Beyond the Pages

A celebration of storytelling across time — from unforgettable historical fiction to the quiet work behind the words. Here you’ll find book recommendations, behind-the-scenes reflections, and stories in the making. A space for readers who love immersive settings, emotional depth, and books that linger long after the final page.

Beyond the Pages is the official blog of historical women’s fiction author Tanya E Williams. This space explores the stories behind the stories—offering insights into historical research, the writing process, and the emotional threads that shape character-driven fiction set in the past.

What You’ll Find Here

Behind-the-scenes reflections on writing historical women’s fiction
Research discoveries and historical context from the 1920s through the mid-20th century
Book recommendations for readers who love emotional, character-driven stories
Reflections on storytelling, creativity, and the quiet courage found in fiction

New posts are added regularly and explore both finished stories and works in progress.

Blog FAQ

What is the Beyond the Pages blog about?
Beyond the Pages is a blog dedicated to historical women’s fiction, storytelling, and the creative process behind emotionally rich, character-driven novels.

Who is this blog for?
This blog is written for readers who enjoy immersive historical settings, strong female protagonists, and stories that explore family, resilience, and identity.

The Books That Stayed With Me: My Favorite Historical Fiction Reads of Summer (So Far!)

There’s something about summer that invites a different kind of reading. Maybe it’s the slower mornings, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the way long evenings stretch just wide enough to hold a few extra chapters. For me, this season has always been a time to slip into stories that linger—books that nourish as much as they captivate.

My July Reading List: Bookish Escapes, Mysteries, and Motivation

There’s something about July that feels both slow and fleeting—the perfect balance of long sunny afternoons and lazy evenings that beg for a good book in hand. As a writer and lifelong reader, summer has always been a time to escape into new stories, explore unfamiliar places, and uncover hidden truths between the pages. This month, my reading list is a curated blend of genres and formats. From beachy women's fiction and historical adventures to motivational nonfiction and gripping suspense, each book has earned a spot for a different reason. Here’s a peek at what I’m reading in July—and why you might want to add these titles to your own summer stack.

10 Behind-the-Scenes Questions I Get Asked Most About My Historical Fiction Novels

Whether you’re a long-time reader of my books or just discovering me for the first time, I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I’m answering some of the most frequently asked questions I get from readers like you. So let’s dive in!

Naming a Complicated Character: The Story Behind Bernice Rosin

When readers fall in love with a book, it’s often the main character who captures their hearts. Names like Mary or Anna or Eleanor can become endearing—etched into our memories as women we admire, root for, and maybe even see pieces of ourselves in. But what happens when the protagonist isn’t so lovable? What if she’s… the problem?

Do you judge a book by its cover?

The Power of a Book Cover: Why We Judge Books by Their Covers