I’m a sucker for a historical novel. Doesn’t matter, really, when or where it’s set — although the 18th century is always a safe bet, maybe earlier, maybe later.

Mobile phones? Nah. Missives delivered by liveried messenger boys? Hell yeah.

I’ve been doing some more writing and editing recently for The History Quill, a website devoted to my favourite literary genre: historical fiction. I’ve ended up reading manuscripts at all stages of being ‘done’ — and written on topics that have taken my thinking and sometimes my writing in all sorts of different directions. And curating lists of books in a particular period or with a particular focus has broadened my horizons — and has my to-be-read pile teetering dangerously high.

It’s been a joy — and continues to be. Exploring my favourite genre, a genre I love to write and read, and having a chance to think about what it means, how it works and why it matters feels like a brilliant way to push my own writing further and expand my reading and teaching.

I’ve written on the challenge of including real people in fictional narratives, and on whether prologues are a good idea or not. Most recently, I’ve compiled a collection of historical fiction writing prompts, designed to get your imagination going — or at least give it a stepping-off point. Where you go from there is, of course, up to you!

I’ve curated lists of fiction set during World War II and of historical mysteries and thrillers.  The site’s Book Club has loads of great suggestions, and will even tailor suggestions for you individually based on your reading preferences.

So, if you want me, I’ll be playing somewhere in the past.

Pass me my quill…