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Three ways to create historical authenticity

When you are a history buff, it's easy to get caught up in the details of a certain time period or historical event. But to truly bring history to life, it's important to create a sense of authenticity. Here are three ways to achieve historical authenticity in your writing:

1. Research

The most important aspect of creating historical authenticity is thorough research. Depending on the time period you are writing about, you may need to research everything from cultural norms to fashion trends to technological advancements.

One helpful tip is to not only read academic articles and textbooks but also primary sources such as diary entries, letters and newspapers from the time period. This not only helps you to understand the mindset of people living during that time but also gives your writing a sense of realism.

2. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is crucial when it comes to creating a sense of historical authenticity. Little details such as the type of pottery used in a certain time period or the specific design of a piece of furniture can add a sense of realism to your writing.

However, it’s important to use these details in moderation, as too much detail can take away from the narrative and make it feel like a history lesson rather than a story.

3. Language

Using language that is appropriate for the time period is essential when creating an authentic historical setting. This includes not only the language used by characters in dialogue but also the language used in narration.

For example, in a story set in medieval times, the language used by the characters should reflect the language of that time such as “thou”, “thee”, and “thy”. Similarly, in a story set in the 1920s, the language could reflect the slang of the era, such as “bee’s knees” and “zozzled”.

4. Timeless Themes

While historical details are important, it’s also important to remember that a good story has timeless themes that resonate with readers. Themes such as love, betrayal, and sacrifice can work just as well in a historical setting as they do in a contemporary one.

When looking for themes, consider what the characters in your story are experiencing and how it relates to modern-day audiences. If you can find a way to make your readers connect emotionally with the characters in your story, it will keep them engaged regardless of the time period in which it is set.

5. Authentic Characters

The characters in your story play a crucial role in creating an authentic historical setting. However, it’s important to remember that creating authentic characters goes beyond just their appearance and language they use.

Authentic characters have realistic motivations, desires and fears that reflect the time period in which they live. For example, a character in a story set during World War II may have a strong desire to enlist in the military, while a character in a story set during the Victorian era may have a strong desire to find an appropriate partner for marriage.

6. Historical Accuracy

While it’s important to remember that historical fiction is, in fact, fiction, it should strive to be as historically accurate as possible. This means taking into account not only the common knowledge of a certain time period but also the lesser-known details that can make a story feel authentic.

For example, if you are writing a story set in Ancient Rome, you may want to research not only the history of the city but also the daily lives of the citizens, including how they cooked, what they ate, and what their entertainment options were.

7. World Building

An important aspect of creating an authentic historical setting is world building. This involves not only creating a sense of what the world looked like during a certain time period, but also how it smelled, sounded, and felt to the characters in your story.

When building your world, think about not only the visuals, but also the sounds and smells. For example, if your story is set in a medieval castle, you may want to include the smell of burning torches or the sound of clanging armor to add to the atmosphere.

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8. Writing Style

The writing style you use can also contribute to the historical authenticity of your story. Pay attention to the language you use and make sure it reflects the time period in which your story is set.

If you are writing a story set in the 1800s, for example, you may want to use a more formal writing style with longer sentences to reflect the writing style of that time period.

FAQ

What if I can't find enough information about my time period?

If you are struggling to find information about your time period, try looking at fictional works set during that time. While not always completely accurate, they can give you a sense of what life was like during that time period and help you in your research.

Do I need to be an expert on the time period to write historical fiction?

While being an expert can certainly help, it is not necessary to be an expert on the time period you are writing about. Thorough research and attention to detail can go a long way in creating a sense of historical authenticity in your writing.

Can I take creative liberties with historical events?

While historical fiction is, in fact, fiction, it’s important to remember that it should strive to be as historically accurate as possible. While you can take some creative liberties, it’s important to make sure they are grounded in enough historical accuracy to avoid breaking the reader's suspension of disbelief.

What if my story is set in a time period that is not well-known?

If your story is set in a lesser-known time period, it’s even more important to conduct thorough research and attention to detail in order to create a sense of historical authenticity. Additionally, consider including an author's note at the beginning or end of your story acknowledging any creative liberties you took with the time period.

Creating historical authenticity is an important part of writing historical fiction. Through thorough research, attention to detail, and a focus on authentic characters and timeless themes, you can bring history to life for modern-day readers.