Viking facts in fiction - how much research does a historical novel need? (Writers' roundtable)
Date: Monday 27 June Time: 5.15-6.30pm
Venue: Sir Clive Granger Building, University Park, University of Nottingham
Our panel of expert writers will be discussing the processes they go through in creating fiction that is both engaging and historically accurate. They will cover themes such as:
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using suitable source materials
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reconciling conflicting sources
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accurate character creation
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referencing contemporaneous literature.
The discussion will be followed by a public question and answer session.
The roundtable will be moderated by Matthew Welton, Assistant Professor in Creative Writing.
Join the Live Streaming of this roundtable (5.05-6.30pm)
Our expert writers
James Aitcheson was born in Wiltshire in 1985 and studied History at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he developed a special interest in the Middle Ages and the Norman Conquest in particular.
Sworn Sword is his first novel, featuring the knight Tancred and set in England during the turbulent years following 1066. Tancred's adventures continue with The Splintered Kingdom and Knights of the Hawk.
The Harrowing, James's fourth novel, will be published in 2016.
James Aitcheson's website
Justin Hill’s fiction spans eras as distant from one another as Anglo Saxon England to Tang Dynasty, China. His work has won numerous awards, including the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize, the Somerset Maugham Award, a Betty Trask Award, as well as being both the Sunday Times and the Washington Post Books of the Year. In 2014 he was selected to write the sequel to the Oscar winning film, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, due for release in 2016.
An engaging and inspiring teacher, Justin now teaches Creative Writing at Sheffield Hallam University.
Justin Hill's website
Helen Hollick lives on a thirteen-acre farm in Devon. Born in London, Helen wrote pony stories as a teenager, moved to science-fiction and fantasy, and then discovered historical fiction. Published for over twenty years with her Arthurian Trilogy, and the 1066 era, she became a ‘USA Today’ bestseller with her novel about Queen Emma The Forever Queen (titled A Hollow Crown in the UK) She also writes the Sea Witch Voyages, pirate-based adventures with a touch of fantasy.
As a supporter of Indie Authors she is Managing Editor for the Historical Novel Society Indie Reviews, and inaugurated the HNS Indie Award.
Helen Hollick's website
After going to school in Nairobi, New York, London and Letchworth, Victoria read English at St Anne's College, Oxford, did an M.A in Icelandic Literature at the Centre for Medieval Studies in York followed by a D. Phil in the English Department.
She has published a wide range of academic articles and a book (Dying and Death in Later Anglo-Saxon England). Her current research is on the Viking Age sculpture of Britain and Ireland.
Victoria is also the author of The Bone Thief and its sequel, The Traitors' Pit. Set in 900AD after the death of King Alfred the Great they tell the story of a young cleric Wulfgar, his adventures and conflicted loyalties.
Victoria Whitworth's website
Public lecture - Victoria Whitworth
Date: Monday 27 June Time: 6.30-7.30pm
Venue: Sir Clive Granger Building, University Park, University of Nottingham
Title: Can These Dry Bones Live? The Potential of Archaeological Fiction
The lecture will be followed by a short question and answer session, wine reception and book signing.
Join the Live Streaming of this lecture (6.30-7.40pm)