Amazingly Easy to Follow Tips for Writing Your Successful Historical Novel
So you have decided to take the plunge and write a book. Not only have you chosen to write a fantastic novel you have also chosen to set it in history. But where on Earth do you begin?
It's important to choose a period you are familiar with or interested in as you may well have to spend an extensive period researching the era. You will be a fountain of knowledge on your chosen period by the time you have finished your novel!
OK, so to the meat of the article, here are my tips for writing your historical novel ...
- Decide on when your story is set
Pretty obvious really but you need to have a very clear idea before you even reach for the notepad. If you don't have a preference or an exact year in mind then a book called 'The Timelines of History' by Bernard Grun and Werner Stein might be a good place to start. With a year by year listing of social, scientific and political events it will give you an idea of what may be incorporated within your story. For your first novel, it is probably best to choose your favourite historical period as you will feel most comfortable and will also probably have plenty of ideas that can be pursued and developed.
- Visit the Library
Once you have your era the Library is an excellent place to start. Your librarian can point you in the right direction of resources. Sometimes there may be biographies and articles that only a librarian would know about so be sure to ask! Never underestimate the power of children's books when taking your first steps into research. They often provide apt description and in-depth diagrams/photos that might prove useful to the amateur historian, especially when writing about a period of history that is not familiar to you.
- Local Historical Societies
These associations can be of immense help. Seek them out and ask questions. Generally they will be more than happy to help.
- Keep your research in an organised manner
With different elements of travel, dress, medicine, politics e.g. for each period it's important to keep your research labelled and to hand whenever you are writing. This enables you to consult the important information as you write.
- Make a list of information you need to find out in order to write your novel.
Use your plot line to organise this and update the list when you find the relevant information. It is better to have completed all of your key research prior to starting on the writing.
- Keep the story line in sight!
Whilst the history is an important focus for your novel, it's not the only focus! Primarily your novel is a story and you must try not to get caught up in the historical features so that it obstructs the reader's view of the narrative and characters. The research and factual knowledge should enhance the story, not overpower it.
My final word on research is a word of warning. Check your sources! The internet can be a wealth of information but anyone can write on it. Make sure you verify and cross check all information you gather. It would be awful to base your entire novel on foundations that were untruthful.
Best of luck!
It's important to choose a period you are familiar with or interested in as you may well have to spend an extensive period researching the era. You will be a fountain of knowledge on your chosen period by the time you have finished your novel!
OK, so to the meat of the article, here are my tips for writing your historical novel ...
- Decide on when your story is set
Pretty obvious really but you need to have a very clear idea before you even reach for the notepad. If you don't have a preference or an exact year in mind then a book called 'The Timelines of History' by Bernard Grun and Werner Stein might be a good place to start. With a year by year listing of social, scientific and political events it will give you an idea of what may be incorporated within your story. For your first novel, it is probably best to choose your favourite historical period as you will feel most comfortable and will also probably have plenty of ideas that can be pursued and developed.
- Visit the Library
Once you have your era the Library is an excellent place to start. Your librarian can point you in the right direction of resources. Sometimes there may be biographies and articles that only a librarian would know about so be sure to ask! Never underestimate the power of children's books when taking your first steps into research. They often provide apt description and in-depth diagrams/photos that might prove useful to the amateur historian, especially when writing about a period of history that is not familiar to you.
- Local Historical Societies
These associations can be of immense help. Seek them out and ask questions. Generally they will be more than happy to help.
- Keep your research in an organised manner
With different elements of travel, dress, medicine, politics e.g. for each period it's important to keep your research labelled and to hand whenever you are writing. This enables you to consult the important information as you write.
- Make a list of information you need to find out in order to write your novel.
Use your plot line to organise this and update the list when you find the relevant information. It is better to have completed all of your key research prior to starting on the writing.
- Keep the story line in sight!
Whilst the history is an important focus for your novel, it's not the only focus! Primarily your novel is a story and you must try not to get caught up in the historical features so that it obstructs the reader's view of the narrative and characters. The research and factual knowledge should enhance the story, not overpower it.
My final word on research is a word of warning. Check your sources! The internet can be a wealth of information but anyone can write on it. Make sure you verify and cross check all information you gather. It would be awful to base your entire novel on foundations that were untruthful.
Best of luck!
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