In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Cecil Beckett, winner of the 3rd Annual Short Story Contest and author of The Blood of Englishmen. The story delves into the life of the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, focusing on the final year of his life during World War I. Cecil shares his inspiration for the story, the unique challenges of early aviation, and the Red Baron's internal struggles following a life-changing head injury. The conversation explores the craft of writing, including Cecil's minimalist approach to storytelling and his journey from medicine to creative writing. Listeners will also hear about Cecil’s experiences growing up in rural New Zealand, his life in Auckland, and his passion for short fiction. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on history, storytelling, and the human conflicts behind one of World War I’s most iconic figures.

Season 10, Episode 8 - Cecil Beckett

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with Carol M. Cram, author of The Choir. Set in 1890s Victorian England, this compelling novel explores the lives of two estranged friends, Eliza Kingwill and Ruth, against the backdrop of a fictional mill town and the vibrant world of choir competitions. Carol shares the inspiration behind the story, rooted in her own family history, and delves into the challenges faced by working-class women like Eliza, who dreams of escaping an abusive marriage. Meanwhile, Ruth, a once-famous singer, grapples with a fall from grace as she becomes a choir adjudicator. Together, their journeys highlight themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the redemptive power of music. Discover the historical significance of choir competitions in late Victorian England, the creative process behind crafting authentic characters, and how Carol’s lifelong passion for the arts shapes her storytelling. Plus, hear about her upcoming novel set in post-war Canada and her dedication to celebrating the arts through her podcast, Art and Fiction, and other creative endeavors. 📚 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about history, music, and the transformative power of community.

Season 10, Episode 7 - Carol M. Cram

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Mirta Ojito, author of Deeper Than the Ocean. Mirta shares the real-life shipwreck that inspired her novel and discusses the dual timelines of her story, following Catalina, an early 20th-century immigrant, and Mara, a modern journalist. The conversation explores themes of migration, family secrets, and the enduring impact of history, blending personal experience with historical research to bring forgotten stories to light. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

Season 10, Episode 6 - Mirta Ojito

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Loretta Ellsworth about her novel, The Jilted Countess. Inspired by a true story, the book follows a Hungarian countess who, after World War II, travels to Minnesota to marry a soldier—only to discover he has wed someone else. Facing deportation, she becomes the subject of a newspaper appeal and receives nearly 1,800 marriage proposals. Ellsworth discusses her research, the blend of fact and fiction, and the resilience of her unforgettable heroine. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

Season 10, Episode 5 - Loretta Ellsworth

In this episode of History Through Fiction, host Colin Mustful interviews Deepa Anappara, author of "The Last of Earth." Anappara discusses her historical novel set in 19th-century Tibet, exploring themes of colonialism, cartography, and identity through the perspectives of Balram, an Indian schoolteacher turned explorer, and Catherine, a determined female adventurer. The conversation delves into the novel’s historical context, the challenges of writing overlooked voices, and the enduring impact of imperialism on personal and national identity. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

Season 10, Episode 4 - Deepa Anappara

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Lynn Cullen, author of "When We Were Brilliant." Cullen discusses her inspiration for the novel, focusing on the unique relationship between photographer Eve Arnold and Marilyn Monroe. The conversation explores Eve’s groundbreaking career, her empathetic approach to photography, and the challenges both women faced in a male-dominated world. Cullen also shares insights into her writing process and passion for historical fiction. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

Season 10, Episode 3 - Lynn Cullen

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Gabriella Saab, author of The Star Society. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s early life, the novel follows Ada, a Dutch resistance survivor who reinvents herself in postwar America. As Ada’s twin sister, Ingrid, investigates communist influences in Hollywood, the sisters’ bond is tested by secrets and political intrigue. Saab discusses her research, writing process, and the importance of sisterhood and loyalty at the heart of her historical fiction. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

Season 10, Episode 2 - Gabriella Saab

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Vanessa Riley, author of Fire, Sword, and Sea. Riley discusses the chaotic world of 17th-century Caribbean piracy, the challenges faced by women and Black pirates, and the research behind her heroine, Jacquotte Delahaye. Listeners will hear about the realities versus myths of piracy, the importance of telling untold stories, and Riley’s passion for bringing overlooked historical figures to life through engaging, well-researched fiction. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

Season 10, Episode 1 - Vanessa Riley

Season 10 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast is almost here! Thirteen brand-new weekly episodes begin Monday, January 12—each one bringing the past to life through extraordinary stories and unforgettable characters. This season, we sail the Caribbean with a legendary female pirate, follow sisters navigating the dangers of postwar Hollywood, uncover family secrets across oceans and centuries, and witness women claiming their voices in worlds that try to silence them. From thrilling historical epics to intimate, deeply human journeys, these stories will transport you across time, place, and emotion. Join bestselling and acclaimed authors as they guide us through courage, ambition, love, and resilience—the lives behind the legends, the history behind the stories. Tune in, listen closely, and experience the adventure, the intrigue, and the power of storytelling—only on History Through Fiction: The Podcast.

Announcing Season 10 of History Through Fiction: The Podcast

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews author Karen Essex about her two-volume novel on Cleopatra. Essex reveals the real Cleopatra—an intelligent, multilingual ruler—contrasting her with the seductive figure from pop culture. She discusses her extensive research, including graduate studies and travel, and shares insights into the challenges of both traditional and independent publishing. Essex also talks about her broader storytelling career in film and television, her bestselling novel Leonardo’s Swans, and her upcoming book Run, Darling, about the Gabor Sisters’ dramatic escape from Nazi-occupied Hungary.

Season 9, Episode 15 - Karen Essex

History Through Fiction founder and editor Colin Mustful talks with historical novelists about their craft of weaving history and fiction to create engaging, historically detailed stories.

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