HNS 2026

Historical Novel Society 2026 First Chapters Competition Logo is a gold-edged roundel with a tree growing from an open book.

Category shortlists for the HNS 2026 First Chapters competition are up:
hns2026.com/competition
Ten historical fiction categories include CYA, romance, crime, fantasy, and more, with 15 writers; from Ireland, Canada, France, Italy, Puerto Rico, Spain, the UK, and the USA. Congratulations to all!

A shout out to Tracey Warr, who has also been inundated with HNS 2026 admin, including helping to finalise results of the HNS 2026 First Chapters Competition, Round 1: hns2026.com/competition
She's keeping her head above water with superhuman resolve

We had a great conversation last night with Sophie Perinot. I've just finished editing the episode and it will be live on the 6th of March. Like us Sophie will also be at the Historical Novel Society conference in August. Looking forward to that immensely.

Passion. Obsession. Atmosphere you can feel in your bones.

This is your sign to read #Catherine: A Retelling of #WutheringHeights by @essiefox.bsky.social this #ValentinesDay💙 OUT NOW🙌

✨AVAILABLE NOW✨
Hardback: 🔗https://geni.us/hdV1
Ebook: 🔗https://geni.us/79FJv

#TeamOrenda

My #bookreview Richard Dennis's Rumbling of the Waters @histnovsoc.bsky.social #historicalfiction #1920s 'an absorbing historical and psychological thriller... warning of what happens in a democracy when the rule of law is subverted and instrumentalised.' historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-...

Throwback Thursday with an interview all about the book that started my writing career. Mary Anne asked some insighful questions and I enjoyed answering them. Feels good to take a step back and consider the road I've travelled.
maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2026/02/thro... #writingcommunity #amwriting

My #bookreview of Martin Campbell's The Insanity Inspectors for @histnovsoc.bsky.social 'Individual case notes are heartrending, taking the reader into a world remote in time and geography' #historicalfiction #scottishhistory #insanity historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-... #victorian

Looking forward to hearing from Vaseem, Justin, and Matthew at HNS 2026

Logo, view of Maynooth Campus, captioned 'Print The Legend - Historical Novel Society 2026 Conference, 21-23 August, Maynooth, Ireland. Weblink: hns2026.com'

Informative, interesting and inspiring presentations are at the core of any great conference. We are delighted to announce the HNS 2026 programme on our website: hns2026.com/programme
Daily schedules:
Saturday: hns2026.com/programme#sa...
Sunday: hns2026.com/programme#su...
Friday: excursions TBA

kermit the frog is standing in front of a red curtain and saying `` i 'm so excited '' ALT: kermit the frog is standing in front of a red curtain and saying `` i 'm so excited ''

Have decided I'm headed to the Historical Novel Society conference next August in Ireland. Also plan to stay a few extra days and explore Dublin! @hns2026.bsky.social I'm SO EXCITED!

Gothic fiction, Wuthering Heights, unreliable narrators, and writing from a ghost’s point of view.
We’re joined by @essiefox.bsky.social on the latest Rock Paper Swords episode.
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3F5f...
📺 youtu.be/42EkcxvnV1I

#WritingLife #GothicFiction

19th C accommodation blocks around a lawn

Modern accessible accommodation blocks

Maynooth Campus offers HNS2026 conference guests reasonably priced accommodation with good public transport and free parking during our conference. For more information: hns2026.com/maynooth-cam...

HNS 2026 Print the Legend 21-23 August 2026 at Maynooth Campus Ireland. A view of South Campus lawns in summer time.

HNS 2026 'Print The Legend' will explore how we create and curate legends, navigating between authenticity and creativity.

Amazing speakers and a welcoming atmosphere will create an unmissable event for anyone who loves historical fiction: readers and writers alike.

Register now at hns2026.com

HNS2026 Competition Logo

The HNS 2026 First Chapters Competition is now open until 17 November 2025, both to HNS members and to non-members, and to unpublished and previously published authors. Send in the opening plus synopsis of a previously unpublished full-length historical novel.
See more: hns2026.com/competition

A beautiful day in Maynooth today sorting out some things for #HNS2026 conference with @katmezzacappa.bsky.social . More to come on HNS2026.com