In honour of historical novelist, Elizabeth Jane Corbett, the HNSA is delighted to be running the EJ Corbett Mentorship Contest which offers the chance for a previously unpublished author from Australia or New Zealand to receive a mentorship with Wendy J Dunn to develop an unpublished historical fiction manuscript for young adults. The contest is
Have you written the next The Book Thief or Sacred Hearts but need help polishing it? In honour of historical novelist, Elizabeth Jane Corbett, the HNSA is offering the chance for a previously unpublished author from Australia or New Zealand to receive a mentorship with Wendy J Dunn to develop a completed first draft of
In the next episode of Imagining the Past, the inaugural winner of the 2020 Elizabeth Jane Corbett Mentorship, Alison Stegert.
The Historical Novel Society Australasia, in partnership with the ARA Group, Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider, announced the winners of the ARA Historical Novel Prize 2024 at a celebratory event at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday, 23 October. Offering the richest individual literary prize in Australasia, with a prize pool of $150,000, the
In the next episode of Imagining the Past, the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize winning author, Gail Jones, chats with Greg Johnston about her complex novel, Salonika Burning. It’s a book that tells a greater truth about WW1 history through the braided narratives of historical figures, artists and storytellers. About the book Greece, 1917. The
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the Shortlists for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize. Selected from over 130 entries, the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize Shortlists demonstrate the power of the historical fiction genre to recover lost, overlooked
Time for a giveaway for our HNSA newsletter subscribers! Thanks to Echo Publishing, there are 5 copies on offer of Bernice Barry’s debut novel, Sarah Evans, which explores a woman’s struggle in the pitiless streets of C18th London, and her quest to overcome brutal challenges by finding her own value and fighting for her rights.
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group is excited to announce the longlists for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s longlists demonstrate the depth of talent of historical novelists with books that explore a diverse range of themes, eras and cultures. From
In honour of historical novelist, Elizabeth Jane Corbett, the HNSA is offering the chance for a previously unpublished author from Australia or New Zealand to receive a mentorship from Wendy J Dunn to develop a completed first draft of an unpublished historical fiction manuscript for young adults. key dates Submissions open: 6 November 2024 Submissions
Time for a giveaway for our HNSA newsletter subscribers! Thanks to Penguin Random House, there are 5 copies on offer of Amanda Willimot’s novel, Winter of the Wolf. Inspired by a notorious werewolf trial, blending history with paranormal and feminist themes, and with a moving queer romance at its core, Winter of the Wolf is
The next episode in our Imagining the Past podcast season is with Lauren Chater. Our host, Greg Johnson, chats with Lauren about all things beautiful, including the research and writing of her new novel, The Beauties, a seductive story of rivalry and artistic passion in Charles II’s court. about lauren chater Lauren Chater is the
The next episode in our 2024 season of Imagining the Past features Melissa Lucashenko discussing with Greg Johnston the research and writing of her novel, Edenglassie – a brilliant story that boldly reclaims and reframes the colonial narrative.
In the next episode of our 2024 season, Fiona Kelly McGregor discusses with Kelly Gardiner the many intricacies of writing her novel, Iris, shortlisted for the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize—Adult Category. The Imagining the Past podcast series features authors appearing at the Historical Novel Society Australasia biennial conferences or have been recognised in our
The next episode in our 2024 season of Imagining the Past features Robbie Arnott discussing with Greg Johnston the many intricacies of writing the novel Limberlost, based on his family folklore and longlisted for the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize—Adult Category. Robbie Arnott’s acclaimed debut, Flames (2018), won a Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelist
Inspired by McKinnon’s own family history, To Sing of War is a rich, compelling and intricately woven novel of love, war, and friendship, perfect for readers of Anthony Doerr, Richard Flanagan, Shirley Hazzard and Barbara Kingsolver. December 1944: In New Guinea, a young Australian nurse, Lotte Wyld, chances upon her first love, Virgil Nicholson, there
Time for another giveaway! Echo Publishing is very kindly offering 5 copies of Free by Meg Keneally. Inspired by historical figures and actual events, Free shines a light on the indomitable figure who rose from horse thief to the merchant queen of Sydney Cove. In a story told with warmth and compassion for those who
Time for a giveaway for our HNSA newsletter subscribers! Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers, there are 5 copies of Siobhan O’Brien’s debut release, All the Golden Light. The novel is a sweeping work of historical fiction, exploring First World War Australia and how we find connection, meaning and beauty in a time of darkness. Perfect
Our 2024 season of Imagining the Past has kicked off! Our first episode features Amelia Mellor, winner of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize – CYA category. Amelia discusses with our podcast host, Greg Johnston, the intricacies of writing CYA historical fiction, and her award-winning novel, The Bookseller’s Apprentice. Click below to listen to the
THE RICHEST LITERARY PRIZE IN AUSTRALIA AND nEW ZEALAND As entries open for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize, The Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with founding sponsor ARA Group, are pleased to announce a significant increase in the prize money for the award to $150,000– placing it as the richest individual literary
BULLETIN – THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN EXPANDED Due to the overwhelming response to this giveaway, Pan McMillan is offering 5 more books with signed bookplates and 5 unsigned copies. Commenters who’ve posted after the first 5 contestants will now go into a draw to be determined by Random.com. Here’s a wonderful way to kick off
Here’s a wonderful way to cap off 2023! Simon & Schuster Australia is very kindly offering a giveaway of 10 copies of Ariel Lawhon’s new release, The Frozen River. The first 10 commenters will be the lucky winners of The Frozen River. From the bestselling author of Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical
Missed the HNSA 2023 Conference? Here’s your chance to catch up with post conference recordings. You can access 20 fabulous sessions across our two stream program. These will be available to view on demand until midnight on 29 February 2023. You can find full program details here. Online and In-Person conference attendees can view the sessions via their existing ticket at no
Two years in the planning. Two days of celebration! The HNSA Conference was a blast and a terrific time was had by all. We’re so glad our community could finally catch up again in person and the ether. We’re proud to have brought you a hybrid conference with all sessions livestreamed to an online audience.
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the winners of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize. The winner of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize – Adult Category is Salonika Burning – Gail Jones (Text Publishing). The winner of the
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the Shortlists for the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s shortlisted titles weave a rich tapestry of narratives, transporting readers across different times and places, exploring the depths of human spirit, resilience,
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the Longlists for the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s Longlists traverse a vast tapestry of settings and eras, delving into tales of love against prejudice, the resilience in the face of
HNSA is committed to assisting aspiring writers to reach their potential. With this in mind, we’re delighted to introduce pitching appointments to our 2023 conference program. Here’s your chance to pitch your manuscript to a stellar list of industry professionals. Our pitch takers include Annette Barlow (Allen & Unwin), Tara Wynne (Curtis Brown Australia), Meredith
Tickets are now on sale for our 2023 HNSA Conference to be held on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October 2023 at the Southern Sydney Event Centre at Hurstville, conveniently located close to Sydney Airport and Hurstville Station. Take advantage of our early bird registration discount which ends on 20 September 2023. THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS We’ve decided
