In Season 7, Episode 10 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Sian Ann Bessey about her novel "A Kingdom to Claim." Set in Wessex in AD 878, the story explores the lives of Aisley and Brecc amidst political turmoil. Bessey discusses her passion for historical storytelling, the challenges of weaving romance into her narratives, and the intricacies of capturing authentic historical details. She also shares insights into her writing journey and the lessons learned along the way.

In Season 7, Episode 9 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with renowned author Bernard Cornwell to explore his fascination with the Peninsular War and the art of weaving fictional characters into historical events. Cornwell shares insights into his writing journey, the evolution of his craft, and the thrill of seeing his characters come to life on screen. He discusses the lessons learned throughout his prolific career and offers advice to aspiring novelists. Tune in to discover what makes Cornwell's historical thrillers resonate with readers and how they reflect on today's world.

In Season 7, Episode 8 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Stephen E. Yoch, author of "Becoming Benedict Arnold." They explore Yoch's decision to write about Arnold after his success with "Becoming George Washington." The conversation delves into Arnold's rise in the Continental Army, his overlooked promotion, and the impact of his injury at Saratoga. Yoch discusses Arnold's lavish lifestyle in Philadelphia, his court martial, and the factors leading to his treachery. They also touch on the novel's fictional elements, Yoch's legal background, and the shared audiobook narrator. Discover a nuanced view of Arnold's legacy.

In season 7, episode 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Emily Bleeker, author of When We Chased the Light. During the interview, Bleeker talks about Vivian Snow, the main character in her new novel and a character readers met in her previous novel When We Were Enemies. Bleeker also discusses her own family history, her success and growth as an author, and her background as an actor. Don’t miss it!

In this bonus episode of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful chats with Alison Haselden, author of Wicked Dames. Alison dives into the creation of her audio drama, exploring the characters' arcs and the historical research behind the story. She shares insights into the journey from inspiration to publication, including the intricacies of audio drama production and shooting the trailer. Alison also discusses her background in acting, writing, and marketing, as well as the challenges of sharing her art. Tune in to discover her future ambitions and the unique appeal of Wicked Dames.

In season 7, episode 6 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Jillian Forsberg about her debut novel The Rhino Keeper. During the interview, Mustful chats with Forsberg her love of animals and how it inspired her to write a novel about an 18th century rhino named Clara. They also discuss Forsberg’s fascination with the 18th century, her long journey to publication, and her life outside of writing as the owner of a bridal store. Don’t miss it!

In Season 7, Episode 5 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Laura C. Rader, author of "Hatfield 1677." They discuss King Philip's War and the events in Hatfield that year. Rader shares insights into her characters—Benjamin, Martha, and Ashpelon—and her personal connection to the history. She reveals surprising discoveries from her research and the resources she relied upon. Rader also talks about the challenges of crafting and publishing a novel, her career as a teacher, and her journey to becoming a writer. Don't miss it!

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.