How to Write History Through Fiction
A Case Study of Booth by Karen Joy Fowler
About the Workshop
Historical fiction is an intricate genre that involves more than just creating a compelling plot and characters. It requires an abundance of historical research that must be blended seamlessly into a fictional narrative. In this virtual workshop, founder of History Through Fiction Colin Mustful will carefully examine Booth by Karen Joy Fowler, a novel that epitomizes the craft of blending well-developed characters with detailed and accurate historical context. By providing a case study of the novel, Mustful will show attendees how to elevate their craft while inviting the master herself, Karen Joy Fowler, to join the workshop for a Q&A session.
The Basics
Where: Zoom Meetings Platform
When: Friday, July 28, @ 7pm US Central Time
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost: $15
Deliverables: Complete Slideshow with Links, PDF of the course curriculum
Add-on: Get a signed copy of the novel Booth provided by Bookshop Santa Cruz
Main Parts of the Workshop
Definitions (What is History Through Fiction?)
A short discussion on important craft elements
A structural overview of the novel Booth
An examination of character and POV
Tying the Narrative Together
Conclusion - What makes it an effective and compelling narrative?
Q&A with author Karen Joy Fowler!
Other ways to attend
If you’re not available to attend the live session, you can access all of the Deliverables plus a private YouTube link of the recorded session by joining our Member-only Content Area.
Meet the Author
Karen Joy Fowler is the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels and three short story collections. Her new novel Booth published in March 2022 and was long-listed for the 2022 Booker Prize. She is the co-founder of the Otherwise Award and the current president of the Clarion Foundation (also known as Clarion San Diego). Fowler and her husband, who have two grown children and seven grandchildren, live in Santa Cruz, California. Fowler also supports a chimp named Caesar who lives at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone.
Meet Your Instructor
Colin Mustful is the founder of History Through Fiction. As a traditional publisher, he works with authors who want to share important historical stories with the world. He is also an indie author who writes about the tumultuous and complex periods of settler-colonialism and Native displacement in American history. He has an MA in history and an MFA in creative writing. He believes that learning history is vital to understanding our world today and finding just, long-lasting solutions for the future.