Story Sleuthing: Theresa Tomlinson in conversation with Julie Noble

What happens when writers turn historical detective and uncover the stories hiding in plain sight? Award-winning authors Theresa Tomlinson and Julie Noble come together for a fascinating conversation about the art of transforming real history into compelling fiction. History is packed with extraordinary people, forgotten events and untold stories. Theresa and Julie will reveal how they dig through archives, records and local history to uncover the tantalising details others might overlook – then use those discoveries to inspire new characters, plots and perspectives. They’ll explore the delicate balance between historical fact and creative storytelling, and how bringing real people together with fictional characters can illuminate the past while raising surprising questions about our own lives today. Theresa Tomlinson is a celebrated local author whose award-winning historical fiction spans readers of all ages. Whitby and its surrounding landscape have inspired many of her books, including Flither Pickers, The Herring Girls, A Swarming of Bees, Queen of a Distant Hive, Night of the Red Devil and The Lifeboat That Went by Land. Julie Noble is an award-winning writer whose historical fiction includes Talli’s Secret, inspired by Charlotte Brontë. Her scripts have received industry recognition, she presented BBC Radio 4’s My Name is Julie, and she has created a short historical film exploring Shakespeare’s lies – with a distinctly Yorkshire setting. An absorbing event for lovers of history, historical fiction and anyone intrigued by how writers uncover the stories the history books leave behind. Includes audience Q&A.