History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival
Attendee Hub
Thank you for registering for the inaugural History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival. This page contains everything you'll need on festival day, including the full schedule, session descriptions, and Zoom links.
📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
We recommend bookmarking this page now and returning to it throughout the day.
Festival Schedule
All times listed are in CENTRAL TIME
10:30–10:55 — Welcome & Reader Roll Call — Join Zoom
11:00–11:45 — Headliner Session #1 — Join Zoom
12:00–12:45 — Reader Discussion Rooms #1 — Join Zoom
01:00–01:45 — Headliner Session #2 — Join Zoom
02:00–02:45 — Literary Adaptations Panel — Join Zoom
03:00–03:45 — Reader Discussion Rooms #2 — Join Zoom
04:00–04:45 — Community Read — Join Zoom
05:00–06:00 — Dinner Break & Festival Bookstore Hour — Shop the Books
06:00–06:45 — Headliner Session #3 — Join Zoom
07:00–07:45 — How Readers Can Support Authors (Beyond Buying Books) — Join Zoom
07:45–08:00 — Closing Celebration & Final Farewell — Join Zoom
Session Descriptions
All times listed are in CENTRAL TIME
Welcome & Reader Roll Call (10:30–10:55)
Kick off the festival by connecting with fellow historical fiction readers from around the world. Introduce yourself, share where you're joining from, tell us what you're currently reading, and let us know which session you're most excited to attend.
Whether you're here for a single session or the entire festival, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow readers, discover new books, and begin a day of engaging conversations celebrating historical fiction.
Headliner Session #1: Gabriella Saab in Conversation with J. E. Weiner (11:00–11:45)
Join acclaimed historical fiction author Gabriella Saab for a live conversation about The Survivors Guild, an unforgettable novel inspired by the aftermath of the RMS Titanic disaster.
When two women from vastly different worlds—a Lebanese immigrant and a New York heiress—survive the sinking of the Titanic, their lives become intertwined as they care for an orphaned infant and navigate the challenges of rebuilding their futures in early twentieth-century New York. Blending meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling, Saab explores immigration, class, resilience, and the unexpected bonds forged through tragedy.
Following the interview, Gabriella will answer audience questions during a live Q&A.
Whether you're fascinated by the Titanic, early twentieth-century history, or character-driven historical fiction, this session promises an engaging conversation with one of today's leading voices in the genre.
Reader Discussion Rooms #1 (12:00–12:45)
Join fellow historical fiction readers in small-group breakout rooms for relaxed, guided conversations centered on shared themes and favorite stories.
These intimate discussion spaces are designed to help you connect with other readers, exchange recommendations, and dive deeper into the kinds of historical fiction you love most. Choose from themed rooms including:
• War & Resistance
• Historical Romance & Family Saga
• Dual Timeline & Hidden Secrets
Each room will be facilitated by a conversation host who will help guide discussion while keeping the atmosphere informal, welcoming, and engaging.
Headliner Session #2: Rosa Kwon Easton in Conversation with Colin Mustful (1:00–1:45)
Join bestselling historical fiction author Rosa Kwon Easton for a live conversation about Red Seal, a sweeping multigenerational saga of identity, displacement, and survival.
Set against the upheaval of World War II and its aftermath, Red Seal follows a Korean mother and her young son as they flee across borders in search of safety, belonging, and a place to call home. Through decades of war, migration, and separation, Easton explores the enduring bonds of family and the search for identity across cultures and generations.
Following the interview, Rosa will take part in a live audience Q&A.
This session offers a powerful exploration of history, memory, and the resilience required to rebuild a life in the aftermath of war.
Literary Adaptation: From Page to Performance (2:00–2:45)
Join a dynamic panel of authors, actors, narrators, and creatives for a conversation exploring how stories move from page to performance across film, television, stage, and audio.
From audiobook narration and Broadway performance to screen acting and writing for multiple media, the panelists will discuss how literary works are interpreted and transformed for new audiences. The conversation will explore character development, adaptation challenges, and the creative decisions behind bringing stories to life beyond the page.
Panelists include:
Alison Larkin
E.A. Moon
Sean David Cooper
Angela Page Conti
Meg Hafdahl
A lively audience Q&A will follow the discussion.
Reader Discussion Rooms #2 (3:00–3:45)
Continue the conversation in small-group breakout rooms designed for readers to connect, share recommendations, and explore historical fiction in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
These guided discussions offer space to dive into favorite eras, genres, and storytelling traditions while connecting with fellow historical fiction enthusiasts.
Choose from themed rooms including:
• Ancient World & Medieval
• Regency / Victorian / Gilded Age
• Historical Fantasy & Reimagined History
Each room will be facilitated by a conversation host who helps guide discussion and encourage engaging, inclusive conversation.
Community Read: All Different Kinds of Free with Jessica McCann (4:00–4:45)
Join a live book club discussion of All Different Kinds of Free by Jessica McCann, led by Substacker Elle Reads Library Books.
This fully revised 15th Anniversary Edition brings renewed attention to the astonishing true story of Margaret Morgan, a free woman of color whose life is upended in 1837 when she and her children are violently abducted and sold into slavery. Her fight for freedom ultimately leads to the landmark Supreme Court case Prigg v. Pennsylvania, a decision that helped shape the legal and political conflicts leading toward the Civil War.
McCann’s novel shifts the historical record to center Margaret’s experience—restoring her voice and legacy as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unyielding hope.
In this interactive session, readers will reflect on themes of freedom, justice, and survival in historical fiction, and engage in an open discussion about the novel’s historical and emotional impact.
Headliner Session #3: Anna Rasche in Conversation with Tim Schooley (6:00–6:45)
Join acclaimed historical fiction author Anna Rasche, in conversation with Tim Schooley, for a live discussion of The Cursed Diamond, a gripping dual-timeline novel inspired by one of history’s most legendary gemstones.
Set in 1910 and 2010 New York City, The Cursed Diamond follows two women separated by a century but bound by the mysterious Midnight Diamond—a rare blue gem rumored to bring ruin to all who possess it. As past and present collide, Rasche explores ambition, obsession, and the dangerous allure of beauty and power.
Following the interview, Anna will participate in a live audience Q&A moderated by Tim Schooley.
This closing headliner session weaves together history, mystery, and the enduring pull of the past.
How Readers Can Support Authors (Beyond Buying Books) (7:00–7:45)
And Closing Celebration & Final Farewell (7:45–8:00)
Join a practical and engaging conversation exploring the many meaningful ways readers can support authors beyond purchasing books.
From libraries and book clubs to reviews, word-of-mouth, events, and community engagement, this panel brings together authors and publishing professionals to discuss how readers help sustain the literary ecosystem and keep historical fiction thriving.
Panelists include:
Grace Hagen
Brynn Barineau
Scott Duimstra
Uplifting Voices Project (Iryne Carrasquillo & Chad W. Towarnicki)
A live audience Q&A will follow the discussion.
Festival Closing Celebration & Farewell 7:45–8:00
We’ll close the festival together with final reflections, highlights from the day, and a shared farewell to celebrate the stories, conversations, and community that made this inaugural event possible.
Thank you for being part of the first History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival—stay a few moments longer as we bring the day to a close.
A Few Tips
Join each session a few minutes early.
Return to this page throughout the day to access the next Zoom meeting.
Feel free to come and go—you don't have to attend every session.
Bring your questions! Most sessions include live audience Q&A.
Need Help?
If you experience technical difficulties during the festival, please contact:
editor@historythroughfiction.com
We'll do our best to assist you as quickly as possible.