Resurrecting Seventeenth-Century Women Accused of Witchcraft
Uncover the secrets of bringing historical characters to life in audiobook form with this spellbinding conversation between narrator Christine Mackie and author Helen Steadman. Join us for an hour-long discussion as these two creatives reveal the magic behind The Widdershins Trilogy audiobooks. From the imaginative side of character creation and narration to the practical processes of auditioning, production, and audio-proofing, you’ll learn everything you need to know about bringing historical fiction to life on the page and in the studio.
If you are a fan of listening to historical fiction, or want to find out how to turn your own story into an audiobook, this event is sure to bewitch and inspire. With plenty of time for Q&A at the end, you’ll have the chance to learn from Christine and Helen and get your own burning questions answered.
The Widdershins Trilogy was inspired by the little-known Newcastle witch trials, where fifteen women and one man were hanged for witchcraft on a single day in August 1650. Together, Widdershins, Sunwise, and Solstice tell the story of three women’s struggle for survival in a hostile and superstitious world.
Most of Helen Steadman’s books are set in the seventeenth century. Alongside the Widdershins Trilogy, her novel The Running Wolf follows the adventures of the real-life Shotley Bridge swordmakers who defected from Solingen, Germany in 1687. For The Widdershins Trilogy, Helen trained in herbal medicine at Dilston Physic Garden and went on to grow, harvest and make her own remedies. For The Running Wolf, she trained in blacksmithing, which culminated in making her own sword.
Christine Mackie has been an actor for over 40 years, working extensively in theatre, TV, and radio. Her best-known roles include Daphne Bryant in Downton Abbey and Mrs Harvey in The Grand. For the last ten years, she has played genial Weatherfield GP, Dr Susan Gaddas in Coronation Street. Christine recently played the title role in King Lear at the Shakespeare North Playhouse. She has also written two plays, Best Girl and Kin, and she has recorded a number of historical audiobooks. https://christinemackie.com
The Historical Novel Society UK 2024 conference 