Are There Rules for Writing Historical Fiction? A Guide to Best Practices

Historical fiction is competing for the top spot of genres I have most often edited, whether romance, mystery, or literary.

Historical fiction has been around for centuries and has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, especially in the indie scene.

However, writing historical fiction is no easy task. It requires a lot of research, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the period your story is set in. But are there rules for writing historical fiction?

The answer is yes and no. No hard and fast rules must be followed when writing historical fiction. But there are certain guidelines that writers should keep in mind if they want to create a great historical fiction story.

For example, historical fiction should be grounded in fact and strive for accuracy in portraying historical events and figures.

At the same time, writers can't be afraid to take creative liberties with the story and characters to make it more engaging for readers. The historical fact isn't always exciting enough to make good historical fiction.

What are the "Rules" for Writing Historical Fiction?

I believe that there are certain rules that writers should follow to ensure that the story is both engaging and historically accurate. These are the three main things I would hope all historical fiction writers are sticking to with their novels.

Rule #1: Research Extensively

The first and most important rule of historical fiction is to research extensively. This means that writers should spend a lot of time reading books, articles, and other materials on their stories' time periods and settings. It is important to have a deep understanding of the historical context to accurately portray the time and location in the novel.

Also, research specific details such as clothing, food, and customs of the time period. This attention to detail helps create a more immersive experience for the reader and adds to the story's authenticity.

Rule #2: Balance Fact and Fiction

The second rule of historical fiction is to balance fact and fiction.

While it is important to be historically accurate, it is also important to remember that the story is a work of fiction. This means there may be instances where you need to take creative liberties to make the story more interesting or engaging.

It's important to ensure these creative liberties do not stray too far from historical accuracy. To strike a balance between fact and fiction, do yourself a favor and consult with experts in the field or do additional research to ensure that the story is still grounded in historical reality.

With good brainstorming you should be able to figure out ways to achieve this balance.

Rule #3: Develop Authentic Characters

The third rule of historical fiction is to develop authentic characters.

This means that the characters in the story should be believable and true to the period. It is important to consider the time period's customs, beliefs, and values when developing characters.

What happens a lot in historical fiction manuscripts I've edited is the writer imposes modern values or beliefs onto the characters. Don't do this.

If a character does act contrary to the times—culture, norms, beliefs— then you need to make sure the reason for this is developed fully and that there are social consequences to this behavior.

This helps to create a more authentic and believable story that accurately portrays the time.

By following these rules, you can create a historical fiction story that is both engaging and accurate. While it may take more time and effort to research and develop the story, the result is a more immersive and authentic experience for the reader.

Plus, you won't get caught with your pants down by history junkies like me, who will call you out on this in reviews.

Writing Techniques for Historical Fiction

Creating a Compelling Plot

As a historical fiction writer, I'm sure you understand the importance of creating an intriguing and authentic plot. If you don't know that, well, know you do.

To do so, draw inspiration from real-life events and people, but also allow yourself to take creative liberties to make the story more engaging for the readers.

When crafting the plot, keep in mind that historical accuracy is crucial. Research the time period and setting extensively, always keeping an eye out for any anachronisms or inconsistencies.

Work to weave in the historical details in a way that doesn't feel like an info dump. Make it natural and smooth. I will also mention that historical audiences tend to have a higher tolerance for exposition, but that doesn't mean you should drown them in it.

Sometimes it's hard to surprise the reader when you're writing about a well-known event in history. To keep the readers hooked, in that case, use emotional, character-based plot twists and cliffhangers at the end of chapters. This keeps them engaged and eager to turn the page to discover what happens next to the characters, even if they know what events are coming.

How to REALLY "Show, don't Tell"

Crafting "Authentic" Dialogue

Dialogue is an essential part of any work of fiction, but it's crucial in historical fiction. When editing historical dialogue, I make sure that it feels authentic to the time period and setting, even if it is anything but.

Your goal is to give the "impression" of historical dialogue, not copy. For instance, you don't want the characters of your Medieval-aged mystery to speak real Old English (hint: it's not English). You just want to create the feeling of Old English. And usually, this means studying other forms of media like movies and other books.

Research the language and slang used during that time period to discover key details to add to the dialogue while keeping it clear. Also, pay attention to the social norms and customs of the era, as they can affect how people speak and interact with one another.

Naturally, you must avoid using modern-day expressions or phrases that would be out of place in the historical context. This helps to create a more immersive experience for the readers.

Engaging the Readers

As mainly a developmental editor, my ultimate goal for your manuscript is to help you engage the readers and keep them hooked from beginning to end. I'll use various techniques to do this, including adding/editing phrasing to create vivid descriptions, sensory details, and emotional depth.

I also ensure that the characters are well-rounded so readers can relate and care about them. By giving them flaws and vulnerabilities, writers make them more human and relatable, which helps readers to connect with them on a deeper level.

Finally, I edit for the pacing and tension to keep the story moving forward and maintain the readers' interest. By alternating between moments of tension and moments of calm, you can create a sense of balance that keeps the readers moving along with your story.

Writing historical fiction requires a delicate balance between historical accuracy and storytelling.

Using these techniques, you will create an authentic historical story that engages readers and transports them happily to another time and place.

Final Words

In writing historical fiction, there are no hard and fast rules. However, there are some guidelines that can help you create a compelling and believable story. Here are some final words to keep in mind:

• Accuracy is key. While you have some creative license when writing historical fiction, it is important to ensure that your story is accurate. Research your time period thoroughly and ensure that your facts are correct. If you are unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask an expert or consult a reputable source.

• Stay true to the time period. It can be tempting to impose modern values and beliefs onto historical characters, but this can be jarring for readers and anger those who know the history. Try to stay true to the time you are writing about and consider how your characters would have thought and acted based on the cultural and social norms of their time.

• Develop your characters. Historical fiction is not just about the time period but also about the characters who inhabit it. Take the time to develop your characters and make them three-dimensional. Consider their motivations, desires, and flaws.

• Don't be afraid to take creative risks. While you want to stay true to the period, that doesn't mean you can't take creative risks. Experiment with different narrative structures, points of view, and writing styles. Just remember to stay true to the essence of the story you are trying to tell.

Ultimately, writing historical fiction is about finding a balance between accuracy and creativity. It might just take some experimentation on your part and a whole lot of research. So this time, I say, keep learning AND keep writing.