Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society, joins international bestselling authors, Ben Kane and Colin Falconer to discuss how these authors approach writing epic novels, and the challenges encountered in finding new angles to depict stories within well traversed eras of history.

Jackie Ballantyne explores how each author approaches common themes of revenge, love, betrayal, isolation and treachery from these very different perspectives.

Renee Otmar discusses Writing the Other with Rachel Bin Saleh, Tim Darcy Ellis and Indrani Ganguly why questions of representation and appropriation matter, and whether respectful research is the answer to successfully ‘writing the other’. 

Stephen Romei speaks with Pip Williams and Steven Carroll to tease out the intersections within their novels of hidden women’s histories.

HNSNA Chair Jenny Quinlan in conversation with Kate Forsyth and Kate Quinn. 

HNSA Chair Elisabeth Storrs in discussion with Geraldine Brooks.  

Geraldine Brooks’ first historical novel, Year of Wonders, has proved to be a portent of a world in lockdown. Her subsequent novels have restored or reimagined many lost histories. Elisabeth Storrs, HNSA Chair, explores the HNSA 2021 conference theme with Geraldine by discussing these award-winning books.

Kim Kelly discusses her latest novel, The Rat Catcher: A Love Story, with Greg Johnston, delving into technical decisions around Point of View and Voice, sensitivities required writing Australian History, and her long publishing history.  

Stephanie Parkyn discusses her latest novel, The Freedom of Birds with Greg Johnston, delving into research, technical decisions, and an antipodean writing about Europe. 

Felice Arena discusses with Greg Johnston his path to CYA Historical Fiction and his latest novel, The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan.  

Anita Heiss discusses her landmark and groundbreaking novel, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray—River of Dreams—shortlisted for the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize—with Greg Johnston.