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.

Step Into the Story: Watch the Official Trailer for Welcome to the Hamilton

The doors of The Hotel Hamilton are open, and I’m thrilled to invite you inside with the release of the official book trailer for Welcome to the Hamilton!

6 Perks of Being a Writer (That Make It the Best Job Ever)

Being a writer is truly a dream come true for me. I love the writing life and all that it has to offer. Of course, writing has its challenges (I’m looking at you, plot holes and self-doubt), but it also comes with a surprising number of perks. Some are big, others are small, but all of them add a touch of magic to my daily life. Here are just a few of my favorite benefits of being a writer—my personal prologue to this ever-evolving creative journey.

Wandering Through Vermont: A Leaf Peeping & History-Loving Adventure

As a historical fiction author, I find it nearly impossible to turn off my history-seeking brain. Everywhere I go, I’m drawn to the stories and significance that linger in the bricks of old buildings and the curve of a weathered bridge. So when we planned a leaf-peeping trip to Vermont, I fully intended to unplug—no laptop in sight—but I should have known history would find me anyway.

Nonfiction That Reads Like Fiction: 4 Page-Turning Picks I Couldn’t Put Down

As a historical fiction author, research is part of my daily routine. I’m often buried in reference books, biographies, memoirs, and era-specific studies as I dig into the past to create immersive, emotionally resonant stories. But every now and then, I stumble across a nonfiction title that reads like a gripping novel—books that inform and entertain, with real-life characters, high stakes, and masterful storytelling.

Across the Wall: A Powerful Story of Love, Loyalty, and Divided Lives

Travel back in time to post-WWII Berlin with The Girl Behind the Wall by Mandy Robotham—a novel that blends history, heartbreak, and hope with remarkable skill.