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How to Write History Through Fiction
Mastering the Craft of Making Real History into Compelling Fiction
About the Workshop
Historical fiction is a beloved genre that captivates readers by breathing life into the past. It not only educates us about significant historical figures and events, but also stirs deep emotions through its relatable characters. But how does the author share real history while keeping the reader engaged in a fictional narrative? In this enlightening four-part virtual workshop, Colin Mustful, an esteemed author, historian, and the founder of History Through Fiction, teaches writers how to integrate historical details into novels without disrupting the fictional dream. By analyzing the work of the talented authors at History Through Fiction, Mustful identifies the elements that make a historical novel effective and engaging. Complete with writing prompts, break-out rooms, Q&A with the authors, and an add-on session about the query and publication process, How to Write History Through Fiction teaches writers how to combine their knowledge of history with the craft of fiction.
Session 1: The Dual Timeline - Using excerpts from The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg, instructor Colin Mustful will teach attendees how create an effective dual timeline historical novel. Includes a live Q&A with Jillian Forsberg.
Session 2: History Through Scenes - Using excerpts from South of Sepharad, instructor Colin Mustful will teach attendees how to engage readers in real history through use of scene writing. Includes a live Q&A with Eric Z. Weintraub.
Session 3: Authentic Emotional Depth - Using excerpts from The Aziola’s Cry by Ezra Harker Shaw, instructor Colin Mustful will teach attendees how to use clear, descriptive language to transfer deep, authentic emotion into their narratives. Includes a recorded interview with Ezra Harker Shaw.
Session 4: The Query and Publishing Process - Co-instructors Colin Mustful and Robin Henry will teach readers about the query and publication process while helping them understand the differences between independent, hybrid, and traditional methods of publishing.
The Basics
Where: Zoom Video Communications Platform
When: Wednesday, May 8, May 15, May 22, and May 29, 7pm - 8:30pm US Central Time
Length: 75–90 minutes per session
Number of Participants: Attendance will be capped at 10 participants
Cost: $75
Add-on: $25 – The 4th session, featuring information about querying and the publication process is an add-on session.
What else is included?
A free downloadable ebook copy of each of the three novels taught in class
Access to a shared Drive folder to submit assignments and share feedback
A PDF of the course curriculum and novel excerpts
Access to a recording of each session
A Historical Fiction Query Checklist (Add-on session only)
Five Elements of a Great Synopsis Checklist (Add-on session only)
Can’t attend this time? If enough people sign up for the waitlist, we’ll schedule the workshop again sometime this summer.
About Your Instructor
Colin Mustful is the founder and editor 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 independent author and historian who has published four historical novels. He has a Master or Arts degree in history and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing. Mustful is an avid runner and soccer player who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He believes that learning history is vital to understanding our world today and finding just, long-lasting solutions for the future.
Session 1 Guest Author - Jillian Forsberg
Jillian Forsberg is a historian and author with a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University. Her research on little-known historical events led her to discover the true story behind her first novel, The Rhino Keeper. In addition to being the former editor for Wichita State’s The Fairmont Folio, Jillian is an essayist whose articles have been published in academic journals. With a passion for 18th-century history, Jillian can also be found gardening, exploring antique malls, or reading every label at a museum. Vintage dresses are Jillian's clothing of choice, except when she's at the zoo. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, child, and pets. She's currently working on her second novel.
Session 2 Guest Author - Eric Z. Weintraub
Eric Z. Weintraub earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Mount St. Mary’s University where he wrote his debut novel South of Sepharad. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA, he came from a family of filmmakers, writers, and educators stirring in him a passion for storytelling from a young age. His short fiction has appeared in Tabula Rasa Review, Halfway Down the Stairs, The Rush, and elsewhere. His novella Dreams of an American Exile won the 2015 Plaza Literary Prize and was published by Black Hill Press. His short story collection The 28th Parallel was a finalist for the 2021 Flannery O’Connor Award in Short Fiction. When not writing fiction, Eric profiles true stories of complex medical cases where he works at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Session 3 Guest Author - Ezra Harker Shaw
Born in Scotland and now living in London, Dr. Ezra Harker Shaw is a non-binary writer who loves all things Gothic. While earning their PhD, Harker Shaw explored the collaborative writing of Percy Byssche Shelley and Mary Shelley, a project that led them to write The Aziola’s Cry. A celebrated performance poet, Harker Shaw regularly hosts poetry nights in London and was nominated for the Outspoken Prize for Poetry. Harker Shaw has also showcased their talent as a playwright with works such as Tolstoy Tried to Kill My Partner and The Grouchy Octopus Story, both of which were performed in London by the esteemed Pajoda Theatre Co. Possessing a profound passion for teaching, Harker Shaw often conducts university lectures and workshops with aspiring young writers. To further inspire and educate others, Harker Shaw hosts the Meliorist Writes podcast, where they provide valuable writing tips and engage in insightful interviews with fellow creatives.
Session 4 Guest Instructor - Robin Henry
Robin Henry holds an MLS (Library Science) and MA in Humanities. She is a librarian, adjunct professor of Humanities and Library Science and an independent scholar and book coach, specializing in Historical Fiction, Cozy Mysteries, and Literary Fan Fiction. She is an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach. Find out more about Certified Book Coaches. She has over 20 years of experience working with books and authors, as a reviewer, book award committee member, writing teacher and coach.
A favorite pastime is gathering friends for an animated book discussion and afternoon tea. Life is too short to read (or write) bad books!
