategies for both retooling an existing manuscript and guiding your writing process from start to finish.
Session Goals:
Learn innovative plot structures to revitalize your historical fiction stories.
Gain practical strategies for handling specific historical topics and challenges.
Explore a curated selection of resources tailored for historical fiction writers.
Presenters: Linda Ulleseit and Vanitha Sankaran
11:45am - 1:15pm - LUNCH & Roundtable
Location: Newburyport/Atrium
Revolutionary Roundtable: Honoring Silenced Voices of the Past: Infusing Memoir, Oral History, and Archival Research into Fictional Narratives with J. E. Weiner
Description: Historical fiction offers a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of the disenfranchised, silenced, and invisible—but these perspectives often lie between the lines of the official historical record. In this interactive roundtable, we’ll explore how memoirs, diaries, personal letters, oral histories, local archives, and newspapers can provide rich material for crafting nuanced characters and compelling narratives.
Step away from the podium and into conversation: during this lunch-hour session, attendees will join a small, rotating discussion around 3–5 focused talking points, guided by J. E. Weiner. Participants will have time to ask questions, share insights, and engage with practical strategies for approaching historical research, identifying non-traditional sources, and integrating historical voices ethically without rewriting history.
Bring a laptop or handouts to spark conversation and prepare for a dynamic, evolving discussion where ideas flow freely and connections deepen. Attendees can continue the dialogue afterward through shared resources, mailing lists, or suggested next steps.
Session Goals:
Discover non-traditional primary sources that add depth and authenticity to historical fiction.
Learn strategies for ethically amplifying marginalized voices within historical context.
Explore techniques for blending historical figures and personal narratives into unique fictional characters.
Presenter: J. E. Weiner
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Virtual Presentation: Potions, Pills and Poppies: How to ease your character’s pain or put them out of their misery with Georgie Blalock
Description: Pain management has a long and fascinating history, from ancient remedies to the revolutionary developments of 19th- and early 20th-century pharmacology. In this virtual presentation, Georgie Blalock will explore the evolution of anesthetics and pain relief up to the 1940s, using firsthand accounts from medical practitioners and patients to provide vivid insight into how people of the past endured and treated pain.
Writers of historical fiction will gain practical knowledge for crafting authentic, era-appropriate treatments for their characters—balancing historical accuracy with reader expectations. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how pain was perceived, treated, and experienced across time, enabling them to create richer, more believable narratives.
Session Goals:
Learn the history of pain relief and anesthesia from ancient times through the 1940s.
Gain strategies for depicting realistic treatments and patient experiences in historical fiction.
Explore ways to balance historical accuracy with compelling storytelling.
Presenter: Georgie Blalock
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Location: Marblehead or Zoom
Virtual Presentation: Making Past Present – Authentic, Immersive Research with Marthese Fenech
Description: Bringing history to life requires more than books—it requires immersive, hands-on experience. In this virtual presentation, Marthese Fenech shares insights from her Siege of Malta Trilogy and its prequel, demonstrating how sensory-rich research—exploring ruins, libraries, and cultural practices—can deepen characters, conflict, and setting.
From international travels to Malta, Greece, Türkiye, and France, to engaging with local communities, festivals, and hands-on workshops closer to home, Marthese shows how writers can capture sights, sounds, scents, and atmospheres that archival research alone cannot provide. Participants will learn how to conduct immersive, authentic research safely and creatively, enriching their historical fiction with vivid, lived-in detail.
Session Goals:
Explore immersive research techniques that bring historical settings and characters to life.
Learn strategies for capturing sensory details and experiences from both local and distant sources.
Gain practical tips for conducting safe, creative, and authentic historical research.
Presenter: Marthese Fenech
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Speaker: Addison Armstrong - The More the Merrier: Writing Multiple Timelines, Characters, and Points of View
Description: Writing historical fiction with multiple timelines, characters, or narrators can create rich, layered stories—but it also presents unique challenges. In this session, Addison Armstrong, author of two published dual-timeline novels, will explore the advantages and potential pitfalls of this complex narrative structure.
Participants will learn strategies for planning, writing, and editing multi-timeline and multi-narrator stories, as well as practical tips to keep timelines, characters, and points of view clear and engaging. Whether you’re experimenting with dual timelines or managing a cast of dozens, this session provides actionable guidance to craft cohesive, compelling historical fiction.
