Tag: Historical writing

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History in the Making

Combatting the Noise Issue

By Sandra Merville Hart

 

A few family members came over to watch a movie this weekend. The dramatic story prompted a lot of discussion. I asked my nephew what he thought. His surprising answer was that the movie had a “noise” issue. He mentioned that an important scene beside the pool had no sounds of kids splashing or folks walking by engaged in conservation. Even a maintenance man watering a flower bed would have added authenticity. The only thing happening in the scene was vital dialogue.

His insightful comment sparked my writerly reflections. The same mistake happens in novels. Historical fiction writers who ignore all important news events surrounding their story create a “noise” issue.[bctt tweet=”His surprising answer was that the movie had a noise issue. #Histfic #writing” username=”@Sandra_M_Hart”]

We can’t live in today’s world without being affected by news. Local events can affect us directly, perhaps something like a nearby business burning down. Not only do we know and sympathize with the owner’s family, we have to find another store to fill our needs until it is rebuilt. Our town, the nearest city, and state happenings affect us. And even though we may not live in close proximity with national/international scene, these happenings can still crush our spirits.

Though news didn’t travel as quickly in earlier eras, folks were just as upset by troubling events as we are today. Perhaps they grew more distressed than us because we are accustomed to hearing bad news on television around the clock.

Even if the novel being written is more about the attitudes, fashions, and morals of a particular era, consider adding one or two newsworthy items of the day. A few hours or days of research may be enough to add gems of authenticity to the story.

That sounds like extra work if you’re already in the midst of writing but it doesn’t have to be a time hog.

Say, for example, that your novel is set in 1832. You don’t have a clue about what’s happening in the United States or even how many states there are. The Internet has greatly simplified our work.

Google “1832 American History.” This search gives options for Wikipedia sites for “1832 in the United States” and “Timeline of United States (1820-59).” Onthisday.com lists “1832—Historical Events—on this day.” Another site, America’s Best History, has a post for “U.S. History Timeline: the 1830s.”

Wikipedia’s timeline shows that the 1830s saw the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement. A bit of research about this may reveal that it is something that fits easily into your novel.

The Oregon Trail started being used by folks determined to settle in the Pacific Northwest in the 1830s. Maybe a character in your novel has a family member already on the trail.

The Black Hawk War occurred in 1832. Did it happen near your novel’s setting?

This was a presidential election year. Andrew Jackson was reelected as our nation’s president in 1832. I found some fun traditions that folks used to follow on election day and wrote about them on my blog. Depending on the timing, election celebrations could be a festive event in your novel.

The sites referenced above are a springboard for ideas. Research further on details that snag your interest. You never know what you will find when opening the pages of history.

Allowing our characters to interact with actual historical events opens up a fascinating world and adds authenticity. Readers find it easier to “step back in time” with you.

It is one more way to add scene “noise” that many readers crave.

 

Sources

“1832 in the United States,” Wikipedia, 2017/01/22, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1832_in_the_United_States.

“Historical Events in 1832,” On This Day, 2017/01/23, http://www.onthisday.com/events/date/1832.

“Timeline of United States history (1820-59),” Wikipedia, 2017/01/22, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_history_(1820%E2%80%9359).

“U.S. Timeline: The 1830s, Conquering the West,” Americasbesthistory.com, 2017/01/23, http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1830.html.

 

 

Categories
History in the Making

Research’s Unexpected Benefit

By Sandra Merville Hart

It happened again. Somewhere in the middle of writing the novel, the story got stuck and refused to budge.

Stories sometimes stall on page one hundred or two hundred seventeen or any page in between. Writers leave their computers for the day and come back the next morning, certain that today will be a better day. Today we will get past the hump. Today we will write two thousand words.

Reality sets in. Staring at the last written paragraph sparks no ideas. What happens next? We know the ending but how do the characters get there?

A few minutes on social media ought to get the creative juices flowing again but we are more distracted than ever after a half hour on Facebook and Twitter. Now we are worried about a friend’s health issues, wildfires out of control, and the latest political rants. None of this brings us back into our story.

View this as an opportunity.

