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.

Resilience in Fiction: How Stories Help Us Find Strength

Life has a way of testing us, doesn’t it? Some days feel like an uphill climb, with unexpected challenges, heartbreaks, or crossroads that leave us wondering if we’ll ever find our footing. It’s in these moments that stories can be a powerful companion. Not just any stories, but those that reflect the quiet strength, courage, and resilience we carry within ourselves—sometimes without even realizing it. As a historical fiction author, I’ve spent years exploring these themes in my novels. From women navigating societal expectations to those facing personal loss, the characters I create often find themselves in situations that require more than just courage—they require resilience. And the amazing thing is, their journeys often mirror our own lives.

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

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.