Blog
History Through Fiction Signs Brynn Barineau for Second Novel, Jungle of Ashes
We’re excited to announce the acquisition of Jungle of Ashes, the forthcoming novel by Brynn Barineau, author of Jaguars and Other Game. Set in the Amazon during the rise and fall of Henry Ford’s experimental rubber town, Fordlandia, this powerful historical novel explores the cost of empire through the eyes of a young woman caught between cultures, identities, and impossible choices.
A History of Conferences: From the Agora, to Salons, to Zoom
Historical and literary conferences have evolved from ancient Greek agoras and 17th-century salons to modern global forums. These gatherings, once informal, became structured platforms for sharing ideas, fostering collaboration, and advancing scholarship. Today, hybrid and virtual formats make them more accessible, continuing their role as vital spaces for intellectual exchange and community building.
History Through Fiction Announces Inaugural Conference Celebrating “A Writing Revolution”
History Through Fiction is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever in-person conference, the History Through Fiction Conference, taking place March 28–29, 2026, at the historic Wylie Center and Tupper Manor at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Meet the Intern: Henna Schecter
Meet History Through Fiction’s summer intern! Henna is a senior at Macalester College in St. Paul, and is majoring in English and geology.
Cover Reveal: The Porcelain Menagerie by Jillian Forsberg
We’re pleased to share the cover of Jillian Forsberg’s second novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, a companion to her debut, The Rhino Keeper, which was recently honored as a 2025 Kansas Notable Book.
Best New Historical Fiction - June 2025
Looking for your next great read? Our picks for Best New Historical Fiction – June 2025 explore untold stories, reimagined legends, and powerful perspectives—from 1940s Black Los Angeles to Civil War satire, mythological retellings, and a haunting WWII-era hotel in West Virginia. Don’t miss these standout new releases.
From First to Final Draft: What We Can Learn By Reading Draft One of South of Sepharad
Eric Z. Weintraub’s blog post explores the revision process by sharing the first draft of South of Sepharad and analyzing its evolution. He discusses challenges like finding the right opening, deepening character perspectives, and “character folding.” Weintraub emphasizes that revision is essential for improvement, encourages writers to embrace feedback, and concludes that a novel is finished when it’s published and meets the writer’s own standards for excellence.
The Rhino Keeper Named a 2025 Kansas Notable Book!
We’re thrilled to announce that The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg has been named one of the 2025 Kansas Notable Books! Selected by the State Library of Kansas, this prestigious list honors 15 outstanding titles written by Kansans or focused on Kansas-related topics.
The Collective Reader: Tracing the Evolution of Book Clubs Through Time
Book clubs began as spaces for women’s education and debate, evolving from 17th-century Bible study groups to 18th-century reading circles and 19th-century forums for women’s rights. The 20th century saw mass participation with the Book-of-the-Month Club and Oprah’s Book Club, blending social connection and intellectual growth, while expanding access to literature and fostering diverse reading communities.
Cover Reveal! The Boy with the Jade by Charles Bush
We are thrilled to reveal the stunning cover for The Boy with the Jade, the highly anticipated historical novel by Charles Bush—coming September 16, 2025, from HTF Publishing.
The Aziola’s Cry Wins Gold in Historical Fiction at 2025 IBPA Book Awards
We’re proud to announce that The Aziola’s Cry by Ezra Harker Shaw is gold winner of the 2025 IBPA Book Award for Historical Fiction!
Go On Pretending: From Stalin’s Doctors Plot to Soviet Central Television
Alina Adams post explores the creation of Dennis Kagan, a fictional Soviet media elite in the novel “Go On Pretending,” inspired by real-life Soviet propagandist Vladimir Pozner. Through Kagan’s story—shaped by personal trauma from Stalin’s Doctors Plot and cynical opportunism—the post examines Soviet media manipulation, propaganda, and shifting allegiances. Ultimately, Kagan’s character highlights how survival and self-interest often outweighed ideology in the USSR’s media landscape.
The Rhino Keeper Named a Finalist for the Midwest Book Awards
We’re thrilled to announce that The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg has been named a finalist for the 2025 Midwest Book Awards in the Historical Fiction category! Published by History Through Fiction, The Rhino Keeper is a powerful exploration of empathy and displacement set against the backdrop of 18th-century Europe—and it’s receiving well-deserved recognition.
Go On Pretending: African-Americans and the USSR
Alina Adams explores the complex relationship between African-Americans and the USSR, focusing on Paul Robeson’s admiration for Stalin and the Soviet Union’s supposed racial equality. Through her novel’s characters, Adams highlights how some African-Americans, like Robeson, overlooked Soviet atrocities in hopes of a better life, only to confront harsh realities. The story questions the cost of “going on pretending” about utopian ideals.
Best New Historical Fiction - May 2025
Happy May! From the early 20th century fashion industry to the sweeping history of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, discover our top picks for the best new historical fiction this month.
Women at War: Media Coverage Then… and Now
Explore the evolving portrayal of women in war, contrasting historical male-focused narratives with increasing recognition of women’s roles. Alina Adams highlights her novels, “My Mother’s Secret” and “Go On Pretending,” which spotlight women in underrepresented conflicts like the Spanish Civil War and Rojava Revolution. Adams critiques media coverage of women in war, noting progress yet lingering novelty in their portrayal. She advocates for equal focus on women’s experiences and contributions, akin to the treatment of men in similar contexts.
Press Release - HTF Publishing Signs Author Karla Cruise
HTF Publishing proudly signs Karla Cruise, author of The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu. This debut novel weaves history, mythology, and environmental themes into a thrilling saga about a botanical manuscript's secrets and the fight to preserve indigenous culture. Discover the power and mystery within its pages.
History Through Fiction Partners with The History Shelf!
We’re excited to announce a new chapter for our Historical Readers Club!
History Through Fiction has officially partnered with The History Shelf, a trusted and widely followed source for in-depth, thoughtful book reviews. Beginning next month, club members will enjoy exclusive written reviews from The History Shelf—available only through your membership.
Announcing our Third Annual Short Story Contest
History Through Fiction is thrilled to announce our Third Annual Short Story Contest! Writers of historical fiction—this is your chance to share your work, receive personalized editorial feedback, and potentially see your story in print.
Iron-Hand
Augustus II, known as "the Strong," was a paradoxical ruler excelling in cultural achievements but failing in war and politics. Ascending to power in Saxony and Poland, his reign saw religious tensions, military defeats, and lavish cultural projects. Inspired by Louis XIV, Augustus transformed Dresden into a Baroque masterpiece, amassing porcelain, live menageries, and taxidermy collections. Despite his cultural legacy, his reign left debts and political challenges for his successor.