Historical writers have a great advantage here. Numerous pages of notes taken during research hold nuggets of inspiration just waiting to be rediscovered.

[bctt tweet=”Historical #writers find inspiration from research notes when story stalls. #HistFic #writing” username=”@Sandra_M_Hart”]

Return to those research notes. Begin reading historical facts that fascinated you as a writer when first discovering them. Inspiration may arise an hour or two after reading the notes.

Studying research notes could also spark questions. Some previously unimportant fact catches your attention. Maybe this is what your story needs, but you wrote incomplete data or that particular resource didn’t give enough information.

That has happened to me several times. At first glance an event or newsworthy item in history had nothing to do with my story but I jot it down because it interested me. When scanning the notes later for inspiration, I realize that information takes my characters down a compelling path. Since I had originally deemed it unimportant, I now need to return to my resource material for further research.

If this happens to you, check out the books again that were most helpful for your story or search for additional books to delve into the topic. Reread website articles. Glean any information available about this new avenue. The story takes shape as the writer digs deeper.

Before the novelist knows it, the story comes to life again. Inspiration is back and the writer can’t wait to return to that blank page. Now rereading the last written scene grounds the author. The next scene isn’t difficult to write.

The previously ignored tidbit is actually the bridge that deepens your story. There was a reason the story stalled. We didn’t know all the information yet or we were ignoring something important and had to figure it out.

God cares about our stories. If you ask Him to give you His story and pray while writing, you will see Him work.

Even when your story stalls.

 

Categories
History in the Making

Create Timeline of Novel’s Events

By Sandra Merville Hart

 

Somewhere in the midst of writing my second novel my story started to get away from me. I couldn’t remember what day or week something happened in my plot, requiring me to reread earlier passages. This prompted me to create a timeline of my novel’s events.

Creating a Word document containing the timeline for our stories maintains accuracy, keeps us organized, and shows where the plot requires additional action.

I read a novel where two chapters spanned the summer only to find that the following chapter stated all those events happened in only two weeks. The author’s mistake on time jolted me out of the story. The things that happened early in the novel in a specific timeframe were incorrect. I continued reading though I had lost trust in the author. This discrepancy could have been easily fixed and monitored by maintaining a timeline.

Tracking this detail also keeps authors organized. My timeline is arranged in chapter paragraphs and contains the chapter’s major scenes. It begins with the character whose perspective the scene is written along with a brief description of the action and the date. The day of the week is also important because this detail grounds us. For instance, church is part of normal Sunday activities for Christians and in many historical novels whereas Monday begins the work week.

The time of day matters a great deal in suspense and mystery genres so tracking this detail saves the author constant rereading of prior scenes.

Timelines note every change of character perspective or date.

Historical novelists writing about particular events such as a Revolutionary War battle, the assassination of President Lincoln, or the San Francisco earthquake pay close attention to details. Tracking dates and historic occurrences within the novel keeps us focused and organized.

Another advantage of maintaining a novel’s timeline in the midst of writing is that it shows where the plot needs strengthening. Authors will see where the story’s action slows and picks up again.[bctt tweet=”Creating a novel timeline helps #writers track story details in each chapter. #writing #history” username=”Sandra_M_Hart”]

Tracking which scenes are in a particular character’s perspective helps to evaluate who gets the most “air time.” This can be important for specific genres like romance.

Authors may refer to timelines when writing novel proposals as a springboard for writing summaries, synopsis, or back cover copy.

I generally update my timeline upon completion of chapters. It you possess a forgetful nature like me, consider adding this organizational tool to your writing routine. It has saved my sanity countless times.

 

 

Categories
History in the Making

Seeing His Words in Print Baffles Mark Twain

by Sandra Merville Hart

Mark Twain’s life was at a pivotal moment in the 1860s.

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He was out of the States and in Nevada Territory where fortunes were made and lost while mining for silver. He ought to know; his part-ownership in a silver mine had made him a millionaire. Through the worst of misfortunes, Twain lost his interest in the mine after ten days.

What was next for him? He had held a variety of positions: grocery clerk, blacksmithing, bookseller’s clerk, drug store clerk, St. Louis and New Orleans pilot, a printer, private secretary, and silver mill miner. He felt that he had mastered none of these professions. What does one do after losing a million dollars?

