historical fiction Archives - Helen Johnson, Yorkshire Writer

The Harrying – Unimaginable

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Helen Johnson

Richmond Castle, founded shortly after the Harrying of the North, to control northern England.

Helen Johnson considers the unimaginable horror of the Harrying of the North – then writes a historical novel about it. Continue Reading →

William the Conqueror’s Good Intentions

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Helen Johnson

The trauma of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England resonated for centuries. But England had seen other invading kings – not least Cnut, only fifty years before. What was different Continue Reading →

Historical Novel in Progress

Posted on August 5, 2017 by Helen Johnson

I completed the first draft of my historical novel this week. The novel was was inspired by the many historians, re-enactors, museum curators and archaeologists I’ve met over the Continue Reading →

‘1069’ Historical fiction novel in progress

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Helen Johnson

What was it like when soldiers came to 11th century York?

I am absolutely delighted that ‘1069’, my historical novel in progress has been selected for Writers’ Block North East 2017, a creative development programme. Twenty writers will receive training Continue Reading →