Press Release - Forsberg Named Community Engagement and Development Lead
March 28, 2025
For Immediate Press Release
History Through Fiction Welcomes Jillian Forsberg as Community Engagement and Development Lead
Mpls, MN – History Through Fiction, an independent publisher of historical fiction, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jillian Forsberg as its new Community Engagement and Development Lead. With a unique blend of historical expertise and creative talent, Jillian will play a pivotal role in fostering an engaging and collaborative environment for authors, beta readers, and other stakeholders within the History Through Fiction community.
In this dynamic role, Jillian will be instrumental in guiding the growth and development of various programs, particularly the Manuscript Matchup Beta Reader Program. She will also provide valuable mentorship, leadership, and insight, helping to cultivate a strong, interconnected community that supports History Through Fiction’s mission and vision.
Jillian Forsberg is a historian and author with a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University. Her research on lesser-known historical events inspired her debut novel, The Rhino Keeper, and she continues to be a passionate advocate for history in both her writing and her work. As a former editor of The Fairmont Folio and a published essayist, Jillian has extensive experience in both the academic and literary worlds. Her love for 18th-century history shines through in her forthcoming novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, which will be released by History Through Fiction on October 21, 2025.
Jillian’s role as Community Engagement and Development Lead will involve community management, program development, content curation, and outreach. She will be responsible for shaping the direction of programs, creating opportunities for collaboration among authors and readers, and providing support to the growing community of History Through Fiction. With her keen understanding of historical narratives, mentorship experience, and passion for creating meaningful connections, Jillian is poised to make a significant impact on the future of History Through Fiction.
“I am thrilled to formally add Jillian to the History Through Fiction team,” said Colin Mustful. “As a talented author, Jillian has already provided so much value to our press. It seemed only natural to formalize our partnership so we can continue to grow as a team, allowing Jillian to help build a vibrant, supportive community of authors and readers who share a passion for historical storytelling.”
Jillian’s sophomore novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, is set in 18th-century Dresden and tells the story of a talented artist, Johann Kändler, who becomes entangled in the dangerous whims of King Augustus the Strong. The novel weaves together two timelines—Johann’s pursuit of the king’s impossible demands and the story of Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden navigating the intrigues of a royal court—capturing the fragile balance of ambition, art, and survival in a world shaped by power and obsession.
Founded in 2019 by Minnesota author and historian Colin Mustful, History Through Fiction is dedicated to publishing high-quality, well-researched historical fiction that combines compelling storytelling with academic rigor. By offering readers a rich, immersive experience that also educates, History Through Fiction bridges the gap between history and fiction, providing diverse and authentic narratives that inspire critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the past.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact the editor at editor@historythroughfiction.com.
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Latest five star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The Rhino Keeper wonderfully brings life to its characters, modern and historical, and seamlessly weaves narratives between two time periods. Each character is well developed, most of all Clara herself, who, by the end of the novel, the reader will empathize with just as much as any of the human characters.
The themes that the book discusses are relevant to this day. The protection and conservation of wildlife is a discussion that continues, and The Rhino Keeper blends these themes with historically grounded stories that feel real, and tug at the heartstrings. Animal-lovers, history-lovers, and fiction-lovers will enjoy this book, I highly recommend putting this on your reading list!”
