In our previous post, we discussed two elements of how to write an historical novel.
- Find your story
- Do your research
What else does an historical author need to do?
Writing Your Story
An historical author is never finished researching. There are always facts to double-check (like time-lines or sequence of events, or the proper usage of noble titles) during the writing process. Remember: those details can wait for another time. Mark your spot with a symbol, word, or text colour you can search once your first draft is complete. If you use the same marker throughout your manuscript, it will be much easier later on to find the spots you want to research or verify by using your SEARCH and FIND tool in your writing software.
Story is essential. Details can be massaged in later.
Word Count
A historical novel or historical romance typically runs 80 to 100, 000 words. If you are writing to market (meaning you have a specific publisher in mind), always check the writing guidelines before you begin composing your first draft. Some publishing houses will have a lesser word count. Or, if you’re unsure where your story will eventually fit, aim for between 80 to 100 thousand words.
Story Structure
There is no one correct method to use when it comes to writing your story. Some authors are planners (outlining the entire novel, chapter headings, etc.), some are pantsers (no planning involved), while others are a bit of both. Whatever works for you, use it.
But when it comes to structuring an historical fiction novel, there are major points you must hit. Knowing what your protagonist’s (main character) goal and problem is at the beginning, makes writing within a framework much easier. Conflict makes for interesting reading, so make sure there are two types of conflict your hero/ine is/are struggling with – inner (those emotional or mental conflicts that prevent them from moving ahead) and outer (external issues they have no control over like weather or war) conflicts.
The structure of the story is the same as any other story you will write. If you’re a three-act structure, hero’s journey advocate, snowflake method, or save the cat kind of writer, use what you know works for you. Or, if you’re completely new to writing a novel or looking for a different approach, check out The Story Equation by Susan May Warren (using this method practically writes the story for you).
Or, if you’re a pantser (meaning you don’t do any planning), do your thing.
Write your story and worry about the details later.
Beware of Anachronism
What is anachronism?
Simply, it is a thing or phrase belonging to or appropriate to a time period other than that in which it exists. Sound too complicated?
For example: The time period of your story is in the 18th century French court and your heroine puts on red lipstick and blush. Lipstick was invented in 1884 and blush was called rouge back then.
Ever read a story where you suddenly stop reading because a detail seems out of place
Anachronism pulls your reader from the story and makes him or her ‘suspend believability’. Oversimplified, you’ll lose your reader if you do this.
Watch for common phrases, like ‘way to go’. This phrase was used in the 1960s in reference to sports. It would be anachronism if it was used for example, in a 1920s car race scene (even though it is in the correct connotation of a sporting event).
An excellent resource on Anachronism is Medieval Underwear and Other Writing Blunders.
Advice from the Trenches
When it comes to details, historical romance author, Danielle Grandinetti says this,
“…be sure to double check your facts and then tell your readers all about it in the Author’s Note. Taking creative license is okay as long as you have a good reason (and explain it), but those little historical details are the best part about writing historical fiction. In the end, historical readers love historical facts and those facts are what bring to life your historical setting and add the layered depth to your novel your readers crave.”
Historical author, Emily Wright agrees:
In a historical fiction novel, every detail has to be researched in order for the reader to be immersed in the time period. In my Trials of the Heart series, which takes place during the Civil War and the beginning of the Reconstruction Era, painstaking research had to be done. For accuracy, I had to include details of troop movements, battles, and life on the home front. What food did the soldiers eat? What gear did they carry? What clothing did men and women wear in the 1860s? What was society like, and what were the societal norms? Another example would be that, in the third installment of the series, I had to research 1860s wedding traditions, which are starkly different from what we know in our modern world. Speech patterns also have to be accurate, making the characters believable within the era in which they live. For a historical novel, details such as these cannot be made up.
Historical details are important, and if you must include them in your story, make sure you avoid anachronism.
Award-winning historical romance author, Jen Turano, has some great advice for aspiring historical authors:
Any writer delving into the world of historical fiction needs to have a grasp of the era in which they’re going to set their novel. Know the customs of the day, the mannerisms, the settings, the architecture. Be familiar with the language of the time but know that you need to write dialogue in a way that readers will enjoy following but avoiding words that weren’t around during your time period. Also familiarize yourself with transportation – what type of carriage would have been appropriate – did they have access to trains or elevated railroads? Small details will enhance your story and give readers a taste of the times.
Further Considerations for Aspiring Historical Authors
Choose your era wisely. Since you will be spending copious amounts of time researching your topic, you’ll likely find other story seeds that will feed new ideas. Your detailed notes about dress, food, transportation, customs and religion at the time will be beneficial to future stories. Essentially, you need to become an expert in your chosen era.
And remember, your historical fiction is about the story. It’s always about story.
As Robin Lee Hatcher says, “Don’t go chasing a pesky fork…”
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