[bctt tweet=”Mark Twain was at a pivotal moment. What does one do after losing a million dollars? #writing #inspiration” username=”@Sandra_M_Hart”]

He gave in to misery. He had written letters to Virginia’s Daily Territorial Enterprise, the territory’s main newspaper in earlier days; it always surprised him when the letters were published. It made him question the editors’ judgment. His high opinion of them declined because they couldn’t find something better than his literature to print.

A letter came from that same newspaper offering Twain a job as city editor even as he wondered what his future held. Though he had so recently been a millionaire, the job offer with a twenty-five-dollar salary seemed like a fortune. The offer thrilled him.

mark-twain-391112_960_720Then doubts set in. What did he know of editing? He felt unfit for the position. Yet refusing the job meant that he’d soon have to rely on the kindness of others for a meal, and that he had never done.

So necessity forced Twain into taking an editor’s job though he felt ill-equipped. He arrived in Virginia, Nevada Territory, dressed more as a miner than an editor in a blue woolen shirt, pantaloons stuffed into the top of his boots, slouch hat, and a “universal navy revolver slung to his belt.”

The chief editor, Mr. Goodman, took Twain under his wing and trained him to be a reporter. The young man had finally found something he excelled in.

As writers, many of us can relate to Twain’s doubts. A myriad of talented authors have come before us. What do we have to offer?

It is comforting to realize that a young man destined to become one of America’s best-loved authors began with humility. A seasoned and kindly editor taught him the trade; Twain’s talent took him the rest of the way.

What would have happened if Mark Twain hadn’t lost a million dollars? His words may have been lost to us. Such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Prince and the Pauper might never have been written.

When we ponder our failures, our rejected works, and lost opportunities, we should remember that situations change. We won’t always feel as we do today. God has the ability to put us in the right place at the right time with the right attitude.

Just like He did with Samuel Clemens, America’s beloved Mark Twain.

 

Sources

Twain, Mark. Roughing It, Penguin Books, 1981.

 

 

 

 

Categories
History in the Making

What Historical Authors Glean from Old Photos

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com Free Images

Historical authors can glean a wealth of information from old photos. They give an unintentional glimpse into everyday life of the time period. Authors stumble across these gems as a natural part of research. It’s important not to overlook the value of these snapshots.

Before we dive into some examples, let’s discuss ways to find photographs.

Research leads us to libraries lavishly filled with nonfiction books. Many of these contain photos, sketches, and illustrations. Another source is the Internet, which has an abundance of research sites. Local museums are also excellent sources for these visual aids.

[bctt tweet=”Old photos capture unintentional glimpses of everyday living for #Historical authors. #writing ” username=”@Sandra_M_Hart”]

For instance, while writing novels set during the Civil War, 1861-1865, I found sketches, paintings, and photographs of soldiers, battlefields, and weapons in books and on websites that added depth to my understanding of battles.

Regardless of where the photos are found, they present valuable clues that enrich our stories. Let’s look at some examples.

The main picture on this post is a painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It shows a group of mostly seated men suitably dressed for the 1776 event. A patterned rug covers only that part of the wooden floor where the most important persons in the room sit. A bordered cloth covers the two tables of what is presumably the president and the secretary. Elaborate ceiling molding and curtains indicate the meeting’s likely location is a town�����s public office or a wealthy man’s residence. It would be interesting to research the flags on the wall — colonial or British? What we don’t know from a careful perusal is the year of the work or if the artist witnessed the event. If not, who supplied the descriptions for the artist? If many years passed between the event and the painting, authors may desire to dig through period writings if they intend to use the painting for novel descriptions.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com Free Images
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com Free Images

The second example appears to be a school photo. Churches also snapped similar poses. The children are around the same age, sitting/standing for a group photo in a way that most of us have posed at school. Studying the hairstyles and clothing offers ways to approximate the year this was taken. For example, most girls are wearing anklets or knee socks. When were these worn? All girls wear a dress or skirt but the boys don’t wear suits, at least at this school. This also helps date the picture.

