How to Make History Sing: Author Adam Courtenay’s Guided Tour

Session Overview

Immerse yourself in the art and science of popular history writing with acclaimed author Adam Courtenay, who has revived the past in five bestselling novels. In this 1 hour presentation and Q&A session, Adam will equip aspiring writers with essential tools and insights to craft stories that make history both vivid and relevant for readers. Drawing from his twenty years of experience, Adam will explain how to blend rigorous historical research with great storytelling, to develop authentic characters and immersive narratives.

Attendees will also learn about the boundaries of non-fiction, including how certain fictional methods can be used to recreate atmosphere and enhance character development while staying true to historical facts. This session will explore the techniques that make popular history engaging without compromising accuracy. This session is about the magic that can be deployed to make popular history sing to the readers without compromising the truth.

Who Should Attend

This session is for anyone interested in understanding the history genre more deeply. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a reader of non-fiction, or simply curious about how to tell stories set in the past, you’ll find useful insights here.
It’s also a valuable opportunity for anyone who believes they have a family history which deserves a greater airing but aren’t sure how to start.

Presenter 

Adam Courtenay is an acclaimed Australian author and journalist known for his skill in bringing history to life through compelling storytelling. His works, which include titles like The Ship That Never Was, The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter, Three Sheets to the Wind, and Mr Todd’s Marvel, blend deep character insight with meticulous historical research.

Prior to his career as an author, Courtenay worked extensively as a financial journalist for prestigious publications such as the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, and The Sydney Morning Herald/Age. He is the son of the renowned Australian author Bryce Courtenay, known for classics like The Power of One and April Fool’s Day. Adam Courtenay’s ability to weave narrative flair into his historical accounts has earned him admiration in both literary and historical circles.

Organiser

Connexgen is an organisation dedicated to fostering meaningful interactions between generations, promoting the exchange of ideas and knowledge to build common ground and mutual understanding. By designing programs and initiatives that bridge generational divides, Connexgen aims to create spaces where different age groups can connect, learn from one another, and cultivate shared perspectives.