Session Goals:
Understand the pros and cons of writing with multiple timelines and narrators.
Learn planning, writing, and editing strategies to manage complex narratives.
Gain practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls and keeping stories clear and engaging.
Presenter: Addison Armstrong
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Panel: #authorssupportingauthors – Banding Together to Lift All Boats with Janis Robinson-Daly
Description: While writing a novel is often a solitary pursuit, successful book promotion thrives on collaboration. In this session, Janis Robinson-Daly will share how authors can build meaningful relationships to support pre-publication efforts, secure critique readers, gather blurbs, and coordinate review swaps. Using real-world examples—including her multi-author marketing initiative, #31titleswomeninhistory—participants will explore strategies for cooperative campaigns that amplify visibility, foster community, and celebrate literary achievements.
Attendees will also brainstorm actionable strategies to implement immediately, gaining practical experience in networking, cross-promotion, and literary citizenship that strengthens both their audience and author connections.
Session Goals:
Learn how to network effectively and build presence within the author community.
Develop at least one actionable collaborative strategy to implement immediately.
Leave with at least one new author contact for beta reading, promotion, review swaps, or blurbs.
Presenter: Janis Robinson-Daly
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Location: Second Floor Board Rooms as Assigned
One-on-One Author Meeting with an HTF Author
Description: Attendees of the History Through Fiction Conference are invited to request private, one-on-one meetings with featured HTF authors. These 10-minute sessions provide a unique opportunity to ask questions, discuss the writing process, and engage in meaningful conversation about the authors’ work.
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Location: Second Floor Board Rooms as Assigned
Agent Pitch Sessions
Description: Take the next step in your publishing journey with a 10-minute manuscript pitch directly to a literary agent. Attendees of the History Through Fiction Conference can receive feedback, present their project, and explore potential publishing opportunities.
Available Agents:
Kate McKean (in-person) – Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
Robin Henry (in-person) – Acquisitions Editor, History Through Fiction
Annie Bomke (virtual) – Annie Bomke Literary Agency
Rachel McMillan (virtual) – Literary agent and historical fiction author
Jessica Berg (in-person) – Founder, Rosecliff Literary
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Dinner in Atrium & Newburyport, Speech in Beverly and Zoom
Dinner & Keynote Address: Writer, Editor, Marketer, Me? An Author's Guide to Compartmentalization with Finola Austin (Remarks from Finola Austin begin at 6:15pm)
Description: In this keynote, historical novelist and digital marketing professional Finola Austin explores the many “modes” authors must navigate in the twenty-first-century publishing landscape. From writing and editing to marketing and audience engagement, Finola will offer practical strategies for compartmentalizing these roles, staying focused, and managing the demands of a multifaceted career. Attendees will gain insights and actionable advice to streamline their workflow, balance competing priorities, and thrive as modern authors.
Presenter: Finola Austin
7:45pm - 8:15pm
Location: Marblehead
Spotlight Session: A Revolutionary Reading – Your words performed live by acclaimed audiobook narrator Caroline Hewitt
Description: Ever wondered how your words might come alive in the hands of a professional audiobook narrator—without rehearsal? In this special evening session, award-winning narrator Caroline Hewitt will perform live, unscripted readings of excerpts submitted by conference attendees.
Authors may submit a short scene from their work (deadline: March 20), including character details and context. Approximately five excerpts will be randomly selected, and Caroline will read each “cold,” adding voice, tone, and personality on the spot.
Audiences will experience the excerpts purely as listeners, without printed copies, enjoying a unique, entertaining perspective on the writing process. Dramatic, hilarious, or unexpectedly tricky, every reading offers a fresh way to hear your characters come to life.
Presenter: Caroline Hewitt
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
The Literary Assistant, led by strategist and storyteller Melissa, supports authors with compassionate, sustainable marketing and platform growth. With firsthand experience working behind the scenes with authors every day, Melissa understands the emotional realities of publishing — from drafts and doubts to the pressure of launch day. Her approach is rooted in clarity, kindness, and connection, helping authors build visibility through intuitive content strategies, meaningful storytelling, and newsletters and social media that truly resonate. The Literary Assistant offers more than a plan — it offers a partnership, guiding authors toward confidence, alignment, and a platform that feels both authentic and manageable.
