HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY AUSTRALASIA
MELBOURNE CONFERENCE
HELD ON 8th – 10th SEPTEMBER 2017
IDENTITY: ORIGINS AND DIASPORA
Conference Programme: Click to Download PDF
Read about the 2017 academic program
See the workshops offered
See the list of speakers
Opening Night Reception
Quick Overview:
5.30 pm for 6.00 pm – HISTORY WITH A TWIST COCKTAILS
6.45 pm – WELCOME ADDRESSES
7.00 pm – CELEBRATION OF KATE FORSYTH’S BEAUTY IN THORNS
7.45 pm – IDENTITY: ORIGINS & DIASPORA ROUND TABLE
Saturday Programme – Stream 1
Please note there are two streams running in parallel
8.15 am – Doors and Registration Open
9.00 – 9.45 am Session One – Welcome & Key Note Address
9.45 – 10.45 am Session Two – Personal Histories: In Conversation with Kerry Greenwood
10.45 – 11.15 am Morning tea and Book Signings
11.15 – 12.15 pm Session Three – First Encounters and Our Colonial Past
12.15 – 1.15 pm Session Four – Immigrant Stories and Diaspora: How Pioneers Adapt and Survive in their New Land
1.15 – 2.15 pm Lunch and Book Signings
2.15 – 3.15 pm Session Five – Venturing Forth: Exploring Stories beyond National Boundaries and Australasian History
3.15 – 3.35 pm Afternoon Tea and Book Signings
3.35 – 5.00 pm Session Six – At First Glance: Initial Words that Attract a Publisher’s Attention
5.00 pm Saturday Stream 1 Closes
Saturday Programme – Stream 2
Please note there are two streams running in parallel.
Limited space is available for Stream 2 sessions.
Seats will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Commences at 11:15 am
11.15 – 12.15 pm Session Three – How to Transmute Research into Compelling Historical Fiction
12.15 – 1.15 pm Session Four – Worlds at War: The Appeal of 20th Century Historical Fiction
1.15 – 2.15 pm Lunch and Book Signings
2.15 – 3.15 pm Session Five – The Outlander Effect: Parallel Narratives and Time Travelling
Saturday Stream 2 Closes
Sunday Programme – Stream 1
Please note there are two streams running in parallel
8.15 am Doors and Registration Open
9.00 – 10.00 am Session One – Personal Histories: In Conversation with Kate Forsyth and Deborah Challinor
10.00 – 11.00 am Session Two – Historical Whodunits: Solving Clues across the Centuries
11.00 – 11.30 am Morning tea and Book Signings
11.30 – 12.30 pm Session Three – Personal Histories: In Conversation with Sophie Masson and Lucy Treloar
12.30 – 1.30 pm Session Four – The Long Haul: Writing Successful Series and Multiple Books
1.30 – 2.30 pm Lunch and Book Signings
2.30 – 3.30 pm Session Five – Pathways to Publication: What do Agents and Publishers Look for in Historical Fiction?
3.30 – 3.50 pm Afternoon Tea and Book Signings
3.50 – 4.50 pm Session Six – Outside the Comfort zone: Sex Scenes and Violence – What Authors Dread or Relish?
4.50 pm Sunday Stream 1 Closes
Conference Ends
Sunday Programme – Stream 2
Please note there are two streams running in parallel
Limited space is available for Stream 2 sessions.
Seats will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
9.00 – 10.00 am Session One – Children and Young Adult Fiction: How Difficult Can It Be? Is Writing Fiction for Children and Young Adults an Easy Option?
10.00 – 11.00 am Session Two – The Modern Voice in Historical Fiction
11.00 – 11.30 am Morning tea and Book Signings
11.30 – 12.30 pm Session Three – A Rose by Any Other Name: What’s the Difference between Historical Romance and an Historical Love Story?
12.30 – 1.30 pm Session Four – Authenticity or Truth? Does the history in an historical novel need to be accurate?
1:30 pm Sunday Stream 2 Closes
Friday 8th September 2017
Opening Night Reception
Join us as we officially launch the HNSA 2017 Conference. Meet other attendees as canapés and drinks are served then enjoy our programme.
