Blog
A Crown Divided
Grace E. Turton's blog post, A Crown Divided, explores the enduring religious divisions in Britain, rooted in the English Reformation under Henry VIII. It examines the political and social consequences of shifting religious policies through the Tudor and Stuart reigns, highlighting key events like the Reformation, Elizabeth I's Religious Settlement, and the Glorious Revolution. These divisions shaped British history, with lasting impacts still evident today.
Introducing HTF Romance and HTF Fantasy
Exciting news from History Through Fiction! We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new imprints, HTF Romance and HTF Fantasy. Dive into captivating stories that blend historical authenticity with imaginative storytelling. Submissions are open year-round.
Best New Historical Fiction - April 2025
March into history with our top picks for new historical fiction! This month, explore tales that span from the Dust Bowl to the Civil War, each weaving unforgettable stories of resilience, love, and intrigue. Discover how these narratives echo with warnings and hopes for our world today.
Press Release - Forsberg Named Community Engagement and Development Lead
History Through Fiction is excited to announce Jillian Forsberg as the new Community Engagement and Development Lead. A historian, author, and passionate advocate for historical storytelling, Jillian will play a key role in growing the Manuscript Matchup Beta Reader Program and fostering a collaborative environment for authors and readers.
Honky-Tonk Heaven: Bandera, Texas
Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon in Bandera, Texas, embodies the spirit of Texas Hill Country, country music, and Western culture. Established in the 1920s, it became a hub for honky-tonk music under Arkey Juenke in 1968. Hosting legends like Willie Nelson and George Strait, its rustic charm, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere make it a timeless haven for music lovers and cowboys alike.
Cowboys and Camels?
The U.S. Army Camel Corps experiment at Camp Verde, Texas, introduced camels to the American West in the mid-1800s to address challenges of westward expansion. Despite their transport efficiency, camels were unpopular due to their smell and behavior. The Civil War ended the experiment, but the camels’ legacy includes wild herds, historical inspiration, and the enduring legend of the ghostly “Red Ghost.”
The Pioneer Women of Bandera, Texas: Inspiration for The Wretched and Undone by J. E. Weiner
"The Pioneer Women of Bandera, Texas: Inspiration for The Wretched and Undone by J. E. Weiner" highlights the courageous women who defied traditional roles to shape the American West. Drawing from J. Marvin Hunter's 1922 oral histories, it features stories of women like Constantina Adamietz and Martha "Mattie" Jones, who faced hardships, fear, and isolation but also found moments of joy. These narratives inspired characters in Weiner's novel, honoring the resilience of Bandera's pioneer women.
Announcing the Next Round of Manuscript Matchup: April - June 2025
Join the Manuscript Matchup from April to June 2025, hosted by History Through Fiction. Connect with fellow writers, receive invaluable feedback, and enhance your manuscript. Even without a manuscript, apply to be a beta reader. Don't miss this chance for growth and community.
Boots on the Ground: Researching Historical Fiction IRL
In "Boots on the Ground: Researching Historical Fiction IRL," Valerie Nieman shares her immersive journey through Scotland to authentically capture the setting for her novel, "Upon the Corner of the Moon." By hiking the Highlands and engaging with locals, she enriched her storytelling with vivid details and historical insights, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of firsthand experience in writing historical fiction.
Best New Historical Fiction - March 2025
March into history with our top picks for new historical fiction! This month, explore tales that span from the Dust Bowl to the Civil War, each weaving unforgettable stories of resilience, love, and intrigue. Discover how these narratives echo with warnings and hopes for our world today.
The Rise and Fall of the USSR
Grace E. Turton's article explores the rise and fall of the USSR, highlighting Joseph Stalin's pivotal role. Stalin's leadership was marked by power struggles, brutal policies, and the implementation of Five-Year Plans. His reign led to significant events like the Great Terror, World War II, and the Cold War. Ultimately, Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms and the USSR's economic struggles contributed to its dissolution in 1991.
The Origins of the USSR
Grace E. Turton's article "The Origins of the USSR" explores the formation of the USSR, highlighting key figures like Lenin and Trotsky, who built on Marx and Engels' ideas. The article traces the downfall of Tsarist Russia, catalyzed by military defeats and social unrest, leading to the 1917 revolutions. Lenin's Bolsheviks eventually seized power, establishing a communist regime. The Russian Civil War solidified Bolshevik control, culminating in the creation of the USSR, setting the stage for Stalin's rise.
Announcing the Historical Readers Club
Unlock the world of historical fiction with the Historical Readers Club, brought to you by History Through Fiction. For just $12 a year, enjoy exclusive content crafted by talented authors, blending fact and fiction for both entertainment and education. Members gain…
Meet the Intern: Zipporah. K.
Simple intelligent girls win, am I right? Hi, I’m Zipporah Kuteesa (Zee), a writer and advocate with a First Class degree in Mass Communication. I write stories and blogs that put bullies to shame and manage projects for Mercy Hands Uganda. A bully hates to see me coming!
Harrison Hurst on Ibrahim ibn Yaqub and his award-winning story “The Dog Star"
This interview with Harrison Hurst explores Ibrahim ibn Yaqub, a 10th-century Sephardic Jewish explorer, and his influence on Hurst’s story "The Dog Star." The narrative follows Yaqub's trade endeavors in Hedeby, blending historical accounts with fiction. Hurst emphasizes authenticity and historical accuracy in storytelling. As a historian and writer, he aims to create meaningful art.
Best New Historical Fiction - February 2025
Dive into February's best historical fiction picks, where tales of courage, love, and resilience await. From WWII Germany to the Civil War, these stories promise to captivate and inspire. Discover the powerful narratives that will transport you across time and place, leaving you both moved and enlightened.
Restoring Women’s Voices through Historical Fiction: The Beecher-Tilton Scandal as Told by Elizabeth
Barbara Southard explores the Beecher-Tilton scandal, focusing on Elizabeth Tilton's perspective. Initially overlooked, Elizabeth's story reveals the gender inequalities of her time. Inspired by Elizabeth's personal letters, Southard aims to write a novel portraying her as a complex figure navigating societal constraints, highlighting her resilience and nuanced understanding of her lovers amidst public scandal.
Mary Queen of Scots, ‘In my end, is my beginning’
Mary Queen of Scots' life was a dramatic tale of political intrigue, religious conflict, and personal challenges. From becoming queen as an infant to navigating tumultuous marriages and complex relationships with powerful figures like Queen Elizabeth I, Mary's story is filled with twists and turns. Her eventual downfall and execution left a lasting legacy on history.
Grace E. Turton Joins History Through Fiction
History Through Fiction is thrilled to announce the signing of Grace E. Turton as our new Historical Content Specialist. Grace joins us with a rich background in history and media, bringing her expertise and passion for storytelling to our team.
Cover Reveal and Pre-Order for An End of Troubles Anthology
We are excited to announce the cover reveal for An End of Troubles, our latest anthology featuring ten award-winning stories. Designed by Mel Nigro, the cover draws inspiration from Hilary Coyne's story about Mary Queen of Scots. This collection explores themes of empowerment and resilience, offering unique glimpses into history. Pre-order your copy today and join us for an exclusive Zoom panel on January 15, 2025, to meet the authors and delve into their creative journeys.