Announcing the History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival
There is a particular kind of pleasure that belongs to historical fiction readers. It begins with discovery. Sometimes it comes through a book passed from one reader to another. Sometimes it begins with a chance recommendation, a striking cover, a conversation about a forgotten corner of the past, or a novel that suddenly makes history feel intimate, urgent, and alive.
That spirit of discovery is what we hope to celebrate in the History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival, a free, one-day event taking place on Saturday, November 14, from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time.
This festival is designed for readers who love finding new books, exploring the past through story, and connecting with the people behind the novels they love. Over the course of the day, readers will be able to join live author conversations, participate in themed discussion rooms, attend special panels, take part in a community read, and browse a curated bookstore built around historical fiction.
More than anything, we want this to feel like a welcoming, reader-first gathering: a place where curiosity is rewarded, conversation is encouraged, and great books lead naturally to even more discovery.
A Festival Built for Readers
The History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival brings together many of the things readers value most: strong storytelling, meaningful literary conversation, and the chance to discover books that might not otherwise have crossed their path.
Throughout the day, attendees can come and go as they like. You can stay for the full schedule or drop in for one session that especially appeals to you. The festival is meant to fit your reading life rather than ask you to rearrange it completely.
What you’ll find is a full day shaped around engagement and variety. Readers can move from live author interviews to small-group reading rooms, from discussions about adaptation and literary culture to practical conversations about how readers help authors thrive. Along the way, they can also browse featured titles through our curated Bookshop.org storefront, which supports independent booksellers while helping readers find their next great read.
Three Featured Headliner Conversations
At the heart of the festival are three featured conversations with acclaimed historical fiction authors. These sessions are designed to give readers the chance to go deeper into the inspiration, research, and storytelling behind some of the season’s most compelling novels. Each includes a live interview and audience Q&A.
We’re especially excited to feature:
Gabriella Saab — The Survivors Guild
Known for her gripping and deeply human stories, Gabriella Saab writes about survival, resistance, and the complexities of history. In her headliner session, readers will hear how her latest novel continues that tradition and what drives her storytelling.
Rosa Kwon Easton — Red Seal
Bestselling author Rosa Kwon Easton brings overlooked history to life through stories of family, resilience, and identity. Her session will explore how she transforms her Korean heritage and historical research into compelling fiction.
Anna Rasche — The Cursed Diamond
Blending history with intrigue and mystery, Anna Rasche explores the darker edges of the past. Readers will discover how she builds atmosphere, tension, and unforgettable characters within richly detailed historical settings.
These conversations are central to the spirit of the day: not simply spotlighting books, but inviting readers into the deeper questions, choices, and passions behind them.
Literary Adaptation Panel: From Page to Performance
Actors and creatives will come together to explore how stories move from page to performance across film, television, stage, and audio. This conversation will look at the art of adaptation—how literary works are interpreted, transformed, and brought to life for new audiences.
Panelists will discuss character development, the challenge of honoring source material, and why some stories continue to resonate across multiple forms. The session includes live audience Q&A.
Featured panelists include:
Alison Larkin, Author, Comedian, Actress, Audiobook Narrator
E.A. Moon, Writer, Playwright, Performer
Sean Cooper, Actor, Singer, Author
Angela Page, Author, Producer, Screenwriter
Meg Hafdahl, Author, Screenwriter, Podcaster
How Readers Can Support Authors (Beyond Buying Books)
Readers do far more for books than simply purchase them, and this panel is devoted to that truth. We’ll explore the role of reviews, word-of-mouth, libraries, book clubs, and online engagement in helping books find their audience.
Featuring voices from across the literary community, this conversation offers practical, meaningful ways readers can support the authors they care about and help great stories travel farther.
Featured panelists include:
Grace Hagen, Executive Director of the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association
Brynn Barineau, Independent Author, History Through Fiction
Iryne Carrasquillo, Co-Founder, Uplifting Voices Project
Chad W. Towarnicki, Co-Founder, Uplifting Voices Project
Scott Duimstra, Director of the Hennepin County Library
Reader Discussion Rooms
Some of the best book conversations happen in smaller circles, where readers can share recommendations, compare tastes, and talk freely about the kinds of stories they return to again and again. That is the purpose of our Reader Discussion Rooms.
