The Importance of Research

Enough of posting my old crap :). Let's get back to business!

Historical fiction as the name obviously indicates is fictional elements intertwined with accurate historical events.  We have discussed the importance of ethos in the past and today I am going to post my tips on how to achieve this.

1.  Don't be in a rush to get to your keyboard.  If you have story ideas write them in your notes or inspiration sections and store them for later.
2.  This sounds cheesy and odd being I am writing my tips on the web but don't rely on things you read on the internet.  While countless amounts of good stuff is online there are just as many opinion pieces that are based on the authors preproposed ideas and on the web there is no-one to fact check or offer a counter argument.  In my opinion the best spot to do your research is a college library.
3.  Read multiple books and if possible primary source documents on the subject - don't rely on one authors account of what happened.  This is especially true for time periods with a lot of contradicting accounts of what happened.  For example, Julius Caesar is a pretty famous guy who ruled the Roman Empire in 100 BC but to this day Historians still argue about how he came to power.  Was it through backhanded scheming or at the will of the people to defend their rights against the over reaching elite?  I honestly don't know so I would make sure I look at both arguments before putting pen to paper.
4.  It seems like a trip back to the classroom or worse the work conference room but brainstorming on paper really does work.  Draw your bubble with you historical characters and events and by throwing out ideas it will help you link events together and ultimately improve the accuracy and flow of your work.  Often my brainstorming papers look like something a conspiracy nut would have!
5.  Don't be afraid to have to rewrite something.  Trying to connect the dots between what is in your head and what happened hundreds of years ago is not easy.  If you write something and it ends up in a big contradiction to history don't worry about it.  Re-read the section and see where you can connect it in a better way.  If there is no saving it just cut and paste it to a rough draft section and start over.  Always keep sections you have removed, often something in them ends up being helpful in the future.

Hope this helps and remember there are no passages of writing that are wrong; just passages that don't fit your current project!

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