FACT & FICTION with Constance Hays Matsumoto and Alix Rickloff

Constance Hays Matsumoto and Alix Rickloff discuss Connie's new book Fact & Fiction: How to Write a Novel Inspired by Family and History!

Whether you're a historical fiction reader, or a writer sitting on a historical story idea looking for a place to start, this conversation is for you.

In the care of two remarkable writers of historical fiction, it'll bring together the two worlds, considering motivations, considerations, and processes for bridging life and the writing of fiction.

Order FACT & FICTION: HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL INSPIRED BY FAMILY AND HISTORY here!

A former corporate executive, CONSTANCE HAYS MATSUMOTO is the author of the award-winning debut historical novel, Of White Ashes (Loyola University MD, May 2023) and Fact & Fiction: How to Write a Novel Inspired by Family and History (How2Conquer, September 2026). Connie earned her B.A. from Notre Dame of MD University and M.S. from Johns Hopkins University. She is the President of the Women’s National Book Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter and is a member of the Authors Guild, Eastern Shore Writers' Association, and Historical Novel Society. Previously, Connie served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Writers' Association and as President of the Baltimore Chapter. www.MatsumotoBooks.com

Critically acclaimed author of historical fiction, ALIX RICKLOFF’s family tree includes a knight who fought during the Wars of the Roses (his brass rubbing hangs in her dining room) and a soldier who sided with Charles I during the English Civil War (hence the family's hasty emigration to America). With inspiration like that, what else could she do but start writing her own stories? She lives in Maryland in a house that’s seen its own share of history so when she’s not writing, she can usually be found trying to keep it from falling down. THE WAY TO LONDON is her latest release.