Sunday, March 29 – Conference
(All times listed are U.S. Eastern Time Zone)
All Day
Location: Ipswich (Revolutionary Emporium)
Exhibitor Hall Book Display
Description: Step into the Revolutionary Emporium, an energetic hub open throughout the conference where authors, editors, publishers, and creative professionals showcase their work. Wander through the exhibitor tables to discover new books, craft insights, writer resources, and innovative offerings that support and inspire the historical fiction community.
Exhibitors who reserve a table will enjoy a dedicated space to sign and sell their books during designated exhibit hall hours, as well as an unmanned display presence for the full duration of the conference—ensuring their stories and services reach attendees all weekend long. The Emporium is a place for exploration, conversation, and connection, and serves as the vibrant heart of our Writing Revolution.
All Day
Location: Hamilton (Reader’s Assembly)
Networking & Book Exchange
Description: Connect with fellow writers, swap books, and spark new ideas—all in this dedicated space for conversation and community.
All Day (In between sessions)
Location: Atrium
Letters from the Revolution - A Sponsored Interactive Experience
Description: Write a postcard, share your story, and add your voice to “Letters from the Revolution,” a living installation hosted by author Jill George.
7:00am - 8:30am
Location: 1st Floor Break Station & Newburyport
Continental Breakfast (A continental-style breakfast will be served starting at 7:00 a.m. Please feel free to join us at your convenience.)
Description: Ease into the day with a light continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and pastries. A casual opportunity to chat with fellow attendees and get ready for another full day of sessions.
7:00am - 7:30am
Location: Beverly
Wellness Session: Fit to Write: Breathing, Stretching, and Self-Care for Writers with Sarah Penner, Jessica Berg, and Jillian Forsberg
Description: Take care of your body while you take care of your craft! Join wellness enthusiasts Sarah Penner, Jessica Berg, and Jillian Forsberg for Fit to Write: Breathing, Stretching, and Self-Care for Writers. In this interactive session, you’ll learn simple breathing exercises, easy stretches, and practical wellness strategies to help you stay energized, focused, and healthy as you write. Walk away with actionable tips and resources to make wellness a seamless part of your writing routine.
8:30am - 9:30am
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Workshop: The High-Concept Hook: How to Make Your Story Stand Out with Jessica Berg
Description: A strong premise can get attention—but a high-concept hook can make your story unforgettable. In this workshop, Jessica Berg will break down what “high concept” really means in a publishing landscape driven by quick pitches and crowded markets. Participants will learn how to identify the core idea that sets their story apart, evaluate its market appeal, and shape it into a compelling one-sentence pitch that captures interest instantly. Through examples, guided exercises, and group discussion, writers will explore what qualifies as high concept (and what doesn’t) and discover how a clear hook can elevate both submissions and marketing efforts.
Attendees will also practice refining their own story concepts in real time, gaining feedback, clarity, and a repeatable framework they can apply to future projects.
Session Goals:
Understand the defining qualities of a high-concept premise—and common misconceptions.
Evaluate and strengthen the core hook of your own story.
Craft a polished, compelling one-sentence pitch using a practical, repeatable framework.
Presenter: Jessica Berg
8:30am - 9:30am
Location: Marblehead or Zoom
Workshop: Reimagining Setting as Character with Brynn Barineau
Description: Historical fiction demands more than accurate dates and locations—it requires fully realized worlds that feel lived in. In this workshop, writers will discover how to transform setting from a static backdrop into an active, character-like presence on the page. Participants will explore how values (the culture of a place), personality (tone, atmosphere, and linguistic choices), and physical description (sensory detail beyond sight) work together to shape immersive historical environments. Through guided exercises, authors will reimagine one of their own settings using smell, sound, and touch to reveal deeper layers of meaning, emotion, and thematic resonance.
Attendees will learn how purposeful word choice and selective detail can make their settings reinforce tone, echo theme, and influence character experience. By the end of the session, writers will have begun transforming their historical setting into a dynamic “character” that enriches every scene.
