So how do fiction writers pull off a historical novel? What was the exact recipe that made Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning World War II novel, All the Light We Cannot See so memorable? Maybe you loved Philippa Gregory's massively popular The Other Boleyn Girl, inspired by the life of a sixteenth-century aristocrat named Mary Boleyn (sister to the doomed Anne Boleyn). Historical fiction writers are like writers of any other genre: Their craft is all a matter of hard work, a blend of both detective work and empathy.

There are some moments in history that continue to pull people in. When you set out to chronicle the imagined inner lives of real people — or the imaginary people of real times and places — it's an attempt to see through the veil of time. Historical fiction is a genre of writing that seeks to do this by creating imagined stories or characters within real historical contexts.

What Is Historical Fiction?

Historical fiction is a literary genre where the story takes place in the past. Historical novels capture the details of the time period as accurately as possible for authenticity, including social norms, manners, customs, and traditions. Many novels in this genre tell fictional stories that involve actual historical figures or historical events.

There are so many ways to write fiction that's inspired by historical fact. Here are seven tips on how to turn historical fact into compelling fiction:

1. Choose a real person

You may want to focus on a famous figure from history, or perhaps an ordinary person living in extraordinary times. Ask yourself what interests you about this person? What is there to say or discover that nobody knows?

Letters, diaries, accounts written by others, and biographies can all be invaluable here. You can decide to stick to the facts of their life (as far as they're known) or simply use one element as a starting point.

For example, The Unspeakable Acts Of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou, is inspired by the true story of a Cypriot grandmother who was accused of killing her daughter-in-law in 1954. It's a little-known case, yet the more you delve it, the more intrigued you become, especially in the way the newspapers of the day reported the crime, and how there was an assumption she was guilty. Eleni says she wondered, could the grandmother have been innocent? Or perhaps not been in her right mind? This gave her several jumping-off points for her story.

A word of caution: don't let the facts restrict you. It's fiction! Your job as a novelist is to entertain and keep readers turning pages -you're not writing a textbook.

2. Choose your historical era carefully — and reflect it in your themes

Yes, write about a period that fascinates you, but a love of an era isn't enough. What specifically appeals? What characterizes that time for you? I personally love to read and occasionally write about the 1950s, and for me it was a decade of great hope but also a time of exploitation, poverty, and crime.

Reflect on the characteristics of the era you choose in the themes of your book. Your era is as important as your characters — it's not simply a backdrop to your story, it's crucial in reinforcing your message.

3. Mention real events

Anchor your story in real events — it adds a delicious air of authenticity and helps you build a world that readers can believe in. And remember, nobody's life happens in isolation. Your character may have had her heart broken by an unfaithful lover, but what else is going on around her at the same time? Use what's happening to reflect your character's emotions and push the plot along.

4. It's the color that counts

The tiny details matter as much as the big picture in building a textured world. Does your character have buttons on her shoes or laces? If she went to the cinema in 1954, what might she have watched? How did friends address each other? Would she reapply her lipstick on the bus, or didn't women do that — and is she the sort to even care? Letters, diaries, films, and memoirs can all be invaluable sources.

5. Get outside — you probably won't find what you're looking for in a library

Often, when writing fiction based on facts, there's one thing you find out that gets you interested in a topic or person, and that leads to another and then another. It's like a domino effect. Then, as you go about your everyday life, you suddenly see so many things that feel relevant to what you're writing. In fact, all that's happened is that your creative antennae have come out and you've become aware of the world around you.

Of course, you can make great discoveries in a library, but venturing into the real word can help you shake it up a little, especially if you find yourself bogged down in research. Visit galleries, museums, and talk to people. They're all a great source of material.

6. Subvert the expected

History in itself is subjective — what we think we 'know' about people in the past is often a stereotype (not all Victorian gentlemen are repressed authoritarians, not every 1950s housewife wears her hair in rollers and a headscarf). Can your character be pushing against what's expected of them? It will surprise your readers and make for a more interesting read. Hilary Mantel, famously, subverted history's view of villainous Cromwell by depicting him as a compassionate if shrewd hero.

7. Make it relevant

Writing that's based on historical fact isn't automatically fascinating just because it's true — it's not enough to say 'well that's how it happened'. Why should readers care about your story? What makes it resonate today? How can they relate to your characters? People in the past had dreams, hopes, losses, and secrets the way we do. Tap into their emotional lives and you'll breathe life into them.

FAQs

Crafting authentic characters seems challenging. How do I approach this? Start by deeply researching real historical figures, understanding their personalities, motivations, and quirks. Then, infuse these elements into your fictional characters while allowing room for creative interpretation.

Is it acceptable to take creative liberties with historical events? While some creative freedom is permissible, it's crucial to maintain respect for historical accuracy. Strive for a balance that engages readers without distorting the essential truths of the past.

How can I make historical dialogues sound authentic without being cumbersome? Immerse yourself in literature from the chosen historical period. Pay attention to language nuances, idioms, and expressions. Incorporate these elements subtly to create authentic and engaging dialogues.

Are there any online resources for historical research? Absolutely! Online archives, scholarly articles, and historical databases can be invaluable. Platforms like JSTOR, Project MUSE, and Google Scholar provide access to a wealth of historical information.

The Take-Away

Whatever you're writing, remember that history isn't set in aspic and neither are events or people from the past — help us relate to them and their situation and you'll bring your fiction alive.