Historia – the HWA
@historia-hwa.bsky.social
Historia Magazine is the online magazine of the Historical Writers’ Association
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historicalwriters.org
historiamag.com
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Ian Fleming's naval intelligence war work was secret then - and much of it still is.
Alan Bardos investigates for Historia.
He shows how it inspired the James Bond books — and Alan's own latest WWII spy thriller, Hunter Class.
Find out more at historiamag.com/ian-fleming-...
Alan Bardos investigates for Historia.
He shows how it inspired the James Bond books — and Alan's own latest WWII spy thriller, Hunter Class.
Find out more at historiamag.com/ian-fleming-...
November 24, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Ian Fleming's naval intelligence war work was secret then - and much of it still is.
Alan Bardos investigates for Historia.
He shows how it inspired the James Bond books — and Alan's own latest WWII spy thriller, Hunter Class.
Find out more at historiamag.com/ian-fleming-...
Alan Bardos investigates for Historia.
He shows how it inspired the James Bond books — and Alan's own latest WWII spy thriller, Hunter Class.
Find out more at historiamag.com/ian-fleming-...
And congratulations to the authors on the HWA Crown Awards longlists and shortlists.
As our chair, Imogen Robertson, says: "These are works of great imagination, deep research and fresh thinking. We're delighted to be able to recommend them all."
As our chair, Imogen Robertson, says: "These are works of great imagination, deep research and fresh thinking. We're delighted to be able to recommend them all."
November 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM
And congratulations to the authors on the HWA Crown Awards longlists and shortlists.
As our chair, Imogen Robertson, says: "These are works of great imagination, deep research and fresh thinking. We're delighted to be able to recommend them all."
As our chair, Imogen Robertson, says: "These are works of great imagination, deep research and fresh thinking. We're delighted to be able to recommend them all."
👑📚Here are the winners of the 2025 HWA Crown Awards.
Full details at historiamag.com/winners-crown-awards-2025
Gold Crown: The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry
Non-fiction Crown: Moederland by Cato Pedder
Debut Crown: A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp
Congratulations to all three authors!
Full details at historiamag.com/winners-crown-awards-2025
Gold Crown: The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry
Non-fiction Crown: Moederland by Cato Pedder
Debut Crown: A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp
Congratulations to all three authors!
November 20, 2025 at 2:58 PM
👑📚Here are the winners of the 2025 HWA Crown Awards.
Full details at historiamag.com/winners-crown-awards-2025
Gold Crown: The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry
Non-fiction Crown: Moederland by Cato Pedder
Debut Crown: A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp
Congratulations to all three authors!
Full details at historiamag.com/winners-crown-awards-2025
Gold Crown: The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry
Non-fiction Crown: Moederland by Cato Pedder
Debut Crown: A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp
Congratulations to all three authors!
👑📚With the HWA Crowns winners revealed next week, we asked 2024 Gold Crown winner Elizabeth Fremantle to tell us about the intriguing background to her latest book, Sinners.
Read about the enigmatic Beatrice Cenci, killer - or victim - at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
Read about the enigmatic Beatrice Cenci, killer - or victim - at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 1:51 PM
👑📚With the HWA Crowns winners revealed next week, we asked 2024 Gold Crown winner Elizabeth Fremantle to tell us about the intriguing background to her latest book, Sinners.
Read about the enigmatic Beatrice Cenci, killer - or victim - at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
Read about the enigmatic Beatrice Cenci, killer - or victim - at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
👑📚It's tomorrow!
The HWA Crown Awards winners are announced on Wednesday evening.
📙📗📘Three winners:
👑Gold (fiction)
👑Debut
👑Non-fiction
The full details will be in Historia at about 8pm - live from the awards ceremony
#HWACrowns25
The HWA Crown Awards winners are announced on Wednesday evening.
📙📗📘Three winners:
👑Gold (fiction)
👑Debut
👑Non-fiction
The full details will be in Historia at about 8pm - live from the awards ceremony
#HWACrowns25
November 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM
👑📚It's tomorrow!
