HNS conference schedule

I’m delighted to be participating in the following events* at the 2021 Historical Novel Society North America conference:

Thursday, June 24th:
10:15-11:15AM (CT) ~ ART & SPIRIT SHESTORIES: REBEL MYSTICS
Panelist. With Nancy Bilyeau, Stephanie Renee dos Santos, Laura Morelli

Women driven by spirit and the pulse to create have shaken up, challenged, and broken every social, economic, political barrier and taboo throughout history. SHEstories of the past inspire and inform the present. Join us in this panel-discussion exploring artist-rebel-mystics: how to uncover SHEstories, special considerations, the current marketplace and demand for these stories of female groundbreakers and luminaries of the past.

1:30-2:30PM (CT) ~ CAUSING A SCENE IN INTERWAR PARIS
Moderator. With Michaela Carter, Alex George, Kerri Maher, Whitney Scharer

Modernism. Surrealism. Journalism. Paris was where every important writer, painter, and photographer went to develop their talents between the wars–and as a result, some of the most important artistic movements of the 20th century were born there, shaking the establishment to its core in ways that still impact us today. This panel brings together novels about the white-hot moments when these movements were developed in cafes, bedrooms, and salons: Whitney Scharer’s The Age of Light; Kerri Maher’s The Paris Bookseller; Michaela Carter’s Leonora In the Morning Light; and Alex George’s The Paris Hours.

Friday, June 25th:
4:00-5:00PM (CT)
SAINTS, SEERS, AND HERETICS: EVOKING THE SPIRITUAL WORLD IN HISTORICAL FICTION
Moderator. With Nancy Bilyeau, Glen Craney, Tinney S. Heath, Mitchell James Kaplan

Novels featuring religious figures risk veering between hagiography and fantasy. Yet the men and women of the past who laid siege to Heaven confronted enemies and perils no less dangerous than those met by statesmen and warriors. Our panelists will discuss the challenges in writing about the Ages of Faith, including: Building authentic interior worlds and describing mystical experiences; creating tension and drama in the monasteries and convents; romance story techniques for the divine relationship; using mysteries to convey theological disputes; mining literary criticism of sacred texts; and explaining ancient and medieval belief systems for modern readers.

Saturday, June 26th:
6:00-7:00PM (CT)
TAROT FOR FICTION WRITERS (COZY CHAT)
Presenter.

The tarot may be hot these days for predicting the future. But did you know it can also be used as a tool for fiction writing? Join acclaimed tarotist and author Kris Waldherr for an hour-long craft workshop designed to introduce you to the mysteries of the tarot. Through lecture and writing exercises, you’ll gain an overview of the seventy-eight cards that make up the tarot, along with tarot-based techniques to strengthen your fiction. No previous tarot experience necessary. Handouts included. Please bring a journal or laptop for writing. Tarot deck suggested but not necessary.

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So, if you plan to attend HNS, I hope to “see” you there!

*All events are virtual. To be honest, I’m a little sad that the conference won’t be in person this year, but grateful that the show is going on via Zoom.