is it ethical to write factional books?

[J.P.]

Hi Colin,
Good on you. I think Deborah said it, 'you put what mix you have used in the authors note'.

As a historian you will know that real life stories are too good not to be told! We have a duty to tell them! Even Cornwell describes himself as a storyteller and not a historian.

I think it's the way history should be told and certainly the way to get kids engrossed in it too.

[Colin]

JP thanks for the encouragement. I have watched so many docu-dramas that bring history to life on TV, in the cinema (as biopics) so why not in the written format as well. Phillipa Gregory & so many other historical fiction writers blur the boundaries. It is not so much as rewriting history, that's not the intention, but rather, as you say, to bring the narrative to life. The one I am doing at present (not a plug btw!) has me playing with my conscience still. Should I be true to the facts? Yes but do I have to stick religiously to them? If I do I might as well write a non-fiction biography & where's the fun in that?!