About

HNS UK 2024 is one of the conferences organised by the Historical Novel Society.

The 2024 UK conference team are Tracey Warr, Richard Lee, Rebekah Simmers, and Katherine Mezzacappa. We are all working on the conference as volunteers. Contact us on info@hns2024.com.

Tracey Warr

Hello, I am writing historical fiction set in early medieval Europe and centred on female protagonists. I also work as an editor and an academic (teaching on Dartington Art School’s MA Poetics of Imagination). In the early part of my career, I was a contemporary art curator. I have written several books and many essays on contemporary artists. I have published five historical novels set in 10th-12th century Wales, England, France and Spain. I have also published a future fiction novella. I am currently working on a new medieval novel about a female troubadour sleuth. I am a member of the HNS Author Interview team. I was born in London and live in south-west France.

Website: Meanda Books

Rebekah Simmers

Hello, I am the author of the Metzlingen Saga, which includes my first novel The King’s Sword. In addition to being a military spouse and special needs parent of five children, I am a member of the HNS Author Interview team. I am also co-admin for an international group of writers, love research of all kinds, and have been trotting the globe since birth. I have recently moved with my family to Italy (my twenty-first move).

Website: https://rebekahsimmers.com

Richard Lee

Hello, I founded the Historical Novel Society in 1997 after trying to join it, only to find it didn’t exist. The society has since developed in many unforeseen ways, following the enthusiasms of the active membership, with me trying to keep as light a hand on the tiller as possible. It is with bemusement but great pride that I regard the society’s robust health today.

I have been involved with the organisation of many HNS conferences, set up the HNS New Novel Award and the HNS Indie Award, co-hosted the Cambridge History Festivals, and run author talks for two years at English Heritage’s flagship Kirby Hall re-enactment event.

I have been a judge of the CWA’s Ellis Peters Historical Dagger, the RNA’s Elizabeth Goudge Trophy and the RNA’s Romantic Novel of the Year Awards. I studied English at Merton College, Oxford, and have worked for many years bookselling with WH Smith and Waterstone’s. One day I will finish my novel of the Crusades.

Website: www.historicalnovelsociety.org

Katherine Mezzacappa

From Carrickfergus, Katherine Mezzacappa now lives in Italy where she writes mainly historical fiction. She also publishes as Katie Hutton and as Kate Zarrelli.

As Katie Hutton, her books include The Maid of Lindall Hall (2023), The Gypsy Bride (Zaffre, 2020), The Gypsy’s Daughter (Zaffre, 2021) and Annie of Ainsworth’s Mill (Zaffre, 2022).

As Katherine Mezzacappa, The Maid of Florence is in press with Fairlight Books, as is The Ballad of Mary Kearney with Addison & Highsmith (Histria).

As Kate Zarrelli she is the author of two novellas, Tuscan Enchantment (2019) and The Casanova Papers (June 2020). Katherine was an organiser of the 2022 HNS conference in Durham.

She is represented by Annette Green Authors’ Agency.

Website: https://www.writing.ie/member-authors/katherine-mezzacappa