Fact & Fiction

Reviews

“Fact & Fiction is a supremely useful reference for writers of historical fiction, with a particular strength in its guidance for new writers wishing to preserve precious family memories. Matsumoto brings creativity, research skills, and organizational acumen to the page, offering detailed research advice, plotting strategies, and goal-setting structures that will take readers from brainstorming to finished book. Aspiring and experienced authors alike will be drawn in by Matsumoto’s approachable style and inspired by her intelligent advice. A must-read for writers who are ready to make their book a reality!”

– Mary Anna Evans, MFA, PhD, Award-winning author and retired creative writing professor, University of Oklahoma

“Fact & Fiction is a readable, practical, comprehensive guide to finishing a book. It offers extensive frameworks and warm encouragement for the long haul that is writing. Fact & Fiction shows you not just how to write, but also how to be a writer. I’ll return to Constance Hays Matsumoto’s wisdom for years to come.”

– Zach Powers, author of The Migraine Diaries | Executive & Artistic Director, The Writer’s Center

“Thorough, instructive, and inspiring — Fact & Fiction is not only a compelling read, but will also motivate writers who have been reluctant to start through its structure and expert organization.”

– Laura J. Oliver, author of The Story Within: New Insights and Inspiration for Writers | NPR contributor | Developmental story editor

“Fact & Fiction breaks down the intricacies of Connie’s launching pad: history. She details the treasures of history that fuel story, including the ever-alluring rabbit holes, and how they can inspire creativity. Connie outlines great research tools, both in person and online, and the plethora of sources you can find to fuel the fire of your historical world come to life.”

– Garrett Hastings, Author | Experience & Education Manager, The Delaware Historical Society

“Using her own experience writing Of White Ashes, a beautiful historical novel based on a remarkable family story, Connie Matsumoto has written a clear and helpful guide for first time writers with their own story in need of telling. Her personal wisdom and templates on how to complete research, organize material, and turn that material into a moving and well-structured narrative provide exceptional guidance from beginning to end. But most of all, what sets Fact & Fiction apart is Matsumoto’s bright enthusiasm and clever humor, bound to make any writing project feel attainable, exciting, and worth all the work necessary to attain it.”

– Karen Osborne, MFA, author of Patchwork and The Music Book

“Fact & Fiction: How to Write a Novel Inspired by Family and History is an excellent guide for writers seeking to turn family history into compelling fiction. Clear, well-organized, and encouraging, it offers expert guidance on research, structure, and storytelling, enriched by insights from both the author and renowned writers. A practical handbook and enduring resource, writers will return to Fact & Fiction again and again.”

– Linda Fritz, author of Answering Alaska’s Call

“How-to books can be a big yawn, but Fact & Fiction by Connie Matsumoto is a cleverly drafted book, jam-packed with excellent information about writing historical fiction, while remaining fresh and entertaining. Writers beginning their first, second, or third projects will definitely benefit. More experienced writers will also find gems of advice. Simply put, Fact & Fiction is an exclamation point, a smile, and a teardrop.”

– Charlotte Whitney, Award-Winning author of A Tiny Piece of Blue

“Constance Hays Matsumoto’s Fact & Fiction fuses disciplined project management with a spark for profound creativity. This essential guide enables writers to revive the past with emotional depth and vivid authenticity. A phenomenal undertaking!”

– Betsy Small, author of Before Before: A Story of Discovery and Loss in Sierra Leone

“Of White Ashes is a terrific first novel, equally rich in art and heart, and with Fact & Fiction, Connie Matsumoto shows you the craft behind the creativity — and the comprehensive, methodical work that’s essential to creating first-rate fiction. Fact & Fiction is a breezy, collaborative guide, a close friend talking craft with you over cookies and coffee, and its hard-won wisdom will linger.”

– Jim Thomsen, copy editor

“Connie Matsumoto shares lessons learned from writing her own first novel. Practical, down to earth, without minimizing the challenge, she provides abundant encouragement. “Here’s the good news! […] once I started and kept writing, my writer’s voice found me…in my heart from where the best writing flows.” The author’s conviction and kindness combine to make Fact & Fiction a warm, informative companion for new writers.”

– Ellen Prentiss Campbell, author of Vanishing Point, Frieda’s Song, and The Bowl with Gold Seams

“Whether you’re a newbie writer or an experienced author, Fact & Fiction by Connie Matsumoto is an invaluable guide to crafting historical fiction from family history. Filled with clear, practical examples that illuminate every step of the process, this engaging how-to belongs on every writer’s bookshelf as both an inspiring resource and a trusted reference. Connie’s humility and expert communication skills come across in Fact & Fiction. I’ll be returning to this book countless times for inspiration and instruction.”

– Lisa Ard, author of Brighter Than Her Fears

“Writing a novel inspired by family history can be a daunting endeavor, but Matsumoto is able to demystify the process by providing a valuable roadmap of the challenging terrain. Fact & Fiction is chock-full of useful tips for architecting, crafting, and polishing your manuscript, enabling authors to push through those inevitable frustrating occurrences of writer’s block.”

– Alden Hayashi, author of Two Nails, One Love