How does the writing process of historical fiction differ from that of fiction?

In historical fiction, the writer has to do a lot of research about the historical period. They need to know about the politics, culture, and daily life of that time. For fanfiction, the writer mainly needs to be familiar with the original fictional work. For example, in historical fiction about the Middle Ages, you have to study things like feudal systems. In fanfiction of 'Star Wars', you just need to know the 'Star Wars' universe." ,"Answer2": "The writing process for historical fiction involves building a world that is based on historical facts but still making it engaging with fictional elements. Writers often have to be careful not to distort historical events too much. Fanfiction writing is more about expanding or reimagining the existing fictional world. In historical fiction, the research phase can be very time - consuming, while in fanfiction, it's more about getting into the minds of the characters from the original work and coming up with new situations for them." ,"Answer3": "Historical fiction writing starts with researching the historical context thoroughly. Writers may visit museums, read historical documents, etc. They then create characters and plots that fit into that historical setting. Fanfiction writers, instead, start with the characters and the world already created in the original work. They can take the story in new directions, like making two characters who were enemies in the original become friends in the fanfiction. The constraints in historical fiction are mainly historical accuracy, while in fanfiction, it's staying true to the essence of the original fictional work.

It could also be more influenced by current social and political climates. Authors in 2024 might use historical settings to comment on contemporary issues. For instance, if there are issues of inequality in 2024, a historical fiction set in a similar unequal era in the past could be written to draw parallels. This gives a different flavor compared to historical fiction written in other years which might not have that same connection to the present moment.

Digital historical fiction differs mainly in its use of technology. Traditional historical fiction is just text - based, while digital can have multimedia. For example, digital might have videos or animations. Also, digital historical fiction can be more interactive. You can click on things in digital, but not in traditional. Another difference is the sharing aspect. Digital can be easily shared on social media and other platforms, while traditional is mainly through physical books.

Well, spicy historical fiction usually has a stronger focus on the human emotions and relationships in a more passionate or controversial way. In regular historical fiction, the main aim could be to accurately portray a historical period. However, in spicy historical fiction, it's about bringing to life the juicier aspects of the past. Take a look at a book about the French court. Regular historical fiction might talk about the king's policies, while spicy historical fiction would explore the affairs between the courtiers and the queen, and how that affected the court dynamics.

Well, steamy historical fiction usually has a significant amount of time dedicated to the relationships between characters, especially the romantic and passionate ones. In contrast, regular historical fiction may be more about wars, power struggles, or cultural changes. For example, in a non - steamy historical fiction about the American Revolution, the focus would be on the battles and the fight for independence. But in a steamy historical fiction set during that time, there could be a love story between a colonist and a British soldier, with a lot of emotional and physical tension.

Traditional historical fiction aims to be as accurate as possible to the historical period it's depicting. It might include fictional characters, but the events and the setting are based on research. However, historical alt fiction takes a different turn. It might start from a 'what - if' scenario. Say, what if the South won the American Civil War? It then builds a whole new world based on that altered event. This means the entire social, political, and cultural landscape can be very different from what we know in traditional history. It gives the author more creative freedom to explore different ideas and possibilities.

Contemporary historical fiction often has a more modern narrative style. It may use more experimental writing techniques compared to traditional historical fiction which usually has a more straightforward, linear narrative.

The main difference is the presence of magic. In regular historical fiction, the plot is driven by historical facts, politics, and human relationships within the framework of a particular historical era. However, in magical historical fiction, magic is intertwined with the historical setting. Take 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' for instance. It's set in a historical England, but magic is a central part of the story, with magicians performing spells and interacting with magical creatures. This kind of magic - infused plot is what sets magical historical fiction apart from regular historical fiction.

Mythological historical fiction often blurs the line between the real and the fantastical. It uses elements from mythology such as gods, monsters, and magic spells. In a story of mythological historical fiction, you might find a character interacting with a god from a particular pantheon. Regular historical fiction, on the other hand, aims to recreate a historical period as accurately as possible. It may include fictional characters, but they are usually placed within a framework of real historical events. For example, a novel about the American Civil War would be based on the facts of that war, with perhaps a fictional family's story interwoven. Mythological historical fiction has more freedom to create new worlds and scenarios based on the rich tapestry of mythology.

Historical speculative fiction often includes elements that go beyond what is known or accepted as historical fact. For example, it might introduce magic or advanced technology into a historical setting. Traditional historical fiction aims to be more true to the historical record. In historical speculative fiction, the author can create alternate histories, like imagining what if the South won the Civil War. In contrast, traditional historical fiction would stick to the real events and their consequences as closely as possible.