Session Goals:
Understand how values, personality, and sensory detail combine to create vivid, character-like settings.
Practice describing setting using the less common senses—sound, smell, and touch—to deepen immersion.
Apply strategic word choice and detail selection to strengthen tone, atmosphere, and theme.
Presenter: Brynn Barineau
9:45am - 10:45am
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Workshop: Social Strategy for Authors: Platforms & Online Presence with Sarah Penner
Description: In today’s publishing landscape, a strong online presence is one of an author’s most powerful assets. In this interactive workshop, bestselling author Sarah Penner—dubbed a “social media whiz” by the HarperCollins Sales & Marketing team—will demystify digital strategy for writers at every stage of their career. Participants will explore branding essentials, platform expectations, and website must-haves, along with key principles of the social media content lifecycle. Sarah will also introduce efficiency tools to streamline your workflow and demonstrate practical tips for using Canva, one of the most versatile and accessible marketing tools available to authors.
Attendees will leave with a robust list of 100+ social media content ideas, actionable strategies they can start using immediately, and a clearer sense of how to build an effective, sustainable online presence. Bring your questions—this session is designed to be hands-on, practical, and highly customizable.
Session Goals:
Understand foundational author-brand and platform requirements across major online spaces.
Learn efficiency tools and content-planning strategies to streamline social media workflows.
Gain practical Canva techniques and leave with 100+ content ideas to implement immediately.
Presenter: Sarah Penner
11:00am - 11:45am
Location: Marblehead
Open Mic
Description: Have a story, scene, or poem you’ve been working on? The HTF Conference Open Mic Session is your chance to share your work in a casual, supportive setting. This in-person session invites writers of all genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more—to bring their words to life for an encouraging audience of fellow authors.
Each participant will have up to five minutes to present a short selection from their work. While no formal feedback will be given, this session is a unique opportunity to gain exposure, connect with peers, and celebrate your creativity in a relaxed, community-oriented environment.
Session Goals:
Provide a welcoming space for writers to read their work aloud.
Encourage peer connection and networking in a supportive environment.
Celebrate creativity and performance across genres and formats.
11:00am - 11:45am
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Virtual Presentation: Weaving Faith Into Your Fiction with Edwina Kiernan
Description: For many writers, incorporating faith into storytelling can feel both deeply meaningful and unexpectedly challenging. How much is too much? Will it limit your audience—or your publishing options? And how do you ensure that spiritual elements feel authentic rather than forced?
In this workshop, award-winning Christian historical fiction author Edwina Kiernan will guide you through the nuances of weaving faith into your narrative with confidence and purpose. You’ll explore various approaches to faith content, learn how to navigate common industry questions, and discover strategies for creating stories that resonate on both an emotional and spiritual level. Writing with faith doesn’t have to feel complicated—it can be a powerful way to enrich your fiction and offer readers lasting hope.
Session Goals:
• Explore different approaches and levels of faith integration in fiction.
• Equip authors to navigate audience and publisher expectations around faith content.
• Encourage writers to incorporate faith authentically and confidently within their storytelling.
Presenter:
Edwina Kiernan
12:00pm - 1:00pm - LUNCH
Location: Atrium & Newburyport
Description: Recharge mid-day with a buffet-style lunch in the atrium, featuring a variety of fresh, seasonal options to suit all tastes. A relaxed setting to connect with fellow attendees, continue conversations from the morning sessions, and refuel for an afternoon of engaging workshops and presentations.
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
Jody Hadlock is an author and former television news reporter with experience in Texas and South Carolina, whose passion for storytelling is matched by her advocacy for people with special needs. Inspired by real events, her debut novel, The Lives of Diamond Bessie, follows sixteen-year-old Annie Moore as she navigates survival, betrayal, and redemption in 1860s America, set against the burgeoning women’s rights movement. Jody lives near Fort Worth with her husband and continues to write stories that illuminate resilience, courage, and the complexities of society.
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Location: Marblehead or Zoom
Presentation: The Archetypes of Animals with Jillian Forsberg
Description: Animals in fiction can symbolize, reflect, and deepen our stories—but how do we move beyond metaphor to make them fully realized, meaningful characters? In this workshop, Jillian Forsberg will guide participants through creating animal characters that are accurate, compelling, and integral to a manuscript. Writers will learn how to research and depict animals authentically while exploring ways animal characters can enhance human characters through metaphor, subtext, and narrative function.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating animals thoughtfully into their stories, adding depth, resonance, and richness to both setting and character development.
