Constance Hays Matsumoto Guides Writers Through Family History Fiction

The book, arriving September 1, 2026, from White Deer Publishing, serves as both a practical manual and a memoir of Matsumoto’s own path to publishing her award-winning novel, Of White Ashes. Rather than positioning herself as an infallible authority, she recounts the missteps and breakthroughs that defined her process, offering a candid look at the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with artistic license.

Aspiring writers frequently stall when faced with the complexities of representing real people or conducting rigorous archival research. Matsumoto reframes these common points of friction as essential components of the creative journey. By integrating lessons from other bestselling historical novelists alongside her own strategies, she provides a framework for transforming fragmented family lore into a cohesive, authentic story. The guide encourages writers to embrace uncertainty, viewing curiosity as a primary tool for building narrative depth.