How to Write Historical Fiction, with Lynn Austin

Send us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.Some stories begin with an idea. Others begin with a single question that refuses to let go.In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I had the pleasure of sitting down with bestselling historical novelist Lynn Austin, whose books have touched millions of readers around the world. We talked about her latest novel, The Lumber Baron’s Wife, and the fascinating journey behind creating a story that bridges two timelines while remaining deeply rooted in the emotional truths that connect women across generations.One of the things I loved most about our conversation was hearing how Lynn approaches history. She admits she never loved history class because it focused on wars and politics. Instead, she became captivated by diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts that reveal what everyday people, especially women, were experiencing while history unfolded around them. That perspective has shaped her entire writing career.Lynn takes us behind the scenes of The Lumber Baron’s Wife, explaining why this is her first true dual timeline novel. Rather than connecting the stories through family alone, she chose to connect them through place. The same historic homes become the bridge between two very different eras, allowing readers to see how love, motherhood, marriage, courage, and resilience remain constant even as the world changes.We also dive into the surprising history behind Michigan's lumber boom, an era that transformed both the landscape and the people who lived there. Lynn shares how learning about the environmental impact of the lumber industry became an important part of the novel and how that history naturally connects with one of her modern-day characters, an environmentalist working to protect the forests that were once devastated.Of course, we couldn't talk about historical fiction without talking about research. Lynn shares her wonderfully practical approach, describing how research becomes what she calls "book soup." She gathers facts, visits locations whenever possible, collects fascinating details, and slowly watches her characters emerge from everything she's learned. Rather than outlining every chapter, she writes as a discoverer, allowing the story to surprise even her.We also spend time talking about something every writer struggles with: finding time to write. Lynn offers refreshingly honest advice about protecting your writing time, setting realistic daily goals, and committing to the work even during the busiest seasons of life. Her own practice of writing five new pages a day has carried her through raising children, building a successful career, and publishing dozens of novels.Before we wrapped up, Lynn gave us a sneak peek at the research behind her next novel, inspired by the remarkable true story of the Hello Girls, the bilingual women telephone operators who served during World War I. It's exactly the kind of forgotten history that has made her novels so beloved by readers.If you love historical fiction, enjoy discovering little-known moments from history, or simply need encouragement to keep showing up for your own writing, this conversation is full of wisdom, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration. I think you'll come away ready to protect your writing time and maybe even visit your local library with fresh eyes.