Session Goals:
Identify reliable resources to accurately portray animals in fiction.
Explore how animal characters can enhance human characters through metaphor and subtext.
Apply techniques to make animal characters meaningful contributors to story and theme.
Presenter: Jillian Forsberg
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Panel: Historical Fiction and “Presentism”: A Modern Take on Writing Historical Fiction for Today’s Readers with Jody Hadlock, Shelley Blanton-Stroud, Joan Fernandez, Terri Lewis
Description: Historical fiction allows us to illuminate the past, but how does our modern perspective shape the stories we tell? This panel explores the concept of “presentism”—the tendency to project contemporary values, beliefs, and assumptions onto past eras—and the tightrope authors walk in balancing historical accuracy with relevance for today’s readers. Four experienced historical fiction writers will share insights, strategies, and real-world examples for navigating this terrain, offering practical guidance for crafting stories that honor the past while resonating with contemporary audiences.
Attendees will engage in discussion and analysis of how presentism can influence character development, language, ethical choices, and narrative perspective. By the end of the session, writers will understand how to approach presentism thoughtfully, using it as a tool to make historical fiction more accessible, meaningful, and compelling.
Session Goals:
Understand the advantages and pitfalls of presentism in historical fiction.
Apply strategies for balancing historical accuracy with modern relevance in character, dialogue, and ethical dilemmas.
Explore how presentism can enhance accessibility and relevance for contemporary readers, linking the past to today’s society.
Presenters: Jody Hadlock, Shelley Blanton-Stroud, Joan Fernandez, Terri Lewis
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Group Presentation: Telling the Untold Tale: Finding and Writing (and Selling) the Historical Fiction Nobody Else Is with Alina Adams and Kyra Davis Lurie
Description: Standing out in the crowded historical fiction market often means exploring stories others overlook. In this session, NYT best-selling authors Alina Adams and Kyra Davis Lurie will share strategies for uncovering unusual and underrepresented settings, conflicts, and characters. Participants will learn how to leverage family legends, local lore, and little-known historical events to craft original, compelling narratives.
The session also demonstrates how highlighting the non-fiction elements of your story can broaden your audience, create media opportunities, and boost sales. By connecting the educational aspects of history to your fiction, authors can approach trade publications, give talks, and reach readers who might not otherwise discover their work. Through concrete examples and guided discussion, attendees will explore both the creative and promotional benefits of digging deeper into history’s hidden corners.
Session Goals:
Identify underexplored time periods, locations, and events to create original historical fiction.
Learn strategies for transforming small historical tidbits into fully realized narratives.
Understand how to promote the non-fiction elements of your story to reach broader audiences and media outlets.
Presenters: Alina Adams and Kyra Davis Lurie
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Marblehead or Zoom
Workshop: A Dickensian Masterclass in Writing Historical Fiction with Finola Austin
Description: Charles Dickens is a master of story, character, and setting—but what can today’s historical fiction writers learn from him? In this workshop, Finola Austin will lead a close reading of passages from Dickens alongside contemporary historical novels to explore the craft of writing historical fiction. Participants will examine techniques for creating compelling openings, developing character epiphanies, honing first-person narrative voice, and using repetition and other literary devices for dramatic effect.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how classic storytelling strategies can enhance their own historical fiction, with guidance on applying these techniques to modern narratives while maintaining authenticity and reader engagement.
Session Goals:
Analyze examples from Dickens and modern historical fiction to uncover effective storytelling techniques.
Learn strategies for crafting compelling openings, character epiphanies, and narrative voice.
Apply literary devices, such as repetition, to heighten drama and reader engagement.
Presenter: Finola Austin
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
Heritage Now, founded by Grace E. Turton, provides professional historical research services to ensure accuracy and authenticity in storytelling. Grace, a historian and Historical Content Specialist for History Through Fiction, offers guided research, planning, full investigations, accuracy checking, and proofreading—combining archival rigor with modern digital tools to help writers create compelling, well-grounded historical narratives.
