Question 1

What is HFChitChat?

Accepted Answer

HFCHITCHAT is a Twitter [now X] Community for historical fiction lovers and writers, but we've also spread to Threads and Instagram. Our goal is to connect writers and readers of historical fiction in a fun and safe space as we discuss various aspects of the genre, writing, and the HF books we love. And this naturally promotes historical fiction and its authors to younger generations in a variety of subgenres, types, and modes of publishing--at no fee. We are a no-bullying, diversity-supportive environment.

Question 2

Why Twitter [X]/Threads?

Accepted Answer

We are glad to report that many in the publishing industry are over on Threads, which now has a much fuller functionality (yes, including hashtags and desktop!). For all that social media can be toxic, a writing based social is where deep thinkers (writers) go (as opposed to picture based, which does help with author/reader connectivity). And getting together with other writers in our favorite genre is not only enjoyable, it builds our base community. Many debut writers have kick started their debut/publishing campaigns by joining in the chats. We are still working on the new reality given Twitter's continued demise, but making strides toward connectivity amoung the core group that READs, REVIEWs, and RAVEs about each other's books.

Question 3

I'm still afraid of Twitter, are there other options?

Accepted Answer

No worries. HFChitChat has a light presence on Instagram and Threads. If you want to talk HistFic, we are here for it.  We are still figuring Threads out, but it appears to be a great alternative for writers and book lovers, so we invite you to follow us and interact with us. That's the best way to invite our help and amplification of your efforts, by interacting with us.

Note that we also are at least on Facebook, but aren't very active there at the time.  Who knows what the future will bring?

Question 4

Who is behind HFChitChat?

Accepted Answer

ON IG AND THREADS: Syd Young
ON TWITTER:

Olesya Salnikova Gilmore 
Born in Moscow, Russia, raised in the US, and  graduated from Pepperdine University 			with a BA in English / political science, and  from Northwestern University School of Law with a JD. She practiced litigation at  a large law firm for several years before pursuing her dream of becoming an  author. She is happiest writing historical fiction and fantasy inspired by Eastern  European folklore. She lives in a wooded lakeside suburb of Chicago with her  husband and daughter. The Witch and the Tsar, out now from Penguin Random  House, is her debut novel.

Janna G. Noelle 
Canadian-born writer of historical women’s fiction with an adventurous edge. Both a co-founder and co-host and namer of #HFChitChat, she also serves as conference volunteer coordinator for the North American chapter of  the Historical Novel Society.

Gabriella Saab 
Author of The Last Checkmate and Daughters of Victory. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a  bachelor of business administration in marketing and lives in her hometown of  Mobile, Alabama, where she works as a barre instructor. She is of Lebanese heritage and is one of the co-hosts of @hfchitchat on Twitter, a recurring monthly chat and community celebrating the love of reading and writing historical fiction.

Syd Young 
 Texas lawyer, businesswoman, and historical fiction lover/ writer. Syd is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, who will soon be submitting her novel, working title LADY BIRD TAKES A TRAIN. Syd is a feminist, frequent speaker, and reading/book advocate. She dreamed of a Twitter chat after attending an Historical Novel Society conference and missing the HF writer connection when it ended. Plus, she knew a chat would help showcase historical fiction and its awesome authors. She loves the comradery of #HFChitChat. She's also involved with The History Quill, and also loved TSNOTYAW Deep Dive, 2023 and podcasts. It takes a village to write a book!

HFChitChat

Frequently asked questions

What is HFChitChat?

Why Twitter [X]/Threads?

I'm still afraid of Twitter, are there other options?

Who is behind HFChitChat?