“Since I was very young, I have had a huge curiosity about our past.” – The Dorset Book Detective

Historical fiction author Mhairead MacLeod talks to me about her work and what inspires her.

Please tell me about your books. Which one was your favourite to write?

I write historical fiction. I have written two books that have been published and have another two in progress. One of those is at the editing stage and is scheduled for publication in early 2026.

I find it hard to pick a favourite. I think the most world-changing novel for me was my first, The False Men. It is closely based on a true story. The historical facts have all the elements – a Romeo and Juliet style romance, an abduction/elopement set in an environment of brutal evictions and the destruction of a community. I wrote it as part of my Masters degree in Creative Writing and it won awards.

Tell me about what drew you to historical fiction?

Since I was very young, I have had a huge curiosity about our past. I like to know what makes us tick as individuals and I find many life lessons are contained in history. Often we repeat our mistakes, despite these so-called lessons. My interest in history is kindled by human similarities, no matter where we live or when. My first novel, The False Men, set in the 1800s, was inspired by a story about one of my ancestors. My second novel, A Hospital in the Clouds, set in the 1920s, was inspired by a derelict building, spookily black, which was once a hospital. My latest manuscript, set in the late eighth century, was inspired by recent revelations about an early medieval warrior people in northern Scotland.

How important is historical accuracy in your work and how do you go about researching your books?

Historical fiction writers tend to not be academic historians, but if we want to write believable stories, we have to be detailed and exact when setting the scene for our characters. It usually involves many hours trawling through books, reports, newspapers, records, etc. It is easier when there is a written record. With my latest manuscript, which was set in a time when the ordinary villager did not write and reports are scant, I had to investigate archaeological records.

However, it is the characters in the novel which carry the story and historical accuracy sometimes has to take a back seat if it interferes with their development. This is the fun part, because your imagination is allowed a greater range when filling in the historical gaps. If I have changed any known facts to suit my story, I refer to that in the back of my novel.

What books do you like reading yourself? Any authors you’re particularly fond of?

I have an eclectic range and I like to read outside my genre. I have a stable of favourite authors, all for different reasons, but generally, the writing has to move me. I admire the contemporary literary greats, like Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Toni Morrisson and Kazuo Ishiguro, but I also enjoy more accessible writers such as Anthony Doerr and Markus Zusak.

If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, on a writing project, who would it be and why?

Hilary Mantell (sadly deceased) or Margaret Atwood. I think I would hang on to every word from these highly intelligent authors. They are masters of plot, historical precision and creativity. 

What books are you looking forward to in 2025?

I have a long list of novels TBR sitting beside my bed. However, a good part of my 2025 reading will be research for my fourth novel.

What’s next for you? Any new projects you’re excited about?

I am really excited about my third novel which is a time-slip set in early medieval times. It is currently in the hands of my editor and no doubt I will have some work to do when she returns it!

Do you have anything to add?

Thank you, Dorset Book Detective, for your interesting questions and for letting me chat about my novels!

Thanks so much for answering my questions! If you’re interesting in finding out more about Mhairead, check out her website HERE.