Upcoming Events
Online Q&A with Francesca de Tores:
Historical Adventure – Is It a Man’s Game?

Online • 17 June, 1-2pm BST
£1.99 – Book Tickets now!
Pen to Prints bring you this event in partnership with The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation.
Who reads historical fiction? And who writes it? Authors C.E. McGill and Francesca de Tores will share their take on today’s historical fiction!
Both authors’ most recent novels feature a main character called ‘Mary’ – in Francesca’s case, her Mary is inspired by the true tales of infamous pirate, Mary Read. In Charlie’s case, their ‘Mary’ is a Victorian scientist and the great-niece of Dr. Victor Frankenstein.
Together, we’ll discuss gender identity and queer love stories, placing them in the context of historical fiction. We will discuss whether the traditional expectations of gender influence characters, and whether Francesca and Charlie’s novels would work if their ‘Marys’ gender identities were different.
We’ll talk stereotypes within historical fiction, whether it’s important for characters to exist with today’s cultural understandings, and if these authors are subverting the expectations of historical adventure with their novels?
After the main discussion there will be a chance for you to ask Francesca and Charlie your questions.