Writing Historical Fiction discussion
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Eileen
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Oct 20, 2014 05:50PM
Welcome Lynsay! Any particular era you have an interest in?
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Eileen wrote: "Welcome Lynsay! Any particular era you have an interest in?"I am currently working on a piece about Elizabeth of York, but I also enjoy reading about the Tudor period and the Victorians and Stuarts. I'm also open to suggestions for reading and other things, especially about women in history.
Hi everyone...I joined the group a while back, but for some reason never got around to adding an introduction. I'm a historical fiction writer, with my first novel due out in April. It's been an exciting but tiring experience...
Anyway, I'm interested to see the discussions as they develop around writing historicals. I've had some interesting "encounters" with editors as my agent worked through the process of pitching and selling my manuscript. Mainly, I found it really interesting that when writing fiction in a historical setting, there can be such a fine line between incorporating good historical detail and what the reader expects. By that I mean that writing too historically accurate can actually be a disadvantage as the lens of time and current perception warps our expectations of what a historical should contain. I'll give an example in case I'm being too oblique. One editor appeared to really like the manuscript, but couldn't get past an element of child labor that is a thread in my current work. However, in the time setting that element was the norm...so in this case our current perception about issues influenced what this particular editor expected when he read my work. I found that really interesting, especially as there wasn't a good avenue to reconnect over that issue.
So as historical fiction writers, there is a fine line to be struck, perhaps. I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered something similar.
Good to be here!
Hello, I'm Anthony and I just completed the second book in my trilogy that goes by the name of Hard Land to Rule. My odyssey as writer started with a fictional short story I wrote about the theft of food by Indians on my great-great grandfathers homestead west of Austin after the Civil War. The incident actually occurred and was passed down in family oral history that I vividly remember hearing as a child. All I wanted to do was make up a fictional tale about the event, but fate took a sharp turn in my life at that point. My wife enjoyed the story and with her blessings the writing evolved into a full length novel. At some point in the process, I realized the story needed room to grow and the idea of a trilogy was born. It is hard to believe, but the second book is now complete and was released this past week. I always wanted to write a book and now two are under my belt with a third outline for the final book in the trilogy starting to take shape as I type.
Not intending to write a western, the work can cross over into several genres. Some of the early reviews labeled it historical fiction and I agree. There are a lot of historical facts used to weave the tale, but it also contains a dash of romance that keeps the characters grounded in reality. Regardless of what is happening there is an element of romance in all that we do in life.
It has been a long strange trip, but I'm glad to be here!
Anthony, you're my hero. I look forward to reading it.
Thanks Wayne. Your comment got my day off to a good start!
Hello,My name is Tine (pronounced 'Tina'). I've written one political/drama novel, which I'm sitting on because my WIP is historical fiction and my next project is historical fiction, so I see my writing headed in a very different direction from where I started.
My WIP is about Writers in London in the 1890s. I blog about my research on this topic. Although I've read (here) that people feel writers writing about writers and writing is overdone, I plan to continue my project. Almost all of my characters are real historical people, so my research is pretty extensive - so extensive that it has developed a life of its own with side projects.
In blogging about my research, I've befriended quite a few historians, who specialize in 1890s London and/or Literary History, so it is nice to find a place where I might make some friends who are more interested in the fiction side of things.
Like Anthony, I'm glad to be here!
Mod
You may send it to her in a private message, but I'm weeding out ANY and ALL links to published books, blogs, author interviews or URLs that take you off group. This should come as no surprise; after all, it's a huge part of the posted rules.
FOLKS, KINDLY READ THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT POP UP WHILST TYPING. I had to flip the "annoying switch" and have the group rules STAY visible while typing, because I'm getting more than a little tired of having to go through every so often and trash the book URLs (you have access to ANY of the published works here of any member by simply clicking on their profile or sending them a private message if they don't have their full library available), and blog URLs asking for comments but then seeing NO WIPs of your own. Let me state it another way:
ANY URL that forces a member to leave this site will NOT be tolerated and will be deleted without warning.
I'll allow UNLINKED book titles (you may mention them IN PASSING ONLY during discussion; like, "I'm working on book two of The Gaslight Journal series called The Lady's Maid), and linked author names, as both of those are pretty benign ("My friend JA Konrath has a great book on writing you may wish to read). But none of the following:
*Your author profile, on or off Goodreads
*Your blog for any reason
*Your own author activities/interviews/media appearances
*Contests or Giveaways of yours
*Calls for Submissions--If you're a member and know of one, please send me a PM to let me know. If you're opening submissions for your agency or pub house, please run it by me first for approval.
