Most of the research involves locating books that are out of print. What are some of the most fun ways you’ve researched your books? Good historical fiction evokes an era-its zeitgeist, its particular food and clothing, perhaps-but, as in all good fiction, the narrative must be driven by well-developed characters who are in trouble. You might set that story in the past, or that story might be inspired by a real person or event, but researching till the cows come home will not give you a novel on its own. If you are writing a novel, your job is to tell a story.
What’s the difference between good and bad historical fiction?īad historical fiction happens when an author decides to “teach” readers about a particular period or historical event, or when he feels he must prove how much research he did by including a massive amount of historical detail that is irrelevant to the story. In general I find a good strategy for fixing a boring scene in any work-in-progress is to take away the characters’ booze and see what happens. I’ve been on this 19th century kick (my next book is set in 1835), but 1920s Chicago seems like it could be fun. What’s a historical period you’d love to write about? I’m thinking the seventh novel or so is probably where it’s at. The second time around, I had a little more faith that things would work out, but I had to write it much faster and with the sense that people were looking over my shoulder. I was afraid to tell anyone I was doing it - it seemed like such a ridiculous thing for a person to attempt, as if I were trying to build a hovercraft in my garage. With the first novel, I was writing it for myself alone, at my own pace, with no hope that it would ever be published. Which of your two books was more difficult to write and edit? You can learn much more about her, and find information about her readings and appearances, here. Kelly brought me Taco Bell Doritos® Tacos Loco shortly after my son was born, so she is also my hero. In Need of a Good Wife tells the story of mid-19th century mail-order brides who are shipped off to Nebraska, and follows up on The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. Today’s interviewee is a Chicago author, teacher and editor who is celebrating the recent release of her second historical novel. To stay up to date on the stories that matter. WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information.
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