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Authors love to find old Montgomery Ward or Sears, Roebuck catalogs because they show available products for a particular year. Though not from a catalog, the third example is an advertisement. In March 1896, “The Black Cat” cost five cents. The Shortstory Publishing Company in Boston ran the ad so does this mean “The Black Cat” was a book or magazine? It seems likely since the publisher has “shortstory” in its name and the ad references The Marchburn Mystery. Or is it a play? A rabbit and a black cat each play a banjo on the cover to entice customers.

I resisted the urge to research any of these pictures; I wanted to show what can be discovered by studying old pictures, paintings, and advertisements. Were I to use any of these in my story, I’d research further, but notice how much we learned from a photograph.

Photographers have a focal point such as a person or a landmark. Learn to look beyond the main focus of picture when researching. Notice the lantern hanging next to the door or the tire swing on an oak tree in the background. These everyday articles paint the picture we hope to portray to transport our readers back in time.

 

 

 

 

Categories
History in the Making

Don’t Say

I watched a movie set in the 1800s recently where a child said, “Cool!” He didn’t refer to the temperature; something good happened. The comment jolted me out of the scene because it didn’t belong.

I’m currently reading a novel set in the 1600s. I’ve enjoyed learning about everyday living in that time period. However, the novel contains modern phrases that don’t fit the time period, such as read me like a book. This didn’t fit my perception of the vernacular from three hundred years ago and temporarily took me out of the story.

It’s probably a given that all historical authors will sometimes choose familiar words that don’t belong in the setting, but how can we limit these mistakes?

[bctt tweet=”Avoid a common mistake made by #historical #authors by immersing yourself in books set around your novel’s era.” username=”@Sandra_M_Hart”]

The first way is by immersing yourself in books set near the time period of your novel. For example, when researching the American Civil War, I started by reading soldier accounts. These informative transported me to battlefields. Diaries written by slaves, Southern wives, and Northern abolitionists demonstrated beliefs and opinions as well as words used to express themselves. These gave the civilian perspective. Novels such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Little Women, and A Man Without a Country are just a few of the books that taught me the faith and values that people held dear.

Become a detective while enjoying novels written during the time period. Read between the lines. For example, contemporary writers rarely describe phones because we all know what one looks like and its function. The same thing is true of books written two hundred years ago; everyday objects such as oil lamps are rarely described so read as if you are a detective searching for clues.

Another great tool at an author’s fingertips is the Online Etymology Dictionary. This dictionary shows the meaning, origin, and the approximate year a particular word began to be used.

For instance, some probably imagine the word cool started to refer to something other than temperature in the 1970s. The link above shows the word started to mean general approval in the 1940s, possibly earlier than expected.

We often say sure in our contemporary novels. This word has actually been in use for a long time. Charles Dickens used the word in A Christmas Carol, making it safe for me to write it in my Civil War novels. Checking the Etymology Dictionary shows that sure as the affirmative yes began around 1803. Sure thing is another term often used in historical novels – this is correct if your novel is set in 1836 or later.

An online source for the origin and meaning of phrases if a great writing tool. This link contains lists for Phrases coined by William Shakespeare, Phrases first found in the Bible, and Famous Last Words – to name a few. These are interesting and fun. While searching for a particular phrase, you may find a different one that fits even better.

I didn’t find the date that read me like a book came into usage. Well-read is surprisingly from the 1590s and reread as a verb began in 1782. This site is such a gift to authors.

When writing a word or phrase in your historical novel that an editor or critique partner questions, click on these links and dig deeper.

Chances are you and your critiquer will both learn something.

 

 

 

Categories
History in the Making

What I Learned from the Author of Charlotte's Web – Part 3

by Sandra Merville Hart

 

Two months ago we talked about the author of Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White, and the influence of his writing professor, William Strunk Jr.

Last month we dug into three of the White’s twenty-two Elementary Rules of Usage.

This article focuses on commonly misused words. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, lists twenty-six pages of them; we will mention only a sampling.

Some speakers or writers use certainly or very to intensify statements. Used often, these words become a mannerism.

The authors considered using contact as a verb as self-important and unclear. Phone, email, or meet someone; don’t contact them.

