Writing Historical Fiction with Hannah Kent

Learn how to research and write a work of historical fiction

Whether you have an idea for a novel based on true events or you wish to create a work of fiction set in the past, writing historical fiction requires a research process and deep consideration of character, narrative and prose to ensure that the work feels alive and relevant to a modern reader.

This course is designed to explain the ways in which research can be used to strengthen characterisation, setting and plot, and will teach efficient techniques and approaches to avoid burdening your fiction with superfluous historical information or lapses into anachronism.

You’ll learn:
  • Where to find research materials and what to look for in historical records
  • How to generate a character from history
  • How to incorporate facts into a story without overburdening the reader
  • The components that make up a historical fiction manuscript (character, plot, dialogue, place and structure)

The course is designed to take you 6-8 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

Read an interview with Hannah about historical fiction here.

"I found this course thoroughly researched and meticulously planned and delivered. The material has empowered me as a writer."

"Highly recommended for any emerging writers who dream of writing a novel one day...informative, inspiring and highly engaging. I am most grateful for the excellent recommendations and resources. Absolutely worth doing!"


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Hannah Kent
Hannah Kent

Hannah Kent is the co-founder and publishing director of Kill Your Darlings. Her debut novel, Burial Rites (2013), has been translated into thirty languages and was shortlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, the Stella Prize, the Guardian First Book Award, and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It won the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year and the Indie Awards Debut Fiction Book of the Year, amongst others. Hannah’s second novel, The Good People (2016) was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, the Queensland Literary Awards and the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction. It is being adapted for film by Aquarius Productions.


Course Curriculum


  Welcome!
Available in days
days after you enrol
  Why Write Historical Fiction?
Available in days
days after you enrol
  The Value and Nature of Research
Available in days
days after you enrol

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!