In this bootcamp we’ll focus on getting the basics right, and expanding your technique and approach to make your writing even better. In lessons, exercises and group discussions, we’ll focus on the processes of drafting and revising, and crafting the key elements of good historical fiction. How do we incorporate our precious research without overwhelming ... Read more
Historical novels, both for adults and children, have become an increasingly popular genre with readers. And writers are responding, with many historical novels being written in Australia, as the volume of entries for the Historical Novel Prize attests. But what does the market for historical novels look like in this country? What are publishers looking ... Read more
Please note: there will be 6 x 55 minute manuscript assessments available with Irina Dunn on Saturday 16 October between 9am and 4.30pm. You can select your preferred time slot via Regfox. Manuscript assessor, editor and agent Irina Dunn is offering manuscript assessments during the 2021 HNSA conference. These are 55 minute one-on-one face-to-face (via ... Read more
This one-day bootcamp focuses on the three areas every historical story needs- planning, writing and editing - concentrating on how to use the characters’ journeys and voices to bring the past alive. There will be time for students to discuss their WIP and to get Pamela’s guidance. This bootcamp will work best for students who ... Read more
Please note: there will be 6 x 55 minute manuscript assessments available with Elena Gomez on Sunday 17 October between 9am and 4.30pm. You can select your preferred time slot via Regfox. Freelance book editor, mentor and writer Elena Gomez will be offering manuscript assessment services at the 2021 HNSA conference. You can book a ... Read more
Please note: there will be 6 x 55 minute manuscript assessments available with Irina Dunn on Sunday 17 October between 9am and 4.30pm. You can select your preferred time slot via Regfox. Manuscript assessor, editor and agent Irina Dunn is offering manuscript assessments during the 2021 HNSA conference. These are 55 minute one-on-one face-to-face (via ... Read more
This 2-hour workshop will look at the differences between types of historical romances, in terms of reader expectations, research requirements and writing approaches. It will consider: What makes an historical love story a romance? When is it a romance and when an historical novel with romantic elements? What expectations do readers bring to specific sub-genres ... Read more
This workshop with Sue Williams will look at how to create compelling biographical fiction, using all the tools of non-fiction biography to research characters, but then interpreting the facts, and adding a flesh-and-blood overlay, to fashion a gripping and persuasive work of fiction. What’s the right balance between fact and fiction? Does consulting with an ... Read more
How do you bring the past alive for young readers and keep them turning the pages long into the night? How do you create captivating characters that kids will love? What are the magical ingredients you need for an enthralling historical book? In this workshop, award-winning, internationally published children’s author Belinda Murrell discusses the key ... 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
The Early C20th was a period of rapid change extending from the Suffragette Movement, WW1, Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression. Kim Kelly has written novels traversing all these periods. Christine Bell has focused on the Great War. Join them to share your favourite pocket of history or ask questions about writing across this period. ... Read more
Sophie Masson’s publishing house translated Jules Verne’s historical novel, Mikhail Strogoff, into English. Ely Finch translated Wong Shee Ping’s, The Poison of Polygamy, the first Chinese-language novel to be published in Australia at the turn of the C20th. Agent, Laurie Blum Guest, specialises in negotiating foreign and translation rights. Join Elaine Lewis, translator and holder ... Read more
Emma Ashmere chats to Nicole Alexander, Meg Keneally and Mary-Anne O’Connor on the challenges of creating strong female protagonists within the constraints of an historical period who chafe against the roles society imposes on them, and break through the rules of conformity. The Panellists Emma Ashmere (Chair) Emma Ashmere is the author of Dreams They ... Read more
Award winning, and bestselling author, JL Oakley, is ready to share her insights into how to successfully self-publish books from scratch so you can reap maximum rewards. She’ll also give tips on producing audio books, an increasingly popular format for your books. This chat salon will not be recorded. JL Oakley Award-winning author J.L. Oakley ... Read more
In this round table discussion, our Chair, Greg Johnston, will chat to shortlisted authors in our Adult and CYA categories for the $100,000 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize: Anita Heiss, Gail Jones, Jock Serong, Katrina Nannestad, Amelia Mellor and Pamela Rushby. About the ARA Historical Novel Prize The ARA Historical Novel Prize is now the ... Read more
