In my last post, I referred to what I call historical fiction with texture.
What does this mean? I call it texture when a historical novelist can call into being the physical world that surrounds her characters. When a novel has texture, a reader can jump through the imaginary barrier between fiction and life and walk through the vivid settings that the characters inhabit.
There's one problem with this type of historical fiction. It takes a TON of work.
And there's another problem too. The more detail you insert in your historical novels, the more opportunities you create for historical errors.
That's why, in some ways, it would be easier to write historical fiction without texture. But it doesn't satisfy me. As a writer, I must write what I'm passionate about, and I'm passionate about creating the detail that allows readers to transport themselves to a different time. I'm not just telling a good story that happens to take place over a century ago. I'm writing that story BECAUSE it took place over a century ago.
So my chosen style of writing requires extensive research.
And I don't mind. I quite like it.
If I didn't like research, I couldn't have survived graduate school education in research methods. My grad school experience has helped me many times as I identify vital questions I need to answer before I can work on a certain part of my novel. Because the real research challenge is narrowing down the crucial pieces of information that are missing from my perspective. Anyone can browse through an archive and write down interesting facts. But once I start to assemble a plot, I have to know which details are so basic that I cannot start without them.
Last week, I contacted the Columbus Metropolitan Library for assistance. I had done everything in my power to find an answer to a question through print and internet sources, and I simply did not have access to the right sources. I live too far away from the local history archives that I need for this third novel in my trilogy.
Those Columbus librarians and scholars were wonderful. They answered my first question immediately, and offered additional help.
I've had this kind of warm, enthusiastic support several times as I've worked on this trilogy over the years. It gives me hope to find others who care about history and learning so much that they offer assistance to strangers sheerly because they want to share their knowledge.
Have you ever had assistance from others as you researched a novel? How does texture work to inspire you in your writing? How do you feel about texture, as a reader?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
19 comments:
Rosslyn, like you I enjoy doing the research for my historical romances. I've been helped by many people.
A contractor friend familiar with the historic buildings in our area helped me get a construction-related scene right. Another friend who is crazy about horses invited me out to see hers up close and personal and didn't laugh at any of my questions. A talented seamstress who is making my Victorian-period dress has enlightened me about some of the finer points of the fashions of the time.
Isn't that the best, when you run into helpful people like that?
I've had four research phone calls in my life and all four have been wonderful. One guy talked to me over an hour on the phone about legal issues. They were all very gracious and helpful, even if I felt silly making the call!
And kudos to you with the research. That would make my head spin!
I once contacted a fire marshall and a police officer from my church and had long conversations with both to check my facts. It felt good they took the time.
My closest friend volunteers at our historical society. She loves filing the archives. The other day she discovered two families built a fence at the bottom of a lake to delineate the properties. Thought that was pretty wild.
~ Wendy
Hi Rosslyn- I had never even thought about the fact that the more historical "texture" we add to novels, the more room for error. Since I write non-fiction, that's not an issue for me, but I do need to do a LOT of research. And for me, since my books are medical in theme, I need to be really careful to do medically accurate research. That means I can't just trust whatever I find online, which is the hardest part of research for me.
I agree with you totally, Rosslyn! I love texture in the historical fiction that I read, and I strive for it in my own work.
A few of my "research adventures" for my WWII WIP have included contacting a representative of the British Museum, flying with a pilot friend, and riding in a WWII-replica biplane. Sometimes I think I like research too much! Ha ha!
I agree, texture in historical fiction give it a rich flavor! Glad you incorporate it into your work!
Rosslyn,
Writing is much like life in that the more work we put into it (sometimes, like you said, a TON of work) the more texture and nuance we experience in our relationships and daily living.
Excellent post. - Marsha
This post, and subsequent comments, are encouraging. I have a mild fear of calling up strangers to ask for help with a subject "because I'm writing a novel." It's good to hear there are many people willing to share their expertise, and how you all have had positive experiences with it. Though, most others here seem to either be published or have an agent, which might give someone on the other end of the line more enthusiasm for sharing.
However, I've been to the Trail of History and loved how people there were just regular old volunteers who loved that era and wanted to teach others, so that's something to keep in mind.
(I'm a new reader of your blog Rosslyn, and have enjoyed it very much.)
Barb
I love this post. I actually enjoy doing research too. And it was when I was in grad school that I learned the most about it.
I think librarians are some of the most wonderful people on the planet. They are so helpful and so friendly and so knowledgeable! One of my good friends is the librarian at the theological library of my alma mater. I love to hang out there whenever she is sitting behind the reference desk.
In my writing, it's of paramount importance to me that I never "fill in the blank" myself whenever I am discussing Scripture. I always want to look things up and verify that what I am saying is accurate.
Great post here!
Hi Rosslyn -
Although my book isn't a historical, it did need detailed research.
Your point about separating the critical facts from all the information struck home. It's a lot to wade through.
God blessed me with some local experts, who identified problems with my setting/customs.
Great post!
Blessings,
Susan :)
I have had some assistance when researching my books (not novels, but books). My baby sister is a dietician so she supplies me with a lot of the research I need for my eating parts... that said, I also like the research. Great post!
Wow--the depth you go for research amazes me. I have never heard the term texture in historical romance.
Yes. I've worked on some historical writing, even the contemporary work needs to have authentic flavor. The trick is researching and knowing and using it without sounding like a textbook.
Oh, I can so see how someone would enjoy that kind of research, and how easily it would be to get something wrong when adding all those tiny details.
I'm currently exploring a story and have begun writing, but I am going to need to talk to someone at some point about some of my research. It actually makes me a little nervous.
I think texture is important not only for the readers' enjoyment, but the readers' involvement into the plot. The physicality of a scene can promote more depth of engagement from the reader. An author the does this well is Aileen G. Baron, author of The Scorpion's Bite. Placing her plot in the Trans-Jordan Desert, she focuses on the reality of the place, rather than what we think it might be.
Rosslyn, while researching "P is for Peace Garden," my children's book, some very nice people from the North Dakota State Historical Society spent time helping me figure out their library. It was out of town, in the capitol city, and I had only one day to pore through the books at my disposal. I had to make use of that time and could not have gotten as far as I did without their help. I've had other such experience at other places housing historical archive and have always found the people in charge of such resources extraordinarily helpful. Aint it great? :)
This has been one of my favorite discussion posts! I love getting a glimpse of what's going on in other writer's heads, both those who write in my genre and those working in different genres. I do think texture exists in all kinds of fiction. It's neat to hear each of your experiences with helpful experts, too.
Rosslyn,
As an avid reader of historical romances, I love "texture" in what I read. I started in high school reading Barbara Cartland and much to my husband's surprise, I ran a Jeopardy category one evening in British History, primarily due to Ms. Cartland. I find that your research (and that of others) only enhances the story and engages me, the reader. Thank you!
Thanks also for your kind words about my hometown 'brary as well.
Adding "texture" has been the biggest challenge for me in my historical novel. I am ambivalent about research. Sometimes I get excited about it (when I find something interesting that I can use.) But it can also be frustrating when you spend hours and hours reading about your setting/time period and you just want to start writing!
Great post!
Lorena
Post a Comment