What are the Best Writers Resources for Writing Historical Fiction

Literary agents who have a specialty in historical fiction can be a valuable resource. They can offer advice on market trends in historical fiction, what publishers are looking for, and how to make your manuscript stand out. Also, following historical fiction authors on social media platforms can be helpful. They sometimes share their writing processes, research tips, and sources of inspiration.

One of the best is Hilary Mantel. Her 'Wolf Hall' trilogy is a masterpiece. It vividly recreates the Tudor court with detailed descriptions and complex characterizations. Another great one is Ken Follett. His 'The Pillars of the Earth' is a huge epic that brings the Middle Ages to life. Also, James Michener is notable for his sweeping historical novels that cover different eras and regions.

The ability to create engaging characters is also important. Writers like Ken Follett in 'The Pillars of the Earth' make the characters come alive, with their own desires, flaws, and dreams. This makes the historical events more relatable. Another factor is the narrative style. A good historical fiction writer can weave the historical facts into a compelling story that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

They often have a deep knowledge of history. They need to research thoroughly about the time period they are writing about, including details like social customs, political situations, and technological levels at that time.

Most of them have a strong sense of place. They can vividly describe the Canadian landscapes, whether it's the vast prairies or the dense forests. This sense of place is integral to their stories as it was often a major factor in the historical events they are writing about. For example, the cold winters in Canada influenced how settlers built their homes and survived.

One characteristic is their ability to bring out the emotional side of historical events. They can show how historical changes affected ordinary people, especially women. For example, they might write about how a war made a woman lose her family and how she coped with it. They also are good at using historical research to create vivid and believable settings, like describing the architecture and fashion of a particular era in detail. Moreover, they often focus on the marginalized voices in history, giving a platform to those who were previously unheard.

Sure. Hilary Mantel is a top - notch one. Her books are deeply immersive, taking readers into the heart of historical events.

Writers conferences for historical fiction offer a chance to learn more about historical research. For example, they might have experts who can teach how to find reliable sources and use them effectively in the story.

One useful exercise could be to describe a character's day in detail based on a random prompt. This helps build descriptive skills.

Writing exercises allow fiction writers to experiment with different styles and genres. It broadens their horizons and gives them the confidence to take on new challenges in their main works.