HNS2027 Conference Board
Meet the seven individuals who are responsible for organizing and running the 2027 Historical Novel Society North America Conference, held in 2027 from June 17 to 19 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Conference Chair: Elizabeth R. Andersen
Elizabeth R. Andersen balances her career as an Executive Communications Manager with a passion for researching and writing historical fiction about people who occupied liminal social and political space in the 13th and 14th centuries. She works as a consultant to some of the world’s most influential tech leaders, while also managing Haeddre Press, which she started to manage her own independently published work. She is also represented by History Through Fiction. Elizabeth lives in the Seattle area with her teenage son and energetic husky. On the weekends she can be found hiking and exploring the stunning Cascade mountains to hide from people and dream up new plotlines and characters. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, The Crime Writers Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Program Chair: Sydney Young
Syd Young is lawyer who’s also an agented, award-winning writer who prefers creating/reading historical fiction, rather than actually living it. She’s long been a reading advocate, including with a book review column (turned posts) and by co-hostessing the popular #HFChitChat, getting to know many in the industry while spreading love about the genre. When not lawyering or creating, you’ll find Syd gardening, walking her dogs, and appreciating nature. So, basically it's all Pride and Prejudice, but in Paris and Austin, Texas (and yes, she is married to her Darcy). Always drawn to biographical fiction and fantasy, her current fascination is medieval France, both real and imagined. She’s excited to bring her love of historical fiction and HNS to the awesome responsibility of Program Chair, and would love to hear from you. www.sydyoung.com
Secretary & Communications Chair: Williamaye Jones
Williamaye Jones is a historical fiction writer, editor, and novel coach with 25 years of experience in both traditional and independent publishing. She helps writers bring historical narratives to life, maintaining rich detail and emotional depth. She holds degrees in Literature and Creative Writing from UNC–Asheville and Spalding University. A longtime member of the Historical Novel Society since 2017, she’s passionate about building community and leads the HNS Southeast Texas Chapter. Williamaye resides in Houston, Texas, where she’s fortunate to spend time cheering her two grandchildren on at their sporting events. When not buried in books or manuscripts, she enjoys travel, yoga, and discovering new foods and experiences. Find her online at williamayejones.com.
Venue Chair: Susan Moynihan
Susan grew up moving around as a Navy brat before her parents settled in Annapolis, Maryland, during her high-school years. After graduating from the University of Maryland, she set her sights on New York City, equally entranced by magazines and rock and roll. A chance trip to the Caribbean led her to discovery of travel writing, and she spent the next 20 years as a travel editor and writer, from her home bases in NYC and Florida. As a writer and travel planner with her company, The Honeymoonist, she has visited 60 countries and counting, but it was a work trip to Wyoming that kicked off her fascination with the American West, and is the basis for her first historical novel-in-progress. She relocated back to Annapolis in 2018, and her first book 100 Things to Do in Annapolis/Eastern Shore Before You Die was published in 2019. She’s currently finishing her next book, Secret Maryland, due out in 2024.
Marketing Chair: Melanie Bell
Always an avid reader and lover of historical fiction, Melanie is finally writing her first novel. While not writing, she works with startups on their marketing and growth strategy and runs Leaders Who Fiction, an online book club for people who want to develop their leadership skills by reading fiction. This is her first time serving on the board of HNSNA. With two step kids in college, Melanie, her husband, and cat, Lenny, have recently moved from Houston, Texas to Napa, California.
Registration Chair: Michelle McGill-Vargas
Michelle McGill-Vargas is a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing. Her debut novel, American Ghoul, was published by Blackstone in September 2024. It is a darkly humorous novel set in post-Civil War era where a newly-freed slave travels to northwest Indiana with an undead companion. Michelle also serves on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Writers Workshop and provides manuscript critiques and presentations for Writing Day Workshops. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Michelle resides in northwest Indiana with her family and two fur babies.
Treasurer and Finance Chair: Jenny Quinlan
Jenny Quinlan, aka Jenny Q, is an independent editor specializing in historical fiction and romance. As the founder of Historical Editorial, she has helped hundreds of authors achieve their publishing goals and now manages a team of dedicated editors. She earned a degree in history from Virginia Tech and a copyediting certification from the University of California San Diego. She has been an ardent supporter of historical fiction through her book blog, Let Them Read Books. Jenny has been volunteering at HNS conferences since 2015 and served as chair for the 2021, 2023, and 2025 conferences. She also co-founded the Historical Novel Society Romance Chapter. In addition to history and books, Jenny loves traveling, comfort food, football, music, and craft beer. She lives on a farm in Virginia with her family and a spoiled rotten German Shepherd. Visit jenny at www.jennyquinlan.com.
Technology Chair: Suzi Guina
Suzi Guina has built her career around books, from writing, to teaching high school and college English, to serving on her local Friends of the Library board. Her newest bookish roles are working as a high school library coordinator, and as the tech chair for the HNSNA conference board. Suzi writes historical and romance novels, as well as interactive fiction, and has a Regency romance forthcoming from Heart’s Choice. She's represented by Kristina Pérez of Pérez Literary and Entertainment. When she’s not working, Suzi loves yoga, traveling, and cooking/baking her Portuguese culture’s recipes, especially pastries.
Associate: Jessica Berg
Jessica Berg is a literary agent and writer who has guided authors through every stage of the publishing journey. With an MFA, a roster of successful clients, and a role as a contributing editor at Writer’s Digest, she is known for her clear, approachable style. She speaks regularly at major conferences, teaching querying, comp titles, and the business of authorship with an emphasis on building sustainable, long-term careers. Her client list includes Katia Sinchenko, Vincent Zandri, Lisa Roe, Arizona Bell, and others.
The HNS North America conference is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A copy of our bylaws can be found here.