What’s New in Historical Fiction brings together four authors whose latest novels explore ambition, identity, power, and self-determination across strikingly different historical settings—from Harlem in the 1920s and Fordlandia in the Brazilian rainforest to early Hollywood and the court of Queen Elizabeth II. Moderated by Colin Mustful, this panel offers a wide-ranging conversation about how historical fiction illuminates the tension between public expectation and private desire, and how novelists recover the emotional lives of people navigating eras of spectacle, upheaval, and change.

Join History Through Fiction a live Zoom preorder event featuring authors Tim Schooley and Jane D. Cairns.

Taking place on Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 PM Central, this live Zoom event invites readers into two richly imagined historical worlds—one shaped by spectacle, the other by industry—each animated by deeply human questions of ambition, freedom, loyalty, and belonging.

Deep dive into narrative distance, POV choices, and techniques to strengthen your storytelling.

What’s New in Historical Fiction brings together four authors whose recent novels explore the lives of women shaped by war, displacement, ambition, secrecy, and survival. Moderated by Colin Mustful, this panel offers a wide-ranging conversation about how historical fiction gives voice to overlooked experiences and reframes familiar moments from the past.

Featured Authors and Novels:
Marthese Fenech, Eight Pointed Cross
Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru
Laura Vogt, In the Great Quiet
Natasha Lester, Chateau on Sunset

Ask the Editors is a candid, practical panel hosted by The Narrative Guild featuring Colin Mustful, Alida Winternheimer, Amanda Symes, and Robin Henry. Designed for fiction writers at any stage, this conversation will demystify the editorial process and help authors better understand what editors do, when it makes sense to hire one, how to choose the right editorial fit, and how to respond productively to feedback. 

Content Bookstore welcomes Northfield author and poet Rob Hardy in conversation with publisher Colin Mustful about the new anthology, THE BLOOD OF ENGLISHMEN. Please join us on Thursday, April 23rd at 7 pm.

Featuring authors Aube Rey Lescure, Dennard Dayle, and Deepa Anappara, this special event will explore the place of BIPOC historical fiction in today’s publishing and reading landscape. How are non-white historical narratives received by the industry and by readers? What challenges and opportunities exist for writers telling these stories? And how can we better honor BIPOC histories through powerful, authentic storytelling?

Discover how to turn historical research into engaging, narrative-driven stories.

Learn how to write historical fiction in a four-part online workshop covering character arcs, research, dual timelines, and publishing with History Through Fiction.

Put your funnel into action using proven tools and techniques to attract, engage, and convert your ideal readers.

Explore how historical fiction writers can navigate cultural appropriation responsibly while maintaining authenticity and respect.

Learn to use misbelief and subtle character “blind spots” to create tension and depth in historical fiction.

Master descriptive techniques to bring historical settings vividly to life for readers.

Learn how to transform family history into vivid, emotionally resonant historical fiction.

Learn how precise historical details bring authenticity, depth, and credibility to your fiction.

Explore the heroine’s journey and learn how to craft deeper, more transformative character arcs.

Collaborative strategies for promoting your work without burnout or going it alone.

With the in-person portion of the 2026 History Through Fiction Conference now sold out, this special Substack Live event offers a preview of the sessions, workshops, and panels available to virtual attendees.

Celebrate the launch of The Blood of Englishmen, a historical fiction anthology featuring the winners of the History Through Fiction Short Story Contest.

What’s New in Historical Fiction brings together four authors whose recent novels explore the lives of women shaped by secrecy, conflict, faith, art, and community. Moderated by Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction, this panel offers a wide-ranging conversation about how historical fiction gives voice to overlooked experiences and reframes familiar moments from the past.

Featured Authors and Novels:

• Isabelle Schuler, The House of Barbary

• Carol M. Cram, The Choir

• Kerry Chaput, The Secret Courtesan

• Molly McNett, Child of These Tears

Bring a glass, wear your slippers, and join History Through Fiction for a relaxed Friday night cover reveal.

Learn how to guide readers from discovery to purchase through a simple five-stage funnel that turns interest into lasting connection.

A practical workshop for authors who want to use Substack to build readers, share their work, and earn income sustainably.

Please join History Through Fiction, author J. E. Weiner, and narrator Scott Fleming for an exciting live event celebrating the audiobook release of The Wretched and Undone.

Learn to publish professionally as an indie author—from editing to design to distribution—while avoiding common pitfalls.

Join us for the next edition of What’s New in Historical Fiction, a live panel series celebrating powerful new historical novels and the authors who bring forgotten voices, hidden histories, and extraordinary true events to life. Moderated by Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction, this session spotlights four remarkable writers whose books explore resistance, identity, justice, and the enduring struggle for freedom across centuries and continents.

Panelists and Their Novels:

• Karla Cruise — The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu

• Vanessa Riley — Fire Sword & Sea

• Gabriella Saab — The Star Society

• Nancy Bernhard — The Double Standard Sporting House

Join us for What’s New in Historical Fiction, a panel series highlighting compelling new historical novels and the authors behind them. Moderated by Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction, this event features four authors whose stories bring history to life through romance, mystery, and suspense.

Panelists and Their Novels:

• Hannah Linder, author of The Red Cottage

• Syrie James, author of Danger at Darkmoor Park

• Vanessa Kelly, author of Murder at Donwell Abbey

• Mary Winters, author of Murder in Matrimony

Join us for a special virtual gathering with Carol M. Cram, author of The Choir (Feb. 24 release), and Karla Cruise, author of The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu (Jan. 27 release).

This is your first opportunity to meet these talented authors and hear about the inspiration, research, and creative process behind their unforgettable novels.

Join us for What’s New in Historical Fiction, a dynamic panel series celebrating bold voices and captivating new stories in the genre we love. Moderated by Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction, this event features four extraordinary authors whose novels span eras and continents, bringing to life hidden histories, untold struggles, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Panelists and Their Novels:

• Jillian Forsberg - The Porcelain Menagerie

• Kristy Cambron - The French Kitchen

• Jill G. Hall - On a Sundown Sea

• H.S. Cross - Amanda

Join us for a special virtual celebration of The Porcelain Menagerie, the new historical novel from author Jillian Forsberg and audiobook narrator Caroline Hewitt!