An Irish Moor. If you look close, you just might see Cadeyrn.
Monday! Monday! Yes, it’s that time again. The rain is pouring and the cooler fall weather is here – my favorite time of the year. I have some more writing thoughts for you, but first, let me mention the site updates. Eric Dierker’s excerpt is up. If you want to be blessed, be sure to read it. Leave a comment as well. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you. The new questions are up, too. Give them some thought.
Next week, I will be away with my honey as we celebrate 39 years of marriage. She will have my full attention so you won’t be hearing from me until the following week. But never fear – I’ll be back. Now, let’s move on.
My newest project, Cadeyrn’s Tale, is set in the 4th century AD in Ireland. That qualifies it for historical fiction. Have you ever written or tried to write historical fiction? I’m no expert, but let me give you ou some tips.
Research is Necessary
The mere fact that you are writing a fiction story says that your work is not true and factual. Still, if it is to be believable, there must be a realistic sense to your piece. That calls for research. How did people live? What were their occupations? How did they eat, sleep? In what kind of entertainment did they indulge? The list goes on. As best as you can, you must be accurate in representing the period of time you are visiting. That takes time. That takes discipline, but it must be done.
Watch the Fun Facts
You no doubt will come across many tidbits of information as you research your topic. It’s okay to note these tidbits, but don’t overdo it. Stay with the main facts. To overload your readers with a lot of unnecessary detail will only facilitate boredom. Remember, you’re writing a story, not a fun facts book. Make sure the detail you use is needed to move the plot and your characters forward. And above all, show – don’t tell.
Make Sure You Tell a Story
It’s way too easy to get absorbed in the facts, the culture of the period you are writing, the nuances of the day. And it’s way too easy to just lay down facts with no solid story. Your protagnoist needs to be able to carry the entire piece from beginning to end amid conflicts and problems to keep your readers entertained to the end.
William
Getting the facts right can make or break a story.
I’m enjoying Cayderman’s tale.
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I think you are spot on. I loved researching Poland in just prior and during the time of the Nazi infiltration of Warsaw in 1939, but the story had little to do with WWll except for one scene. But I learned a lot about the culture of the time. For me, I just needed context.
A story specifically written about the Nazis take over of Poland, however, would have needed a lot more research and details.
I love your Cadyrn time period, as I did with Manchan’s Tale, and I think you’ve done so well on providing the setting and culture of those times.
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Lori, there was such an appeal to Gita’s story. Your research was good, but the story itself said so much. I hope you’ll plan to publish that story after you complete Blackbird. Looking forward to it!
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Excellent!
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Hope it’s helpful. Tamara!
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Yes!
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