Masterclass on How to Write Historical Fiction
30th September 2025
I’m so delighted to be hosting a masterclass with Emma Darwin on How to Write Historical Fiction. Emma is the bestselling author of the newsletter, This Itch of Writing, an invaluable guide to the craft of writing. Emma is also the author of prize-nominated and best selling historical novels, The Mathematics of Love and A Secret Alchemy, and the acclaimed guide Get Started in Writing Historical Fiction. She has a third historical novel out in November called, The Bruegel Boy. I’ve also written two historical novels, The Priest and the Lily and Sugar Island (as Sanjida O’Connell).
In our masterclass, How to write Historical Fiction, we’ll be discussing:
* What makes historical fiction resonate with modern readers
* How to balance research with storytelling
* Create authentic characters and dialogue
* Find the right voice for your period
* Avoid common pitfalls in the genre
* Why and how Emma set about writing a novel set in the 16th century Low Countries (the forthcoming The Bruegel Boy) – and what happened when she did.
There will be plenty of time for questions, and you’ll also get a take-home handout with tips and practical exercises to develop your own writing.
As well as writing, between us we’ve taught, mentored and advised thousands of writers – and would love to help you. Do join us!
🌿 7-9.30 pm GMT Wednesday 26 November
You can book via Luma: How to write Historical Fiction: A Masterclass with Emma Darwin and Sanjida O’Connell
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