Writing Historical Fiction with Hannah Kent

Hannah Kent is an award-winning author and screenwriter. She is the author of the bestselling novels Burial Rites, The Good People and Devotion, and the memoir Always Home, Always Homesick.

Whether you have an idea for a novel based on true events or you wish to create a work of fiction set in the past, writing historical fiction requires a research process and deep consideration of character, narrative and prose to ensure that the work feels alive and relevant to a modern reader.

This course is designed to explain the ways in which research can be used to strengthen characterisation, setting and plot, and will teach efficient techniques and approaches to avoid burdening your fiction with superfluous historical information or lapses into anachronism.

• Where to find research materials and what to look for in historical records
• How to generate a character from history
• How to incorporate facts into a story without overburdening the reader
• The components that make up a historical fiction manuscript (character, plot, dialogue, place and structure)

The course is designed to take you 6–8 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

Read an interview with Hannah about historical fiction here.

'I found this course thoroughly researched and meticulously planned and delivered. The material has empowered me as a writer.'

'Highly recommended for any emerging writers who dream of writing a novel one day...informative, inspiring and highly engaging. I am most grateful for the excellent recommendations and resources. Absolutely worth doing!'

KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact courses@killyourdarlings.com.au for more information.