Our latest catch up podcast from selected sessions of the 2021 HNSA Conference features our 2023 Winter Online Program tutor, Paula Morris, in conversation with Julie Janson and Cassandra Pybus. They discuss how history is written by the victors, but when such accounts are challenged, who then gets to define history in the context of
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for a special Summertime Series in 2023. Our next episode features our Winter Workshop tutor Kayte Nunn, author Rosalie Ham and host Jackie Ballantyne. Jackie Ballantyne explores how each author approaches common themes of revenge, love, betrayal, isolation and treachery from these very different perspectives. Kayte NunnKayte Nunn is a former book and
Drum roll… our 2023 HNSA Conference will be held on 21-22 October at the Southern Sydney Event Centre at Hurstville, conveniently located close to Sydney Airport and Hurstville Station. Early bird tickets will go on sale in July. Make sure you save the date! THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS We’ve decided to offer
Join us for the HNSA 2023 Winter Online Weekend Program on Saturday and Sunday 1 -2 July 2023. Our Program will feature an exciting line-up of talented authors and industry professionals in both workshops and chat salons. It’s the perfect way to spend those chilly July days. WORKSHOPS ON WRITING, EDITING AND PUBLISHING The workshop
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce that entries for the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize are now open. The ARA Historical Novel Prize is the richest genre-based literary award in Australasia, incorporating both an Adult category and a Children
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for a special Summertime Series in 2023. Our next episode features writer and critic, Stephen Romei, in conversation with Steven Carroll and Pip Williams. The Dictionary of Lost Words reveals a woman seeking to define the words of women erased from texts written by men. O peels back the story of a famous female
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for a special Summertime Series in 2023. Our next episode features HNSNA Chair Jenny Quinlan in conversation with Kate Forsyth and Kate Quinn. Originally recorded as part of the HNSA 2021 Conference, Quinn and Forsyth discuss what draws them to a particular era of history, the challenges faced in their research, and whether they
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for a special Summertime Series in 2023. Our first episode stars Geraldine Brooks. Originally recorded as part of the HNSA 2021 Conference, HNSA Chair Elisabeth Storrs, chats to Brooks about the conference theme: Recovery: Restoring, Reconciling and Re-imagining Lost Histories. Brooks’ first historical novel, Year of Wonders, proved
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the winners of the 2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s winners make the past come alive in an astonishing way. Their luminous prose conjures worlds that intertwine history with imagination to explore
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the Shortlists for the 2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s Shortlists explore a diverse range of powerful themes, from reinvention, diversity and the meaning of truth, through to self-reliance, confidence and fulfilling
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the Longlists for the 2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s Longlists explore a diverse range of powerful themes, from reinvention and the meaning of truth, through to mischievous, fast-paced fables and the
The HNSA Committee is excited to announce the launch of our 2022 online program of workshops and chat salons. Join us this winter for an exciting line-up of authors and industry professionals. It’s the perfect way to spend those chilly August days. WORKSHOP WEEKEND: 6 & 7 AUGUST 2022 Our Workshop Weekend will run on
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce that entries for the 2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize are now open. The ARA Historical Novel Prize is the richest genre-based literary award in Australasia, incorporating both an Adult category and a
It’s time to catch up on the sessions you missed in the HNSA 2021 Main Weekend Program or revisit the ones you enjoyed! There are 28 sessions recorded including In Conversations, Panels and the First Pages Pitch Contest. Chat salons and workshops were not recorded to preserve privacy and intellectual property rights. The recordings will
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the winners of the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize. The winner of the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize – Adult Category is The Burning Island, by Jock Serong (Text Publishing). The winner of
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for another series in 2021. In this week’s episode, G.S. Johnston is joined by Pip Williams. Pip chats to Greg about The Dictionary of Lost Words, which was longlisted for the 2020 ARA Historical Novel Prize), her writing process and some of her writing choices. Pip’s first publication was a poem in Dolly magazine
In the lead up to the HNSA 2021 Virtual Conference, G.S. Johnston recently interviewed Nadine Davidoff who will be facilitating a Manuscript Bootcamp. Nadine Davidoff is a freelance book editor and writing teacher with extensive trade publishing experience. She has worked as a senior editor at Random House and a commissioning editor at Black Inc.
