HNS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS For its 25th anniversary, the Society's members share what the HNS means to them In 1997, Richard Lee took it upon himself to establish in the United Kingdom a society for the furtherance of historical fiction. Beginnings were small and, by Lee’s accounting, inauspicious (members’ dues were solicited with an A4 leaflet plus his “(assumed) integrity and (implied) hard work”). From this, the Historical Novel Society has grown into an international organization that demonstrates a notable impact on the genre, those who write in it, and those who love to read it. This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our founding, as well as the 100th issue of the Historical Novels Review. We thought a fitting marker for the occasion would be to allow the Society to speak for itself – to hear from membership about how the Society has affected them personally. Many answered the call, from authors to reviewers to reading enthusiasts (some all rolled into one). When it comes to the genre, members are effusive about how the Society has expanded their scope, especially through the tens of thousands of reviews published by HNR over the last quarter century. B.J. Sedlock says, “Writing reviews for the HNS has broadened my horizons, reading and reviewing books set in locations or periods I might not normally be drawn to for plain old recreational reading.” Melissa Warren notes her joy in finding inclusive YA authors like Chloe Gong and C.B. Lee, “The reviews and quarterly magazines help teachers and media specialists find new voices that expand representation and students’ understanding of history and themselves.” Gail Murray considers it a “privilege” to review for HNR, allowing her to “discover so many wonderful authors.” Julia Stoneham feels similarly, “I appreciate the variety of subject matter HNR offers me. HNR is well respected, highly valued, and A Very Good Thing.” Susan Lowell quotes Ursula K. LeGuin, “’The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp.’ But the best part: ‘The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story,’ and it’s my privilege to experience so many other writers’ living stories.” Author and reviewer Penny Ingham declares, “Membership has brought me so much pleasure over the last twelve years. Writing reviews for the Society has introduced me to so many authors I might not otherwise have come across.” Jasmina Svenne also notes this effect: “As a long-time reviewer, I have read some amazing books that I would probably never have bought if left to my own devices.” As an author, Ingham was thrilled to see her novel selected as an Editors’ Choice in 2010, and Svenne values the chances to connect, “I belong to several writers’ organisations, but if money became an issue, the HNS would be the last one I would give up. I have made several friends at the UK Conferences – two of them now very close friends – and I’ve twice had short stories published in the HNS anthologies.” Rebecca Cochran, a reviewer and former US Reviews Editor, echoes this theme of finding connection: “I was introduced to the HNS nearly 17 years ago. Becoming a reviewer combined my love of reading, historical fiction, and writing. Since then, I have met many wonderful colleagues, both during my time as reviewer and as an editor. Because of my passion for HNR, my daughter became equally intrigued with history, and has also reviewed books over the last several years. Through this bond, we have found new authors, learned so much, and continue to swap books back and forth.” J. Lynn Else, Indie Reviews Editor, says, “In my reading community, I don’t have many 8
FEATURES | Issue 100, May 2022
historical fiction fans to talk with. The HNS is a breath of fresh air! If I’m excited about historical fiction, I finally have other readers to chat with.” Edward James, a long-time UK Reviews Editor, also values the bonds he’s made: “HNR has been part of my life for the last 25 years. When the pandemic closed down all my other outside activities, my role as Reviews Editor became my only contact with the world beyond my immediate family. I have only met one of my reviewers in the flesh, but I think they have become my friends.” Katherine Mezzacappa shares a similar experience, “It’s been a godsend in the dark, isolating days of COVID, as I’ve made so many contacts. One author who is now a dear friend and confidante I met after reviewing her book.” Many authors, Mezzacappa included, talk about the inspiration they’ve found in the Society and its publications: “The Historical Novel Society has transformed my life as an author. The turning point for me was getting into the last fifteen in the Society’s New Novel Award in 2019 with a novel then called Merripen. With renewed confidence I redoubled my efforts to find an agent, the novel was offered to Bonnier Zaffre, and I am now writing my fourth for that publisher. Joining the HNS I would recommend to anyone serious about historical fiction. It’s not just a serious business though – being in the HNS has proved also to be immense fun.” The Society and its international reach has helped a number of authors realize their aspirations. Tessa Harris shares, “For years I’d sent off manuscripts to agents and never had any luck. Back in 2005 I wrote something that really excited me and that I felt could be ‘the one,’ but UK agents thought otherwise. I must have received about fifty rejections. I’d taken advantage of a free offer – sample copies of a magazine produced by the Historical Novel Society. Leafing through one, I realised that historical fiction was big in America, too. (I’m very often late to the party!) As my protagonist was an 18th century American anatomist, practising in London, it occurred to me that a US agent might be interested in my novel. Moreover, the magazine gave the names of American agents who’d done recent deals. Eagerly, I picked out an agent who, I hoped, might like my work. I hit the bull’s eye! Eighteen months later, I signed a three-book deal with Kensington Publishing for my debut, The Anatomist’s Apprentice. Twelve historical novels later, I’m still going strong, and it’s all down to the Historical Novels Review.” Members are enthusiastic about the tools the HNS provides to help them hone their writing. Christy Nicholas notes, “I have been a lover of historical fiction for as long as I can remember, but only recently started writing novels. I found the Historical Novel Society, and their articles and support have been incredibly helpful.” Karen Sandrick says, “As a relatively new historical novelist (my debut, The Pear Tree, appeared in 2017), I am constantly on the alert for ways to construct details of time and place so readers feel they have been transported to the past, find facts that fuel a powerful story, and blend actual events within a storyline to add perspective and understanding. And I find many answers to my questions as I read and review new historical novels for the HNS.” Brodie Curtis agrees, “Finding the HNS and the Historical Novels Review has been a much-needed accelerant to my writing as well as a huge boost to my overall appreciation of the genre. Content in the magazines has provided inspiration and given me deep appreciation of the talent of others, and my interactions with our superb HNR editorial team have been more valuable than I can say.” Elaine Stock, with her HF debut, We Shall Not Shatter, offers her appreciation for “all of the invaluable wealth of information for both authors and readers of historical fiction.” Janet Hancock, who
