Statement of Diversity and Inclusion

The Historical Novel Society of North America (HNSNA) stands firmly against bias, oppression, or unfair treatment of all people. As we feel the pain of what is happening today in America and in the treatment of disenfranchised citizens, we renew our commitment to and celebration of equity, inclusion, and equal justice for all. Bigotry cannot be tolerated, for when words and acts willfully inflict terror and harm, they destroy freedom of speech, freedom of discourse, and freedom to live.

HNSNA strives in all its activities, including board membership, conference programming, conference activities, and registration practices, to honor the diversity of all people. We champion the freedom to write, celebrate the value of fiction to foster empathy, and honor the ways in which historical fiction can illuminate lessons from the past.

Diversity Scholarship

Thanks to some generous donors, HNSNA will fund several diversity scholarships to promote equity and inclusion at the 2025 HNSNA Conference. This award is for writers of historical fiction from underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, BIPOC writers (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender writers.

The scholarship covers basic, early-bird registration for first-time HNS North America attendees to either the virtual or on-site conference. Awardees attending the conference in person will also receive three complimentary hotel nights and travel reimbursement up to $250 (to be disbursed at the conference).

To apply, please submit statements detailing your current writing project(s) and why this scholarship would be meaningful to you. Also indicate if you wish to attend the conference in person or virtually.

Submit by January 10, 2025, by completing the form. Decisions will be made by January 31, 2025.