If you are disinterested in something, you are impartial; being uninterested means indifferent or not interested.    

A three-day battle started in Gettysburg on July 1, 1863 is a fact because it is verifiable information. An opinion such as the greatest president or the worst restaurant shouldn’t be confused with facts.

Folk is the same as people. Folks refer to family or those gathered. Use the singular form of the word in formal writing.

Beginning a sentence with however gives it the meaning ‘in whatever way.’ However doesn’t mean the same as nevertheless.

Rephrase a sentence to avoid using the word importantly.

The authors label interesting an unconvincing word. There is no need to announce something will be interesting; grab the reader’s attention with the writing.

Less (denoting quantity) is sometimes mistakenly used for fewer (a number.)

There is an important difference between nauseous (causing nausea) and nauseated (upset stomach.) Saying I feel nauseous actually means we create that feeling in others. Whoops! Don’t we often say this when sick to our stomachs?  

Writers should avoid split infinitives (placing an adverb between to and the infinitive) unless desiring to stress the adverb. To tirelessly search or to search tirelessly is an example.

[bctt tweet=”Write with the reader’s enjoyment and understanding in mind. #Historical #Writing” username=”@Sandra_M_Hart”]When choosing whether to write that or which, remember that defines the one spoken of and which is nonrestrictive.

When writing of customary actions, would can usually be omitted. Every month she would volunteer at the soup kitchen. Remove would and make volunteer an action verb: every month she volunteered at the soup kitchen.

White dubbed his writing professor “Sergeant Strunk” in the introduction. He taught with authority and assurance of being right and that is the tone of this book that he wrote and White lovingly revised.

One of the greatest gifts of studying The Elements of Style was the emphasis on the reader. An author’s job is to communicate clearly so the reader understands exactly what’s happening.

So writing with readers in mind – people who can’t see what’s going on inside our head – should realign our focus to their enjoyment and understanding. It’s hard work that is worth the effort.

Categories
History in the Making

Research Can be a Chore or an Inspiration: You Decide

Sandra Hart's research stack of books

Researching for a story or article can be a chore. It’s certainly a lot of work to dig for facts if a novel fits the historical genre, but it also inspires a deeper meaning. Sometimes we grind our teeth in frustration at the delay in beginning chapter one, but please don’t shirk this duty for three reasons: it provides historical background; it enhances the story; and it demonstrates how people lived during that time period.

History happened the way it happened. Events took place in a particular location and year. In the opinion of the author, stories that adhere to historical events add authenticity and build a reader’s trust. Writers must research to discover important details.

Begin by checking out nonfiction books from the library on the subject. If this does not provide enough information, read about the location of the story. There are many interesting Internet sites, but try to utilize reliable sources such as those from the government, colleges, medical facilities, and the like.

[bctt tweet=”Something wonderful happens in the imagination while discovering the history. #Author #Historical”]

Then take copious notes. Make certain to cite the source and the page containing the information so that you can easily return to research notes when, somewhere in the middle of writing Chapter Seven, you need to dig a little deeper to enhance the story.

Also, verify the information found by reading multiple sources. If an appealing fact is only found in one spot, take it with a grain of salt.

An exception to this could be an eyewitness account, a diary, or a journal. If an author lived through or witnessed an event, that person gives vital facts.

Diaries, newspaper articles, and journals provide excellent factual sources as well as hinting at the emotions people experienced. Books written during the period, including novels, give authors a sense of being there.

Secondly, research enhances our stories. When an idea first germinates, the author may know the beginning and ending fairly quickly. That murky middle remains a little fuzzy. Try not to fall in love with any aspects of the story until well into the research because something wonderful happens in the imagination while discovering the history.

Fascinating tidbits and little-known facts are uncovered during weeks — and maybe months — of research. Some discoveries will become part of our story. Readers feel like they are learning about history just by reading our novel.

Be cautious about the facts included. Only use details that fit as a natural part of the story. If they don’t work, remember the information for that next novel or article.

Thirdly, research shows how people of the time period lived. For example, how did they cook? What was on the menu? Find period recipe books. Mentioning names of recipes and a little about the preparation fascinate folks who love to cook.

