Ethics Workshop

The Trap of Presentism: Writing and Teaching the Past Truthfully

An ethics workshop for writers, educators, historians and reader groups

When we write or teach history, we are constantly fighting the urge to view the past through the lens of today—a bias known as Presentism. While our modern values are vital, failing to distinguish between historical reality and contemporary morality can lead to anachronistic storytelling and "sanitized" history that silences the complexities of the past. In this interactive, thought-provoking workshop, Joan Fernandez explores the fine line between historical empathy and moral imposition. You will learn how to honor the truth of a character’s context—even when that context is uncomfortable—without reinforcing harmful tropes. An essential choice for writers' conferences, history departments, DEI committees, and book clubs exploring the complexities of historical fiction. Can also be presented as an author panel with other historical fiction writers.

Ethics Workshop Testimonials:

“Joan Fernandez delivered an engaging talk. . .She highlighted the importance of historical accuracy and thorough research in writing. Her insights on how to represent different cultures accurately and respectfully was of great value, offering practical advice for writers aiming to create authentic and responsible historical fiction. Her talk was both informative and thought-provoking, providing me with useful strategies for my own historical fiction.”

—Kim Taylor Blakemore,

Author of After Alice Fell, The Companion, and The Deception

“Joan Fernandez reminds us that writing with integrity means honoring the truth about a character, even when the facts are spotty or missing. It is letting a character’s “innate superpowers” help guide our understanding of what drives or defines them and staying focused on the historical context in which they lived.”

—Suzanne Uttaro Samuels,

Author of Seeds of the Pomegranate

“Moderated with urgency and insight... this panel offered one of the most thoughtful and necessary conversations in historical fiction today. [Joan Fernandez’s] nuanced discussion on the challenge of presentism... explored how writers can remain faithful to the complexities of the past while still considering the expectations and sensitivities of modern readers. . . invaluable for any historical fiction writer seeking to balance accuracy, ethics, and compelling storytelling.”

—Colin Mustful,

Founder and Editor, History Through Fiction