SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017
READERS FESTIVAL
Portland Hilton
621 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR
The Historical Novel Society invites Portland readers to an afternoon designed to please and intrigue. Note: Conference registrants need not register or check in; admission is included in your registration.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Plaza Foyer: REGISTRATION
Everyone who is either preregistered or wishes to register on site should check in to receive their entry pass.
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Galleria North: RACE: WRITING ABOUT THE WORLD’S MOST PROVOCATIVE TOPIC
Presenters: Chanel Dolz Cleeton, Deborah Johnson, Weina Dai Randel; moderator: Teralyn Pilgrim
Whether you’re writing about a different culture or your own, there can be immense pressure to handle it a certain way. But race doesn’t have to be taboo. By having the courage to add racial diversity to our writing, we can reach outside of the experiences we’re all too familiar with and delve into something new. This panel will be a frank, open, and honest discussion on writing about race.
Galleria South: LOOKING FOR STORIES IN ART
Presenters: Yves Fey, Stephanie Renee Dos Santos, Laura Morelli, Kris Waldherr
How do works of art inspire stories? Novels based on art and artists have a venerable tradition in historical fiction. The panelists pull back the curtain to reveal the artistic inspirations for their novels. How can we “look” for stories in works of art, and what are the tricks of the trade when it comes to writing about visual art?
Pavilion West: THE TUDORS: AN ENGLISH DYNASTY?
Presenter: Mari Griffith
Everyone has heard of the Tudors. Henry VIII’s unfortunate tendency to lop off his wives’ heads is well documented. We weep for the sad fate of Anne Boleyn and admire the Virgin Queen for having ‘the heart and stomach of a king’. But where did they come from, these colorful Tudors? What were the origins of the most famous dynasty in British history? Misconceptions abound but writer and broadcaster Mari Griffith tells the true story.
Pavilion East: SWASHBUCKLING MEN: WRITING THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
Presenters: Margaret George & Stephanie Thornton; moderator: C.W. Gortner
The male perspective in historical fiction is undervalued. Publishers often say male characters don’t sell. Yet men played vital roles in history and their perspective can be challenging to write in ways that appeal to both genders. Join three gentlemen and one lady—authors, with both indie and traditional credentials—as we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the male perspective, as well as innovative ways to sell books with male lead characters.
Broadway III/IV: FROM THE MERRY MONARCH TO THE FOUR GEORGES: 17th and 18th Century London Coffee House Conversation
Themed Koffee Klatch hosts Gillian Bagwell & Margaret Porter
The coffee house was a popular gathering point—especially for writers—where people shared ideas and engaged in friendly debate, fueled by that wonderful caffeinated beverage without which few modern-day authors could survive. Comparing two fascinating historical eras, the 17th century and the 18th century, we’ll explore their similarities and differences, popularity, variety of characters, diverse geographical settings, and more. Aristocrats, commoners, colonists, foreigners, readers, writers, historical nerds—all are welcome! (Swordsticks must be checked at the door—and the coffee will, alas, be only virtual.)
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Grand Ballroom I: COFFEE & TEA WITH OUR TWO GUESTS OF HONOR, Pulitzer Prize Winner Geraldine Brooks and acclaimed author David Ebershoff. All Classical Portland Radio Announcer Ed Goldberg, star of Portland’s popular “Author Author” program, will interview our guests of honor and moderate questions from the audience. HNS conference registrants may also attend this event.
3:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Pavilion Ballroom East & West: BOOK SIGNING
Browse the Conference Bookstores and pick up books by your favorite authors and bring them to the book signing. Our guests of honor as well as conference authors will be available to sign your books and chat with you.