An Amazon #1 New Release in Authorship and Creativity Self-Help
Meredith Allard shares her insight drawn from her extensive experience as an author and editor. I loved that she writes with humor and shares compelling anecdotes that make each part of the book engaging. Painting the Past by Meredith Allard is a thorough, insightful guide for historical fiction writers. It shows that writing books in this genre can be a fun and rewarding process. I found this book to be an amazing resource that is well-written in all aspects. —Readers’ Favorite
More than just another ‘how to write’ manual, Painting the Past eschews formula approaches and gently coaches historical fiction writers on a range of strategies proven to produce exceptional results. No historical fiction writer should be without this…even those who have already published books. —Midwest Book Review
Allard’s writing is lively and conversational. Reading this book is much like having coffee with a friendly mentor (bring your own coffee) who imparts a lot of wisdom through anecdotes, examples, and inspirational quotes. This book is a must have for any writer thinking about working in this genre. —San Francisco Book Review
An excellent guide to writing historical fiction. 5 stars. —Mary, NetGalley
I found Allard’s voice down to earth, the tips useful for anyone, and was pleased to know that I’m on the right track with what I’m already doing. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone interested in writing historical fiction. 5 stars. —Michelle, NetGalley
Excellent resource for writers of all ages. Would work in high school writing projects as well as adult reading groups. Five stars. —F Curry, NetGalley
From the Executive Editor of The Copperfield Review comes a definitive guide to historical storytelling.
Do you hear the voices of the past calling to be reclaimed? Writing historical fiction is more than just recording dates and names. It is the art of building a world so vivid and authentic that the centuries between the reader and the page seem to vanish.
In Painting the Past, Meredith Allard—author, writing instructor, and editor of the award-winning literary journal The Copperfield Review—invites you into her workshop. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, she reveals how to bridge the gap between meticulous research and a soaring imagination.
In this craft-focused guide, you will learn how to:
- Recreate the Past: Conduct targeted research that breathes life into your setting without stalling your narrative.
- Uncover the Human in History: Develop believable characters who are products of their time, yet resonate with modern emotional truths.
- Balance Fact and Fiction: Master the delicate alchemy of blending historical data with creative license.
- Release Your Creative Spirit: Overcome the hurdles of world-building and share your passion for history with the world.
Whether you are a debut novelist or a seasoned historian, Painting the Past is an essential resource for anyone ready to do the work and turn their historical daydreams into a literary reality.