I enjoy writing within the historical fiction framework. It was an easy choice, given my military background and love of history. Besides, it provided an opportunity to be creative. Let me explain.
What is historical fiction? The story takes the reader to a particular place and time. Its essential feature is that it is set in the past, with every story element conforming to that era’s norms, clothing, equipment, lifestyle, and, even with the written word, speech. These must be accurately represented. I might research my novels too far, adding months to the project. My attitude is that for historians reading my work, it appeals to the factual elements they seek.
The setting makes my effort believable; it is a real place and believable time. The details and action in a story can be a mix of actual vents or ones from my imagination. Characters can be fictional or based on real people. Often, it is both. Everything about them – their attitude, the way they speak, and the problems they face – match the era.
Hancock’s story is loaded with historical people. I had the flexibility to write plausible actions and dialogue tied to the historical facts we know so well—at least for those immersed in history. Just as important, I had the benefit of visiting the sites where history was made, picturing the movement of armies upon the ground, hearing the faint sounds of battle, and, for an instant, smelling the powder on the breeze. Oh yes, I immerse myself in details.
Details Through Research
Although I have an artistic license, the attention to detail brings the story to life. Years of military service have shaped my attention to detail. Every time I begin a new novel, that focus is brought to the table. I set a standard that speaks to the true historian reading my stories. The details must be correct for the era. I enjoy the search, and the breadth and depth of knowledge on a particular subject encourage me to delve further. The most exciting works are thoroughly researched.
“So, how much research is enough?” only the author can say. Still, I use the measure enough to make the story correct and a bit more to satisfy the purists and history buffs that the novel is historically accurate. The means at our disposal are never exhausted. Internet, libraries, books, and magazines purchased, and thousands of pages of notes before a novel is ready for editing. Notice I didn’t say ultimately.
I believe that writing military historical fiction demands that I, as the author, ensure that any description of equipment and uniforms is genuinely those of the period. All require some research, from the caps worn and clothes on their backs to the weapons they carried and the horses they rode. You must pick a point where enough is enough, or the novel never progresses.
I mentioned walking the battlefields when I could. Civil War hallowed ground was all around me in Virginia. The next novel explored the Great Sioux War, the Plains Indians, and the Black Hills. Linda and I traveled to Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, and “These Sacred Lands” of the Black Hills. It was a fantastic experience. You could hear the bugle calls, the war chants, and the sounds of battle.
Use you use your imagination. I craft words so the reader feels the frustration or anger within a character. Conversely, the reader should feel satisfaction when the character succeeds. Dialogue is usually the means to deal with emotions like anticipation, anger, frustration, and resentment. Try this one as a tool for writers: “The Emotional Thesaurus” is the writer’s guide to expressing emotion—more tools to place in my kit bag.
That’s what my writing tries to convey … “stories that capture the imagination.”
Historical fiction success stories abound. I am surrounded by well-known authors that I may emulate. Remember I mentioned the need always to learn? Well, “Master Class” exists for that very reason. Well-established authors provide their best information on the writing craft. I continue to make use of this valuable asset. “Why not learn from the best?” If you learn enough, you may even find yourself on the cover of a local magazine.