The HWA Crown Awards winners are announced on Wednesday evening.
📙📗📘Three winners:
👑Gold (fiction)
👑Debut
👑Non-fiction
The full details will be in Historia at about 8pm - live from the awards ceremony
#HWACrowns25
The HWA Crown Awards winners are announced on Wednesday evening.
📙📗📘Three winners:
👑Gold (fiction)
👑Debut
👑Non-fiction
The full details will be in Historia at about 8pm - live from the awards ceremony
#HWACrowns25
Beatrice Cenci, executed for killing her father in 1598, is elusive.
Was she an innocent victim or a cunning murderer?
Both, says Elizabeth Fremantle, whose novel, Sinners, is a powerful reinterpretation of Beatrice's story.
Find out more at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
Was she an innocent victim or a cunning murderer?
Both, says Elizabeth Fremantle, whose novel, Sinners, is a powerful reinterpretation of Beatrice's story.
Find out more at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Beatrice Cenci, executed for killing her father in 1598, is elusive.
Was she an innocent victim or a cunning murderer?
Both, says Elizabeth Fremantle, whose novel, Sinners, is a powerful reinterpretation of Beatrice's story.
Find out more at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
Was she an innocent victim or a cunning murderer?
Both, says Elizabeth Fremantle, whose novel, Sinners, is a powerful reinterpretation of Beatrice's story.
Find out more at historiamag.com/beatrice-cenci
@lizfremantle.bsky.social
This month's Historia newsletter is in your inbox!
Murderous women, humour in conflict, undying characters, lucky discoveries, they're all waiting for you in our five-minute read.
Plus a round-up of historical fiction and non-fiction published this month
Murderous women, humour in conflict, undying characters, lucky discoveries, they're all waiting for you in our five-minute read.
Plus a round-up of historical fiction and non-fiction published this month
November 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
This month's Historia newsletter is in your inbox!
Murderous women, humour in conflict, undying characters, lucky discoveries, they're all waiting for you in our five-minute read.
Plus a round-up of historical fiction and non-fiction published this month
Murderous women, humour in conflict, undying characters, lucky discoveries, they're all waiting for you in our five-minute read.
Plus a round-up of historical fiction and non-fiction published this month
David Gilman's new novel, Rage of Swords, is the latest in his Master of War series and sees Thomas Blackstone in action in Italy. Congratulations, David!
He tells Historia about the ideas and research behind his book at historiamag.com/historia-interview-david-gilman @davidgilman.bsky.social
He tells Historia about the ideas and research behind his book at historiamag.com/historia-interview-david-gilman @davidgilman.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 11:39 AM
David Gilman's new novel, Rage of Swords, is the latest in his Master of War series and sees Thomas Blackstone in action in Italy. Congratulations, David!
He tells Historia about the ideas and research behind his book at historiamag.com/historia-interview-david-gilman @davidgilman.bsky.social
He tells Historia about the ideas and research behind his book at historiamag.com/historia-interview-david-gilman @davidgilman.bsky.social
How to write a novel about the Troubles in Northern Ireland when they're so recent, and still raw?
For author Bryan J Mason the answer was: with sensitivity, acknowledging the facts - but also with humour.
He explains his approach in historiamag.com/troubles-with-history
@bryanjmason.bsky.social
For author Bryan J Mason the answer was: with sensitivity, acknowledging the facts - but also with humour.
He explains his approach in historiamag.com/troubles-with-history
@bryanjmason.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
How to write a novel about the Troubles in Northern Ireland when they're so recent, and still raw?
For author Bryan J Mason the answer was: with sensitivity, acknowledging the facts - but also with humour.
He explains his approach in historiamag.com/troubles-with-history
@bryanjmason.bsky.social
For author Bryan J Mason the answer was: with sensitivity, acknowledging the facts - but also with humour.
He explains his approach in historiamag.com/troubles-with-history
@bryanjmason.bsky.social
'Ordinary', Shaw and George Eliot called her.
But she was Madeleine Smith, tried for poisoning her lover in 1857.
