In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be highlighting the upcoming, inaugural Historical Novel Society of Australia conference, which is being held in Sydney from March 20–March 22 (inclusive). It promises to be a wonderful event for both writers and readers of historical novels, with panel discussions, interviews, book launches, pitch and evaluation opportunities, social events, and much more!

I’m a speaker at the Conference, on various panels on the Saturday, but also, in very nice news, I’ve been asked to give the opening speech at the Conference’s official launch and reception, on Friday March 20 at the State Library of NSW in Macquarie Street, Sydney. HNSA patron and my good friend and fellow novelist, Kate Forsyth, will also say a few words.

It should be a fabulous night all round, including cocktails, the launch of Felicity Pulman’s new historical crime novel, and a what sounds like a most intriguing panel discussion on what historical novelists and historians can learn from each other.

Find out more about the Friday reception here, and about the whole Conference here.