New year, new conferences! Last year I calculated horse-carriage travel times and drank my way through history with the lovely hosts of the Historical Novel Society - oh, and cried during David Eberschoff's moving keynote speech about writing the story of your heart. If you love historical fiction (ok, or any fiction), and particularly if you're a writer, here are some conferences for you:
(But first, some absinthe.)
Historical Novel Society UK Conference: HNS sets the standard for historical fiction events, and if you can make it to Glasgow this year, you won't regret it. Their conferences are always fun, informative, and inspiring. (See tears, above.) August 24-26.
The Washington Writers Conference: Once again, the fantastic crew at the Washington Independent Review of Books is putting together a great conference in the DC area. This conference isn't specifically about #histfic, but it's organized by historical fiction author Jenny Yacovissi, and agents who are interested in historicals will be receiving pitches. May 4-5.
Muse & the Marketplace: It's hard to argue with this Boston conference's claim to being the #1 writing conference in the country. The Manuscript Mart consultations are fantastic, and the speakers are world class. Historical fiction fans will be excited to listen to Alexander Chee, Maud Casey, Crystal King, and others. With over 100 sessions to choose from, there's a lot for a writer to learn. April 6-8.
The Loft's Pitch Conference: With a Friday workshop hosted by Hannah Tinti (whose novel The Good Thief is a fun historical read), and pitches with numerous agents looking for historical fiction, it's hard to go wrong. Minneapolis, MN. April 20-21.
Historical Writers of America: Now in their third year, this conference bridges the gap between fiction and non-fiction history lovers. I attended the first conference in Williamsburg and had a blast (how can you sit next to Margaret George at lunch and not die of happiness?). I'm certain their sojourn to Providence, RI will be just as fun. June 7-10.