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for another series in 2021. In this week’s episode, G.S. Johnston is joined by Steven Conte. Steven speaks about planning and executing The Tolstoy Estate (which was recently longlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize), writing ‘behind the enemy lines’, the risks of shaking up a novel’s structure, the Gurya Ghost and
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the Shortlists for the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s Shortlists explore a diverse range of powerful themes, from recognising the silent victims of war and the uncomfortable truths of colonialism, through
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for another series in 2021. In this week’s episode, G.S. Johnston is joined by CYA author Susanne Gervay. Susanne discuss her new time-slip novel, Heroes of the Secret Underground, migration, sculpting stories from WWII for CYA, and Pálinka. Awarded the Lifetime Social Justice Literature Award by the International Literacy Association, Order of Australia,
Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the Longlists for the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize. This year’s Longlists explore a diverse range of powerful themes, from the seductive appeal of false stories and the uncomfortable truths of colonialism, through
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for another series in 2021. In this week’s episode, G.S. Johnston is joined by Julie Janson. Julie discusses her recent novel, Benevolence, the challenges of writing First Nation’s historical fiction, and of First Nation’s writers finding publishers. Julie is a Burruberongal woman of Darug nation. She is a novelist, playwright, and poet.
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for another series in 2021. In this week’s episode, G.S. Johnston is joined by Sienna Brown to chat writing, multifaceted research, constructing Jamaican patois, and her novel, Master of My Fate. Sienna Brown was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up in Canada. But it wasn’t until a
HNSA’s podcast Imagining the Past is back for another series in 2021. In our first episode for the year, Greg Johnston is joined by author and inaugural winner of the ARA Historical Fiction Prize 2020, Mirandi Riwoe. Mirandi and Greg discuss everything from writing, research and gender-bending, right through to sea-cucumbers. Mirandi Riwoe’s Stone Sky Gold Mountain won the
Going virtual has eliminated geographical boundaries enabling HNSA to create its most extensive conference program to date. Join us in a celebration of one of the world’s most popular genres of fiction over not one, but two, successive weekends! Early Bird registration ends on 1 october so buy your tickets now! Introducing our Bootcamp &
The COVID storm clouds have once again gathered over Australia but there is a silver lining for historical fiction fans. The HNSA committee are on the verge of opening registration for our Virtual HNSA 2021 Conference to be held on 22-24 October. Geographical boundaries have now been eliminated enabling HNSA to create its most extensive
The HNSA, in partnership with our generous sponsor, ARA Group, has expanded the ARA Historical Novel Prize to include a category for outstanding Children and Young Adult (CYA) literature, bringing the total prize monies to $100,000. Only in its’s second year of operation, it’s now the richest genre based literary award. This month, we spoke to Paul McDonald, Chair
The judging panels for the two categories of the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize consist of eminent authors and publishing professionals. We thought it might be useful for entrants to understand what catches a judge’s eye by interviewing the Panel Chairs. This month, we spoke to Nicole Alexander, Chair of the Adult category. Nicole Alexander’s novels, poetry,
The 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize opens for submissions at 9am today. You can find all relevant information about the contest on our website including the rules and nomination form. Take advantage of our Early Bird rate by submitting your novel by 14 May 2021. Entries close on 14 June 2021. The HNSA, in partnership with our generous
Exciting news! The HNSA, in partnership with our generous sponsor, ARA Group, is expanding the ARA Historical Novel Prize to include a category for outstanding Children and Young Adult (CYA) literature. What does this mean? The ARA Historical Novel Prize is now worth a total of $100,000 in prize monies. Only in its’s second
After long deliberation, the HNSA committee have decided to ‘go virtual’ for our HNSA 2021 conference. Unfortunately, COVID19 continues to pose uncertainties for small organisations when planning events. Many of you will be disappointed you can’t meet in person but a virtual conference offers a great opportunity to enjoy the entire program. All sessions and workshops will remain
The inaugural ARA Historical Novel Prize has been awarded to Brisbane-based Mirandi Riwoe for her novel Stone Sky Gold Mountain published by University of Queensland Press. You can watch the video broadcast of the awards ceremony via the HNSA YouTube channel or click on the video below. The Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with
We’re announcing the winner of the inaugural ARA Historical Novel Prize at 7.30pm (AEDST) on Tuesday 10 November. We’d love you to join us to celebrate the news. Hosted by Brooke Boney, the award ceremony will be held by both video broadcast and live stream via the HNSA YouTube channel. To be one of the first
