Historical fiction is essentially fiction based on history.
An essential element of historical fiction is that it is set in the past and pays attention to the manners, social conditions and other details of the period depicted. Authors also frequently choose to explore notable historical figures (like who? What historical figures would you be interested in writing about or time period that they lived in?) in these settings, allowing readers to better understand how these individuals might have responded to their environments. It’s important that the reader must feel immersed into the time period. Think about mannerisms, dialogue, cultural context.
So… say we’re in King Henry’s court… would he be like “Anne B done cheat on me, Chucky Brands!”
How far back does a novel have to be set to make it “historical”? The Great Gatsby, written in 1925, and set during the same time period. To us, today, the novel is obviously set in our historical past. But does it fit what we think of as “historical fiction”? Basic definition: a “historical novel” is a novel which is set fifty or more years in the past, and one in which the author is writing from research rather than personal experience. Most historical novels feel thin once you are away from the historical figures that have drawn you to the novel in the first place. So even though a historical character or period might be the foundation, it cannot be a fan fiction version of history. Plot and character development along with all the other elements of a novel must come into play.
Rules to Follow:
Research! This applies to most novels, some form of research needs to be put into the making of a masterpiece, this is even more important in historical fiction because it’s the details that make things authentic. What details of a time period can you think of that will make or break a historical novel?
At the same time, historical fiction writers tend to be overly conscientious and excited by details, and if you succumb to excess, and put in too much detail, then go back later and take some of it out. Eg; history has already been written, its easy to re-write it exactly, but that’s not your aim.
What have you learned? You may not have inserted all your knowledge into the novel, but you have a good and detailed understanding of the topic you’re about to write on.
Remember these might be real people. Perhaps your intention is to make it absurd, in that case, ignore this. But its your responsibility as a historical fiction writer to stay true to the character of the person- because they were real people. You might not know exactly what they would say all the time but try to be reasonably responsible to the originals.
Large conflict with history? Strict approach says you can’t just not have made Colonialism, or World War 1, or Queen Elizabeth I not defeated the Spanish Armada. But wouldn’t that be fun? Would it still be Historical Fiction? How do you approach the story?
Avoiding stereotypes and myths?
First priority is to tell a compelling story, the history information comes second.
Try to move away from western history.
We live in 2018, which means that King Henry’s decision to get rid of his wives in some pretty shady ways would not cut it these days. That doesn’t mean we can judge him in our novels. Your characters were people in their own times allow them to be bigoted or politically backwards, don’t attempt to make them all into free thinkers who are ahead of their times. What can you do instead?
Argument of first person? Advantages and disadvantages of using F.P in historical fiction?
It’s going to be a long process. Historical fiction is not easy. What challenges do you face a long the way?
Ask yourself: what is exciting or interesting about this character/time period and how will my readers react? How is it relatable to right now? Love, revenge, murder, drama, loss, sex, war etc…
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