The books we read as children are hugely formative, shaping our tastes long after we’ve moved on to adult literature, and often drawing us back to old favourites to re-read to ourselves or future generations. It’s an opportunity and responsibility that Karen Inglis is well aware of. Karen talks about drawing inspiration from everyday life, digging beyond the moment of initial inspiration, and the importance of not preaching to or trying to teach children in fiction. The author-publisher of times...
Jun 26, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Learn the secrets of writing great historical crime fiction with Vaseem Khan, international bestseller and winner of the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Historical Dagger. Vaseem, who is also the first non-white chair of the CWA, is a fount of knowledge on creating charismatic crime-solving characters who grow over the course of a series, how to adjust when you find your carefully planned plot shifting beneath you, and challenging the often risk-averse publishing industry. He’s also...
May 29, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Research is so important to piecing together the material world of your novel. Not only are archives an important tool in helping you avoid anachronisms that can be jarring for readers, but good archival research can have a huge positive impact, helping you access primary details that make your setting and characters come alive. In this episode, Julia and Theo speak with Steve Dacus, founder of The Research Arsenal, which offers keyword searchable access to thousands of American Civil War docume...
Apr 24, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author on both sides of the Atlantic, joins Theo and Julia to talk about the processes and priorities for writers of dual-timelines. She explains how weaving back and forth between characters and eras can create mystery and allow the author to provide both light and shade in order to ensure variety in tone and mood. Having written novels set both close to home and far afield, Hazel is also eager to talk about how to find the right story for you. She explains how she fin...
Mar 27, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join bestselling novelist and writing coach Katherine Clements as she discusses the deep, human connection between reader and characters that distinguishes historical fiction from history. This episode also takes in topics including how to remain teachable as a writer, following your gut, and what a meaningful and bold writing career looks like. Those wanting more detail on this crucial topic or to learn directly from Katherine in an interactive setting can also join her upcoming masterclass of ...
Feb 09, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 2
For the first episode of season two, returning hosts Theo and Julia are joined by bestselling author of Lancelot , Camelot and the Raven and Sigurd trilogies, Giles Kristian . Although best known for writing bloodthirsty but heartfelt, lyrical tales set in the Dark Ages, the former pop star is a renaissance man. His many talents have seen him collaborate with Wilbur Smith, release the captivating contemporary thriller Where Blood Runs Cold, and put the expertise forged while working on novels in...
Jan 24, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, hosts Theo and Julia are joined by Syd Young , an author, lawyer, and longstanding participant in The History Quill’s group coaching programme. Syd's debut novel is a biographical contemporary historical fiction piece, centered around Lady Bird Johnson in the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination. Together with our hosts, she explores the unique challenges and opportunities of writing about more recent historical figures. During the conversation, Syd discusses how working with ...
Aug 22, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In today’s episode, Theo and Julia are joined by Anna Mazzola , the award-winning and bestselling author known for her captivating gothic historical novels. With a background in law as a human rights and criminal justice solicitor, Anna brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, exploring the impact of crime and injustice in her works. Throughout the conversation, Theo, Julia, and Anna discuss writing across different genres, the importance of confidence in one's own writing, and how to ba...
Jul 26, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, hosts Theo and Julia are joined by author Piper Huguley to explore the power of historical fiction in uncovering hidden narratives, and the art of crafting compelling biographical stories. Piper's dedication to writing about African American characters shines through as we delve into the lesser-known story of Ann Lowe for her historical fiction work, By Her Own Design . Listeners can expect to gain insights into the challenges and rewards of exploring and resurrecting these narr...
Jun 28, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In today’s episode, hosts Theo and Julia are joined by Octavia Randolph , author of the critically acclaimed Circle of Ceridwen Saga. With eleven books (and counting) set in 9th century England and Scandinavia during the Viking incursions, Octavia's meticulously researched and imaginatively crafted Norse sagas have gained a cult following among readers and listeners worldwide. During the conversation, Octavia shares insights into the challenges and rewards of building a community of loyal read...
May 31, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode, hosts Theo and Julia sit down with Charlotte Colwill, co-founder of the independent literary agency Colwill & Peddle , to discuss how both aspiring and established authors can find the right literary agent for them. Charlotte brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, having worked in bookselling before transitioning to the world of literary representation, where she currently represents authors of fiction, nonfiction, and children's literature. Listeners can expec...
Apr 26, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 2
For our first ever episode of The History Quill Podcast, our expert hosts (and authors in their own right) Theo Brun and Julia Kelly are joined by New York Times and International bestselling author of WW2 historical fiction and historical romance Madeline Martin . Based in sunny Florida, Madeline is a die-hard history lover with her works spanning medieval castles and Regency ballrooms. In this episode, Madeline shares why she loves writing about the WW2 period, what goes into her historical re...
Mar 29, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 1
The History Quill Podcast is all about writing and publishing historical fiction. Brought to you by The History Quill and hosted by historical fiction authors Julia Kelly and Theodore Brun, each episode features a special guest sharing their insights and experiences. Some are bestselling historical fiction authors, others are aspiring writers sharing their journey so far, and others are industry insiders and experts. We cover writing craft, research, traditional publishing, self-publishing, book...
Feb 27, 2023•2 min