Time
5.30 pm for 6.00 pm
HISTORY WITH A TWIST COCKTAILS
Venue
Skylounge, Level 3, AMDC Building
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn Campus
6.45 pm – WELCOME ADDRESS
Welcome addresses by Elisabeth Storrs (HNSA Co-founder) and Sophie Masson (HNSA 2017 Conference Patron)
7.00 pm – CELEBRATION OF KATE FORSYTH’S BEAUTY IN THORNS
Celebrate Kate Forsyth’s new release, Beauty in Thorns, with the chance to win prizes including a 1:1 Skype session for yourself or your book club with Kate.
7.45 pm – IDENTITY: ORIGINS & DIASPORA ROUND TABLE
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
Enjoy a lively round table discussion hosted by Nicolas Brasch talking to Arnold Zable, Hanifa Deen, Ngahuia te Awekotuku, Lisa Chaplin and Gary Crew as they consider the role of the historical novelist in exploring first encounters in Australia and New Zealand’s colonial pasts, the migrant experience underlying our nations’ multicultural identities, and whether an author’s origins are relevant to the story telling.
Tickets to the opening night reception and round table must be purchased prior to the event.
Saturday 9th September 2017
Saturday Programme
Please note there are two streams running in parallel
Stream 1 – Auditorium AMDC301
Time
8.15 am
Doors and Registration Open
Venue
STREAM 1 – AUDITORIUM AMDC301
Level 3, AMDC Building
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn Campus
9.00 – 9.45 am Session One
Welcome to Country
Welcome Address by HNSA’s Patron, Kate Forsyth
Keynote Address by Lesley Williams
How the national identities of Australia and New Zealand have been moulded from stories of origin, diaspora and the clash of cultures.
9.45 – 10.45 am Session Two
Personal Histories: In Conversation with Kerry Greenwood
What inspires authors to write historical fiction? Join Jackie Ballantyne in conversation with our guest author, Kerry Greenwood, to discover insights into her novels, her writing processes, the TV adaptation of her Phryne Fisher Mysteries, and other aspects of her stellar career.
10.45 – 11.15 am Morning tea and Book Signings
11.15 – 12.15 pm Session Three
First Encounters and Our Colonial Past
How do historical novelists approach researching and writing colonial and convict pasts? What particular challenges must be faced in portraying the meeting of First Peoples with Europeans? Lucy Treloar, Deborah Challinor, Andrew Peters and Nicole Alexander discuss these issues with Josie Arnold.
12.15 – 1.15 pm Session Four
Immigrant Stories and Diaspora: How Pioneers Adapt and Survive in their New Land
Immigrants have helped build our multicultural nations over many generations. Hanifa Deen explores how Maxine Alterio, Arnold Zable, Vicky Adin and Kim Kelly breathe life into tales of prejudice, hardship, homesickness and adaptation.
1.15 – 2.15 pm Lunch and Book Signings
2.15 – 3.15 pm Session Five
Venturing Forth: Exploring Stories beyond National Boundaries and Australasian History
Kelly Gardiner discusses with Robyn Cadwallader, Natasha Lester, GS Johnston and Elisabeth Storrs why some authors prefer to discover worlds beyond their native shores and ancestral history.
3.15 – 3.35 pm Afternoon Tea and Book Signings
3.35 – 5.00 pm Session Six
At First Glance: Initial Words that Attract a Publisher’s Attention
Come and hear ‘first page’ pitches of aspiring authors to industry experts who will provide a critique of chosen submissions. The session will also provide other attendees with a chance to learn what attracts the attention of agents and publishers when seeking new historical fiction. Entrants will remain anonymous other than the winner.
Our judges are Alison Green (Pantera Press), Sophie Masson (Eagle Books), Mandy Brett (Text Publishing). Rachel Nightingale will act as narrator.
For submission details, click here.
5.00 pm Saturday Stream 1 Closes
Saturday 9th September 2017
Saturday Programme
Please note there are two streams running in parallel
Stream 2 – Level 5, Rooms AMDC501 & AMDC502
Time
Commences at 11:15 am
Venue
STREAM 2 – Level 5,
Rooms AMDC501 & AMDC502
AMDC Building
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn Campus
Limited space is available for Stream 2 sessions.
Seats will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
11.15 – 12.15 pm Session Three
How to Transmute Research into Compelling Historical Fiction
A passion for research doesn’t always translate into creating compelling fiction. Gillian Polack discusses the challenges of converting historical facts into page turning novels with Wendy J Dunn, Barbara Gaskell Denvil, Stephanie Smee and Rachel Nightingale.
