Meet Constance Hays Matsumoto author of "Fact and Fiction" at Bethany Beach Books on Wednesday, August 19th at 630pm!

This simple and encouraging guide offers a relatable story map for writers who are sitting on a historical fiction story but don’t know where to start. Offering personal story, practical writing advice, visuals, and a healthy dose of humility, Connie shows how she turned confusion into confidence and how you can, too. Your story and voice matter. Dive in, get messy, and bring the novel only you can write to life!

About the Author: A former corporate executive, Connie is the author of the award-winning debut historical novel, Of White Ashes (Loyola University MD, May 2023) and Fact & Fiction: How to Write a Novel Inspired by Family and History (How2Conquer, 2026). Connie earned her B.A. from Notre Dame of MD University and M.S. from Johns Hopkins University. She is the President of the Women’s National Book Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter and is a member of the Authors Guild, Eastern Shore Writers' Association, and Historical Novel Society. Previously, Connie served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Writers' Association and as President of the Baltimore Chapter.