Blog
Fonda Lee's Timeless Inspiration - A Conversation on History, Research, and Writing
Dive into the creative mind of Fonda Lee in our exclusive interview, where she reveals how historical research shaped her "Asian gangster family saga," the Green Bone Saga. Discover her approach to blending fact with fiction, and why certain historical moments made the cut in her epic fantasy world.
The Passionate World of The Aziola's Cry - An Audio Excerpt
In this audio excerpt from the novel The Aziola's Cry, a young Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley announce their love for one another while seated at the gravestone Mary's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft.
Love & Tragedy - The Stirring Saga of Mary and Percy Shelley
In the The Aziola’s Cry, author Ezra Harker Shaw provides a fictional glimpse into the lives of Mary and Percy Shelley, two great literary artists. But what were their lives actually like? From aristocratic privilege to radical philosophies, their journey was marked by passion, scandal, and tragedy. Check out our blog to discover the truth behind two literary giants who lived as intensely as they wrote.
Best New Historical Fiction - May 2024
Happy May! What’s on your TBR this month? Here are the top five historical novels on our TBR this May.
Press Release - HTF Publishing Signs Author J. E. Weiner
HTF Publishing, the hybrid arm of History Through Fiction, is proud to announce the signing of debut author J. E. Weiner. Inspired by real people and actual events, Weiner’s novel, The Wretched and Undone, is a sweeping Southern Gothic saga set in the Texas Hill Country, where history's silenced voices rise amidst an astonishing tale that defies expectations.
Crafting Beauty in Words: The Elegant Prose of The Aziola’s Cry
Discover the captivating world of Mary and Percy Shelley in "The Aziola’s Cry" by Ezra Harker Shaw. This upcoming novel from History Through Fiction is praised for its lyrical prose that captures the essence of the Shelleys' lives with brilliance. Learn what makes prose elegant and how authors like Shaw achieve such artistry in their writing.
The Second Annual Short Story Contest is HERE!
📣 BIG NEWS! We are hosting the Second Annual Short Story Contest THIS SUMMER! Submissions are open from June 15th - August 15th. If you like to write historical short fiction, this contest is for you. Check out or blog to learn more.
The Radical Spirit of Shelley - A Legacy Worth Writing For
In this blog post, Ezra Harker Shaw, author of The Aziola’s Cry, takes a deep look at the poet Percy Byssche Shelley to discover why he spent his life writing despite having no immediate success.
From Ghostly Challenge to Literary Icon - The Evolution of Frankenstein
In "From Ghostly Challenge to Literary Icon: The Evolution of Frankenstein," we peel back the layers of time to reveal how Mary Shelley's chilling challenge at Villa Diodati ignited a spark that would blaze into the literary masterpiece known as Frankenstein. Discover how an eerie contest among geniuses gave life to a story that transcends centuries, morphing from a ghostly dare into a cultural phenomenon. Witness the transformation of Shelley's creation from pages to stage, from whispers in the dark to screams on the silver screen. Join us on this electrifying journey through the evolution of one of literature's most iconic creatures—Frankenstein's monster.
Best New Historical Fiction - April 2024
Ready for your next historical adventure? Check out our list of the best five historical fiction novels coming out this April! Happy reading!
Mastering Your Craft: Join Our Historical Fiction Writing Workshop!
Historical fiction has the power to make history come alive. It takes us on a journey through time, introducing us to fascinating characters and pivotal moments that shaped our world. But writing this genre can be tricky—you need to balance factual accuracy with engaging storytelling. That's where our workshop comes in!
Ferdinand and Isabella: Exploring the Catholic Monarchs’ Pivotal Role in History
The reign of Ferdinand and Isabella forever altered world history. Beyond Columbus' famed voyage, they launched the Granada War and issued the Alhambra Decree, reshaping Spain's religious landscape. Learn more about their story and its impact on a family's pivotal choice in our novel, South of Sepharad.
South of Sepharad Audio Excerpt
Please enjoy this audio excerpt from Chapter 3 of South of Sepharad by Eric Z. Weintraub. In it, Vidal, the patriarch of a Jewish family living in Granada shortly after it has been conquered by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, learns from his son-in-law about the Alhambra Decree. The Decree orders that all Jews must convert to Catholicism or permanently leave their homes to resettle somewhere outside of the Spanish Kingdoms. Vidal is shocked by the by the news and suddenly realizes his family is in peril.
How Jewish Customs and Traditions Evolved: From 1492 to Today
In "How Jewish Customs and Traditions Evolved – From 1492 to Today," Eric Z. Weintraub explores the surprising modernity of some Jewish practices. He reveals that simple wooden coffins, extravagant b'nai mitzvahs, wedding chuppahs, the hora dance, and even beliefs about the afterlife have evolved significantly since 1492. Using his novel "South of Sepharad" as a reference, Weintraub illustrates how these customs have changed, noting that many traditions we see today were not practiced in medieval Spain.
Best New Historical Fiction - March 2024
Calling all historical fiction lovers! Check out our list of the best new historical novels coming out this March!
Balancing Act: Writing Authentic Historical Fiction Without Alienating Readers
Ever wondered how to transport readers back in time without leaving them lost in translation? Discover the secret to striking the perfect balance between authenticity and readability, ensuring your story enchants rather than alienates. Join us as we unravel this intricate balancing act!
Meet the Intern: Madelyn Valento
Madelyn Valento is an intern at HTF this semester while she completes her Editing and Publishing Certificate at UMN – Twin Cities. She hopes to work in the literary industry in some capacity after graduation in a year. In her free time she can be found reading, writing, playing video games, or hanging out with her dog, Duey, and twin brother, Mario.
Turning History Into Fiction: Bringing the 1492 Expulsion of the Jews from Spain to Life
In "Turning History Into Fiction," Eric Z. Weintraub shares his journey of transforming the 1492 Expulsion of the Jews from Spain into a novel. Struck by the lack of personal stories, he delved into history books and visited Granada to capture the essence of the time. His book, "South of Sepharad," aims to illuminate the human experiences lost to history, giving life to the expelled Jews' thoughts, fears, and desires through the art of storytelling.
From Expulsion to Empathy: Learning from the Past in South of Sepharad
Step back to 1492 with "South of Sepharad" by Eric Z. Weintraub, where the poignant tale of a Sephardic Jewish family unfolds amidst the turmoil of the Alhambra Decree. This narrative captures the essence of their struggle, resilience, and the broader context of Jewish persecution throughout history. Uncover the layers of this often overshadowed chapter, as we explore the impact of forced exiles on a community's spirit and identity.
From Dream to Reality: An Author’s Journey by Eric Z. Weintraub
Eric Z. Weintraub, author of South of Sepharad, shares his journey of transforming a powerful historical moment into a compelling historical novel. Learn how he overcame self-doubt, delved into meticulous research, and navigated the challenges of writing and revising a debut novel—all while balancing life's demands. This inspiring story reveals the resilience needed to bring South of Sepharad from an idea to a published reality.