Lesley McDowell, author of Love and Other Poisons, wonders what an 'ordinary' Victorian murderess was like at
historiamag.com/ordinary-victorian-murderess
@lesleymcdowell.bsky.social
But she was Madeleine Smith, tried for poisoning her lover in 1857.
Lesley McDowell, author of Love and Other Poisons, wonders what an 'ordinary' Victorian murderess was like at
historiamag.com/ordinary-victorian-murderess
@lesleymcdowell.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 11:41 AM
'Ordinary', Shaw and George Eliot called her.
But she was Madeleine Smith, tried for poisoning her lover in 1857.
Lesley McDowell, author of Love and Other Poisons, wonders what an 'ordinary' Victorian murderess was like at
historiamag.com/ordinary-victorian-murderess
@lesleymcdowell.bsky.social
But she was Madeleine Smith, tried for poisoning her lover in 1857.
Lesley McDowell, author of Love and Other Poisons, wonders what an 'ordinary' Victorian murderess was like at
historiamag.com/ordinary-victorian-murderess
@lesleymcdowell.bsky.social
While writing her latest book, a reimagining of Cordelia's story, Alexandra Walsh was struck by how some figures reappear in tales through the ages.
Why, she wondered, do we retell these stories? So she went looking for Cordelia
historiamag.com/why-tell-stories-Cordelia
@purplemermaid25.bsky.social
Why, she wondered, do we retell these stories? So she went looking for Cordelia
historiamag.com/why-tell-stories-Cordelia
@purplemermaid25.bsky.social
October 23, 2025 at 5:54 AM
While writing her latest book, a reimagining of Cordelia's story, Alexandra Walsh was struck by how some figures reappear in tales through the ages.
Why, she wondered, do we retell these stories? So she went looking for Cordelia
historiamag.com/why-tell-stories-Cordelia
@purplemermaid25.bsky.social
Why, she wondered, do we retell these stories? So she went looking for Cordelia
historiamag.com/why-tell-stories-Cordelia
@purplemermaid25.bsky.social
New in Historia:
Eric Lee on why writers and historians need to embrace lucky discoveries, as he found while working on his latest book, The August Uprising, 1924, about Georgia's uprising against Russian invaders
Find out how: historiamag.com/serendipity-historians-weapon
@erictlee.bsky.social
Eric Lee on why writers and historians need to embrace lucky discoveries, as he found while working on his latest book, The August Uprising, 1924, about Georgia's uprising against Russian invaders
Find out how: historiamag.com/serendipity-historians-weapon
@erictlee.bsky.social
October 19, 2025 at 10:13 AM
New in Historia:
Eric Lee on why writers and historians need to embrace lucky discoveries, as he found while working on his latest book, The August Uprising, 1924, about Georgia's uprising against Russian invaders
Find out how: historiamag.com/serendipity-historians-weapon
@erictlee.bsky.social
Eric Lee on why writers and historians need to embrace lucky discoveries, as he found while working on his latest book, The August Uprising, 1924, about Georgia's uprising against Russian invaders
Find out how: historiamag.com/serendipity-historians-weapon
@erictlee.bsky.social
Congratulations to all!
@katmezzacappa.bsky.social, @exlarson.bsky.social, @rachloudriscoll.bsky.social, @lissakevans.bsky.social, @christinebreen.bsky.social
@katmezzacappa.bsky.social, @exlarson.bsky.social, @rachloudriscoll.bsky.social, @lissakevans.bsky.social, @christinebreen.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The HWA Crown Awards shortlists are revealed!
They’re in Historia now, at historiamag.com/hwa-crowns-shortlists-2025
See which six books have made it through to the last round of judging in each category – Gold, Non-fiction and Debut.
Good luck to all 18 authors!
#HWACrowns25
They’re in Historia now, at historiamag.com/hwa-crowns-shortlists-2025
See which six books have made it through to the last round of judging in each category – Gold, Non-fiction and Debut.
Good luck to all 18 authors!
#HWACrowns25
October 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The HWA Crown Awards shortlists are revealed!
