Using History to Inspire Fiction with Mirandi Riwoe

Learn how to create a historically authentic world in your fiction

Join award-winning historical fiction novelist Mirandi Riwoe in this course all about using the past to inspire your fiction.

Perhaps you want to write about a historical figure you find fascinating, or you've read something in a historical text that resonates with you. In this workshop we'll explore how to turn your historical research and ideas into a fictional work. Through a series of writing exercises and authorial insights, this workshop will help you to find inspiration or further develop your historical fiction project.

You'll learn:

  • research techniques and where to find resources
  • how to weave your research into fiction without overwhelming the reader
  • to develop historical characters with a focus on style and voice
  • to give your settings life and energy
  • how to make sure your book appeals to a contemporary audience even though it's set in the past

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.

"I found Miranda Riwoe's course on writing historical fiction excellent preparation for embarking on my work. It provided excellent information, practical exercises and addressed the fears that stop one from getting started and persisting with writing."



"I now have much more confidence to dive in to the research for the novel I have been planning for some time. I will continue to refer back to this workshop as I progress on the novel. Mirandi asks her students to think about where they will be in one year's time, and I now have a clear goal of exactly at what point in my novel I will be at in April 2024. Thanks so much Mirandi and KYD!"


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Mirandi Riwoe
Mirandi Riwoe

Mirandi Riwoe’s historical novel Stone Sky Gold Mountain, set in North Queensland during the gold rush, won the Queensland Literary Award for Fiction 2020. Her novella The Fish Girl won Seizure’s Viva la Novella V and was shortlisted for the Stella Prize and the Queensland Literary Award for Fiction. Mirandi also writes as M.J. Tjia and has written three crime novels set in 1860s London, featuring the Eurasian sleuth Heloise Chancey.


Course Curriculum


  Introduction
Available in days
days after you enrol
  What is Historical Fiction and Why Write It?
Available in days
days after you enrol
  The Research Period
Available in days
days after you enrol

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!