Blog
Don’t Fear the Research: Writing Fiction as an Outsider
N.T. McQueen shares how thorough research and direct outreach to cultural insiders helped him authentically write about the Armenian Genocide. He emphasizes that diligent study and genuine engagement with the community can overcome fears of misrepresentation, leading to more authentic, accepted, and rewarding historical fiction.
Announcing the Winners of History Through Fiction’s 3rd Annual Short Story Contest!
The winners of History Through Fiction’s 3rd Annual Short Story Contest are in! Out of 110 incredible submissions, our judges have selected a grand prize winner and a runner-up whose stories captivated, surprised, and inspired. Curious who claimed the top spots—and which other historical tales made our shortlist? Click through to meet this year’s standout authors and discover the stories you won’t want to miss.
Book & Author Spotlight: The Secrets They Wrote by Jill George
What connects Victorian sensation novelist Mary Elizabeth Braddon and modernist icon Virginia Woolf? In The Secrets They Wrote, Jill George explores the daring, brilliant women behind the stories that reshaped literary history. Secrets, creativity, and courage span generations in this captivating tale of ambition, artistry, and the unbreakable bonds between women writers.
Heroes who did not surrender – Operation Anthropoid in Prague, 1942
In occupied Prague, two paratroopers struck Reinhard Heydrich, defied a citywide manhunt, and made their last stand in a flooded crypt—so a nation could rise again. This concise introduction traces the night drops of 29 Dec 1941, the ambush at Heydrich’s Curve on 27 May 1942, the Lidice massacre, and the seven-hour fight in the crypt of Sts. Cyril & Methodius. It’s a story of courage under impossible odds—and why it mattered for the restoration of Czechoslovakia after the war.
Best New Historical Fiction - November 2025
Looking for your next unforgettable read? This month’s must-reads bring history to life with romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters:
🔹 The Ivory City by Emily Bain Murphy – Step into the glittering 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where romance, intrigue, and murder collide.
🔹 I, Medusa by Ayana Gray – Experience mythology reimagined as a bold and powerful heroine claims her story with fire, heart, and haunting beauty.
🔹 Beasts of the Sea by Iida Turpeinen – A sweeping, elegiac tale spanning three centuries, exploring humanity, loss, and the fragile intersection with nature.
🔹 The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter – A tender, whimsical debut that chronicles a giant tortoise’s extraordinary life and the enduring bonds between humans and animals.
🔹 The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem – A suspenseful, heartfelt story of sisterhood and survival during the devastating 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake.
Dive into these captivating stories that transport, challenge, and inspire. 📖💫
The Wretched and Undone Comes to Life as an Audiobook
HTF Publishing announces the audiobook release of J.E. Weiner’s debut novel, The Wretched and Undone, narrated by Scott Fleming. Set in Civil War-era Texas, the story blends Southern Gothic, history, and family saga. Preorder now for a suspenseful, immersive listening experience when it launches February 5, 2026.
King Augustus the Strong: Patron, Power-Seeker, and Porcelain-Obsessed Tyrant
Jillian Forsberg’s The Porcelain Menagerie details the life of King Augustus II the Strong, a ruler famed for his physical might, political ambition, and obsession with porcelain. Forsberg’s novel reveals the king’s extravagant court, ruthless power plays, and cruelty, blending historical fact with fiction to portray a complex, dangerous world where beauty and brutality coexist.
A NOBLE CUNNING: THE COUNTESS AND THE TOWER IS NOW AVAILABLE IN AUDIOBOOK FORM
A Noble Cunning: The Countess and the Tower, the award-winning novel by Patricia Bernstein, is now available as an audiobook narrated by acclaimed voice artist Talon David. Experience the gripping true story of a Catholic noblewoman’s daring rescue from the Tower of London.
Announcing the Shortlist for the 3rd Annual Short Story Contest
The results are in! Out of 110 submissions, and 35 longlinsted titles, we’ve selected 10 stories for the shortlist of our 3rd Annual Short Story Contest.
The Case for Betty Floyd—Was She the Culper Ring’s Mysterious 355?
Peggy Wirgau’s novel, To Outwit Them All, reimagines the story of the Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution through the eyes of Betty Floyd, possibly the mysterious Agent 355. Drawing from historical research and speculation, the novel explores Betty’s potential role as a spy, her connections, and the enduring mystery surrounding her true identity and fate.
Cover Reveal: The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu and The Choir
Get ready to be captivated! We’re thrilled to reveal the stunning covers for two upcoming novels from History Through Fiction: The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu by Karla Cruise and The Choir by Carol M. Cram. These extraordinary stories, filled with resilience, mystery, and inspiration, are now available for pre-order through our exclusive Early Access program. Plus, don’t miss your chance to join a special virtual event with the authors! Pre-orders ship December 1, 2025—months before the official release. Dive into the details and secure your copies today!
Beyond the Human Gaze: What Animals Reveal in Historical Fiction
Animals in historical fiction serve as more than background—they provide fresh perspectives on human history. From War Horse’s tribute to animal sacrifice, Black Beauty’s plea for compassion, and Water for Elephants’ exploration of love amid hardship, to Animal Farm’s political allegory, these works show how animal voices reveal suffering, resilience, and truths often hidden from human eyes.
Best New Historical Fiction - October 2025
Looking for your next unforgettable read? Our October 2025 roundup of Best New Historical Fiction highlights five extraordinary novels that transport readers across time and continents, from the jungles of the Philippines and the courts of Portugal to haunted mansions in 1950s Hong Kong and the gilded halls of 18th-century Dresden. Discover sweeping tales of love, resilience, ambition, and survival—perfect for history lovers and story enthusiasts alike.
Meet the Intern: Get to know Evelyn Nygren, our fall intern and lifelong book enthusiast
We’re thrilled to welcome Evelyn Nygren as our fall intern at History Through Fiction! A recent English graduate with a passion for both publishing and storytelling, Evelyn brings a love of books that spans from Robin Hobb to Nicholas Sparks. Get to know her reading tastes, career goals, and what excites her most about joining our team.
Was there a “Rise of the Novel” in Eighteenth-Century China?
Was there a “rise of the novel” in eighteenth-century China, or was Hong Lou Meng a brilliant outlier? Discover how social and historical forces shaped the fate of the Chinese novel compared to its English counterpart.
HTF Publishing Welcomes Two New Authors: Rick Hodges and Jane D. Cairns
We’re thrilled to announce two exciting additions to the HTF Publishing roster: Rick Hodges and Jane D. Cairns, whose upcoming novels promise to captivate readers with their historical depth and unforgettable storytelling.
My Ten Favorite Historical Novels
Discover Charles Bush’s top ten favorite historical novels! The author of The Boy with the Jade, Charles shares a personal, diverse list of must-reads that span continents and centuries.
Announcing the Longlist for the 3rd Annual Short Story Contest
The results are in! Out of 110 submissions, we’ve narrowed the field to 35 stories for the longlist of our 3rd Annual Short Story Contest.
History Through Fiction Announces Prologue Day as Pre-Conference Event
History Through Fiction is excited to introduce Prologue Day, a special pre-conference virtual event taking place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This full day of panels, workshops, and presentations is exclusively available to registered attendees of the History Through Fiction Conference (in-person or virtual).
Why I Wrote a Historical Novel Set in China
Charles Bush, a white American from the Midwest, was inspired to write a historical novel set in eighteenth-century China after reading classic Chinese novels with his Chinese-American husband. Captivated by Hong Lou Meng and its protagonist Baoyu, Bush sought to retell the story with modern narrative techniques, focusing on Baoyu’s journey and making it accessible to contemporary readers.