How to Write a Historical Fiction

Writing historical fiction is like stepping into a time machine and exploring the past with fresh eyes. You get to create stories that intricately weave real events with fictional characters and narratives. It's an art that requires research, creativity, and a passion for storytelling. This blog will guide you through the process of crafting your own historical fiction masterpiece. From choosing the right time period to developing characters that feel both authentic and engaging.

Choosing the Right Time Period

The backbone of any historical fiction is the time period in which it's set. The era you choose will shape the story, influence the characters, and provide the context for the events that unfold. So how do you pick the right one? Here are some pointers to help you decide:

• Personal Interest: Start with what fascinates you. Are you intrigued by the grandeur of the Renaissance or the grit of the Industrial Revolution? Follow your curiosity. It will keep you motivated throughout the research and writing process.
• Availability of Resources: Consider the availability of sources. The more resources you have. Books, letters, diaries, newspaper articles. The easier it will be to create a vivid and accurate backdrop for your story.
• Relevance to Modern Themes: Think about how the time period resonates with contemporary issues. A story set in war-torn Europe could parallel modern conflicts, offering readers a new perspective on ongoing issues.

Once you've chosen an era, immerse yourself in it. Read extensively about the political, social, and economic conditions of the time. This foundational knowledge will add depth to your story and help you avoid anachronisms. While researching, I often find it helpful to start a timeline of significant events during the period. It acts as a reference point and ensures that the fictional events align with real historical ones.

Crafting Authentic Characters

Your characters are the heart of your story, and in historical fiction, they must feel like they belong to the era you're writing about. Here's how you can craft characters that are both compelling and true to their time:

• Understand Social Norms: Every historical period has its own set of social norms and expectations. Understanding these can help you develop characters who feel authentic and relatable to their time. For instance, the role of women in society has changed dramatically over the centuries, and this should be reflected in your female characters.
• Language and Dialogue: Pay attention to how people spoke in the era. Dialogue should reflect the vocabulary and speech patterns of the time without being so archaic that it alienates modern readers. You can strike a balance by using period-appropriate terms and phrases while maintaining clarity.
• Complex Motivations: Just like modern individuals, people in the past had complex motivations. Use historical context to inform your characters' goals, fears, and desires. This depth will make them more relatable and engaging.

Here’s a quick character sketch example to illustrate:

Name: Elizabeth Carter
Era: Victorian England
Background: A young woman from a middle-class family, Elizabeth finds herself drawn to the suffragette movement, much to her family's dismay.
Motivations: Driven by a desire for equality and a personal tragedy that highlights the limitations imposed on women of her time.
Dialogue: "I refuse to be another obedient daughter, silent and invisible. My voice must be heard, not just for me, but for all women."

Research: The Foundation of Believability

A well-researched story is the cornerstone of good historical fiction. Readers will notice inaccuracies. These can pull them out of the story. Here's how to make research an integral part of your writing process:

• Primary Sources: Dive into primary sources like letters, diaries, photographs, and newspapers from the time. These offer firsthand accounts and can provide insights into the daily lives of people from the era.
• Secondary Sources: Books and articles written by historians can help you understand the broader context of the period. They often synthesize information from multiple primary sources and provide analyses that can enrich your narrative.
• Expert Interviews: If possible, talk to historians or experts in the field. They can provide nuanced perspectives that you might not find in books or online resources.

While conducting research, keep a notebook or digital file for jotting down intriguing facts or snippets of information. These can be woven into your narrative to add authenticity and depth.

Blending Fact with Fiction

The beauty of historical fiction lies in its ability to blend fact with fiction seamlessly. This delicate balance allows readers to learn while being entertained. Here’s how you can achieve it:

• Anchor in Reality: Use real events as anchors in your story. They provide a framework that can guide the fictional narrative. For example, a story set during World War II could revolve around a real battle, with fictional characters experiencing the events.
• Respect the Facts: While you have creative freedom, it's important to respect historical facts. Significant deviations can strain credibility and alienate readers who are familiar with the period.
• Fictional Characters, Real Emotions: Your characters, though fictional, should evoke real emotions and experiences that resonate with readers. Use historical events to challenge and develop them, making their journeys relatable and impactful.

To illustrate, consider a scene where your fictional character witnesses a historical event:

Setting: The signing of the Treaty of Versailles, 1919
Character: Thomas, a war veteran turned journalist
Narrative: As the ink dried on the treaty, Thomas felt a hollow victory settle in his chest. The war had taken more than it had given, and the signatures on the parchment felt like mere gestures against the vastness of the loss.

