Finish your novel and get ready for publication
with our intensive online programme for historical fiction writers.
Writing a novel can be daunting. Writing about the past – with all the historical research and pressure to 'get it right' – can be especially challenging. Many talented writers fail to finish a novel or see their work published. Perhaps they struggle with self-doubt, lack time or discipline, or are overwhelmed by the world of publishing, which can seem confusing and out-of-reach.
We can help. Our programme combines online lessons, supportive feedback, and advice from top industry experts, all designed to help writers of historical fiction take their writing to the next level.
Supported by the world’s largest organisation for readers and writers of historical fiction, and delivered by published authors and experienced tutors, our specialist course is the only one of its kind.
Whether you are just getting started or have a novel-in-progress, our Historical Fiction Masterclass will help you write stories that captivate readers and learn how to get your work ready for publication.
Our programme is for you if…
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You want to tell authentic and compelling stories set in the past
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You're working on a first novel (or your first novel set in the past) and want help with the specific challenges of historical fiction
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You want to get your novel-in-progress finished and ready for publication
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You struggle to make time for your writing, or you’re stuck midway through a project
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You’ll benefit from working with a supportive group of fellow writers and expert tutors with a wealth of industry experience
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You’re ready to dedicate time to your writing and learn from the best in the business
Our next programme runs from April 12 2021 to July 30 2021
Deadline for applications is 12pm on Sunday March 21 2021 (GMT).
Course Tutors
Our programme is led by author and writing coach, Katherine Clements. Previous guest tutors include authors Emma Darwin, Suzannah Dunn, Andrew Taylor, Bernice L. McFadden and more.
Lead Tutor
Katherine Clements
Katherine will be your lead tutor, guiding you through the programme from start to finish. She is the author of three historical novels published by Headline. Her latest book, The Coffin Path, was an Amazon bestseller and was nominated for the HWA Gold Crown Award. Katherine has worked in training and education for over two decades: she was lead developer on the UK’s first A Level in Creative Writing, coaches university students as a Royal Literary Fund Fellow and mentor, and became a Fulbright Scholar in 2018. For several years she was editor of Historia, the magazine of the Historical Writers' Association; she now edits the RLF online magazine, Collected.
Guest Tutor
Andrew Taylor
Andrew Taylor has written over 45 books, mostly crime and historical fiction novels. He is the author of the ground-breaking Roth Trilogy, which was adapted into the acclaimed drama Fallen Angel, and the historical crime novels The Ashes of London, The Silent Boy, and The American Boy, a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller and a 2005 Richard & Judy Book Club Choice. He has won many awards, including the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award (the only author to win it three times) and the CWA’s prestigious Diamond Dagger. Andrew teaches for the Arvon Foundation and regularly hosts events at literary festivals, bookshops and libraries, as well as serving as a judge for numerous literary prizes. His latest novel, The Last Protector, was released in April 2020.
Guest Tutor
Suzannah Dunn
Suzannah Dunn is the author of thirteen books. She wrote six critically acclaimed contemporary novels and a short story collection before her first historical novel, The Queen of Subtleties, was published in 2004. It has been followed by five more Tudor novels including The Confession of Katherine Howard and The Lady of Misrule. She has sold over a quarter of a million copies of her historical novels in the UK alone. Her latest historical novel The Testimony of Alys Twist was published September 2020 by Little, Brown. Suzannah was Director of the MA in Novel Writing at Manchester University for six years and has taught many courses for the Arvon Foundation and Curtis Brown Creative.
Pricing
Are you ready to write a historical novel that captivates readers, agents and publishers? You have two payment options...
One payment of £900 or four payments of £270 (£1080)
HNS Members' 10% discount: One payment of £810 or four payments of £225 (£900)
(Payment will be in GBP and prices in other currencies will depend on exchange rates.)
Ready to apply?
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Send your application by email to [email protected] by 12pm Sunday 21 March 2021 (GMT), following the instructions below.
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Attach up to 3000 words of your writing as a separate Word or PDF document. In the same document, include a brief synopsis of the project you wish to work on during the programme (just a paragraph or two is fine).
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Make sure that your submission document is clearly labelled with your name.
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In your email, tell us briefly why you think this programme is right for you.
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Make sure your submission reaches us by 12pm on Sunday 21 March 2021 (GMT).
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We'll let you know if you've been selected on or before April 2 2021.
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What people are saying...
'An incredible experience!'
This course provided me with a writing community full of engaged and dedicated historical fiction enthusiasts. The lessons spoke to specific concerns of my chosen genre and the feedback and encouragement I received from both the lead tutor and fellow participants from around the world was invaluable in helping me to push my project to its full potential. It was an incredible experience!
'Hugely beneficial to my writing'
The HNS course has been the perfect motivation I needed to write my first novel. The insights provided by Katherine, both overall and individually, have been hugely beneficial to my writing. The connections with writers of diverse experience is invaluable.
'Perceptive advice'
Katherine is an extraordinarily gracious instructor, full of diplomacy, generous in encouragement, and perceptive in advice.
'Highly recommended'
The HNS Academy is wonderful and I highly recommend it. My novel has taken a quantum leap forward since starting the course. Instructor Katherine Clements is informative, warm and good-humoured. It felt good to be part of this international community, especially in this time of isolation and restricted travel.
'I've got so much out of it.'
I've really enjoyed the masterclass and have got so much out of it – great feedback on my writing, lots of new things learned, fabulous fellow writers and all held together with the knowledge and leadership of a great tutor.
'A real game-changer'
The inaugural Historical Fiction Masterclass proved to be a real game-changer for my writing. I found my footing in a very supportive community of writers led by Lead Tutor Katherine Clements. Her experience, gentle guidance and insight were spot-on and helped me focus on moving forward with the writing.
FAQ
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What counts as historical fiction?
We're sticking with the definition of historical fiction used in the HNS reviews policy: novels set at least 50 years in the past.
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I write short stories. Is this programme right for me?
The programme has been designed with longer works in mind, but the content will be useful for those working on short stories or novellas set in the past.
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I live in the US/Australia/Timbuktu. Can I join the programme?
You can take part from anywhere in the world. Do be aware that the course is UK based. All live events and one-to-one tutorials will take place during UK daytime hours (usually between 10am -7pm UK time). You are free to work through the content in your own time, joining dedicated online discussions for each learning module/workshop session.
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How much time will the course take?
We expect you to dedicate a few hours each week to working through the lessons and taking part in group feedback. Of course, you'll need to put time aside for your own writing too. There will be two dedicated writing weeks during the course.
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What if I can't make live classes?
All live events will be recorded, so nobody will miss out. Be aware that all live events will take place during UK daytime hours (usually between 10am & 7pm UK time).
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What technology will I need to participate?
To access our online learning platform you will simply need a computer and internet access. To participate in live events you will need a computer or phone with a webcam/camera and microphone. You will need to download the Zoom app on whichever device you are using.
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I want to publish my novel independently. Will this programme teach me how?
This programme will support you as you get your novel finished and edited so you are ready to publish. It won't cover the practicalities of self-publishing.
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How does the payment plan work?
Payment will be by Paypal or credit card. If you are offered a place you'll receive full details of how to pay. Your place will be confirmed when we receive your payment, either the full amount or your first monthly payment. Payment will be in GBP and prices in other currencies will depend on exchange rates. You can find out more about Paypal exchange rates for your currency on the Paypal website.
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Can I join the HNS now and get the members' discount?
Yes! Please join the society here: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/members/join-us/