They’re in Historia now, at historiamag.com/hwa-crowns-shortlists-2025
See which six books have made it through to the last round of judging in each category – Gold, Non-fiction and Debut.
Good luck to all 18 authors!
#HWACrowns25
They’re in Historia now, at historiamag.com/hwa-crowns-shortlists-2025
See which six books have made it through to the last round of judging in each category – Gold, Non-fiction and Debut.
Good luck to all 18 authors!
#HWACrowns25
Not long now...
October 15, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Not long now...
👑📚The HWA Crown Awards shortlists are revealed tomorrow, just after 11am, in Historia.
It's so exciting!
Six books in each category - Gold, Non-fiction and Debut - go through to the final round.
I'll post the link here as soon as it's live!
#HWACrowns25
#booksky #histfic #historicalfiction #history
It's so exciting!
Six books in each category - Gold, Non-fiction and Debut - go through to the final round.
I'll post the link here as soon as it's live!
#HWACrowns25
#booksky #histfic #historicalfiction #history
October 14, 2025 at 7:51 PM
👑📚The HWA Crown Awards shortlists are revealed tomorrow, just after 11am, in Historia.
It's so exciting!
Six books in each category - Gold, Non-fiction and Debut - go through to the final round.
I'll post the link here as soon as it's live!
#HWACrowns25
#booksky #histfic #historicalfiction #history
It's so exciting!
Six books in each category - Gold, Non-fiction and Debut - go through to the final round.
I'll post the link here as soon as it's live!
#HWACrowns25
#booksky #histfic #historicalfiction #history
The October Historia newsletter is out!
Check your inbox for the latest stories from the magazine for historical writers and readers - all in one 5-minute read.
Plus a scary story from our archives (werewolves, eek!). Well, it is the season...
And an awards round-up!
Check your inbox for the latest stories from the magazine for historical writers and readers - all in one 5-minute read.
Plus a scary story from our archives (werewolves, eek!). Well, it is the season...
And an awards round-up!
October 3, 2025 at 3:38 PM
The October Historia newsletter is out!
Check your inbox for the latest stories from the magazine for historical writers and readers - all in one 5-minute read.
Plus a scary story from our archives (werewolves, eek!). Well, it is the season...
And an awards round-up!
Check your inbox for the latest stories from the magazine for historical writers and readers - all in one 5-minute read.
Plus a scary story from our archives (werewolves, eek!). Well, it is the season...
And an awards round-up!
New in Historia!
The winning, highly commended and shortlisted authors and stories in the 2025 HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition.
Find out who they are and what makes them special at historiamag.com/hwaddss25-winner-shortlist
#HWADDSS25
The winning, highly commended and shortlisted authors and stories in the 2025 HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition.
Find out who they are and what makes them special at historiamag.com/hwaddss25-winner-shortlist
#HWADDSS25
October 3, 2025 at 12:17 PM
New in Historia!
The winning, highly commended and shortlisted authors and stories in the 2025 HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition.
Find out who they are and what makes them special at historiamag.com/hwaddss25-winner-shortlist
#HWADDSS25
The winning, highly commended and shortlisted authors and stories in the 2025 HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition.
Find out who they are and what makes them special at historiamag.com/hwaddss25-winner-shortlist
#HWADDSS25
✍️It's today!
We announce the winning, shortlisted and highly-commended stories in this year's HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition at 1.30pm!
The best in #histfic #shortstory writing.
What gems have the judges found this year?
@dunnettcentral.bsky.social @bettym.bsky.social #HWADDSS25
We announce the winning, shortlisted and highly-commended stories in this year's HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition at 1.30pm!
The best in #histfic #shortstory writing.
What gems have the judges found this year?
@dunnettcentral.bsky.social @bettym.bsky.social #HWADDSS25
October 3, 2025 at 9:54 AM
✍️It's today!
We announce the winning, shortlisted and highly-commended stories in this year's HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition at 1.30pm!
The best in #histfic #shortstory writing.
