Nicola Cornick is an international bestselling and award-winning historical novelist who has written more than 30 books over 22 years. She talks to Historia about mixing genres, dual timelines, her love of history and her newest book, out in April. How has your writing changed since your first book, True Colours, was published in 1998? […]
Books to look out for in 2020
A new year, and new historical books, both fiction and non-fiction, to look out for, written by HWA members. The Second World War continues to be popular, and there are refreshingly different takes on the Tudor era. The medieval period makes a strong showing. There are new additions to well-loved series and second books from […]
Song of the Nightingale: A Tale of Two Castrati by Marilyn Pemberton
Philippe, the narrator of this tale, is secretary to Count De Lorenzo, and lover to the Count’s young wife. He is tasked with buying young boys from poor villagers, having them castrated and taking them to Florence to be taught to sing as castrati. The parents are told that their sons are especially blessed with […]
Historia’s books of the year for 2019
Whether you prefer reading historical fiction or non-fiction (or both, why not?), we hope you’ll find something to surprise, delight or intrigue you in this round-up of books featured in Historia during 2019. So if you’re looking for a Christmas present for a history lover or a good read for the long winter nights, have […]
HWA Crown Awards 2020 are open for entries!
Entries for the HWA Crowns for 2020 are now open. The Historical Writers’ Association gives three Crown Awards each year for exceptional historical writing.
My writer’s circle friend keeps getting his facts wrong
Our resident agony aunt, Dr Darwin, answers a common question: how can we make sure our historical details are accurate – and believable? Dear Dr Darwin, Someone in my writers’ circle keeps getting facts wrong: things like calling a 17th-century character Tiffany, and giving her mother a vote in elections. He makes both of them keen […]
Kitty Peck and the Parliament of Shadows by Kate Griffin
When Kitty Peck took over Paradise – her grandmother’s East End criminal empire – she thought she would be able to run it her own way. What Kitty didn’t know was that her grandmother had also left her violently entwined with the Barons of London. This coterie of fiends will stop at nothing to gain […]
A Necessary Killing by Paul Walker
It’s 1579. William Constable – physician and unwilling spy – is in Plymouth waiting to sail to the New World. The expedition, led by renowned explorers and traders, John Hawkins and Sir Humphrey Gilbert, has already suffered birth pangs. William’s friend, Captain Charles Wicken, is accused of killing the son of a wealthy merchant, but […]