History Through Fiction: The Podcast
Featuring Interviews with Historical Novelists Talking About Their Books and Their Craft
Season 8, Episode 7 - Margaret Pinard
In Season 8, Episode 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Margaret Pinard, author of Orla Rafferty Seeks Her Fortune. Margaret discusses her novel set in 1830s Scotland, exploring themes of women's independence, political reform, and social change through the lens of historical fiction. She shares her journey from international development to indie publishing, her creative process, and her passion for addressing inequality through storytelling.
Season 8, Episode 6 - J. E. Weiner
In Season 8, Episode 6 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful sits down with J. E. Weiner, author of The Wretched and Undone. Dive into the southern gothic genre as Weiner discusses the sweeping history from the Civil War to WW1 that forms the backdrop of his novel. Explore the captivating and distinctive setting of the Texas Hill Country, and discover how it shapes the narrative. Join us for an insightful conversation that blends history, fiction, and the haunting beauty of the South.
Season 8, Episode 5 - Costanza Casati
In Season 8, Episode 5 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Costanza Casati, author of "Babylonia." Casati shares her fascination with the ancient world, focusing on the legendary queen Semiramis. She discusses the vibrant world of Mesopotamia, her research surprises, and the roles of characters like Onnes, Ninus, and Ribat. Casati also reflects on her lyrical writing style, the challenges of depicting ancient times, and the significance of leopards on her book cover. The episode explores mythological retellings and the enduring lessons of female leadership.
Season 8, Episode 4 - Hilary Coyne
In Season 8, Episode 4 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful interviews Hilary Coyne, author of "An End of Troubles," the winning entry in the History Through Fiction short story contest. The story centers on Mary, Queen of Scots, exploring her historical significance and personal struggles through the fictional lens of a servant girl named Agnes. Coyne discusses the blend of history and fiction, the themes of power and captivity, and her writing journey. She also shares insights into her upcoming novel set in Oxford and the historical context of Castle Campbell.
Season 8, Episode 3 - N.J. Mastro
Join host Colin Mustful in Season 8, Episode 3 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, as he chats with Nancy Mastro, author of "Solitary Walker," a novel about Mary Wollstonecraft. Discover what inspired Nancy to spotlight this pioneering figure and how she navigated the challenges of bringing Wollstonecraft's story to life. Tune in for insights on historical fiction and the enduring impact of women's stories.
Season 8, Episode 2 - Jillian Forsberg
In Season 8, Episode 2 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful chats with Jillian Forsberg about the release of the audiobook for The Rhino Keeper. Discover the fascinating story of Clara, the Indian rhino, and the immersive experience brought to life by narrator Carolyn Hewitt. Forsberg shares insights on character development and the magic of audiobooks, offering a fresh perspective on historical storytelling.
Season 8, Episode 1 - Charlotte Whitney
In Season 8, Episode 1 of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful chats with author Charlotte Whitney about her novel "A Tiny Piece of Blue," set in 1934 Michigan. Whitney shares her inspiration from her family's Great Depression stories and explores themes like child trafficking. She describes her writing journey, including past works and her transition from nonfiction to historical fiction. Whitney also highlights her upcoming co-authored novel about a family's escape from slavery. The episode emphasizes the importance of community in writing and publishing.
Announcing Season 8 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast
Announcing Season 8 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, hosted by the founder of History Through Fiction Colin Mustful! This season is packed with engaging stories and fascinating insights from a diverse group of authors.
Season 7, Episode 12 - Greg Houle
In the final episode of Season 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with Greg Houle, author of The Putnams of Salem.
Season 7, Episode 11 - A.D. Rhine
In Season 7, Episode 11 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews A.D. Rhine, the dynamic duo of Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson. They discuss their epic duology, "Horses of Fire & Daughters of Bronze," which reimagines the Trojan War through the eyes of its women.
Season 7, Episode 10 - Sian Ann Bessey
In Season 7, Episode 10 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Sian Ann Bessey about her novel "A Kingdom to Claim." Set in Wessex in AD 878, the story explores the lives of Aisley and Brecc amidst political turmoil. Bessey discusses her passion for historical storytelling, the challenges of weaving romance into her narratives, and the intricacies of capturing authentic historical details. She also shares insights into her writing journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Season 7, Episode 9 - Bernard Cornwell
In Season 7, Episode 9 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with renowned author Bernard Cornwell to explore his fascination with the Peninsular War and the art of weaving fictional characters into historical events.
Season 7, Episode 8 - Stephen E. Yoch
In Season 7, Episode 8 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Stephen E. Yoch, author of Becoming Benedict Arnold.
Season 7, Episode 7 - Emily Bleeker
In season 7, episode 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Emily Bleeker, author of When We Chased the Light. During the interview, Bleeker talks about Vivian Snow, the main character in her new novel and a character readers met in her previous novel When We Were Enemies. Bleeker also discusses her own family history, her success and growth as an author, and her background as an actor. Don’t miss it!
Bonus Episode - Alison Haselden
In this bonus episode of "History Through Fiction: The Podcast," host Colin Mustful chats with Alison Haselden, author of Wicked Dames.
Season 7, Episode 6 - Jillian Forsberg
In season 7, episode 6 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Jillian Forsberg about her debut novel The Rhino Keeper. During the interview, Mustful chats with Forsberg about her love of animals and how it inspired her to write a novel about an 18th century rhino named Clara. They also discuss Forsberg’s fascination with the 18th century, her long journey to publication, and her life outside of writing as the owner of a bridal store. Don’t miss it!
Season 7, Episode 5 - Laura C. Rader
In Season 7, Episode 5 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Laura C. Rader, author of Hatfield 1677.
Season 7, Episode 4 - Kimberly Brock
In the fourth episode of Season 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Kimberly Brock, author of The Fabled Earth.
Season 7, Episode 3 - Alix Rickloff
Host Colin Mustful interviews Alix Rickloff about "The Last Light Over Oslo," discussing WWII, Florence Harriman, Cleo Jaffray, and themes of resilience and courage.
Season 7, Episode 2 - Aurélie Thiele
In the second episode of Season 7 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful engages with author Aurélie Thiele, discussing her novel, The Paris Understudy, set in 1938 Paris and inspired by opera singer Germaine Lubin.