WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION

FICTION=FRICTION

• You're writing fiction first, Historical fiction second
• Action and conflict move a story forward
• Historical details enrich the work, but...
• Details for detail's sake will sink you

AVOID HISTORY LESSONS

• Let the characters engage with the historical details
• Show don't tell!
• Don't paint historical pictures without making them part of your story
• Details emerge through a rich setting
• Dialogue brings history to life

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

• Be comfortable with the time period
• Understand the larger scope
• Work to create an authentic backdrop

USE THE INTERNET WISELY

• Scrutinize sources relentlessly!
• Cross-reference facts

USE THE INTERNET TO INSPIRE

• Walking distance from Louvre to Eiffel Tower?
• Walking feature on Mapquest
• Interior of the Hagia Sophia?
• Tourist videos on YouTube
• Endless inspiration will help you create a believable backdrop

BUILD RICH CHARACTERS

• Allow them to explore their places in society
• Reveal larger social, political, cultural context
• Use languages or accents? Sparingly
• Conflict, desire, friction
• Use the characters to engage with historical details

TODAY IN THE LAB...

• Work to gather contextual information
• What details extend beyond your event?
• What do we need to know about the people, time, and place?
• 2 source cards & 10 notecards by next class
• Make sure to share your project with me (LOSOPHS Living History)