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: Second Floor Board Rooms as Assigned
Manuscript & Query Critique
Description: Take your writing to the next level with personalized, professional feedback from an experienced editor. As part of the 2026 History Through Fiction Conference, participants can schedule one-on-one critique sessions for either a historical fiction manuscript or a query letter.
For manuscripts, receive feedback on the first 20 pages (up to 5,000 words), including a one-page editorial report highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps, plus limited in-line edits. For query letters, receive a detailed review, a half- to one-page editorial letter with targeted advice, and in-line suggestions to improve clarity, voice, and marketability.
Each critique includes a 10-minute in-person meeting with your editor during the conference, providing an opportunity for discussion, clarification, and actionable guidance.
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: Ipswich (Revolutionary Emporium)
Book Signing
Description: Don’t miss the opportunity to meet your favorite authors in person! During the conference book signing, attendees can connect with writers, get books signed, and discover new historical fiction. With multiple authors participating, this session is the perfect chance to explore a wide range of titles, ask questions, and celebrate the stories and storytellers that bring history to life.
3:45pm - 4:45pm
Location: Beverly or Zoom
Panel: Digging Up the Past: Research Like a Novelist, Think Like a Historian with Eric Z. Weintraub, Karla Cruise, and Nancy Burkhalter
Description: Accurate research is the foundation of compelling historical fiction, but navigating sources, medical history, and common pitfalls can be challenging. In this panel, four experienced historical fiction writers will share their approaches to researching the past, including strategies for finding reliable sources, conducting medical research from multiple perspectives, and avoiding common research mistakes. Through discussion and real-world examples, attendees will gain practical guidance for grounding their fiction in historical reality while maintaining narrative flow.
Session Goals:
Learn effective strategies for locating and evaluating historical sources.
Understand approaches to researching medical and specialized historical topics.
Identify and avoid common pitfalls in historical research that can undermine storytelling.
Presenters: Eric Z. Weintraub, Karla Cruise, and Nancy Burkhalter
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Tupper Manor or Zoom – Formal Attire Recommended but Not Required
Dinner and Closing Remarks with Madeline Martin (Remarks by Madeline Martin begin at 6:15pm)
Description: Join fellow attendees for the 2026 History Through Fiction Conference’s celebratory final dinner. This special evening will include recognition of the conference’s manuscript contest winner and a speech from our premium sponsor. The festivities will conclude with closing remarks from internationally bestselling author Madeline Martin, whose work has been published by Hanover Square Press under HarperCollins and translated into over twenty-five languages.
Madeline will share insights from her twenty-plus years as a writer of historical fiction and historical romance, offering inspiration, reflections on the craft, and encouragement for attendees as they continue their own writing journeys. This dinner is a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow writers, celebrate achievements, and toast to the stories and storytellers that bring history to life.
Presenter for Closing Remarks: Madeline Martin
The HTF Conference is proudly sponsored by…
U.S. Ghost Adventures offers historically grounded ghost tours across the nation, blending real hauntings with firsthand accounts and historic research. Their passionate guides deliver authentic, spine-tingling stories that make sense of the unexplainable—every day, year-round.
Food & Refreshments
Saturday, March 28
Second Floor – Break Station
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Coffee & Tea Service
Beverage Cooler
Daily Morning Break Items
7:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Chef’s Daily AM Rotating Item
Lunch
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM
First Floor – Atrium & Newburyport
Chef’s Choice Lunch
Second Floor – Break Station
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Coffee & Tea Service
Beverage Cooler
Ice Cream Cooler
Daily Afternoon Break Items
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Chef’s Daily PM Rotating Item
Dinner
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
First Floor – Atrium & Newburyport
Chef’s Choice Dinner
Sunday, March 29
First Floor – Atrium
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Coffee & Tea Service
Beverage Cooler
Daily Morning Break Items
7:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Chef’s Daily AM Rotating Item
Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
First Floor – Atrium
Chef’s Choice Lunch
Second Floor – Break Station
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Coffee & Tea Service
Beverage Cooler
Ice Cream Cooler
Daily Afternoon Break Items
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Chef’s Daily PM Rotating Item
Dinner
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Tupper Manor Ballroom
Chef’s Choice Dinner