While I’m not seasoned in historical fiction, I’ve written a fantasy chapter book based on 16th-century China, Walking Through Walls, and I’m working on a sequel. These stories are pure fiction, aside from the period. I’ve also ghostwritten a historical fiction chapter book that was based on a real person and era. The client had much of the needed information, but I also needed to do quite a bit of research. This, too, was a fantasy. So, what is historical fiction? According to Celadon Books, “Historical Fiction is set in a real place, during a culturally recognizable time […] Characters can be pure fiction or based on real people (often, it’s both). But everything about them — their attitudes and look, the way they speak, and problems they face — should match the era.” (1) In literature, historical fiction serves as an engaging bridge between the past and the present. Writers of this genre navigate the delicate balance of accuracy and creativity to transport readers to bygone eras. Whether you're a seasoned historical fiction author or a novice eager to embark on a literary journey through time, these ten tips will guide you in crafting a vivid and immersive historical narrative. 1. Immerse Yourself in the Era: Before putting pen to paper, dive into the historical context of your chosen era. Immerse yourself in the culture, customs, and events that defined the period. The more you understand the nuances of daily life, the more authentic and convincing your narrative will become. To get a sense of 16th century China, I researched everything I thought might be included in the story, such as food, geography, agriculture, clothing, family structure, speech, code of the period, and so on. Another effective way to immerse yourself is to watch movies or TV shows based on the era. I took advantage of this strategy also. 2. Research, Research, Research: Thorough research is the backbone of any historical fiction piece. Explore primary sources, historical documents, and personal accounts to ensure accurate depictions. From clothing and technology to societal norms, meticulous research enhances the credibility of your storytelling. Aside from initial research, I researched as I wrote the story. Anything that needed authenticity or needed clarification was researched. There is a lot of research involved in historical fiction, and it’s essential that your story rings true for the era and characters you’re portraying. Avenues of research you might consider are newspapers, autobiographies, and even reenactments. Utilize whatever sources you can find. Be sure, though, to authenticate what you include in your story. 3. Develop Multidimensional Characters: Create characters who resonate with readers and embody the complexities of their time. Ensure that their motivations, beliefs, and struggles reflect the historical backdrop. Readers should witness the era through your characters' eyes and empathize with their journey. Walking Through Walls needed a specific social atmosphere, honor, and respect. I worked to ensure all aspects of the story and characters were infused with these elements. 4. Dialogue Authenticity: Craft dialogue that mirrors the language of the era without alienating modern readers. Strike a balance between authenticity and accessibility, avoiding anachronisms that might disrupt the historical atmosphere. Pay attention to idioms, slang, and speech patterns to transport your audience seamlessly. I eliminated all contractions from the dialogue in Walking Through Walls. You’d be amazed at how many times a contraction slipped in. I had to use the “Find” function in Word to find them. I also added a respectful tone to all the dialogue. 5. Utilize Setting as a Character: Make the historical setting an active participant in your narrative. Describe the environment with sensory details that evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of the era. By transforming the setting into a dynamic force, you enrich the overall reading experience. I included the landscape in Walking Through Walls, among many other setting elements. In one particular scene, the protagonist suddenly noticed what he had passed every day: “Wang walked slowly back to the cottage. He noticed his favorite flower, the lemon lilies, in full bloom. They draped the landscape. Hmm, they smell so good.” Satisfying historical fiction should include as many realistic elements as possible, such as scents, landscapes, phrases, clothing, attitudes, and so on. Including these elements will help the readers become immersed in the story and the era. 6. Weave in Real Historical Events: Interweave your fictional narrative with actual historical events to anchor your story in reality. Doing this not only adds depth but also educates readers about the period. Ensure that the timeline of your narrative aligns with significant historical milestones. I was able to do this effectively with the chapter book I ghostwrote, as it was in the 1900s. But for Walking Through Walls, the only actual historical event was the reigning dynasty of the era, the Ming Dynasty. 7. Embrace the Unfamiliar: Don't shy away from exploring lesser-known aspects of the historical era. Highlighting unique customs, traditions, or forgotten historical figures adds a layer of authenticity that sets your work apart. 8. Capture the Spirit, Not Just the Facts: While accuracy is critical, strive to capture the essence and emotions of the era. Transport readers into the mindset of those who lived during that time, allowing them to experience the past’s joys, sorrows, and challenges. 9. Edit with a Critical Eye: After completing your initial draft, edit with a focus on historical accuracy and narrative flow. Check for consistency in details and ensure that your characters and events align with the historical context. Beta readers with a passion for history can provide valuable feedback. 10. Stay True to Your Voice: While historical accuracy is crucial, don't sacrifice your unique voice and storytelling style. Infuse your narrative with your personal touch, blending historical realism and literary artistry. Summing It Up Writing historical fiction has its own unique set of rules. Merging the past with the present through in-depth research, authentic characters, and a ‘make them want to read it’ narrative. By following these tips, you'll transport readers to bygone eras. And if writing for children, you’ll, hopefully, spark an interest in history and how people lived in those eras. Reference: (1) https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction/
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
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