In July 2017, Maria’s debut novel, THE LAST LOST GIRL, was published by Poolbeg Press. The book went on to be shortlisted for the Kate O’Brien Debut Award 2018 and the Annie McHale Debut Award 2018. Maria’s second novel, ON BONE BRIDGE was published in July 2018, also by Poolbeg Press. Her third novel, BAD SWEET THINGS, a Crime Thriller/Police Procedural was published in 2021.
Maria has also published a children’s book, The Little Book of Irish Saints, with Poolbeg Press, and has been teaching creative writing for several years.
Start Date: 8th January, 2025
Duration: Six Weeks
Price: $350
3 places remaining
Mastering the Past: Enrol in Our Historical Fiction Writing Course
Step into the rich world of historical fiction with our immersive six-week online course. Whether you’re an aspiring writer eager to explore new creative avenues or a seasoned author looking to deepen your expertise in historical storytelling, this course offers the tools, insights, and inspiration you need to craft captivating, immersive narratives.
With expert instructors guiding you and a supportive writing community behind you, you’ll refine your writing skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how history shapes compelling stories. You’ll learn to create vivid, unforgettable characters, build richly detailed historical settings, and craft intricate plots that seamlessly blend fact and fiction. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to write historical novels or short stories that resonate with readers for generations to come.
Enrol today and unlock a world where the past and present converge, where storytelling transcends time, and where your creative journey begins.
Personalised Tutor Feedback
Throughout the course, you’ll receive personalised guidance from our dedicated online tutors. With weekly written assignments and one-on-one feedback, you’ll have the support you need to refine your skills and stay motivated. Our tutors are here to ensure you make steady progress and help you overcome any writing challenges you may face.
Global Access & High Demand
Our Writing Historical Fiction course is open to students from all over the world. Join a diverse, global community of writers and gain inspiration from different perspectives. As this course is highly sought after, we recommend early registration to secure your place and ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.
Lifetime Access to Course Materials
Once the course ends, you’ll have lifetime access to all the course materials. This means you can revisit lessons, review course content, and refresh your skills at any time—whether you want to continue working on your historical fiction or revisit key concepts for future projects.
Weekly Modules & Flexible Learning
Our course is designed to fit into your schedule, no matter how busy you are. Each week, you’ll receive a new module packed with text-based lessons and engaging exercises covering the essential elements of historical fiction writing. We recommend setting aside 2-3 hours per week to get the most from the course, but with no set class times, you can learn at your own pace. Once you enrol, our tutor will send you the first module so you can get started immediately.
Ready to bring history to life through your writing? Enrol now and embark on a journey that will elevate your storytelling and deepen your connection to the past.
Course Outline
Week One – Basics of Historical Fiction
We consider the building blocks of historical fiction, how to research and write your own story and what themes to include.
Week Two – Historical Characters
In the second week, we ask, what makes a good character in historical fiction? We discuss characters based on historical figures and entirely fictional ones. There is then a chance to create a character for your own story.
Week Three – Setting the Past
How do you create a historical setting? This is the primary question of week three. We use our characters to create interesting settings alongside expert advice
Week Four – Plotting the Past
In week four, we discuss how to create an exciting plot for your historical fiction. We show how to use your characters to set up and pay off important events for the best effect.
Week Five – Writing Authentic Dialogue
In the penultimate week, we question how to write authentic and compelling dialogue. We practice writing dialogue between characters and adding some to your historical fiction.
Week Six – Pitfalls of Historical Fiction
In the final week, we discuss the common mistakes beginner historical fiction writers make and how to avoid them. There is also the chance to polish your work and receive feedback on it.
Seize This Incredible Opportunity to Master Historical Fiction Writing
Now is the perfect time to take your historical fiction writing to the next level. This course offers you the chance to refine your skills, learn from industry experts, and gain the tools necessary to craft immersive, captivating stories that transport readers to another time and place. Whether you’re new to historical fiction or looking to deepen your expertise, our comprehensive program will guide you through the essential elements of storytelling, from character development and setting creation to weaving history seamlessly into fiction.
By enrolling now, you’re not just signing up for a course—you’re taking the first step on a path toward becoming a successful historical fiction author. Our expert instructors will provide personalised feedback, share valuable industry insights, and help you overcome any obstacles you may encounter along the way. You’ll have the opportunity to fine-tune your writing, learn the art of blending fact and fiction, and craft stories that resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of historical fiction and take your writing to new heights. Enrol today and embark on a transformative journey toward mastering the craft and achieving your writing goals.