What gems have the judges found this year?
@dunnettcentral.bsky.social @bettym.bsky.social #HWADDSS25
We announce the winning, shortlisted and highly-commended stories in this year's HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition at 1.30pm!
The best in #histfic #shortstory writing.
What gems have the judges found this year?
@dunnettcentral.bsky.social @bettym.bsky.social #HWADDSS25
AD Bergin interviews Carolyn Kirby about Ravenglass
historiamag.com/historia-int...
They discuss researching the North of England, the slave trade, the 1745 #Jacobite rising and 18th-century novels.
All of these are the background - and inspiration - for Carolyn's latest book
historiamag.com/historia-int...
They discuss researching the North of England, the slave trade, the 1745 #Jacobite rising and 18th-century novels.
All of these are the background - and inspiration - for Carolyn's latest book
September 25, 2025 at 7:53 PM
AD Bergin interviews Carolyn Kirby about Ravenglass
historiamag.com/historia-int...
They discuss researching the North of England, the slave trade, the 1745 #Jacobite rising and 18th-century novels.
All of these are the background - and inspiration - for Carolyn's latest book
historiamag.com/historia-int...
They discuss researching the North of England, the slave trade, the 1745 #Jacobite rising and 18th-century novels.
All of these are the background - and inspiration - for Carolyn's latest book
Henry II of England ruled more of France than Philip II of France did at the start of Philip's reign in 1179.
But by its end, in 1223, the situation had reversed and he was Europe's most powerful king.
Read Catherine Hanley on medieval England's nemesis at historiamag.com/philip-france-enemy
But by its end, in 1223, the situation had reversed and he was Europe's most powerful king.
Read Catherine Hanley on medieval England's nemesis at historiamag.com/philip-france-enemy
September 24, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Henry II of England ruled more of France than Philip II of France did at the start of Philip's reign in 1179.
But by its end, in 1223, the situation had reversed and he was Europe's most powerful king.
Read Catherine Hanley on medieval England's nemesis at historiamag.com/philip-france-enemy
But by its end, in 1223, the situation had reversed and he was Europe's most powerful king.
Read Catherine Hanley on medieval England's nemesis at historiamag.com/philip-france-enemy
Announced today!
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
September 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Announced today!
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
Announced today!
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Announced today!
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
Find out which writers are on the longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition in Historia at historiamag.com/hwaddss-longlist-2025.
25 #histfic authors are through to the next round of judging.
Congratulations, all, and best of luck!
#HWADDSS25
✍️The longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition is announced today!
25 of the best new, unpublished, historical short stories.
The contest's run annually by the HWA and @dunnettcentral.bsky.social.
I'll post the link as soon as it's ready, just after 1pm
#HWADDSS25
25 of the best new, unpublished, historical short stories.
The contest's run annually by the HWA and @dunnettcentral.bsky.social.
I'll post the link as soon as it's ready, just after 1pm
#HWADDSS25
September 24, 2025 at 12:21 PM
✍️The longlist for the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition is announced today!
25 of the best new, unpublished, historical short stories.
The contest's run annually by the HWA and @dunnettcentral.bsky.social.
I'll post the link as soon as it's ready, just after 1pm
#HWADDSS25
25 of the best new, unpublished, historical short stories.
The contest's run annually by the HWA and @dunnettcentral.bsky.social.
I'll post the link as soon as it's ready, just after 1pm
#HWADDSS25
If you love historical fiction or non-fiction, here are some dates for your diary: 👑📷
Longlists: 17 September
Shortlists: 15 October
Winners and awards party: 19 November
#HWACrowns25
Longlists: 17 September
Shortlists: 15 October
Winners and awards party: 19 November
#HWACrowns25
September 16, 2025 at 4:15 PM
If you love historical fiction or non-fiction, here are some dates for your diary: 👑📷
Longlists: 17 September
Shortlists: 15 October
Winners and awards party: 19 November
#HWACrowns25
Longlists: 17 September
Shortlists: 15 October
Winners and awards party: 19 November
#HWACrowns25