Great advice. So many books today exist in no history at all and thus no real world, that I find them flat and lifeless. You might call their period the Eternal Suburban Now.
That said, the same could be said of Agatha Christie mysteries, a quality that makes them timeless, but their attitudes are so of the times that the times are given away.
I love this post, especially since I'm writing historical fiction! It's important to do the research, but once done, it serves as a rich and evocative framework for plot and character. Just remember not to make the mistake one of my beta readers caught this all-American author making, and don't have French school children in the 1940's snacking on milk and cookies;)
Great advice, as always. I continue to benefit from Richard's advice - I'm working on a novel set in the late 1960s and this post shows me how to deepen the story. What a resource! Thanks.
Excellent analysis of contextual storytelling, Richard. Similar, in its own way, to your previous post this weekend...Count Your Blessings. Thank you for both.
Great advice. So many books today exist in no history at all and thus no real world, that I find them flat and lifeless. You might call their period the Eternal Suburban Now.
That said, the same could be said of Agatha Christie mysteries, a quality that makes them timeless, but their attitudes are so of the times that the times are given away.
Yes, sometimes there are subtle tells that identify the time and place of a story without obvious details.
I love this post, especially since I'm writing historical fiction! It's important to do the research, but once done, it serves as a rich and evocative framework for plot and character. Just remember not to make the mistake one of my beta readers caught this all-American author making, and don't have French school children in the 1940's snacking on milk and cookies;)
Yes, anachronisms are the lurking troll under the bridge. When Caesar won the Battle of Zela I don't think he said "Cool!"
Are you absolutely certain? What would be the Latin equivalent? Think about it!
Great advice, as always. I continue to benefit from Richard's advice - I'm working on a novel set in the late 1960s and this post shows me how to deepen the story. What a resource! Thanks.
Thank you. I'll bet it will be your best ever/
That's one writer saved from doom. Any others out there? :-)
Excellent analysis of contextual storytelling, Richard. Similar, in its own way, to your previous post this weekend...Count Your Blessings. Thank you for both.
Many thanks to you for your support, Stefan.
You gave me this advice 40 years ago (setting Dream Carver during the Irish Potato Famine). It made all the difference in the world! Thank you.
Well at least I'm consistent. But I think this advice is timeless.
Agreed. Solid advice is as valid today as yesteryear.