Writing Historical Fiction for Children and Young Adults with Sheena Wilkinson

Course Summary

How do historical novelists remain true to the facts and attitudes of the past while producing inclusive, diverse narratives for the young readers of today and tomorrow? Award-winning novelist Sheena Wilkinson, whose historical fiction has been praised for its ‘formidable narrative gift and acute sense of historical justice’ will help you to meet this challenge. By focussing on character, world-building, point-of-view, dialogue and story structure, we consider how best to honour both past and present. This course is suitable for both new writers, and for more experienced writers wishing to try historical fiction for the first time.

Course Outline

Throughout the six weeks, participants will consider all aspects of writing historical fiction for young people, from the nuts and bolts of drafting and editing, to the ethical and aesthetic considerations of working in this popular, challenging genre. Drawing on both classic and contemporary texts, they will be encouraged to read widely and expected to produce a short piece of historical fiction for critique by the facilitator and other participants.

Course Outcomes

Participants will gain insights into all aspects of writing historical fiction for young people, and will develop the tools and confidence to negotiate the demands of the genre

Described in The Irish Times as ‘one of our foremost writers’, Sheena Wilkinson has published twelve novels for children and adults. She has won many awards for novels, short stories and memoirs. Her most recent books are the Fernside series, a homage to the girls’ school story, and the ‘briskly witty delight’ (Irish Times) Mrs Hart’s Marriage Bureau and sequel Miss McVey Takes Charge. Star by Star (a Booktrust ‘Future Classic’, 2018) has just been reissued in a new edition.

Booked out? To be added to the waiting list for this course, please email bookings@irishwriterscentre.ie