Having to tighten things up for awhile, so thanks for your consideration.
It gets TOO easy for us to get caught up in us, and with so many publishing houses now leaving the bulk of self-promotion to us, it's understandable that this is the mode in which we're always operating.
But, leave it at the door. YOU ARE NOT HERE TO GAIN READERS OR NEW FANS, PERIOD. Got it? If that's your reason for joining--to mine new sales--then kindly delete yourself now and save me the trouble. It's disrespectful to all here.
See, we're ALL on the same level when we're here. No one will be regarded as being above anyone else or any more important than anyone else. We ALL have something to offer as well as learn, no matter what your pedigree. And nothing nauseates me quicker or looks tackier than an author rambling incessantly about how great he/she is and everything they've accomplished so far.
It used to be called "classless" and "tasteless", but now it's called "self-promotion". Either way, when taken too far, it's just ugly.
After having had to go through over THREE-HUNDRED ENTRIES the other night in which people blatantly ignored the rules that now reside two millimetres to their right, and seeing flagrant dismissal of these rules, well, it's become a bit much. Some posted entries asking you to follow their historical fiction writing blog(s) or HF projects (I caught myself hoping just one member would come forward to say, "I'm srry, but this is a rule violation," but of course, no one did because they were too busy posting to the thread ;) ); a few posted asking you to give comments on their WIPs, to which SEVERAL of you excitedly said you would, but yet I didn't see anyone actually post a new WIP thread here then ask for input so the group members could learn and benefit from it (Srsly?? I HAVE to laugh at this, because I KNOW THEY WERE SEEING THE RULES AS THEY TYPED THEIR REQUESTS TO IGNORE THEM! LOL.); one guy simply started a blog reciprocation/follow THREAD and then said something bone-headed like, "I think it's okay to do this, does anyone know?...", then finally I watched as one person violated these rules nearly TEN TIMES (she stopped just in time as I moved the mouse toward her delete/ban from group button).
So, is this really about not wanting folks to leave the group during a surfing session? Of course not. It's about checking the ego at the door, treating everyone like we're all on an even playing field, having no previous experience; it's about making sure that those of us who've been blessed with even a modicum of success remains open and available to give back and help those new writers still intimidated by the process.
I think it's just that perhaps you need to be reminded every now and again. Consider this your "again". :)
And without appearing that I don't care, I DO want to wish ALL our new members a nice big welcome! I've tried to keep up with reading each one, even though I've no time to comment generally.
Now that you've seen a clear summary for this group's vision, I hope you won't feel the least intimidated in posting even small pieces of your WIP and in asking for critique. I can't stress enough at just how much you DO learn through the reciprocity of lending opinion to another's work whilst receiving opinion on yours.
And when it works? It's one of the most enjoyable ways to learn that you'll ever encounter, not to mention one of the quickest for improving your writing. You can read all the books on writing technique and what to and not to do that you can handle on a Kindle, but until you get in there and actually WRITE and REWRITE seventeen times, making it as bright and shiny as you possibly can, then you'll never learn how to craft a story anyone will want to read.
Cheers,
C, the Mod-mod
Hi, I'm Jaime. I've always loved reading HF and just recently I began writing some stories of my own. At the moment I'm not making much progress as I have too many ideas. I have 6 stories in varying stages of completion- 2 of which take place in the Western US during the 1880's, 1 in early 1900's London and another during WWII in France. Needless to say, I will be doing a lot of research. I'm looking forward to discussions and hope to learn from all of you experienced writers.
Hi Jaime, it sounds like some of our work is closely related. Mine is London in the 1890s, yours is London just ten years later. I bet we do a lot of overlapping research.
Hi everyone,I love reading historical fiction and was delighted to see this thread. I'm currently working on a series of short stories about a Finnish immigrant family in Northern Ontario in the 1930s. So much fun to learn about my hometown in those days. My self-published non-fiction book The Day Soon Dawns will be available in April. It's about my father's experiences as a Finnish sailor in a concentration camp during WWII.
Cheers!
Liisa
How do I get rid of this pop-up that says Group Rules? It is blocking some of the comments.
Carla wrote: "Welcome, Richard!The only thing I can honestly offer as excellent advice on blogging is to use it to enhance your writing career.
Hard sell on a blog hasn't been proven to be very effective. I ..."
