Historical fantasy combines what I see as the best parts of historical fiction and fantasy, but it is neither wholly one nor the other, and comes with a unique set of challenges. This worldbuilding workshop offers an in-depth and inspiring practical session for authors who seek guidance on how to integrate elements of both genres into their work.
The topics you will cover include:
Finding the right historical era for your story
Incorporating fantastical elements into well-known or recognisable settings
Using existing myth and folklore as inspiration
Beyond the desk: different methods of research
Writing inclusively within a historical context
How to build a believable atmosphere without resorting to archaic or anachronistic anguage
Finding story in the landscape
Engaging with contemporary issues in historical settings
This workshop takes the form of a presentation, making use of group discussion and active writing exercises to help put theory into practice. The aim is for participants to leave not only with new ideas, but a better understanding of how these genres can effectively and imaginatively intersect.
Your Workshop Leader
Lucy Holland is the author of The Times bestselling Sistersong, which was a finalist for the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award and the British Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 2022. Her second historical fantasy novel, Song of the Huntress, is published by Pan Macmillan in 2024. As Lucy Hounsom, she wrote the Worldmaker Trilogy. She worked twelve years in corporate account sales for Waterstones Booksellers before becoming a full-time author. Lucy co-hosts the intersectional feminist podcast ‘Breaking the Glass Slipper’, which won Best Audio in the 2019 British Fantasy Awards. She lives in Devon.
Follow Lucy on X, Bluesky and Instagram @silvanhistorian and on her Facebook page
About the event:
Running time: 105 minutes including breaks
Venue: Braid Room
Tickets: £18 / £15 (plus 50p booking fee)
The event will be take place in person. Workshops are not recorded.