Legend, Myth and History: a Historical Fiction Masterclass for Writers

Join novelists Barbara Erskine and Katherine Stansfield to explore the fascinating world of historical fiction from a writer's perspective. Over two days of practical workshops, you will discuss the relationship between myth, legend and history, mining the imaginative potential of lives lived in the margins of history, the over-looked or the unknown, or famous names with other stories to tell. Learn about research strategies, creating compelling characters of the past, and the alchemy of turning historical material into rich stories.

Barbara Erskine
Barbara is the author of 16 novels and 3 collections of short stories, assorted journalism and poetry. Her first novel, Lady of Hay, was published in more than 30 languages and is still in print and selling all over the world after 37 years. In 2016 she wrote Sleepers Castle, also featuring Hay Castle as its inspiration. Two of her novels were shortlisted for the Thumping Good Read awards, and all have been Sunday Times bestsellers.

Katherine Stansfield
Katherine Stansfield is a multi-genre novelist and poet. Her historical crime series Cornish Mysteries has won the Holyer an Gof Fiction Prize and been shortlisted for the Winston Graham Memorial Prize. The most recent instalment is The Mermaid's Call. She co-writes a fantasy crime trilogy with her partner David Towsey, publishing as D. K. Fields, and has also published two full length poetry collections and a pamphlet with Seren. Katherine is co-editor, with Caroline Oakley, of Cast a Long Shadow: new crime short stories by women writers from Wales, published by Honno. She teaches creative writing for a number of universities and has been a Royal Literary Fund Fellow.

This workshop is intended for those with some writing experience and is primarily centred around research and process.


Teas and coffees will be provided on arrival and will be available throughtout the day.
Lunch is not provided but can be booked in Hay Castle Café - please contact us for more details