Richard wrote: "My name is Richard MacLeod and I love historical fiction. My first novel "Faces in the
Carla, how do you post a link to your books? Joe Prevost
Richard, I just visited your blog, and you have done a magnificent job. It looks very professional and effective. Joe Prevost
Hi, I've recently moved to writing historical fiction after 27 books (kids and speculative fiction). My first full-length HF will come out this month and is loosely (very loosely!) based on my grandfather's war record in WWI - he was an ANZAC at Gallipoli. My WIP is set in 1920/21 and centres around a war bride who comes from Britain to Australia.
I have just finished two novels for which I am now seeking agency representation. A tough job no matter how hard you try. Both my novels are part of a family saga about the three sons, or their descendants, of a petty King from Rogaland, Norway, in A.D.840. The first novel follows the youngest son, who sails to Ireland, and establishes the village of Dubh Linn, marries the beautiful Irish slave girl he captured during an earlier raiding foray, and until his death, takes part in the numerous battles the Irish fight among themselves for dominance of the island. Time for me to get back to the third volume, and begin my search for representation.
Can anyone tell me how I can get rid of this pop up called "Group Rules" that keeps blocking half my screen?
Joe wrote: "I have just finished two novels for which I am now seeking agency representation. A tough job no matter how hard you try. Both my novels are part of a family saga about the three sons, or their d..."Sounds fascinating, Joe!Good luck with your search for an agent.
Hello. My name is Julian Gray and I have found writing my first historical novel, Interrogating Ellie, a fascinating experience. I have written a lot of non fiction under another name, but this was a truly liberating experience, watching the characters come to life and do things I hadn't initially expected. I also enjoyed the whole process of creating a physical and e-book, and an associated educational web site (www.interrogating-ellie.com) to be a new and absorbing experience.
I intend to write another novel soon and am playing about with a number of possible settings and plots. All of them are historical, though they don't go much further back than 1910. (I don't think the world needs another novel set in Tudor times!)
I am wondering what people think of the idea of writing a novel set in a time that is less popular with historical novelists. I have always thought the 1930s and the 1950s are very 'underdone' compared with the periods covered by WW1 and WW2. Why is that, I wonder?
A novel set in the '30's or '50's would be great, and you are right. It hasn't been an era dealt with much. Or at least not in what I've read.I think authors have chosen WWI and II a lot because of the obvious stress and pressure of war that gets put on the characters. Also, people read what they are interested in. As more movies and other books come out from a certain period, people read more of that time period. For example, as Downton Abbey became more popular, so did books from the 1920's.
Hi, I'm Pamela Hart - previously published as Pamela Freeman in kids' books and fantasy fiction. I've just started writing HF - my first is being published by Hachette on 28th April, 'The Soldier's Wife', set in Sydney in WWI.
Hello, I'm Patrick Highers. I am a published author of historical fiction and am always looking for new insights and information. I look forward to gleaning from others, helping or commenting when I can and writing. This looks like an awesome group to do just that!
Mod
Apparently not enough. It CLEARLY states that NO SELF-PROMOTION will be tolerated, and yet, you include where to buy your books as well as post a blog.
Deleted without warning.
Mod
The only thing I can honestly offer as excellent advice on blogging is to use it to enhance your writing career.
Hard sell on a blog hasn't been proven to be very ..."
You don't.
Try reading some of the rules I've blatantly thrown in your face, instead of trying to figure out ways around them.
Apparently, you're new to this whole "interwebs" bidness, so I'll give you a bit of a break and not delete you entirely.
READ what I've posted. It gives you everything you need.
Hello, My name is Gary Michels, and I am a first time historical fiction writer. I will spend much time reading the posts over the next few weeks, and hope to learn from your collective wisdom.I am writing about Colonel David Fanning, a Torie hero whom history has much maligned. I am passionate to have the story of the man told as it deserves; he fought courageously, and had Lord Cornwallis been counseled to request his presence at Guilford Courthouse, America might now be taking tea.
Mod
I a..."
Hello, Gary, and welcome!
I'm in the process of reorganising some things, so bear with me, but in the meantime, would love for you to feel comfortable in just jumping in.
I originally created this group to be a critique group, where folks trade critiques. I got frustrated when choosing beta readers for my first novel. I noticed that they had no clue how to offer a proper critique for historical fiction, and I think the main reason for that was because those of us who write about history have a particular challenge to always be aware of the fine line we walk between remaining true to the historical voice, and in writing with an eye toward retaining the modern-day reader. Every comment I got was geared toward shorter passages; less verbiage; less description and just telling the story.
Well, that might be nice if that was the voice of the story I wanted to tell, and it was a police procedural, but it wasn't. One review has compared that novel to Jane Austen, and that's exactly what I wanted. Part of the beauty in reading historical fiction, for me, was in immersing myself in a language that's no longer spoken (or written, for that matter), so I wanted to use that voice to tell my story.
