Writing historical fiction is a delicate balancing act between immersing readers in a time long past and creating characters and plots that feel alive and engaging. Unlike purely imaginative genres, historical fiction requires careful research, attention to period details, and a deep understanding of how the past influences the present. Whether you’re setting your story in ancient Rome, Victorian England, or the American Old West, the key is to weave history into your narrative in a way that feels both authentic and compelling.
Here’s how you can approach the art of writing historical fiction:
1. Research is Your Foundation
The backbone of any successful historical fiction novel is thorough research. Readers expect accuracy when it comes to historical events, societal norms, and even everyday details like clothing, food, and language. Start with primary sources such as diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts, which offer invaluable insights into the thoughts and emotions of people from the time you’re writing about. Secondary sources—like historical analyses and biographies—can help fill in the broader context.
But don’t just stop at facts. Absorb the ambiance, values, and mindsets of the era. What did people believe in? How did they see the world? The small details, such as what a person wore during mourning or how they greeted one another, will give your story depth.
2. Avoid Overloading with Information
One of the most common pitfalls for historical fiction writers is the temptation to show off all their research. It’s important to remember that readers are not here for a history lesson—they’re here for a story. Weaving historical details subtly into the narrative will create a richer atmosphere without overwhelming readers with facts.
Let historical details serve the story, not the other way around. Use the setting and period-specific details to enhance the narrative arc and characters’ development, rather than bogging down your prose with excessive information.
3. Create Complex Characters
Your characters should not only belong to the past but be shaped by it. Think about how the historical setting influences their worldviews, behaviors, and choices. A woman living in 19th-century Europe would have vastly different opportunities and challenges compared to a woman in 20th-century America. Use these limitations or freedoms to drive your characters’ growth and struggles.
Remember that while your characters may belong to a different time, human emotions—love, ambition, fear, jealousy—are timeless. Ground your characters’ experiences in universal emotions, even as they navigate the unique challenges of their historical world.
4. Tackle the Theme of Change
History is often defined by moments of great change—whether political, technological, or cultural. Position your story within such moments, as they can provide built-in conflict and drama. How do your characters react to the introduction of new ideas or the crumbling of old structures? For example, setting a story at the height of the Industrial Revolution or during a civil rights movement provides rich material for exploring personal and societal evolution.
You might also explore how people cling to tradition in the face of change or how they fight for progress in a world resistant to it. Change, whether embraced or resisted, is an inevitable force in history—and in fiction.
5. Be Mindful of Modern Sensibilities
One of the trickiest parts of writing historical fiction is staying true to the realities of the past without alienating modern readers. Some historical attitudes toward race, gender, and class can be shocking to contemporary sensibilities. While it’s important not to sugarcoat the past, it’s also important to handle sensitive subjects with care and nuance.
It’s a fine line: being true to the time while still creating characters readers can empathize with. One way to do this is to allow characters to question or struggle with the values of their time. Perhaps they challenge the norms or suffer from the consequences of adhering to them. In this way, you can engage readers in both the historical context and the ethical dilemmas it presents.
6. Consider the Language
Language is another key aspect of immersing readers in the past. While you don’t need to write in outdated prose, sprinkling in historical vocabulary or expressions can add authenticity to your work. The key is to find a balance—enough historical language to give the flavor of the period but not so much that it confuses readers or feels stilted.
Be especially careful with dialogue. Characters shouldn’t sound like they’re from the 21st century, but they also shouldn’t sound like caricatures of their time. Dialogue should flow naturally and reflect both the era and the personalities of the characters.
7. Think About Setting as a Character
In historical fiction, the setting often plays as big a role as the characters themselves. Whether it’s a bustling city during a war or a quiet countryside in peace, your setting should be vivid and dynamic. It should feel like a living part of the narrative, influencing the plot and the characters’ choices.
Describe the sights, smells, and sounds of the era to make your setting feel real. What did it smell like in the markets of a medieval city? How did a parlor in the 19th century feel on a hot summer afternoon? Engage the reader’s senses to draw them deeper into the world you’ve created.
8. Ask ‘What If?’ to Fuel Creativity
While historical fiction is rooted in the past, it thrives on imagination. One of the most effective ways to create a compelling narrative is to ask, “What if?” What if a historical event had unfolded differently? What if an ordinary person had found themselves swept up in extraordinary events? These questions can lead to fresh, original stories while still anchored in historical truth.
Consider alternate perspectives. Perhaps your story could explore an unsung figure from history or a group of people whose voices were rarely heard. This will add depth and originality to your work while shedding light on overlooked parts of the past.
Conclusion
Writing historical fiction requires a delicate blend of accuracy, imagination, and heart. By carefully researching your time period, developing complex characters shaped by their era, and balancing historical detail with compelling storytelling, you can bring the past to life in a way that captivates and inspires. History provides a rich canvas—it’s up to you to paint a vivid picture that resonates with modern readers.
