Writing Historical Fiction

Celia Brayfield is a multi-award-winning novelist, journalist and critic. She is the author of 9 novels ranging from modern social fiction to international bestsellers including Wild Weekend (2004) and Sunset (1999). She also teaches Creative Writing at Bath Spa University. Born in North London, Celia was educated at St Paul's Girls' School and briefly studied French language and literature at Grenoble University. She has one daughter and lives in Dorset.Duncan Sprott is a writer and journalist. His novels include 1784 and Our Lady of the Potatoes.

Writing Historical Fiction: A Writers' & Artists' Companion is an invaluable companion for a writer working in this challenging and popular literary genre, whether your period is Ancient Rome or World War II. PART 1 includes reflections on the genre and provides a short history of historical fiction. PART 2 contains guest contributions from Margaret Atwood, Ian Beck, Madison Smartt Bell, Ronan Bennett, Vanora Bennett, Tracy Chevalier, Lindsay Clarke, Elizabeth Cook, Anne Doughty, Sarah Dunant, Michel Faber, Margaret George, Philippa Gregory, Katharine McMahon, Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Hilary Mantel, Alan Massie, Ian Mortimer, Kate Mosse, Charles Palliser, Orhan Pamuk, Edward Rutherfurd, Manda Scott, Adam Thorpe, Stella Tillyard, Rose Tremain, Alison Weir and Louisa Young. PART 3 offers practical exercises and advice on such topics as research, plots and characters, mastering authentic but accessible dialogue and navigating the world of agents and publishers.

With advice from leading international and bestselling writers, this book provides all the practical advice you need to write historical fiction succesfully.

Includes tips from leading international writers of historical fiction.

ForewordPreface The Writers' and Artists' Book of Historical Fiction Part One: Historical Fiction Part Two: Tips & Tales Part Three: Write OnIntroduction Part 1: Historical FictionReflections 1 by Duncan Sprott 1. On being stuck fast 2. On myth and historical fiction 3. On being not quite proper 4. On writing about antiquity 5. On the heart Reflections 2 by Celia Brayfield 1. The Past Polemical 2. Love and sex, fact and fiction 3. Welcome to my Storyworld: History in digital games 4. The Land of Stories: Historical fiction for children 5. Heroine addiction: Women as protagonists in historical fictionA Short History of Historical Fiction From Gilgamesh to Rome by Duncan Sprott From Beowulf to King Arthur by Duncan Sprott Early Modern by Celia Brayfield Le Morte d'Arthur to The Castle of Otranto Modern by Celia Brayfield Waverley to Middlemarch Tess of the d'Urbervilles to Wolf Hall New Women Seeing with fresh eyesPart 2: Tips and Tales - guest contributions Margaret Atwood Ian Beck Madison Smartt Bell Ronan Bennett Vorona Bennett Tracey Chevalier Lindsay Clarke Elizabeth Cook Anne Doughty Sarah Dunant Michel Faber Margaret George Philippa Gregory Katharine McMahon Valerio Massimo Manfredi Ian Mortimer Kate Mosse Charles Palliser Orhan Pamuk Edward Rutherfurd Manda Scott Adam Thorpe Stella Tillyard Rose Tremain Alison Weir Louisa YoungPart 3: Write OnPlanning by Duncan Sprott Finding your subject Choosing a period EvaluatiuonHistorical research by Duncan Sprott How much research? Finding your direction Establishing foundations Advice from expertsBasic sources Modern times 1500+ Early times Where to start? Ancient Greece and Rome Ancient Egypt Roman Britain Dark Age Britain Medieval Britain Wales Scotland IrelandOnline sources Search engines Online genealogyGoing offlineLibraries Public libraries Major libraries University libraries Subscription libraries Special interest librariesArchivesNational ArchivesWales - National archivesScotland - National archivesNorthern Ireland Basic sources Archives University libraries Other librariesBirths, marriages and deaths - UKWillsLocal archivesCounty Record Offices What can you expect to find?Other useful organizations Historic buildings and monuments HeraldryMuseums and galleries - England London - Museums London - GalleriesMuseums outside LondonMuseums and galleries - ScotlandHistorical societies and relevant organizations Welsh journalsHouse historyTopographyPicture librariesIreland (Eire) Basic sources Archives Local archives University libraries Museums and galleriesUSA Research Basic sources National archives Local archives Libraries Public libraries University libraries Other libraries Museums and galleries Historical societiesCanada Research Basic sources National and local archives Libraries Major libraries Museums and galleriesAustralia Research Basic sources Public libraries Museums and galleriesNew Zealand Basic sources Research planCosting, time management, travelling What will it cost? How long will it take?Last minute questionsBeginning How to focus How to get going Drafting a plot Drafts Practical stuff Troubleshooting What to do with a gap in your evidence? Writer's blockExercises by Celia BrayfieldWriting courses How can they help? Writing courses - UK Organizations - UK Writing courses - USA Writing courses - Canada Writing courses - Australia and New ZealandEnding by Duncan SprottHistor