These relaxed, small-group conversations are organized around favorite types of historical fiction and led by conversation hosts who can help guide discussion while leaving plenty of room for readers to connect with one another.
Topics include:
War & Resistance — hosted by Tara Lynn Masih
Historical Romance & Family Saga — hosted by J. E. Weiner
Dual Timeline & Hidden Secrets — hosted by Natalie Poulson
Ancient World & Medieval — hosted by Jenny Bhatt
Regency / Victorian / Gilded Age — hosted by Katie Moody
Historical Fantasy & Reimagined History — hosted by Karima Alavi
For readers who have ever wanted to talk about the books they love with people who share that same enthusiasm, these rooms are meant to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.
A Featured Community Read
The festival will also include a live book club discussion of All Different Kinds of Free by Jessica McCann.
This community read offers readers the chance to share an experience before and during the festival, while also joining a live discussion tied to the novel. All registered attendees will receive access to the conversation, along with a special bonus from the author.
Because this is a newly released History Through Fiction title tied to an exclusive live discussion, purchases for the community read will be handled separately from the festival’s Bookshop.org storefront. All other festival browsing and featured recommendations will continue to support independent bookstores through Bookshop.org.
For readers who want to make the experience even more immersive, there will also be a limited-edition All Different Kinds of Free Community Read Box, available in both paperback and exclusive hardcover editions. Each box includes signed and story-inspired extras, including discussion questions, a letter from Jessica, Margaret’s peach cobbler recipe card, bookish reading accessories, and more. Only twenty boxes will be available.
Browse, Discover, and Support Independent Bookstores
Throughout the festival, readers will be able to explore featured titles through our curated digital bookstore on Bookshop.org.
We believe local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity, and a love of reading. Bookshop.org helps connect readers with independent booksellers around the world, and every purchase on the site financially supports those stores.
During the festival, readers will be able to browse:
headliner author titles
featured discussion picks
community read selections
curated historical fiction recommendations
In other words, the bookstore is not an afterthought. It is part of the larger experience of discovering stories, sharing enthusiasm, and supporting the literary ecosystem that helps those stories thrive.
Festival Schedule Highlights
The day begins with Welcome & Reader Roll Call from 10:30–10:55 AM Central, a chance for attendees to connect, share where they’re joining from, and talk about what they’re reading and which sessions they’re most excited for.
From there, the festival moves through a full day of programming:
11:00–11:45 AM — Headliner Session #1 featuring Gabriella Saab, moderated by J. E. Weiner
12:00–12:45 PM — Reader Discussion Rooms #1
1:00–1:45 PM — Headliner Session #2 featuring Rosa Kwon Easton
2:00–2:45 PM — Literary Adaptation: From Page to Performance
3:00–3:45 PM — Reader Discussion Rooms #2
4:00–4:45 PM — Community Read: All Different Kinds of Free with Jessica McCann, moderated by Elle Reads Library Books
5:00–6:00 PM — Dinner Break & Festival Bookstore Hour
6:00–6:45 PM — Headliner Session #3 featuring Anna Rasche, moderated by Tim Schooley
7:00–7:45 PM — How Readers Can Support Authors (Beyond Buying Books)
7:45–8:00 PM — Closing Celebration & Final Farewell
It’s a full day, but it is designed with flexibility in mind. Readers can stay for every session or join only the conversations that best match their interests.
Ready to Join Us?
The History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival is a one-day celebration of historical fiction that brings together readers and authors from around the world for a dynamic, engaging virtual experience.
If you love discovering new books, exploring the past through story, and connecting with the people behind the novels you read, this festival was built for you.
Throughout the day, you’ll experience live conversations with acclaimed historical fiction authors, interactive discussion rooms by genre and theme, panels on literary culture and adaptation, a featured community read, and a curated bookstore full of titles to browse and enjoy.
Whether you are looking for your next great read, meaningful conversation, or a deeper connection to historical storytelling, we hope you’ll join us.
Register free for full access, explore the schedule, and shop the books.
