A Goodreads user
asked
David Blixt:
Mr. Blixt, what is the most important recommendation you will give to someone who's planning on writing a historical fiction novel? BTW: Love your Master of Verona series.
David Blixt
Thanks so much! (Sorry I didn't see this question until now).
The best advice I can give is 1) Know your ending, and 2) Leave yourself some space on how you get there. I know many writers who have it all planned out - and with historical fiction, history itself is a wonderful map. But I like to leave myself room to explore and discover while I write. There are always gems in the research that are waiting to be found, polished, and revealed. Whenever I'm bored by a piece I'm writing, I know I have to find another way to tell the story, because if I'm bored, the reader is sure to be. So know what story you want to tell, but give yourself latitude on how you tell it.
The best advice I can give is 1) Know your ending, and 2) Leave yourself some space on how you get there. I know many writers who have it all planned out - and with historical fiction, history itself is a wonderful map. But I like to leave myself room to explore and discover while I write. There are always gems in the research that are waiting to be found, polished, and revealed. Whenever I'm bored by a piece I'm writing, I know I have to find another way to tell the story, because if I'm bored, the reader is sure to be. So know what story you want to tell, but give yourself latitude on how you tell it.
More Answered Questions
Steven Eldredge
asked
David Blixt:
Mr Blixt, why do I enjoy your books so much? Not a question, but a statement. I loved your Master of Verona series, and i am currently about 85% through Colossus: The Four Emperors and really, really loving it! I already read a lot of historical fiction about ancient Rome, but your book is making me hungry for more and yet more. Thanks!
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