Season 9, Episode 8 - Jillian Forsberg
In this episode of History Through Fiction the podcast, host Colin Mustful welcomes back Jillian Forsberg to discuss her new novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, a companion to The Rhino Keeper. Jillian shares the real history behind her characters, the challenges of writing about dark truths, and the importance of artistic legacy. The conversation explores the novel’s blend of art, intrigue, and animal stories, as well as Jillian’s writing journey, her partnership with History Through Fiction, and the value of collaboration in publishing.
🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!
About the Author
Award-winning Kansas author Jillian Forsberg holds a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication and history from McPherson College.
Jillian is a regular contributor to Writer Unboxed and leads the Manuscript Matchup beta reader program through History Through Fiction.
You can find Jillian gardening, browsing the closest antique mall, or reading every label at a museum. She'll most likely be wearing vintage dresses, except when she's at the zoo.
Our newest novel, coming October 21st…
In 18th-century Dresden, ambition is as fragile as porcelain. Caught in the grip of King Augustus the Strong’s dangerous obsessions, artist Johann Kändler and handmaiden Fatima must navigate treacherous court intrigues. Their fates intertwine in a world where art, survival, and power collide under the shadow of a king’s whims.
