History Through Fiction is launching a PODCAST! Hosted by founder and editor Colin Mustful, the podcast includes ten episodes released weekly beginning Thursday, October 1. Each episode features a historical novelist who will be talking about the craft of weaving elements of history and fiction to create engaging and enlightening stories. Notable interviews include nine time New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger and debut novelist of the New York Times bestselling novel Valentine, Elizabeth Wetmore. The podcast also features interviews with History Through Fiction’s own authors, Nancy Burkhalter and F.M. Deemyad.

October 1, 2020 – William Kent Krueger

William Kent Krueger is a nine time New York Times bestselling author. Known for his Cork O’Connor mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota, Krueger is also the author of several stand alone novels such as The Devil’s Bed and Ordinary Grace. Krueger, who grew up in Oregon and now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the recipient of numerous awards including the Minnesota Book Award and Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America for his book Ordinary Grace. His most recent novel, set in 1932 at an Indian boarding school in Central Minnesota, is titled This Tender Land.

October 8, 2020 – Stephen Yoch

Stephen E. Yoch is a Twin Cities lawyer with extensive business, transactional, and litigation experience. He graduated with honors from Boston College and the University of Minnesota Law School. When not researching and writing historical novels, he enjoys helping individuals and businesses solve complex problems while working at the wonderful Felhaber Larson firm. He is the author of the novel, Becoming George Washington and he is currently working on a new novel called, Becoming Benedict Arnold. 

October 15, 2020 – Finola Austin

Finola Austin is an England-born, Northern Ireland-raised, Brooklyn-based historical novelist. A lover of 19th century literature she has a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and English from the University of Oxford’s Merton College and a Master of Studies in English Literature from the University of Oxford’s Corpus Christi College. She is the founder of the literary blog The Secret Victorianist and she currently works as a Creative Strategist for Facebook. Her debut novel, Bronte’s Mistress, was published by Atria Books in August, 2020.

October 22, 2020 – Thomas Maltman

Thomas Maltman is a historical fiction and mystery writer who teaches in the English Department at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota. His first novel, The Night Birds, won several national awards, including an Alex Award, a Spur Award, and the Friends of American Writers Literary Award. His second novel, Little Wolves, was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award and was named a favorite mystery of 2013 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Maltman has a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. His newest novel, published by Soho Press, is titled The Land.

October 29, 2020 – Nancy Burkhalter

Dr. Nancy Burkhalter is a prolific educator and writer. A former journalist who has published and edited numerous academic and nonfiction essays and books, Burhalter now tutors students in writing, test prep, and college admission applications. She has master’s degrees in English Education and Journalism and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. As an educator overseas through the State Department, Burkhalter gained an interest in comparative education which led to her book and blog, Critical Thinking Now. Today, Burkhalter will discuss her debut novel, The Education of Delhomme: Chopin, Sand, & La France.

November 5, 2020 – Elizabeth Wetmore

Elizabeth Wetmore is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and is the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and two fellowships from the Illinois Arts Council as well as a grant from the Barbara Deming Foundation. Her fiction has appeared in Epoch, Kenyon Review, Colorado Review, Baltimore Review, Crab Orchard Review, Iowa Review, and other literary journals. A native of West Texas, Wetmore now lives and works in Chicago. She is the New York Times best-selling author of the novel, Valentine.

November 12, 2020 – Jason Lee Willis

Jason Lee Willis is a prolific author who teaches high school English, indigenous studies, creative writing, and mythology. His writing includes several novels, two short story collections, and two biblical study guides. Jason grew up in South Dakota and currently lives in Minnesota. His upcoming projects include The Alchemist’s Map, a thriller about French explorer Joseph Nicolett, and The Alchemist’s Stone, a follow-up prequel thriller about French explorer Pierre-Charles LeSueur.

November 19, 2020 – Ashley Sweeney

Ashley Sweeney is a Washington-based historical novelist whose long been enamored with underserved women’s voices. She defines her stories as Women’s adventures set in the American West. Ashley is a seasoned journalist, teacher, and community activist. She served as a VISTA volunteer in the late 1970s and continues community service today as a member of Soroptimist International, one of the largest women’s advocacy organizations in the world. Her first novel, Eliza Waite, won the 2017 Nancy Pearl Book Award. Her newest novel, which tells the story of 19 year old Ada Weeks as she travels the Oregon Trail with the ill-fated Donner party, is titled Answer Creek. 

November 24, 2020 – F.M. Deemyad

F.M. Deemyad was born in Kermanshah, Iran and grew up in Tehran where she attended bilingual schools run by Christian and Jewish minorities. This early exposure to different cultures and religions is reflected in her works and has enriched her writing. Deemyad has an M.A. in Writing from John Hopkins University. Her debut novel, The Sky Worshipers, is a fact-based historical novel that tells the story of three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland, who transform the Mongols from within after they are taken prisoners by Genghis Khan and his heirs. Deemyad currently resides with her husband in Maryland.

December 3, 2020 – Dale Swanson

Dale Swanson is an award winning published author, poet, screenwriter and playwright. His novels weave fictional events around historical facts creating a tapestry filled with accurate depictions of people from Minnesota’s past. His debut novel, The Thirty-Ninth Man, was listed by the Star Tribune as a “Best Book Read” in 2013. Additionally, Swanson has been a contributing writer to magazines and various publications. Finally, he is the author of a middle grade fiction book titled The Wild Ways: Mystery of the Hanging Tower, and most recently he has authored a memoir titled Simpler Times.