History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival
A day to discover your next favorite historical novel—and the stories behind it.
Saturday, November 14, 10:45am - 8:00pm Eastern Time
Headline Authors
At the heart of the festival are three featured conversations with acclaimed historical fiction authors. These headliner sessions offer readers the opportunity to go deeper—exploring the inspiration, research, and storytelling behind some of the most anticipated novels of the season. Each session includes a live interview and audience Q&A.
Gabriella Saab
THE SURVIVORS GUILD
Known for her gripping and deeply human stories, Gabriella Saab writes about survival, resistance, and the complexities of history. Hear how her latest novel continues that tradition and what drives her storytelling.
Anna Rasche
THE CURSED DIAMOND
Blending history with intrigue and mystery, Anna Rasche explores the darker edges of the past. Discover how she builds atmosphere, tension, and unforgettable characters within richly detailed historical settings.
Rosa Kwon Easton
RED SEAL
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.
Reader Focussed Panels
Literary Adaptation Panel: From Page to Performance
Actors and creatives come together to explore how stories move from page to performance across film, television, stage, and audio. This engaging conversation looks at the art of adaptation—how literary works are interpreted, transformed, and brought to life for new audiences.
Panelists will discuss character development, the challenges of honoring source material, and why certain stories continue to resonate across mediums. Includes live audience Q&A.
How Readers Can Support Authors (Beyond Buying Books)
Discover the many ways readers can support authors beyond simply purchasing their books. This reader-focused panel explores how reviews, word-of-mouth, libraries, book clubs, and online engagement all play a vital role in an author’s success.
Featuring voices from across the literary community, this conversation offers simple, meaningful ways to champion the books you love and help them reach a wider audience. Includes live audience Q&A.
Reader Discussion Rooms
Join fellow readers for relaxed, small-group conversations centered on your favorite types of historical fiction. Drop into themed rooms, share recommendations, and connect with others who love the same stories.
Topics include:
War & Resistance
Historical Romance & Family Saga
Dual Timeline & Hidden Secrets
Ancient World & Medieval
Regency / Victorian / Gilded Age
Historical Fantasy & Reimagined History
How the Festival Works
1. Register Free
Sign up once to receive the full schedule and all session links.
A free, one-day virtual event you can join from anywhere.
2. Join Live Sessions
Attend author talks, panels, and discussions throughout the day on Zoom.
3. Explore & Participate
Move between sessions, join reading rooms, and discover new books.
Join Author Conversations
Live interviews and Q&A with featured writers
Participate in Reading Rooms
Small-group discussions by genre and theme
Browse the Festival Bookstore
Discover and purchase curated titles
Attend Special Panels
Conversations on storytelling, books, and adaptation
Join the Community Read
Exclusive book club discussion with the author
Featured Books
Featured Community Read
Join a live book club discussion of All Different Kinds of Free by Jessica McCann.
Purchase the book, submit your confirmation, and receive access to this special session—plus a bonus from the author.
Come and Go as You Like
Stay for the full day or drop in for a single session—this is a relaxed, reader-first event designed to fit your schedule.
Ready to Join Us?
Join us for a one-day celebration of historical fiction, bringing together readers and authors from around the world for a dynamic, engaging virtual experience.
The History Through Fiction Virtual Book Festival is designed for readers who love discovering new books, exploring the past through story, and connecting with the people behind the novels they love.
Throughout the day, you’ll experience:
Live conversations with acclaimed historical fiction authors
Interactive reader discussion rooms by genre and theme
Panels on literary culture, storytelling, and adaptation
A featured community read and live book club discussion
A curated digital bookstore to browse and shop
Whether you’re looking for your next great read, meaningful conversation, or a deeper connection to historical storytelling, this festival is built for you.
Festival Schedule
Welcome & Reader Roll Call
10:40–10:55 AM
Kick off the festival by connecting with fellow readers.
Where are you joining from? What are you reading? Which session are you most excited for?
Headliner Session #1
11:00–11:45 AM
Featuring: [Headliner Name]
Live author conversation with audience Q&A.
Reader Discussion Rooms #1
12:00–12:45 PM
Small-group breakout conversations with guided discussion hosts.
Topics include:
• War & Resistance
• Historical Romance & Family Saga
• Dual Timeline & Hidden Secrets
Headliner Session #2
1:00–1:45 PM
Featuring: [Headliner Name]
Live author conversation with audience Q&A.
Literary Adaptation: From Page to Performance
2:00–2:45 PM
Panelists: [Name], [Name], [Name]
A conversation with actors and creatives exploring how stories are adapted for screen, stage, and audio.
Reader Discussion Rooms #2
3:00–3:45 PM
Small-group breakout conversations with guided discussion hosts.
Topics include:
• Ancient World & Medieval
• Regency / Victorian / Gilded Age
• Historical Fantasy & Reimagined History
Community Read
4:00–4:45 PM
All Different Kinds of Free — Jessica McCann
Live book club discussion with readers and moderator [Name].
Dinner Break & Festival Bookstore Hour
5:00–6:00 PM
Take a break and explore curated historical fiction titles via Bookshop.org.
Headliner Session #3
6:00–6:45 PM
Featuring: [Headliner Name]
Live author conversation with audience Q&A.
How Readers Can Support Authors (Beyond Buying Books)
7:00–7:45 PM
Panelists: [Name], [Name], [Name]
A practical conversation on how readers can support authors through reviews, libraries, book clubs, and community engagement.
Closing Celebration
7:45–8:00 PM
Final reflections, key takeaways, and festival send-off.
Festival Bookstore
(Supporting Independent Booksellers)
Throughout the festival, you’ll be able to explore and purchase featured titles through our curated Bookshop.org storefront.
Bookshop.org works to connect readers with independent booksellers all over the world. We believe local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity, and a love of reading, and we’re committed to helping them thrive.
Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. Our platform gives independent booksellers the tools to compete online while continuing to serve their local communities.
During the festival, we’ll highlight:
Headliner author titles
Featured discussion picks
Community read selections
Curated historical fiction recommendations
Browse, discover, and support independent bookstores while finding your next great read.