12.15 – 1.15 pm Session Four
Worlds at War: The Appeal of 20th Century Historical Fiction
The history of the early to mid-20th century now falls within the definition of ‘historical fiction’. Why do novels depicting the great conflicts of modern times hold such fascination? And has war fiction replaced Tudor fiction as ‘the favourite flavour’ for readers and publishers? Julian Novitz discusses these questions with Paddy Richardson, Elise McCune, Justin Sheedy and Pamela Hart.
1.15 – 2.15 pm Lunch and Book Signings
2.15-3.15 pm Session Five
The Outlander Effect: Parallel Narratives and Time Travelling
The success of the Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series has inspired authors to delve into the lives of characters through parallel narratives, fantasy and cracks in time. Ella Carey, Belinda Murrell, Gary Crew and Felicity Pulman discuss with Catherine Padmore the challenges of interweaving the tales of two or more protagonists from different periods into their plotlines and themes.
3:15 pm Saturday Stream 2 Closes
Sunday 10th September 2017
Sunday Programme
Please note there are two streams running in parallel
Stream 1 – AUDITORIUM AMDC301
Time
8.15 am Doors and Registration Open
Venue
STREAM 1 – Auditorium AMDC301
Level 3, AMDC Building
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn Campus
9.00 – 10.00 am Session One
Personal Histories: In Conversation with Kate Forsyth and Deborah Challinor
What attracted Kate Forsyth to delve into adult historical fiction after writing acclaimed fantasy novels for children and young adults? And where did Deborah Challinor obtain the inspiration for her three historical series, numerous standalone novels, and non-fiction books? Join Josie Arnold in learning the answers and more as she investigates these story tellers’ own histories.
10.00 – 11.00 am Session Two
Historical Whodunits: Solving Clues across the Centuries
Historical mysteries are hugely popular. Why are readers attracted to the addition of history to murder and mayhem? What challenges do writers encounter when creating detectives who lack modern crime kits? Kelly Gardiner asks Sulari Gentill, Robert Gott, Meg Keneally and Gary Corby what ingredients they use to keep their readers guessing to the very last page.
11.00 – 11.30 am Morning tea and Book Signings
11.30 – 12.30 pm Session Three
Personal Histories: In Conversation with Sophie Masson and Lucy Treloar
Award winning author, Sophie Masson, has more than 50 novels published in Australia and internationally. What drives her passion for writing and love of history? Lucy Treloar has recently published her debut novel to a whirlwind of local and international critical acclaim. How has she dealt with this new found fame and what does she think attracts readers and critics to her writing? Jackie Ballantyne will explore the personal stories behind these experienced and ‘newbie’ novelists.
12.30 – 1.30 pm Session Four
The Long Haul: Writing Successful Series and Multiple Books
Juliet Marillier is the author of 6 historical fantasy series and has a total of 21 books to her name. Libby Hathorn has written over 60 Children and Young Adult (CYA) books which include historical novels among them. Anne Gracie has written 3 series, 20 novels and four novellas. How do these novelists maintain momentum? And what keeps the spark of inspiration from being doused? Catherine Padmore explores the stories behind these award winning authors.
1.30 – 2.30 pm Lunch and Book Signings
2.30 – 3.30 pm Session Five
Pathways to Publication: What do Agents and Publishers Look for in Historical Fiction?
What are the expectations of publishers and agents when assessing the manuscripts of aspiring historical novelists? Publisher Lindy Cameron (Clan Destine Press) talks to agent, Clare Forster (Curtis Brown) and publishers Alison Green (Pantera Press) and Mandy Brett (Text Publishing) about the preparation needed to take your first step onto the pathway to publication.
3.30 – 3.50 pm Afternoon Tea and Book Signings
3.50 – 4.50 pm Session Six
Outside the Comfort zone: Sex Scenes and Violence – What Authors Dread or Relish?
Back by popular demand Kate Forsyth, Anna Campbell and Luke Devenish will break down closed bedroom doors and read their racier scenes. They will also tackle the topic of writing sex scenes and violence ‘outside the comfort zone’.
4.50 pm Sunday Stream 1 Closes
Conference Ends
Sunday 10th September 2017
Sunday Programme
Please note there are two streams running in parallel
Stream 2 – Level 5, Rooms AMDC501 & AMDC502
Time
Commences 9:00 am
Venue
STREAM 2 – Level 5, Rooms AMDC501 & AMDC502
AMDC Building
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn Campus
Limited space is available for Stream 2 sessions.
