BLOGWORDS – Monday 17 June 2019 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – SARAH SUNDIN

BLOGWORDS – Monday 17 June 2019 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – SARAH SUNDIN
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NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – SARAH SUNDIN
 
Making Historical Fiction Come to Life

 

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Historical fiction allows us to do that in our minds, both when we read it and when we write it.

 

However, writing historical fiction comes with a solemn responsibility—to accurately portray the past to honor the real men and women who lived during that era. Remember, our novels might be the only history our readers get.

 

That’s why solid research is vital for the historical novelist. We need a broad foundation of general knowledge about the era for perspective, plus deep knowledge about elements specific to our stories. Accurate research provides a sense of authenticity that draws readers into the story—but errors can yank knowledgeable readers right out of the story.

 

Historical fiction comes with benefits—built-in conflict, danger, and interest in everyday activities and settings. This is rich material for novelists! We can use these to make our historical novels come to life.

 

Research can yield a bounty of plot and story ideas.

Historical events: these can serve as crucial turning points or as the backbone of your story. For example, I’m in the middle of writing a three-book series centered on D-day.
Weather and natural disasters: your research may turn up information about storms, floods, fires, and more. Great conflict! I was even “blessed” with the actual eruption of Mount Vesuvius in March 1944 that I was able to use in a novel.
Social events: was there a big festival or parade or concert in your novel’s location? These can be fun to use in your plot.
Cultural mores: what were the attitudes about race, class, and gender? These can create conflict that can drive an entire novel, spark clashes at vital moments, or provide an underlying sense of tension.

 

Also, systems were different, creating possibilities for drama in your story.

Health care: illness and injuries are standard plot devices in any genre, but in historical settings, the danger increases. Did your era have ambulances? Antibiotics? Knowledge of germ theory?
Justice system: laws, law enforcement, prisons, and the criminal justice system have changed over time. How do they affect your character—whether a victim of crime, a perpetrator, or wrongly accused?
Transportation and communication: in an age of cheap flights and Skype, we forget how long it took and how difficult it used to be to travel or send messages. Delays and other hassles can create tension and misunderstandings.

 

Research can also enliven the most mundane scene. Your characters will be doing their routine tasks, but your reader will be fascinated because of how things have changed.

Occupations: show your character on the job. Some occupations aren’t seen much nowadays, like blacksmiths. And other occupations still exist, but practices have changed. Not only are the routine activities interesting to a modern reader, but crises on the job can create plot points.
Family life: what were the courtship rituals, marriage roles, and child care practices in your era? These can spark story and scene ideas.
Food: a scene with characters making dinner can be bland in a modern setting, but fascinating in a historical setting. My 1940s characters have to deal with ration coupons, shortages, and meatless meals. They make Jell-O salads and Spam-birds. Don’t ask.

 

Research can also help you dress up your setting.

Your location in historical context: London in 1944 was very different from London today—my characters encounter bomb damage, barrage balloons overhead, and uniforms from many Allied nations. Bringing out these differences creates interest for your reader.
Housing: heating, lighting, furniture, floor plans, standards and practices of housekeeping—these have all changed. Adding historical bits to your character’s home can bring your story to life.
Clothing: details of clothing can immediately transport readers to a bygone era. My World War II readers want to see the leather flight jackets and service caps worn at a jaunty angle. They want to see cherry red lipstick and gloves and handkerchiefs. Clothing can even cause obstacles—long skirts, corsets, girdles, and high heels are not practical in chase scenes. Use that.

 

Done well, historical fiction gives readers a window to the past and inspiration for the present. Happy writing!

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Sarah Sundin is a bestselling author of historical novels, including The Sky Above Us and The Sea Before Us. Her novel The Sea Before Us is a finalist for the 2019 Reader’s Choice Award from Faith, Hope, and Love, When Tides Turn and Through Waters Deep were named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and Through Waters Deep was a finalist for the 2016 Carol Award and won the INSPY Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California and enjoys speaking for church, community, and writers’ groups.

 

http://www.sarahsundin.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Sundin/e/B002T94CLS?

https://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor

https://twitter.com/sarahsundin

https://www.pinterest.com/sarahsundin/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-sundin/

 

GIVEAWAY

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Sarah is offering a copy of her novel, The Sky Above Us, winner’s choice of paperback or CD audiobook. U.S. mailing addresses only for print copy.

Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway will begin at 12:00 A.M. on Monday 17 June and end at 12:00 A.M. on 24 June. Giveaway is subject to the policies found on Robin’s Nest.

RAFFLECOPTER
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b485f64b27/?

 

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#Blogwords, New Week New Face, #NWNF, Guest Post, Sarah Sundin