Writing Historical Fiction….What Does it Take?
Unveiling the Journey Behind My New Historical Fiction Novel…coming soon
As writers, our stories constantly evolve and improve, and we always look for new outlets. Follow me as I work on my latest novella, which follows a young girl’s journey through the storms of Poland during World War I.
Then, go with me across the ocean and immigrate to the powerful, thriving city of Detroit in the 1920s. This is the story of the journey that my grandmother took. Join me as I research and tell the story of young Bernice – my grandmother.
Excerpt from the story: The day was warm as I, a six-year-old named Bernice, held my little brother’s hand and waved goodbye to Mama as she boarded the ship in the summer of 1912….little did I know when I watched Mama walk away that it would be eleven years before we would see each other again.
As a Writer, How Do I Decide What to Research for a Story Like This?
This type of book is different than other stories that I have written. It is considered historical fiction. So even though the child that travels through the story is somewhat fictional, the details surrounding the story are, in fact, true history. The research for a story like this is quite involved, and for some authors, it takes years.
For my novella on Bernice, I began by researching family history, talking to family members, taking notes, and looking at documents such as birth, baptism, and marriage or death records. Through this, I began to put together a timeline of my grandmother’s life.
“Interviewing: a notebook, pen, and highlighter; a digital sound recorder; a camera to photograph the subject and the surroundings can be used.”
The Art of Creative Research, Gerard
This step started the accumulation of many files in my smartphone and my file cabinet. Pictures, statements, and small details that appeared important were just the beginning of my journey.
Digging into the Past: Where I Found My Sources
As stated, my beginnings were through interviews, remembering stories, and my family history, but to truly relive the past, you need to understand the past. The more profound research takes place in the digging for information.
I began to look for any information I could find on an ancestry website. I was able to find records of the date of travel, the ship Bernice and her little brother traveled on, census paperwork, and so many documents that are archived to connect the dates and the dots of this remarkable life.
Excerpt from the story: Still shaking and collapsing against the cold cellar wall, feeling a moment of relief that I was off the streets, I was still gasping though and attempting to catch my breath…The sounds of gunshots hitting the metal trash cans terrified me.
“The archives are everywhere around us: not just in libraries and special collections, but in out-of-the-way places, the stories people tell, memories…and a thousand other repositories.“
The Art of Creative Research, Gerard
I continued through the journey, studying archives from World War I. I documented battles that took place where my young Bernice had lived and studied the lives of the many Poles in the area. It was easy to find rabbit trails, and I found myself lost in research into the wee hours of several mornings.
Narrowing Your Topic – Don’t Get Lost
However, deciding what you need and do not need, is just as essential a skill. As for my topic, World War I is a large subject. The battle was fought on many fronts. To narrow my research, I looked at specific areas – my grandmother’s hometown and a particular period with events in that timeframe. However, never limit your search because you can find exciting details for your next book.
Separating Fact from Fiction: Evaluating Credible Sources
Looking through so much information is bound to leave you at a loss, asking yourself, “Is this true?”
Look for information that can be fact-checked through multiple sources. Or information found in its original documentation. This type of research can be checked through numerous sources, and verified.
Excerpt from the story: My town was just outside of the city of Przemyśl…I found later that we had lived through one of the longest sieges of World War I.
However, with history, it is never that easy; for example, when attempting to find out about Bernice’s mother, I found several dates of birth—which was true? With nonfiction, this can pose a problem; with fiction, it is easier to pick a date and move on.
“But of course,” she concludes, “this is why research is so rewarding. It’s a puzzle and a mystery, rife with opportunities for ‘lightbulb moments.’ And no matter the topic, it’s always guaranteed to make you a lot smarter.“
The Art of Creative Research, Gerard
Credible resources can be found by looking for information through school libraries, the Library of Congress, or historical museum diaries, which are more reliable than sources like Wikipedia.
Weaving Research into Storytelling
In historical fiction, research is the backbone of a story, though artistry transforms the information into a captivating story. For this story, I used vivid details—like the crowded immigrant ship and the struggles of life in war-torn Poland—not just as factual elements but as tools to shape her emotional journey.
“If I were writing a novel, I’d feel free to create dialogue… Even delve into the thoughts and feelings of my viewpoint character, add other specific and probable details that would serve the story.”
The Art of Creative Research, Gerard
The researched details became more than just background; they blended history, the stories my grandma told me, and her experiences, and through creativity, the joys, fears, and triumphs resonate with authenticity. By combining imagination with historical accuracy, I craft a story that allows readers to learn about the past and feel it come alive through Bernice’s eyes.
Want to Learn More? Resources for Aspiring Historical Fiction Writers
Whether researching archives, crafting characters, or blending researched facts with imagination, writing historical fiction is a rewarding challenge; follow my journey as I uncover the past and bring it to life through my storytelling.
Here are a few resources to help you on your journey:
The Art of Creative Research by Philip Gerard
- This is a book that tells you how to research creatively. It is a must for any creative writer.
How to Write Historical Fiction: 6 Tips for Blending Fact and Fiction
- This is an article for the beginning historical fiction writer. It gives you brainstorming ideas and tips on where to start.
How to Write Historical Fiction: 10 Steps to Writing a Great Story
- This article gives you steps to write a great historical fiction book. It reminds us to edit, edit, edit.
Stay tuned for updates on my upcoming book, where I explore the incredible story of my grandmother’s resilience and the immigrant experience during the early 20th century.