People in the 1830s did not turn up a thermostat to heat their home. Read as many nonfiction books and novels as necessary to understand daily living habits for people of the period and location. Visiting museums local to the setting of your novel give visual clues to inspire the story.

The article photo shows my stack of opened books. Yes, research can be a messy business. (It always is for me!) Learning the historical background and the way people lived greatly enhances the story for our readers, making it well worth the effort.

 

Categories
History in the Making

Three Reasons A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a Classic

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

With Christmas just around the corner, I decided to read Charles Dickens’ famous novel, A Christmas Carol, and discovered at least three reasons why his story is a beloved classic.

The first thing I noticed are the engaging descriptions that bring depth and meaning to the story. He paints vivid pictures of the settings and characters in a way that captures the reader’s imagination.

The many beautiful images made it difficult to choose an example to illustrate this point. One that made me smile was Dickens’ comments about Scrooge’s nephew:

If you should happen, by any unlikely chance, to know a man more blest in a laugh than Scrooge’s nephew, all I can say is, I should like to know him, too. Introduce him to me, and I’ll cultivate his acquaintance.

Simple yet vivid descriptions fill the classic tale.

[bctt tweet=”Three Reasons A #Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a Classic #Author #Writers”]

Dickens also writes about realistic characters. At first glance, Scrooge comes across as a stingy boss who refuses an invitation to a family Christmas dinner and a request to give to the poor. He only grudgingly grants his clerk Christmas Day off.

The writer then tells Scrooge’s back story in a creative way. Ghostly journeys into Christmas Past reveal a boy alone in a boarding school when all his classmates go home for Christmas. The sight touches our hearts.

Dickens also includes timeless truths in his tale of a lonely, unhappy old man. Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit, maintains an optimistic outlook despite his anxiety over his son’s health. Tiny Tim’s faith and courage touches everyone around him. Scrooge’s nephew forgives his uncle for rejecting his family.

The Ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge two imminent deaths if nothing changes — one deeply mourned and one barely noticed.

Dickens’ novel lives on in our hearts. Some reasons for this are his engaging descriptions, realistic characters, and timeless truths. The story vividly reminds us how one life affects another.

Novelists can learn much from reading his story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
History in the Making

Three Things I learned About Writing Dialogue from Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice novel with rose

By Sandra Merville Hart

 

I’ve read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at least a dozen times and loved it every time. As a writer of historical novels, I’ve learned dialogue that thrilled Jane’s readers doesn’t work as well today.

Don’t get me wrong — the conversations between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy still sparkle and shine. Their dialogue tantalizes and intrigues us to read on. Even though we sense the couple will marry in the end, Austen weaves convincing arguments that cause us to wonder just how they will overcome all the obstacles in their way.

Austen wrote romances that live on in our hearts.

Writing dialogue for today’s readers of historic novels isn’t quite the same. At least three things have changed over the years.

The first difference you may notice in reading Pride and Prejudice is the very long paragraphs of dialogue. One person might speak for an entire page without interruption. Such lengthy paragraphs no longer work. Readers of current historic novels will probably be tempted to skim through such passages and miss the gems contained inside. Authors must consider shortening these conversations even though it is authentic to the period.

The second difference in Austen’s classic work is that dialogue often continues for several pages with very little action. Conversation was one of the main pastimes in days gone by. Most people worked long days and looked forward to relaxing with a friend over a cup of coffee or tea, so these visits became natural scenes in their literature. Writers these days must shorten dialogue and include plenty of action to hold our reader’s attention.

Another difference about Austen’s era was the formal language. They spoke more eloquently. They communicated well. We’ve lost a little of this ability because of all the distractions in our lives.[bctt tweet=”Three Things I learned about #Writing #Dialogue from #Author Jane Austen”] Cell phones, televisions, radios, IPods, Internet sites, and YouTube videos didn’t claim the attention of Austen’s audience. Still, authors who want to remain authentic to the period they write in should soften the formality. Contractions are fine. Don’t be afraid to select words that characters from previous eras often used, but make certain the meaning is clear.

What worked for Austen probably won’t tempt our readers to keep turning pages, but they will continue to read her books. After all, her novels are classics.