Join our free virtual cocktail party to celebrate the announcement of the winners of the $100,000 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize. Presented by Julia Baird, the virtual Cocktail Party will include illustrated readings from the shortlisted books, and you'll be able to hear from our judging panels, as well as the authors themselves. While we ... Read more
Julie Janson will perform a Welcome to Country to open HNSA 2021. HNSA Chair, Elisabeth Storrs, and HNSA Patron, Kate Forsyth, kick off proceedings to address our conference theme and introduce what’s on offer over an inspirational weekend of interview, panels, chat conversations and workshops. Julie Janson Julie Janson is a Burruberongal woman of Darug ... Read more
Julie Janson, author of Benevolence, addresses our conference theme by examining the role and responsibility of historical novelists in recovering lost, overlooked or deliberately erased histories, and whether the genre can play a part in achieving truth in reconciliation. Julie Janson Julie Janson is a Burruberongal woman of Darug nation. She is a novelist, playwright, ... Read more
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 conference theme with Geraldine by discussing these award-winning books. Geraldine Brooks Australian-born Geraldine Brooks grew up in Sydney. She worked ... Read more
Many ANZ authors have attracted a readership in their own territories but an overseas audience remains elusive. Led in discussion by Lisa Chaplin, Kevan Lyon, owner of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, provides insights into what an American agent is looking for in a manuscript, and what it takes to get the ‘big break’. Christine Wells ... Read more
The horror of the Holocaust continues to shock generations who question how such unfathomable evil could have existed, and hope the call for ‘never again’ is heeded. When is the ‘right’ time to expose a young reader to the Shoah? And how does a writer tread the tightrope between triggering nightmares or awareness? Susanne Gervay ... Read more
A meticulous researcher and admirer of the Tudors, Wendy J Dunn has written novels about Anne Boleyn and Katherine of Aragon. Join Wendy to chat about your own favourites in the Tudor court. This chat salon will not be recorded. Wendy J. Dunn Wendy J. Dunn is an award-winning Australian author, playwright and poet. Her ... Read more
Peter Watt’s epic adventure novels chronicle military conflicts from mid C19th to WW2. Come and meet Peter to hear his insights into researching military history and writing action packed stories. You’ll be able to share your own knowledge about this topic. This chat salon will not be recorded. Peter Watt Peter Watt's life experiences have ... Read more
With a Masters in Gastronomy, Jacqui Newling knows a recipe or two. She also has expertise in cooking and food throughout history. Bring along your lunch as well as your questions about period food and using the senses in your novels. You’ll enjoy a feast of ideas. This chat salon will not be recorded. Jacqui ... Read more
Biographies are full of facts as well as fictionalised versions of the truth. Which of these take precedence when telling the story of someone else's life? Kelly Gardiner chats with Sienna Brown, Kelly Rimmer and Sue Williams about how they navigated between the two, and what choices they made to write compelling biographical fiction. The ... Read more
Current historical novelists stand on the shoulders of the talented past story-tellers. Thuy On asks Anna Ciddor, Paula Morris, and Suzanne Leal which authors have inspired them, why the writing is exceptional, what they’d like to emulate, and how the books informed their own novels. The Panellists Thuy On (Chair) Thuy On is Reviews Editor ... Read more
Colin Falconer is the author of over two dozen novels of historical fiction. Two of his epic novels have been set in the ancient world including Cleopatra: When We Were Gods and his alternate history, Colossus. Come and meet Colin and discuss your own favourite piece of ancient world history with him, and the challenges ... Read more