Creating a Vivid Setting

The setting in historical fiction is more than just a backdrop. It's an integral part of the story that influences the plot and characters. Here's how to bring your setting to life:

• Detailed Descriptions: Use sensory details to create vivid imagery. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the era to transport readers into the world you're building.
• Historical Landmarks: Incorporate real landmarks and locations to ground your story in reality. These can serve as settings for key scenes and add a layer of authenticity.
• Societal Atmosphere: Reflect the societal norms and atmosphere of the time. Whether it's the optimism of the Roaring Twenties or the austerity of the Great Depression, the mood should permeate the setting.

Here's a short example to illustrate setting description:

Setting: A bustling market in 18th-century Paris
Description: The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and the chatter of merchants haggling over their wares. Cobblestones clacked underfoot as horse-drawn carriages navigated the narrow streets, and the distant toll of church bells marked the passing of another hour.

Developing a Strong Plot

A gripping plot is essential to any good story, and historical fiction is no exception. Here are some tips for crafting a plot that captivates readers:

• Conflict and Resolution: Every story needs conflict, whether it's internal or external. Historical events can provide a backdrop for this conflict. Consider how the era's challenges. War, social upheaval, or political change. Impact your characters and drive the plot.
• Pacing: Balance historical exposition with plot advancement. Too much historical detail can slow the story, while too little can leave readers confused. Use action, dialogue, and character development to maintain a steady pace.
• Twists and Turns: Keep readers engaged with unexpected plot twists. These should be plausible within the historical context and serve to deepen the narrative, rather than derail it.

For example, in a story set during the American Civil War, a plot twist could involve a character discovering hidden allegiances, forcing them to question their own beliefs:

Plot Twist: Sarah, a Southern belle, discovers her brother has been secretly aiding the Union army. This revelation shatters her worldview and forces her to make a choice between family loyalty and her own burgeoning sense of justice.

Balancing Exposition and Storytelling

One of the challenges of historical fiction is balancing informative exposition with engaging storytelling. Here's how you can achieve this balance:

• Show, Don‚Äôt Tell: Instead of lengthy historical explanations, use dialogue and action to reveal information. For instance, a character's conversation could naturally introduce historical context without resorting to exposition.
• Integrate Seamlessly: Weave historical facts into the narrative so they feel like an integral part of the story, rather than a separate history lesson.
• Focus on Characters: Ground the story in your characters' experiences. Their interactions with historical events should drive the narrative, keeping readers invested in their personal journeys.

Consider this example of seamlessly integrating exposition:

Dialogue: "Did you hear? The king has raised taxes again to fund that endless war in France," grumbled the blacksmith as he hammered away at the anvil. "Aye," replied his apprentice, glancing at the meager coins in his pouch. "Soon, we won't have enough to buy bread."

Editing and Revising

The first draft is just the beginning. Editing and revising are crucial to refining your historical fiction. Here's how to approach this process:

• Historical Accuracy Check: Review your manuscript for historical accuracy. Cross-check events, customs, and details to ensure they align with the period.
• Character Consistency: Ensure your characters' actions and dialogue are consistent with their established traits and the historical context.
• Seek Feedback: Share your work with beta readers, preferably those familiar with the historical period. Their feedback can offer valuable insights and highlight areas for improvement.

The editing process can be daunting, but tools like Spell can be a game-changer. With its AI-driven capabilities, you can refine your manuscript quickly, ensuring that your historical fiction is polished and ready for publication.

Publishing Your Historical Fiction

So, you've written and revised your historical fiction. Now, it's time to share it with the world. Here’s how you can approach the publishing process:

• Traditional Publishing: Consider submitting your manuscript to literary agents who specialize in historical fiction. They can help you navigate the publishing landscape and connect you with publishers.
• Self-Publishing: If you prefer more control over the publishing process, self-publishing might be the route for you. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing offer tools to help you publish and market your book.
• Marketing and Promotion: Regardless of your publishing path, marketing is essential. Utilize social media, book blogs, and author events to promote your book and connect with potential readers.

Remember, publishing is just one step in your journey as a writer. Each book you write is an opportunity to hone your craft and reach new audiences.

Final Thoughts

Writing historical fiction is a journey through time, combining the thrill of storytelling with the rigor of research. By choosing a compelling time period, crafting authentic characters, and balancing fact with fiction, you can create stories that captivate and educate. And with tools like Spell, you can streamline the writing and editing process, bringing your historical fiction to life with ease.