Feb
How much is too much?
In addition to loving romances, I love history. I love the research that goes into writing my current manuscript. Over the past two weeks I have had the privelege to study in the library of the same city I am using in this story. There was a lovely reference book, renowned in its arena, for the history of that county, and with a chapter or two dedicated specifically to the period I need. The following week, I toured that county’s historical society’s museum, and have made an appointment to tour a home of that era. (Just to fill you in, or to remind you, I’m writing a revolutionary war historical romance set in South Carolina.) Did you know that the most battles of that war was fought here? I do, at least now. And all of this knowlege I am gaining, enjoying it immensely as I go, is fodder for the shaping of my novel. I’ve got to tell you, it is so fascinating to learn about the people and places of an area, but visiting it and exploring it for yourself is such a profound experience, almost de ja vu. I love that! I can put all of this in my story as well. I want to be so meticulous in my writing with the facts, mixed in with the fiction of my characters, that I may be shooting myself in the foot. I know that there are some readers who are equally observant of facts and would criticize if things were not just right. But by guaranteeing that I’m including things as they were, am I alienating my story? my characters? my readers?
I think you’ve hit on why American-set historicals are tricky. We’re sensitive to “looking bad” (i.e., slavery) in fiction, and use 21st century eyes on eighteenth century problems. Somehow we aren’t as fussy w/ European-set historicals, where inequities were just as egregious. I’m sure you’ll pull it off, though!
February 25th, 2008 at 5:49 amOh my, I didn’t even think of that. I do show slavery in my WIP, and want to mention it, but not dwell on it. Having it present enough to not ignore it, but not allowing it to be the focal point. At least not in this wip. Although it is mentioned that in seeking independence from england, are we not doing the same in this trade. As you can imagine, that is readily existant conflict.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:14 amI’m sure it’ll be fine Leigh. I’m not sure how many I speak for other than myself, so I won’t. If I’m reading a book, I really take it for granted that from page 1 to the end, the author knows what they’re writing about. I haven’t read a historical in a good long while but I want to read them, not pick them apart. I want to envision the era, not think if the carriage is the right style for that time period.
Granted if you try to have slavery after the early 1860’s, I might not be happy, but it’s a mistake that a good writer and editor would catch.
Just keep it real for the time, the location, and your characters can do the rest. It is fiction for a reason.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:53 amHi Leigh,
I love what you’re doing, that is amazing! I’m planning a trip several years from now, to Europe so I can do just the same thing, since all of my stories take place there.
I don’t think you are alienating your story at all, I think you are stepping into your characters world, and you can recreate it and them much better that way.
Even if you couldn’t go there, you’d be researching the crap out of it online, or in the library, so I don’t see why not. It isn’t like you will be putting every single minute detail in there, but at least knowing it in the back of your mind and seeing it will help you to write your story, think like them, see what they see.
I am so excited for you! Happy writing!
Eliza
February 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm