Intern Ian Tan shares another rest journal about reading for leisure, and finishing the cozy fantasy book he got over Christmas. Aware that some people may wonder what this has to do with history, he reminds readers that when writing historical fiction, capturing accurate history is only half the secret. A story has to feel real, human, inviting, and for that, one must understand the craft and heart of writing. This can be done mostly by actually sitting down to write, but also by reading generously

Ian shares about returning to a couple of old story concepts that he once put away for now, and finding renewed animation in exploring them again. As this prompted him to research for these old ideas once again, he coyly reveals some of his search history, and ponders the idea of sharing the premise one day… once he has something tangible. Ian asks HTF blog readers if anyone has recently resurfaced any old ideas of theirs, encouraging them to try it if they haven’t before. The reinvigorated joy might just be worth it!

This week, Ian Tan shares about returning to a rusty practice: Observing the Sabbath. Open about how slow-going and uneventful it was, he bares the question of how many of us observe spiritual or faith-based ways to relax and recharge, and encourages everyone to recognize the richness within the history of religion, and the role it has played in shaping our cultures, our economies, our arts, our lives.

Ian muses on the recently passed Writing Conference by History Through Fiction, lamenting that he could not be present physically. He looks forward to slowly accessing the trove of incredible resources and presentations recorded by HTF, but counsels against wanting to consume them at great speed to one’s detriment. Taking things slow and measuredly goes with the spirit of rest for a busy, busy researcher

HTF Publishing is thrilled to announce the signing of award-winning author Barbara Marshak for her sixth novel, The Last Fugitive. Inspired by a real-life story of accountability, redemption, and the choices that shape our lives, this chilling mystery-thriller explores how far someone will go to face the past—and at what cost.

Discover more about Marshak, her inspiration, and what to expect from this highly anticipated release

For this week’s rest journal, Ian Tan decided to go the good ol’ fashioned route of touching grass and getting some outdoors time, as hundreds and thousands of people would do before the Internet, before the 21st century. He went, not to the mall or the movies, but a childhood park where he imagined dinosaurs like he used to, and decompressed in nostalgia.

Historical writers, if you are going through a writing block, or research is making you want to tug your hair out, perhaps a good old grass-touching is needed. Bring a book if you must read, or pen and paper if you must write.

In this weekly series A researcher’s rest journal, intern Ian Tan managed to insert a lull in between endless research to get some long-awaited writing done. Sometimes, a break from relentless time scouring e-library textbooks and Reddit discussions is simply that - time set aside to write!

What did he write though? Find out in the post! And more importantly, what have you been writing lately?

How often do we historical writers rest in a way that isn’t in some way productive, but solely indulgent? In this week’s journal entry, Ian Tan shares about his first time watching the Pirates of the Caribbean series and his latest favorite movie Rango, and how recharging it can occasionally be to just watch movies.

He also shares about buying more books (historical fiction, you got it), and drops some impressive titles that you might want to check out, if you have not heard of them. From new movies to new books, sometimes we just need to indulge some freshness before we get back to our routine.

How do you indulge?