Historical fiction is written around a culturally recognizable time and set in a real place. The details and the action in the story can be a mix of actual events and ones from the author’s imagination as they fill in the gaps. Characters can be pure fiction or based on real people (often, it’s both). Genre books have shown how a bit of fantasy or magical realism can enhance our understanding of the past.

Historical fiction transports readers to another time and place, whether real or imagined. Writing historical fiction requires a balance of research and creativity. It often includes real people and events, offering a fiction writer many opportunities to tell a unique story. Capture the time period as accurately as possible for authenticity. Include social norms, manners, customs, and traditions.

The key is to recreate life without moving the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral or Times Square. Know that your character cannot stand on the docks of London, dropping letters into the water, watching them drift out to sea. Accuracy and authenticity is important. Know your geography, look at a map of London or New York to get it right. If it is miles from the mountains, know that.

Many 17th Century words do not easily translate and may have to be altered. Ensure your reader does not get lost in the dialect. And, all too often, if one were to stick strictly true to the time period, your characters might be a little dull. Allow your characters to engage with the historical details, expanding on truism. Allow the aroma of horse dung to drift from the cobblestone streets. Or your characters squint in the fading light of the tallow candles.

Spin a tale of:

  • factual events
  • real places
  • real or fictional characters

Historical fiction as we know it in contemporary Western literature dates back to the early 19th century. By the early 20th century, the genre was thriving with a focus on war stories. Most of us read and or write fiction for pleasure. Some of us gravitate to works about the past. People have enjoyed historical fiction since 800 BC when Homer wrote about the Trojan War in the Iliad.

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“Linda has published sixteen books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on the challenges a writer faces, including marketing and promoting your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews and how to self-publish. She has mentored many authors and edited their work.” 

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