History Writers Seminar with Tim Hodkinson, Hannah Mac Auliffe and Michael Doyle.
Session moderated by Larry McLaughlin, author of Four Kings of Ireland
Location: Dingle Hub
Date: Friday 18 November
Time: 14.00 – 17.00 IST/GMT
Cost: €35
Who the seminar is for
“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are” – David McCullough
This session is for those who write about history (most writers!). It will explore what publishers look for in historical fiction and non-fiction – and new opportunities for reaching readers. Whether you are writing a few pages with a historical setting or the next great novel, this session will provide practical information on how you can achieve greater fidelity to historical characters, settings, and events. The presenters believe that getting history right is an opportunity to educate, even with fiction.
What the seminar covers
- Writing about history for fiction and non-fiction
- Using Primary Sources – finding them
- Research Methods
- Writing for online readers and viewers
What you can expect
Writing About History for Fiction and Non-fiction
Author Tim Hodkinson will speak about what publishers look for when writing about history, and how writers can create a more successful storyline and publishing pathway. Research methods and storytelling with veracity will be discussed.
Using Primary Sources (Finding the Gold)
Historical records, maps, genealogies, photos and other sources are being converted to digital formats, making them accessible to history writers in new ways. Hannah Mac Auliffe, Ph.D. candidate at Trinity College Dublin, will introduce several online sources covering early and recent periods while demonstrating their use.
Research Methods and Writing for Online Readers and Viewers
Michael Doyle, host of YouTube channel Clans & Dynasties, will share his methods of researching and writing for history interest groups and vlogs, and demonstrate how writers can gain exposure for their work.
Speaker – Tim Hodkinson
Tim Hodkinson grew up in Northern Ireland where the rugged coast and call of the Atlantic ocean led to a lifelong fascination with Vikings and a degree in Medieval English and Old Norse Literature. Published by Head of Zeus based in Clerkenwell, London, his recent works include The Wolf Hunt, The Serpent King, The Bear’s Blade, and Blood Eagle. Tim’s writing heroes include Ben Kane, Giles Kristian, Bernard Cornwell, George R.R. Martin and Lee Child. After several years in the USA, Tim has returned to Northern Ireland, where he lives with his wife and children.
Speaker – Hannah Mac Auliffe
Hannah Mac Auliffe is a doctoral researcher at Trinity College Dublin. Her research interests include early medieval Irish kingship and succession practices, and her current research project focuses on the phenomenon of intra-dynastic alternate succession among Irish kingships. Her work brings her into contact with the annals, genealogies, king-lists and sagas from across Ireland. She is passionate about making history accessible and engaging for all those who seek it.
Speaker – Michael Doyle
Michael Doyle received his early education at an English private school surrounded by castles and battlefields – this started his joy of history. He attended college in Belfast before enlisting in the British Army serving eight years and completing a tour in Afghanistan in 2010. His love for Irish and Scottish medieval history led him to write short pieces about the families of Ireland online. Realizing that many family histories in Ireland and Scotland are fragmented, scattered over many sources, or filled with misinterpreted information, he started a YouTube channel to help others understand their family origins. His channel has grown to 9,500 subscribers and he now runs popular social media forums and blogs dedicated to history.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
You are entitled to a refund within one week of your payment, (less card processing fee of 2.00% of the workshop fee) provided that the workshop has not already started.
We cannot refund fees in respect of cancellation after this time. We cannot offer partial refunds to students who do not finish the workshop.