Susanna Calkins, Author
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Guest Post in Writer's Digest: Balancing authenticity and accuracy while writing historical fiction

9/8/2013

3 Comments

 
PictureMy post in WD appeared Sept 6, 2013
A few years ago, when I was first trying to figure out how to get my debut novel A Murder at Rosamund's Gate published, I came across Writer's Digest.

Full of advice for the fledgling writer and published author alike, Writer's Digest gave me some great insights into what I needed to do to polish my manuscript and write a compelling cover letter. (I mean, tell me it's not important to know "How to see your work through an agent or publisher's eyes?" or, "Knowing when to stop: Expectations for a satisfying ending.")

So I really appreciated the opportunity to write a guest post, "How to write historical fiction: 7 tips on accuracy and authenticity" for Writer's Digest. In this post, I talk about the tensions I've experienced as a historian-turned-novelist, while writing historical fiction. I also try to offer a few strategies that have worked for me in reconciling these tensions. Check it out!

And while you're there, try out the daily writing prompt! Although I have to giggle, because today the prompt is: "You are a local news reporter for a failing network. Your boss tells you to ramp up the news by getting “creative” and constructing your own stories. What’s the first fake news story you create and broadcast on air?"

Fake News!  Totally fun! Accuracy Shmackeracy!  If you do take up the challenge, will you post it here too? I'd love to see it!


3 Comments
Fonnegra
9/8/2013 11:39:10 am

"Keanu Reeves Provides Proof of Reimann Hypothesis in Ph.D. Mathematics Dissertation"

One of the most famous unsolved math problems in history finally has a solution, and the world has actor, and newly minted Ph.D., Keanu Reeves to thank. While on hiatus from acting, Reeves studied applied mathematics under the tutelage of Dr. William S. Preston, Esquire at the California Institute of Technology. Preston noted that, "Keanu has a natural facility with matrices and I wouldn't be surprised if his next contribution uncovers the mathematics of time travel." Dr. Reeves is expected to be nominated for a Field Medal in 2014. When informed of the news, he offered one simple word, "Whoa."

Reply
Susie link
9/14/2013 01:18:31 pm

Hilarious!

Reply
Keith link
3/11/2021 02:49:17 pm

Love to read your article and it seems very interesting. I could compose recorded fiction, or sci-fi, or a secret however since I think that it's intriguing to investigate the pieces of information of some little know period and build up a story dependent on that, I will likely keep on doing it.

Reply



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    Susanna Calkins

    Historian. Mystery writer. Researcher. Teacher.  Occasional blogger.

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  • Home
  • Lucy Campion Mysteries
    • A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
    • From the Charred Remains
    • The Masque of a Murderer
    • A Death Along the River Fleet
    • The Sign of the Gallows
    • The Cry of the Hangman
    • Death Among the Ruins
  • The Speakeasy Murders
    • Murder Knocks Twice
    • The Fate of a Flapper
  • Short Stories
  • Blog
  • News & Events
    • Event Photos
    • Archived Guest Posts & Interviews
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • 17th c. England
  • Writing Resources
  • Nonfiction
  • New Page