Searching For New Writing Challenges Every time I write something new I set myself a challenge to do something I’ve never done before. As an artist, I like pushing myself past my comfort zone. I like experimenting and seeing what works (and what does not). Writing is like other forms of art in that once … Continue reading Discovering New Creative Challenges When Writing Historical Fiction
Writing Historical Fiction
Did That Word Exist Then? Language in Historical Fiction
Wonderful news for James and Sarah/Elizabeth fans. The last draft of Down Salem Way is finished. Really! Okay, the book is not finished finished because it needs final edits and other odds and ends, but the light at the end of the tunnel is bright and clear and within reach. This is where the manuscript … Continue reading Did That Word Exist Then? Language in Historical Fiction
Researching the Victorian Era
Writers Can Watch TV and Call It Work There’s a joke I’ve seen on Pinterest, a cartoon of a writer watching TV. The character says, “I’m researching!” to the cynical-looking people standing nearby. For those of us who write fiction, we know that watching TV or movies, listening to music, or going for walks really … Continue reading Researching the Victorian Era
Anne Bradstreet: An Inspirational Colonial Woman
Who is Anne Bradstreet? While researching historical fiction, occassionally I’ll stumble onto a fact, or an event, or a person that helps to bring my story to life in a way even I hadn’t envisaged. This is what happened when I discovered Anne Bradstreet while writing Her Dear & Loving Husband. As with most things … Continue reading Anne Bradstreet: An Inspirational Colonial Woman
An Interview with Emma Rose Millar
Emma Rose Millar is the co-author of the historical novel Five Guns Blazing, the first place winner of The Chaucer Award in Historical Fiction. Five Guns Blazing is an epic tale of piracy, slavery, and treason. Meredith Allard: When and why did you begin writing, and did you always write historical fiction? Emma Rose Millar: I’ve been writing … Continue reading An Interview with Emma Rose Millar
Writing the Love that Dare Not Speak Its Name in Historical Fiction
Here's author Laurel Deedrick-Mayne talking about her new novel, A Wake For The Dreamland, and her experiences writing historical fiction about a gay character during World War II. * * * * * How do we write the love that ‘dare not speak its name’ within the genre of historical fiction? I confess that even writing … Continue reading Writing the Love that Dare Not Speak Its Name in Historical Fiction
An Interview With Ruth Hull Chatlien
Ruth Hull Chatlien is the author of the historical novel The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte. Here's her take on writing historical fiction. When and why did you begin writing, and did you always write historical fiction? I started my first novel when I was ten years old—so long ago that I don’t remember why I did it … Continue reading An Interview With Ruth Hull Chatlien
Guest Post: Seven Tips to Create Memorable Historical Fiction Characters
Here is a wonderful guest post about how to create memorable characters in historical fiction from Michael Murphy. Murphy is a full-time writer in Arizona. He’s been writing novels for the past fifteen years. Random House Alibi has released his historical mystery The Yankee Club. He is also the author of All That Glitters. * … Continue reading Guest Post: Seven Tips to Create Memorable Historical Fiction Characters
Do You Need to Travel to the Place You’re Writing About?
You don't need to travel to the place you’re writing about, but it’s helpful to go if you can. Sometimes traveling for research happens by accident, when you find a jewel you didn’t know you were looking for. That’s what happened to me when I was in Portland, Oregon and I found my way to Pittock … Continue reading Do You Need to Travel to the Place You’re Writing About?
An Interview With Author M. Louisa Locke
M. Louisa Locke is the author of the Victorian San Francisco Mystery series and a trusted authority on independent publishing. The first book in the Victorian San Francisco Mystery series is Maids of Misfortune, and the sequel is Uneasy Spirits, both bestsellers in the historical mystery category on Kindle. Maids of Misfortune is a 2012 B.R.A.G. MedallionTM Honoree. Meredith Allard: When and why did you begin … Continue reading An Interview With Author M. Louisa Locke