But my beta readers, all of which weren't readers of historical fiction, had no idea how to parse their comments in a way that would preserve my vision for the story.
And that seems to be the aspect of this group that the members have overlooked, in favour of discussion. Discussion is great and I'm so thankful we've grown to the numbers we have, but it saddens me that folks still don't post their WIP.
I think a lot of members also lurk because we're too busy comparing d**k sizes when we first join. I don't know how many blog URLs and already-published book links I've had to chuck from here. Sometimes, I think writers only join groups like this just so they can gain more readers. But sadly, it comes off like posing and scares away otherwise solid and faithful participants.
So don't let it scare you away!
So, a reorganisation is in order. I don't go back to class until the end of August, so in that time I intend to nudge us in that direction as much as I can.
So, please, feel free to post any of your WIP so we can get practice in critiquing. There will naturally be those who only lurk, afraid of the chopping block, but even they will learn from the experience.
Again, welcome and enjoy your time here!
~~C
Hello, I'm Jim. I wrote a novel about a quaker girl in the south during the Civil War. Another novel was about a boy who goes looking for his father in the Rocky Mountains in the fur trade of the 1830s. I am presently working on a novel about Wordsworth in the French Revolution. I'm a high school and college English teacher, a watercolor painter and a folk/rock musician, on top of being a writer. I live in the OC.
Mod
Welcome to the group, and please post parts of your current WIP under the WIP/Critique folder!
Hi everyone, I'm an East Texas writer working on the first book of my series, set in 1774-1775, Western Virginia and Kentucky territory. MC girl is almost 13 when her story begins and I will develop it through her teen years with the turmoil of the American Revolution beginning in the East and the hornet nest being stirred by the British in the West. The series will continue through her teen years and include the Ruddle's and Martin's Station attacks near Cynthiana KY in 1780. This story came about while researching family history. I'm currently 7 years into this passion and have re-worked it serval times. Currently, weaving in a new plot for book 1 and I'm on chapter 4.
Hello, I'm Rita and I live in North Texas. I've been a genealogist for 30 years (I started when I was 2) and have almost finished with what is probably my one and only book. It tells the story of 11 siblings (ages 20-newborn) beginning with the start of the Civil War in Middle Tennessee and follows them through the beginning of the Great Depression in Texas.
Hi Rita,I'm Lance Knight. I live in a suburb of Houston, called Pasadena. I too write historical fiction; there should be a genre called Historical/Ancestral Fiction. I have traced my ancestors on the Knight side of the family back to my 5th GGrandfather, Miles Knight, circa 1747. He immigrated to the American Colonies by way of an Indenture Contract. He later fought in the Revolution for the Americans.
Your book sounds most interesting. All the best to you.
Hi everyone! I'm working on a series of historical novels set between the American and French Revolutions. I've just posted the beginning in the critique folder. Interesting to see that many of you are writing about ancestors- I've got a number of my ancestors playing bit roles in my work, and part of this book is set in Wrightsborough- a Quaker colony in Georgia founded by one of my ancestors. The main characters are all fictional, however.
Mod
Just heading over to the critique folder to offer whatever I can. This is the downside of this process, especially for a writer: we're too busy writing to actively offer help to someone else, but I'm now nudging us to make a better effort at this. If we can't help others become better, then to me, that's sad, since we also needed help in the beginning. Let's rise above other groups and buck the system, people!
Cheers!
T.J. wrote: "Hi everyone...I joined the group a while back, but for some reason never got around to adding an introduction. I'm a historical fiction writer, with my first novel due out in April. It's been an ..."
I wonder if this discussion is over? Am I too late? My own experience with "editors" has been disastrous. I have translated two "Historical Fiction" books from an Iranian writer.
Since the author was executed decades ago, the translated copies should have been exactly as intended by the author: True to the Historic events...
The sample of "edited text" were anything but. Especially the one that is written in codes and for children, and editors had a hard time relating animal figures to real historic events...
Mod
Why not post parts of it for the group to take a look at? We're not tied emotionally to the work, so you never know what we might catch that you hadn't noticed.
Cheers.
Hello, fellow writers! I'm a technical writer and essayist on the subjects of health, identity, and the family. I'm working on my first book, a family drama set among the "holy trinity" of Church, state, and mafia in 19th century Sicily. I hope to meet some other writers in this group who have taken this beautiful, troubled island and its people as their inspirations to write.
Mod
Welcome!
Hello, My name is Margo, and I've just joined the group. I wrote a few historical fiction short stories years ago and have written a lot of articles about history. Now I'm wanting to get back to historical fiction and looking for a supportive group. Looking forward to participating.
Mod
To new members, feel free to post any of your WIPs to our critique sections. It really helps you learn self-editing.
Enjoy!
Hi Folks Paul Hock here. I have finally got my Historical fiction book published and just wanted to say it is quite the journey. My goal was to publish in May. Six rewrites later and it's October and I am doing it. Not easy but well worth holding that labor of love in my hands. Just a note of encouragement to any that are struggling. Don't give up for it is well worth the effort.
Congratulations. Know how you feel. Now onto the next piece?
Mod
Congratulations! I hope it does well for you.
I also hope you will share your next WIP and participate and help build up our critique group. At least take a second to see if you guys can comment on what's up there waiting for comment.
Congratulations on your monumental achievement.
Patrick wrote: "Congratulations on your monumental achievement."Carla wrote: "Paul wrote: "Hi Folks Paul Hock here. I have finally got my Historical fiction book published and just wanted to say it is quite the journey. My goal was to publish in May. Six rewrites later and i..."
Diane wrote: "Congratulations. Know how you feel. Now onto the next piece?"
Thanks everyone and I will offer comment and any constructive critique that I feel qualified to give with my limited experience. I think the concept of this group is a great idea.
Lynsay wrote: "Eileen wrote: "Welcome Lynsay! Any particular era you have an interest in?"I am currently working on a piece about Elizabeth of York, but I also enjoy reading about the Tudor period and the Victo..."
Lynsay wrote: "Eileen wrote: "Welcome Lynsay! Any particular era you have an interest in?"
I am currently working on a piece about Elizabeth of York, but I also enjoy reading about the Tudor period and the Victo..."
Hi Eileen
I touch briefly on Elizabeth and Mary in my novel which takes place in the 1500's two powerful women of history one that made a huge impact and the other not doing so well. I look forward to any of your writing on that era.
Hi! I've needed an HF-specific group and am very glad to find you! My WIP portrays a Danish immigrant woman during "the other" Black Hawk War-- not 1832 Illinois but 1865-72 Utah Territory. My background is nonfiction history altho long ago I published 1 or 2 short stories + wrote a really bad novel that I threw away. Also, I'm a retired English teacher with strong opinions of good writing. Writing fiction is a lot harder than judging it, but I'm having great fun trying. (I live in SW Washington, can see Mt. Rainer & Mt. St. Helens from the top of our hill.)
Hi All,I'm a reader (and now a writer) of historical fiction. I like all eras up to the 20th century. My favourite is still ancient Rome, but since my wife introduced me to Boris Akunin's Fandorin series, 19th century Russia is fast becoming an obsession :)
I love accurately researched historical novels (like Colleen McCollough's amazing Masters of Rome series), or mixed in with some fantasy (like Barry Hughart's Bridge of Birds: a novel of China that never was). What I don't like is just repetitive, poorly written and inaccurate material... (a trap I try hard not to fall into in my own writing - you'll be the judge!).
While I (just) released my first book, I have no doubt that my writing can be improved. I'm here to learn new ways of looking and critiquing my own writing.
Nice to meet you all!
Becky wrote: "Hi! I've needed an HF-specific group and am very glad to find you! My WIP portrays a Danish immigrant woman during "the other" Black Hawk War-- not 1832 Illinois but 1865-72 Utah Territory. My back..."Becky, After sending twelve short stories to over three hundred magazines, I finally became a published author when three of my stories were picked and published. I have written, and completed two HF novels, and sent them to over four hundred agencies.
Finally I am negotiating with an agency to represent me for one of my novels. My WIP is a series of four novels about the three sons of a petty king in Norway who sends his sons raiding to different parts of the world. One he sends to the west to raid and explore new worlds and new peoples. Another he sends south to raid and plunder among the British Isles. The third son he sends east to raid among the Turks in the Mediterranean basin.
Incidentally, the name you use is Becky, but the picture posted with your note is that of a man. ???
Hello everybody,I just joined the group. I've written a novel set in WW2 Warsaw. It's out to my beta readers.
Are there any WW2 or Holocaust writers/readers at this board? I'd love to meet people with interests similar to mine. Looking forward to chatting with you.
Joe wrote: "After sending twelve short stories to over three hundred magazines, I finally became a published author when three of my stories were picked and published. I have written, and completed two HF novels, and sent them to over four hundred agencies."Thanks Joe for confirming my decision to go self-published!
I don't think I could handle 700 rejections... :)
Good luck with the agent! Hope you get the holy grail of publishing deals soon.
Writing Historical Fiction
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