Writing Historical Fiction

Writing historical fiction can be a difficult task, especially as you'll be writing only after a great deal of research has been completed. Though complex and a larger undertaking than simply creating your own universe for the purposes of your narrative, it can also have a greater impact and appeal to the reader as it concerns real, renown figures and locations of history.

If you happen to be a war veteran and are thinking of writing auto-fiction - a novel that is largely autobiographical, but with certain details changed to slightly remove the author from any criticisms or judgements made by the reader, then be careful. Although many readers will find your story engaging, perhaps baring your soul and being factual will give it an added degree of interest.

The key thing to remember is research. Even if it's your own story, it is vitally important that you fact-check throughout, as many of your readers may in fact be well versed in the historical backdrop of your work. Every piece of writing should be well-researched, generally speaking, from an article on the basics of poker at Partypoker.com to the basic principles of aeronautical engineering for a science fiction novel.

Once you've got your notes collated - and bear in mind you will be researching more and more as the novel goes on if your characters get away from you, or unexpected mentions of significant historical events crop up in the narrative (the best part of writing, for many) - you're ready to go.

Just ensure that your novel focuses on a historical figure, group, event or location that really captures the minds of many, much like the Ute, the Battle of Hastings or even the recent attacks on the World Trade Center. Historical fiction will always be an important and popular genre, and with well-researched works being released, will continue to be for many years to come.