Seats will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
9.00 – 10.00 am Session One
Children and Young Adult Fiction: How Difficult Can It Be? Is Writing Fiction for Children and Young Adults an Easy Option?
Writing historical fiction for children and young adults (CYA) takes skills that are often underrated. Gabrielle Wang, Wendy Orr, Pamela Rushby and Alan Tucker discuss with Felicity Pulman why CYA novels pose challenges not faced by authors of adult historical fiction.
10.00 – 11.00 am Session Two
The Modern Voice in Historical Fiction
Writing styles have altered over the years. Should an historical novelist cater for the tastes of 21st Century readers by introducing modern expressions and dialogue in their novels? Is it valid to introduce current sensibilities to characters who would otherwise have been constrained by their own societies? Authors Kate Mildenhall, Melissa Ashley, Greg Pyers and Luke Devenish discuss with Eleanor Limprecht how historical novels have changed over time, and how they approach writing authentic characters true to their period.
11.00 – 11.30 am Morning tea and Book Signings
11.30 – 12.30 pm Session Three
A Rose by Any Other Name: What’s the Difference between Historical Romance and an Historical Love Story?
Booksellers and publishers are called upon to categorise books for ease of selection. But aren’t historical romance and historical love stories the same? Do readers care about the pigeon holing of books into sub-genres? And if it’s necessary, what is required to establish the difference when writing a book? Elisabeth Storrs discusses these concepts with Isolde Martyn, Alison Stuart, Lisa Chaplin and Anna Campbell.
12.30 – 1.30 pm Session Four
Authenticity or Truth? Does the history in an historical novel need to be accurate?
History forms the basis of an historical novel but is the book less valid if the author ‘bends’ history to fit the plot? Should facts be strictly followed or merely form the backbone of a novel? Is accuracy rather than authenticity the standard to which historical novelists must be held? Ngahuia te Awekotuku teases out the answers to these questions and ponders whether history is ever truthful with Kay Crabbe, Kathryn Gauci, Tim Griffiths and Pamela Hart.
1:30 pm Sunday Stream 2 Closes
Super Session Workshop Programme
Purchase of a weekend conference or day ticket is a precondition
to booking a Super Session Workshop
Purchase of a Super Session Workshop ticket entitles the registrant
entry into a draw for a $100 Dymocks Gift Card
Level 5, Rooms AMDC504, AMDC505 & AMDC506
Venue
AMDC Building
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn Campus
HNSA is conducting a suite of super session workshops taught by successful authors and top rate tutors. These run concurrently to Streams 1 & 2 and cost $20 pp in addition to the purchase of a weekend conference or day ticket. Participants will automatically be entered into a draw to win a $100 Dymocks Gift card. For full details visit our super session workshop page.
Saturday workshops include:
Sherryl Clark: Writing Historical Fiction for Children and Teens: Character and Action vs Facts
Lisa Chaplin: From Elevator Pitch to Finish: How to Successfully Pitch Your Book in 30 Seconds
Eleanor Limprecht: How to Transform Family Research into Compelling Historical Fiction
Sulari Gentill: The Mystery in History: A Crime Fiction Workshop for Aspiring Authors
Isolde Martyn & Anne Gracie: Medieval, Regency and So Much More: Writing Historical Romance for the International Market
Rachel Franks: Trove: An Essential Tool of the Trade
Sunday workshops include:
Matt Curran ‘Lief the Viking’: Armour and Armouring
GS Johnston: Everything You Wanted to Know about Self-Publishing* But Were Afraid to Ask
Hazel Edwards: Authorpreneurship: The Business of Creativity
Elisabeth Storrs: Building an Author Platform: Social Media Basics for Historical Novelists
Kelly Gardiner: Scrivener for Beginners
Rachel Nightingale: Recreating Historical Costumes
Making History Come to Life in Fiction: Research and Writing.
Gillian Polack is running masterclasses each day on ‘Making History Come to Life in Fiction: Research and Writing.’ Cost $150 pp. Entry into the giveaway draw is included.
Manuscript Assessments
Level 7, Rooms AMDC706 & AMDC707
Saturday & Sunday 9am-5 pm
Editors Irina Dunn and Alison Arnold are offering one hour 1:1 manuscript assessments during the conference.
Price $180 pp.
