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Researching the Past: A Guide for Historical Fiction Novelists

This workshop aims to equip historical fiction authors with effective research strategies to create authentic narratives. Participants will learn how to read and engage with historical sources, navigate primary documents, and understand the common pitfalls of anachronism. By exploring examples of historical inaccuracies, writers will gain insights into verifying their facts and honing their skills. Each module combines lectures, demonstrations, practical activities, and discussions, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and critical thinking in crafting compelling historical stories.

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Researching the Past: A Guide for Historical Fiction Novelists

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Reading the Past Historical Research for Historical Fiction Clip

  2. Historical Novelists • Very little research has been done about the information-seeking needs of novelists. • When they describe their own research process, historical novelists discuss doing very intensive, very focused research. • Many have a stated preference for research that lets them touch thepast. • What could possibly be wrong with that?

  3. Anachronism 101 • “You have to wear it [a wig],” Gomez said. “Short hair on a woman is a sign of disgrace, or heresy.” Michael Crichton, Timeline, 1999.

  4. Tres Riches Heures de duc de Berry, (c.1410-16), illuminated manuscript. Chantilly, Musée Condé.

  5. Whoops • Background and Context • Misinformation • It’s all Velvetta • Modern sympathies and prejudices

  6. What to do? • Research like a historian, and spend five to ten years reading everything. • Or, read up like a historian. • This workshop is designed to teach authors how to read up on a topic and/or a period.

  7. Teaching & Learning a Process • Finding an Introduction/Overview • Chasing Sources • Reading primary sources, original documents • Verification • Know what you don’t know

  8. Can I have your attention, please? • Share examples of egregious anachronisms. • Discuss how they arose, and how they might be prevented.

  9. 4 Mat • Opening discussion explaining the relevance for whylearners. • Every module will have a short lecture introducing what, a demonstration showing what and how, an activity to practice how and allow for what if, and a discussion to share what if and reiterate why.

  10. ARCS • Attention & Relevance: Discussion of the evils of anachronism • Confidence: Demonstrate then practice Discussion and feedback • Satisfaction: Feedback Mastery through Practice Chocolate

  11. Evaluation • Discussion (what can I say, I like discussion). • Activities • Feedback • Novels

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