Exploring the Writing Process for Historical Novels

Writing a historical novel is a unique challenge that blends creativity with careful research. Unlike other genres, historical fiction demands accuracy in portraying the past while crafting a compelling story that resonates with modern readers. This post explores the key steps and strategies authors use to bring history to life on the page.

A writer’s desk with historical research materials and writing tools

Choosing the Right Historical Period

The first step in writing a historical novel is selecting the time period. This choice shapes the entire story, from setting and characters to plot and themes. Writers often pick eras that fascinate them personally or that offer rich conflicts and cultural details.

• Interest and passion: Writing about a period you find intriguing helps maintain motivation through the long process.

• Availability of sources: Some periods have abundant records, while others are more obscure. Access to reliable information influences how well you can depict the era.

• Relevance to themes: Consider how the historical context supports the story’s message or character arcs.

  
  

For example, Philippa Gregory’s novels often focus on the English Tudor period, a time full of political intrigue and dramatic personalities. Her deep knowledge of the era allows her to create vivid, believable worlds.

Conducting Thorough Research

Research is the backbone of historical fiction. Writers must gather facts about daily life, social customs, politics, language, and more. This process involves multiple sources:

• Primary sources: Letters, diaries, newspapers, and official documents from the period provide firsthand insights.

• Secondary sources: Books and articles by historians help interpret and contextualize primary data.

• Visual materials: Paintings, photographs, and artifacts reveal details about clothing, architecture, and technology.

  
  

Balancing accuracy with storytelling is crucial. While facts anchor the narrative, authors must avoid overwhelming readers with excessive detail. Instead, they weave historical elements naturally into the plot and dialogue.

Developing Authentic Characters

Characters are the heart of any novel. In historical fiction, they must feel true to their time while still engaging modern readers. Writers achieve this by:

• Understanding social roles: Gender, class, and occupation shaped people’s lives and opportunities. Characters should reflect these realities.

• Using period-appropriate language: Dialogue should hint at the era without sounding stilted or confusing.

• Creating relatable emotions: Despite differences in time, human feelings like love, fear, and ambition remain universal.

  
  

For example, in Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth, characters embody medieval values and struggles but also display timeless desires and flaws. This blend makes them believable and compelling.

Crafting a Plot Rooted in History

A strong plot drives the novel forward. Historical events can provide a framework, but authors must also invent personal stories that fit within that context. Tips for plotting include:

• Identify key historical moments: Use real events as turning points or background.

• Create conflict from historical tensions: Wars, political upheavals, and social changes offer natural sources of drama.

• Balance fact and fiction: Introduce fictional characters or subplots to fill gaps or add depth.

  
  

For instance, Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall follows Thomas Cromwell’s rise during the English Reformation, blending documented history with imagined personal interactions to create a gripping narrative.

Setting the Scene with Vivid Descriptions

Bringing the past to life requires immersive descriptions of places, objects, and customs. Writers use sensory details to transport readers:

• Visual details: Architecture, clothing, and landscapes paint a clear picture.

• Sounds and smells: Market chatter, church bells, or the scent of wood smoke add atmosphere.

• Cultural practices: Festivals, meals, and rituals reveal daily life.

  
  

Avoid clichés or generic descriptions. Instead, focus on specific, researched details that make the setting unique and believable.

Managing Historical Accuracy and Creative Freedom

Balancing truth and invention is a constant challenge. Readers expect historical novels to be credible but also entertaining. Strategies include:

• Clarify fictional elements: Use author’s notes to explain where you took liberties.

• Avoid anachronisms: Double-check facts to prevent modern ideas or objects from sneaking in.

• Respect historical complexity: Portray different perspectives and avoid oversimplifying events.

  
  

This approach builds trust with readers and enriches the story.

Revising and Editing with a Critical Eye

After completing a draft, revision focuses on tightening the narrative and ensuring historical consistency. Helpful steps:

• Fact-check key details: Verify dates, names, and events.

• Seek feedback from experts: Historians or knowledgeable readers can spot inaccuracies.

• Polish language and pacing: Make sure the story flows smoothly and the writing is clear.

  
  

Multiple rounds of editing improve both the story and its authenticity.

Publishing and Sharing Your Historical Novel

Once polished, authors consider how to reach their audience. Historical fiction appeals to readers who enjoy learning about the past through engaging stories. Tips for success:

• Target readers interested in history and storytelling.

• Use book clubs, historical societies, and literary festivals to connect with fans.

• Highlight your research and unique perspective in marketing.

  
  

Building a community around your work encourages ongoing support and feedback.

Writing historical novels demands dedication to both craft and scholarship. By choosing the right period, researching deeply, creating authentic characters, and balancing fact with fiction, authors can create stories that educate and entertain. Whether you are an aspiring writer or a curious reader, understanding this process enriches appreciation for the genre’s power to bring history alive.

What historical period would you like to explore in your own writing? Start researching today and see where the past takes you.