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Storytelling from the margins: The power of perspective in historical narratives

An event for International Women’s Day

  • ONLINE VIA ZOOM

History is frequently coloured by the dominant perspective, but authors of historical fiction have the power to disrupt established narratives and centre forgotten or silenced voices. As history actively repeats itself in contemporary society, the work of these writers is increasingly vital.

Author and editor Emma Pei Yin acknowledges the responsibility of working with marginalised perspectives and overlooked stories. Her career is shaped by her experiences writing fiction that is personal, political, and rooted in history. Emma’s historical novel When Sleeping Women Wake brings to light the stories of three women and their resistance under the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, while her editorial work ensures diverse and historically underrepresented perspectives are respected and elevated.

Join Emma for a one-hour session where she will explore the creative and professional potential – and the challenges – of storytelling from the margins of history, and of the publishing industry. 

Emma will share:

  • How historical fiction can challenge the idea that the past is one single, unified story – especially in places shaped by colonisation and class divide
  • How authors can craft characters and stories that bring forward specific, untold perspectives of history
  • Her experience of writing and publishing an historical novel as a marginalised writer in today’s publishing landscape
  • Her approach to the editorial process, and how to edit in a way that protects a writer’s voice
  • How historical fiction is both creative work and social responsibility, and how you can help amplify marginalised voices from the past and present

Whether you’re an emerging or established author with a passion for historical fiction, or you’re an author or publishing professional eager to better understand how to honour and share underrepresented stories and perspectives, Emma’s experience will help you gain new insight into the writing, editorial, and publishing process.

There will be time for questions.

We are pleased to offer this event at a discounted price in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Who is this for?

  • Authors of historical fiction who want to learn new ways to approach their craft
  • Authors interested in understanding the disruptive potential of historical fiction
  • Authors and publishing professionals seeking insight into the experiences of marginalised voices in the current publishing landscape

About the presenter

Emma Pei Yin
Emma Pei Yin
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Can't make it to the live session?

No problem! Everyone booked in to this event will be emailed a link and passcode to access the recording afterwards. This recording will be available to view for 10 days after the live session. This also means that if you wish to revisit the session after attending it live to take further notes, you can do so!

After 10 days, the link will expire and the recording will no longer be available to view.