Detail by Detail: Bringing Heritage Now to the History Through Fiction Community
For some time now, I have had the privilege of engaging with many of you in my capacity as the Historical Content Specialist for History Through Fiction. In that role, my daily work has been rooted in a singular, vital mission: ensuring that the stories we tell about the past are built on a foundation of integrity. Today, I am moving that mission forward into a new chapter. I am thrilled to introduce you to Heritage Now, my independent historical research and proofreading consultancy—a venture born from the belief that the past deserves not just our attention, but our absolute precision.
The Philosophy of the "Small Thing"
There is no such thing as a "minor" detail. Whether I am examining the social rhythms of a Victorian household or the specific regulations governing trade in a medieval port, I find a unique joy in the monotonous. These details—the fabric of a sleeve, the slang of a specific decade, the layout of a village square—are the anchors of immersion.
At History Through Fiction, we champion the idea that fiction is a gateway to history. But for that gateway to hold, the craftsmanship must be sound. Heritage Now exists to provide that craftsmanship. It is a service dedicated to the "quiet work" of history: the checking, the verifying, and the deep archival digging that turns a flat timeline into a lived experience. When we get the little things right, we provide the necessary scaffolding for the big historical events to feel authentic, urgent, and real.
From Social History to Professional Practice
My approach to this new venture is deeply informed by my academic background. My BA in History & Media and my Master’s in Social History from Leeds Beckett University taught me that history is not merely a collection of dates, but a tapestry of human experiences. Social history, in particular, invites us to look at the world through the eyes of those who lived it—to understand their constraints, their material world, and their daily navigations.
Through Heritage Now, I am bringing this academic rigor to the creative world. My goal is to act as a bridge between the vast, sometimes intimidating archives and the storyteller’s desk. This isn't just about spotting anachronisms—though I do take a particular, protective pleasure in correcting a misplaced zipper or a premature turn of phrase. Rather, it is about a form of historical care. Every correction is an act of restoration, ensuring that the people of the past are represented with the respect they deserve.
Tailored Support for Your Journey
At Heritage Now, I offer a suite of services designed to support your project at every stage, from the first spark of an idea to the final polished word. This journey often begins with Brainstorming and Historical Research Planning, where we collaborate to uncover fresh angles, refine your research questions, and create a structured, personalized roadmap that ensures your project moves forward with purpose. For the research phase itself, you can choose the level of immersion that suits your needs: my Guided Historical Research provides live sessions and expert direction to help you navigate archives yourself, while my Full Historical Research offers a managed service where I uncover deep, well-documented details on your behalf. As your work takes shape, I provide a critical final eye through Historical Accuracy Checking, verifying facts and timelines to ensure your narrative is authentic and credible. Finally, my Proofreading service refines your prose, enhancing clarity and flow while meticulously preserving your unique voice.
It is important to note that while these services are designed to work together as a comprehensive ecosystem, they are entirely modular. You do not need to utilise every service to make your work the best it can be. Every project is unique, and every creator has different strengths. Perhaps you have already done the heavy lifting of the research but need a specialized eye for Accuracy Checking to ensure no anachronisms have slipped through. Or, perhaps you have a wealth of ideas but require a single Brainstorming session to find your focus. Whether you need the full spectrum of support or just one targeted intervention, my goal is to provide exactly what you need to elevate your work to its highest potential.
A Continued Commitment to Storytelling
My launch of Heritage Now does not signal a departure from the values we share here at History Through Fiction. In fact, my upcoming presentation at the History Through Fiction Conference: A Writing Revolution will dive even deeper into these themes. I will be discussing how historical accuracy—even in the most seemingly "boring" areas—is actually the ultimate tool for powerful storytelling.
When a writer and a researcher collaborate, they create a synergy that honours the complexity of the past. We move away from surface-level facts and toward a deeper, more empathetic connection with our ancestors. This is what I hope to offer through my new business: a partnership in preservation.
Looking Ahead
Launching a business is a moment of reflection. As I look back on my work with History Through Fiction and my articles for Harrogate Life, I see a consistent thread: a desire to make history both accurate and approachable. Heritage Now is the natural culmination of that thread.
I invite you to join me in this new venture. If you are a writer currently navigating the complexities of a historical manuscript, or an organization looking to ground your project in solid research, let us work together to get the details right. In an age of fast information, let us choose the radical path of slowing down, looking closer, and honouring the past, detail by detail.
I am excited to see where these stories take us.
Website: https://heritagenow.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AyCj6Hu2M/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: @heritagenowofficial
Substack: @heritagenow
If this vision of detail-driven storytelling resonates with you, I invite you to take the next step and join my upcoming workshop:
Getting the Little Things Right, So the Big Ones Can Shine
Learn how precise historical details bring authenticity, depth, and credibility to your fiction.
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern
Format: Online workshop
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. In this session, 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” can elevate your story and allow your characters’ journeys to truly resonate.
Session goals:
Highlight the importance of authentic details in historical fiction.
Share methods for researching and uncovering everyday specifics.
Demonstrate how small details enhance character arcs and major events.
