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Imagining The Past

Imagining The Past

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About this listen

 The Imagining the Past podcast series is brought to you by the Historical Novel Society Australasia. We feature authors appearing at our biennial conferences or have been recognised in our $150,000 ARA Historical Novel Prize.

Our HNSA hosts, Greg Johnston and Kelly Gardiner, discuss researching, writing and publishing historical fiction with acclaimed writers of the genre in its many forms from crime to fantasy to literary fiction, set in eras stretching from ancient times to the Swinging Sixties, and for readers of all ages.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on our writing programs and the ARA Historical Novel Prize. #writing #history #historicalfiction #fiction #books #podcast

Imagining the Past is listed in the Top 25 Historical Fiction Podcasts.

Our hosts
Greg (G.S. )Johnston is the author of three historical novels – Sweet Bitter Cane (2019), The Cast of a Hand (2015), and The Skin of Water (2012), and a fourth novel set in contemporary Hong Kong, Consumption (2011). After completing a degree in pharmacy, a year in Italy re-ignited his passion for writing and he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Feeling the need for a broader canvas, he started writing short stories and novels. He is the Treasurer of HNSA.

Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction for all ages. Her latest series is The Firewatcher Chronicles. Her other books include Goddess, based on the life of Mademoiselle de Maupin; 1917: Australia’s Great War, shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Young People’s History Prize and Asher Award; the Swashbuckler pirate trilogy; and a picture book, Billabong Bill’s Bushfire Christmas. Her young adult novels Act of Faith and The Sultan’s Eyes, were both shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, while Act of Faith was shortlisted for the ASA’s Barbara Jefferis Award. Historical Novel Society Australasia Art World
Episodes
  • S11 Ep6: Imagining the Past—Summer Mesclun Season—2025/26

    S11 Ep6: Imagining the Past—Summer Mesclun Season—2025/26
    Jan 25 2026

    Imagining the Past Summer Season is here. Enjoy catching up with book launch discussions featuring your favourite authors and new voices.

    In early December 2025, Shelley Dark launched her second novel, Son of Hydra, with book coach Hayley Saunders at the Noosa Library.

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    45 mins
  • S11 Ep5: Imagining the Past—Summer Mesclun Season—2025/26

    S11 Ep5: Imagining the Past—Summer Mesclun Season—2025/26
    Jan 11 2026

    Imagining the Past Summer Season is here. Enjoy catching up with book launch discussions featuring your favourite authors and new voices.

    Alexandria Burnham’s debut novel, Swallow, through Westwords Publication, was launched by Lauren Chater at the HNSA History Unbound Festival dinner, held in Parramatta in November 2025.

    www.westwords.com.au/product/swallow/
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    32 mins
  • S11 Ep4: Imagining the Past—Summer Mesclun Season—2025/26

    S11 Ep4: Imagining the Past—Summer Mesclun Season—2025/26
    Dec 28 2025

    Imagining the Past Summer Season is here. Enjoy catching up with book launch discussions featuring your favourite authors and new voices.

    Wendy J. Dunn launched her new novel, Shades of Yellow, on November 15th, 2025, at Eltham Library in Melbourne. Dr Anne Casey gave an enthusiastic invocation, followed by Wendy’s response and reading from the novel.

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    31 mins
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