Mastering the Craft of Turning Real History into Compelling Fiction
Historical fiction invites readers into the past—not as observers, but as participants. The challenge for writers is transforming real people, events, and research into stories that feel vivid, emotionally resonant, and narratively driven.
In this four-part virtual workshop, author, historian, and History Through Fiction founder Colin Mustful guides writers through the essential craft techniques of historical fiction. Across four sessions, participants will learn how to shape character arcs grounded in historical circumstance, mine history for story, construct effective dual timelines, and navigate the modern querying and publishing landscape.
Each session pairs focused instruction with close readings from exemplary novels published by History Through Fiction, along with live Q&A conversations with featured authors Charles Bush, Alina Adams, and Jillian Forsberg. The workshop also includes writing prompts, discussion, and opportunities for peer feedback.
Whether you’re outlining your first historical novel or revising a finished manuscript, this series is designed to help you bring history to life on the page with confidence and clarity.
First three sessions are 7pm - 8:30pm Central Time. Final session is 7pm - 8pm Central Time. All sessions will be recorded and made available to registered participants.
Mastering the Craft of Turning Real History into Compelling Fiction
Historical fiction invites readers into the past—not as observers, but as participants. The challenge for writers is transforming real people, events, and research into stories that feel vivid, emotionally resonant, and narratively driven.
In this four-part virtual workshop, author, historian, and History Through Fiction founder Colin Mustful guides writers through the essential craft techniques of historical fiction. Across four sessions, participants will learn how to shape character arcs grounded in historical circumstance, mine history for story, construct effective dual timelines, and navigate the modern querying and publishing landscape.
Each session pairs focused instruction with close readings from exemplary novels published by History Through Fiction, along with live Q&A conversations with featured authors Charles Bush, Alina Adams, and Jillian Forsberg. The workshop also includes writing prompts, discussion, and opportunities for peer feedback.
Whether you’re outlining your first historical novel or revising a finished manuscript, this series is designed to help you bring history to life on the page with confidence and clarity.
First three sessions are 7pm - 8:30pm Central Time. Final session is 7pm - 8pm Central Time. All sessions will be recorded and made available to registered participants.
Lineup
Jillian Forsberg
Colin Mustful
Alina Adams
Charles Bush
Good to know
Highlights
- Online
Refund Policy
Location
Online event
Agenda
Session 1: Building a Powerful Character Arc
Using excerpts from The Boy with the Jade by Charles Bush, Colin Mustful teaches participants how to craft meaningful character arcs that reflect both personal transformation and historical forces. Includes a live Q&A with Charles Bush.
Session 2: Using History to Write Historical Fiction
Drawing from Go On Pretending by Alina Adams, this session explores how to turn real people, places, and events into compelling narrative material while balancing accuracy and imagination. Includes a live Q&A with Alina Adams.
Session 3: Writing the Dual Timeline
Using excerpts from The Porcelain Menagerie by Jillian Forsberg, participants will learn how to structure effective dual timelines that deepen character, enrich historical context, and build narrative tension. Includes a live Q&A with Jillian Forsberg.