C. P. Lesley, Novelist

A glimpse into the history of wild silk and its possible relevance to my forthcoming novel, Song of the Silk Weaver

On the not so nice parts of history and their inclusion in historical fiction

On the value of merchants' travel accounts as sources for historical fiction, or what we can learn from the traveling salesmen of history

Interview with the author Michelle Moran, whose latest novel, "Maria," explores the true story behind "The Sound of Music"

The joys and perils of historical research when writing fiction, with special attention to the author's next Songs of Steppe & Forest novel

Author interview with Eliza Knight about her latest novel, The Queen's Faithful Companion, about Elizabeth II and her corgis

Interview with Clare McHugh, author of The Romanov Brides, a novel about the future Empress Alexandra and her siblings

Interview with Stephanie Dray about her latest novel, about the life of Frances Perkins: "Becoming Madam Secretary"

A look at long-term historical attitudes that contribute to Russian imperialism, including in modern-day Ukraine