• How-To Write: All About Historical Fiction, Real Characters

    In historical fiction, your focus as the author may be toward authenticating the setting, presenting believable characters and creating a compelling storyline that will grab readers and hold their attention from beginning to end. What can be an aspect missed while writing historical fiction is the opportunity to allow readers access to the main characters’ thoughts, feelings and beliefs through inner monologues. The reason could be that the author may see the story as what will be the relatable factor for readers, or maybe a hesitance to put oneself into the characters’ mindsets at that particular time period and produce…

  • Letting History Speak in Fiction Novels

    For all those history buffs out there, it can be a common complaint when it comes to fiction books. You pick up a book that takes place in a time period you enjoy (at least that’s what you read from the back cover) and prepare your mind to take a journey into another era of history. However, the setting, plot scenarios and even characters don’t seem to embrace the time period, making it a disjointed jaunt with no connection or enjoyment for the reader. How can you establish an image of a medieval castle in your mind unless the author…