Why We Love Historical Fiction

1. Escape & Exploration: Historical fiction provides a window into various times and places, allowing readers to explore fascinating periods like medieval Europe or the American Revolution. In using the past as a background for your tale, you can create an escape for modern readers, perhaps pining for a different life – though not everything is as romanticised as it may seem.

2. Learning Through Story: It makes complex historical events and cultures accessible and engaging, turning history lessons into compelling narratives. It is also a way to tell the untold stories of the past, shedding light on people, events and secrets that may otherwise have been forgotten, lost to time.

3. Emotional Depth: By tapping into timeless emotions—such as love, fear, and ambition—historical fiction makes past experiences feel vivid and relatable. Telling stories through historical events, which often have knock-on effects to the here and now, is a fantastic way to contextualise the how and why of life today.

What Makes Great Historical Fiction?

1. Authentic World-Building: Creating a believable historical setting involves accurate details like clothing, customs, and environments without overwhelming the reader.

2. Relatable Characters: Characters should reflect their historical context but face struggles and emotions that resonate with modern readers.

3. Blending Fact and Fiction: Striking a balance between historical accuracy and creative storytelling is essential. Writers should research thoroughly while allowing for narrative freedom.

Popular Themes in Historical Fiction

War and Conflict: Provides natural tension and drama, exploring the impacts of historical upheavals.

Love and Romance: Adds depth to love stories by placing them in complex historical settings. Historical romance novels are a popular blend of genres. Love a good romance? Learn more about romantic fiction here!

Social Struggles: This is a theme that highlights characters challenging societal norms, making past struggles relevant to contemporary readers.

Tips for Writing Historical Fiction

1. Choose the Right Time Period: Select an era that excites you and fits your narrative. Consider both popular and obscure periods for unique perspectives.

2. Research, but Don’t Overload: Focus on historical context and integrate details naturally into the story without overwhelming readers.

3. Create Authentic Characters: Ensure characters reflect their time while addressing universal emotions to remain relatable.

4. Leverage Historical Conflict: Use historical events as a backdrop to deepen personal stories and emotional stakes.

5. Balance Dialogue: Capture the period’s tone without making it too dense or outdated. Ensure readability for modern audiences.

6. Focus on Emotional Storytelling: Highlight character growth and relationships to keep readers engaged and make the past feel alive. If you’d like to see more tips for writing historical fiction, explore NCW tutor Lucy Hughes-Hallett’s article now!

Historical fiction offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, humanising the past and making it resonate with the present. It’s a journey through time that enriches our understanding of history and ourselves.

Historical Fiction Glossary

1. Anachronism: An element from a different time period that disrupts historical accuracy. Avoiding anachronisms maintains immersion.

2. Historical Accuracy: Aligning details with real historical events and settings. Essential for credibility.

3. World-Building: Creating a detailed, believable historical setting. Important for reader immersion.

4. Primary Sources: Original documents or artifacts from the time period. Provide first-hand historical insights.

5. Secondary Sources: Interpretations of primary sources, like history books. Help contextualise and expand on historical events.

6. Historical Context: The social, political, and cultural conditions of a time period. Essential for authenticity.

7. Historical Figures: Real people from the historical period. Add depth but require careful portrayal.

8. Historical Fiction Tropes: Common themes like forbidden love or espionage. Use creatively to avoid clichés.

9. Authenticity: True to the historical period in language and customs. Enhances reader immersion.

10. Alternate History: A subgenre exploring “what if” scenarios with altered historical events.

11. Historical Drama: Focuses on intense personal or political events. Highlights emotional elements.

12. Social History: Examines everyday life and societal structures. Provides a rounded portrayal of the past.