Historical Writer
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Everyone knows that research is critical for historical novels, whether the story be a romance, literary, or mainstream historical. Not only you, as the author, but also your readers, benefit from really knowing what you are writing about. Even if you are writing about a time in which you lived, you cannot rely on memory alone.
If you find yourself lapsing into the use of clichés or, worse, perpetuating the generalizations, prejudices, and oversimplifications we complacently assume every day, delve deeper into the world of your story through research to reveal the truth. Stories that tell the truth are firmly grounded in research.
If you find yourself stopped by writer’s block, plumb the world of your story through research and the block often dissolves.
If your research involves too many details, then indicate on the Post-it notes where to find the files in which the relevant facts and details are located. Be as clear and specific as you can about the information, both on the notes and in the actual files.
The creation of a historical novel can take months and years, and there is nothing as frustrating as coming across an incomplete scribble that makes no sense when you come to that much-needed bit of research.
The use of research is as dicey as the use of flashback. Every bit of fascinating information you uncover does not belong in the book unless it contributes to the overall plot, be it the action plotline, the character plotline, or the thematic plotline. However, simply the act of researching influences your writing and adds depth.
Whenever possible, write your research on Post-it notes and organize your findings on your Scene Tracker.
The Internal, the Back Story or Character Emotional Development-Driven Plot
Most popular fiction is 30 percent dramatic (the action plotline) and 70 percent emotional (the character development).
Even fans of historical fiction who enjoy learning about another time and place confess they read primarily to learn what happens to the characters. Months after having read a story, a reader often cannot recall specific scenes, yet that same reader is likely to remember the character who changes the most in the course of the story.
Character emotional development originates in the back story, but is shown in the actions the character takes both voluntary and involuntary. The psychological and emotional makeup of characters interests everyone and is why people read fiction in the first place. This is also why your stories, especially historicals, focus on the character’s emotion.
As much as your protagonist’s flaw creates tension, her strengths and spunk are the attributes that make readers want to stick with her through her problems.
Resources for Historical Novelists
More coming soon!
In the meantime, set up a Plot Consultation!
Martha is also available as a Keynote Speaker or plot workshop leader at your next writers conference.Read the interview with Historical Writer CW Gortner for his insights into writing great historical novels. The rights to his latest best-selling novel, The Last Queen have sold in 9 countries!