History Through Fiction - The Podcast

In the fourth episode of Season 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Kimberly Brock, author of The Fabled Earth. They explore the enchanting setting of Cumberland Island and the historic Dungeness mansion, delving into the inspiration behind the story. Brock discusses the development of her characters, the dual timelines of 1932 and 1959, and the challenges of intertwining these narratives. She also highlights the importance of myths and folklore in storytelling, and how her background as an actor and special needs educator influences her writing. Tune in for an insightful conversation on evocative storytelling and Southern landscapes.

In the third episode of Season 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Alix Rickloff, author of The Last Light Over Oslo. They explore the life of Florence Harriman and her role in Norway during WWII, including the German invasion and the rescue of the Norwegian Crown Princess. Rickloff delves into the character of Cleo Jaffray and her journey, balancing historical accuracy with personal drama. She discusses her research, Harriman's memoirs, and the influence of her own family history and living environment on her storytelling. Rickloff hopes readers are able to really think about when to sit on the sidelines and when to take action in difficult times.

In the second episode of Season 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful engages with author Aurélie Thiele, discussing her novel, The Paris Understudy, set in 1938 Paris and inspired by opera singer Germaine Lubin. They delve into the lives of characters Madeleine Moreau and Yvonne Chevallier, against the backdrop of pre-war France and the grand opera house central to the story. Thiele shares her journey from France to publication with Alcove Press, her experiences at Bennington Writing Seminars, and the interweaving of music, history, and fiction in her writing, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional narrative and historical depth of her work.

In the Season 7 premiere of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful chats with Madeline Martin, author of "The Booklover's Library." They delve into the life of widow Emma Taylor, exploring the legal constraints she faced in wartime Nottingham and the heart-wrenching choices of the Blitz, including pet sacrifices and sending children to safety. Martin shares insights on Emma's bond with books and introduces us to a vibrant cast of characters. She reflects on personal connections, the emotional craft of storytelling, and the significance of the novel's cover, all while celebrating literature's power to unite us.

Get ready for Season 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, launching on Monday, September 16th! We're back with a fresh roster of authors who skillfully blend historical events with captivating fiction. Tune in weekly to meet these creative minds and dive into the stories where history comes alive.

Madeline Martin opens the season with her novel The Booklover’s Library, setting the stage for a series of engaging discussions. Following her, we'll feature Aurélie Thiele, Alix Rickloff, Kimberly Brock, and many more, each sharing their unique spin on the past's untold tales. Plus, don't miss out on our special episode with Jillian Forsberg, our very own author of The Rhino Keeper, as she sheds light on the art of storytelling.

Make sure you're subscribed on your go-to podcast platform so you won't miss any of these incredible conversations. Join us weekly and let's explore the mysteries behind the pen, unearth history's hidden treasures, and get inspired by the experts of historical narrative.

Let's bring history to life, one story at a time!

Eric Weintraub will be our first guest, discussing his novel South of Sepharad. Angie Elita Newell follows with her powerful work, All I See is Violence, a story that promises to grip your heart with its intensity and depth. But that's just the beginning! We've got an entire season filled with authors like Yangsze Choo, Elizabeth R. Anderson, and Candace Simar, each bringing their unique perspective on history's untold stories. We even have historical fiction editor Jenny Quinlan who’ll be talking about how she helps authors craft their stories.

Don't miss out on conversations these fantastic conversations. Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join us every week for a new episode. Together, let's uncover the secrets behind the pen, discover history's hidden gems, and get inspired by the masters of historical storytelling.

Join us, as we bring history to life, one story at a time!

In this special bonus episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, we dive into the world of literature, business, and entertainment with the multi-talented Ciera Horton McElroy. As the CEO of Clover & Bee Communications and author of "Atomic Family," Ciera shares the intriguing literary reference that inspired her company's name and her journey from freelance writer to successful business owner.

The final episode of season 6 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast features Jill George, author of the novel A Hopeless Dawn. During the interview, host Colin Mustful chats with George about the painting that inspired her novel, what life was like for the people of Cornwall—the 19th century fishing village featured in her novel—, and the character profiles she creates before starting any novel. Don’t miss it!

Season 6, Episode 12 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast features our very own Ezra Harker Shaw, author of the novel The Aziola’s Cry: A Novel of the Shelleys. During the interview, host Colin Mustful chats with Harker Shaw about the values and ideals extolled by Mary and Percy Shelley during their lifetimes, the influence of Lord Byron on the lives and writings of the Shelleys, and the story behind the title of The Aziola’s Cry. Don’t miss it!

Season 6, Episode 11 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast features Yangsze Choo, author of the novel The Fox Wife. During the interview, host Colin Mustful chats with Choo about the mythology of the fox in east Asian culture, the tradition of detective novels in Chinese literature, and the years Choo spent writing her first manuscript that was never published. Choo also talks about the joy and challenges of narrating her own audiobook. Don’t miss it!

Season 6, Episode 10 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast features Marthese Fenech, bestselling author of historical novels set in 16th-century Malta and Turkey. During the interview, host Colin Mustful chats with Fenech about the rich history of the island country of Malta, her dedication to her craft, and the inspiration that led her to write her Knights of Malta series. Don’t miss it!