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How to Write Historical Fiction: A Step-by-Step Guide

As someone who has spent a lot of time researching myths and ancient history for my historical fantasy novels (yes, I know they’re not the same thing), I feel I have a unique kinship to historical fiction. 

But it can also be challenging. There’s a reason I write historical fantasy instead of straight-up historical fiction. 

But in this article, I’ve done my best to show you some of the techniques I use, as well as a lot more I’ve researched that can definitely help you write an amazing historical novel.

• What historical fiction is
• What makes a good historical fiction novel
• Tips for plotting, world-building, etc.
• How to create authentic historical characters

Table of contents

• Common Tropes in Historical Fiction
• What Makes Good Historical Fiction?
• Historical Fantasy
• Alternate History
• Historical Mystery
• Historical Thriller
• Historical Romance
• Nautical Fiction
• Historical Fiction Biographies
• Know Your Subgenre's Expectations
• Get the Broad Strokes Right
• Obscure Details Aren't As Important
• Explain Your Choices in an Author's Note
• Take More Liberties With Unknown Eras
• Step 1: Start With the Setting and the Era
• Step 2: Do Lots and Lots of Research
• Step 3: Mark Down Key Details
• Step 4: Plot the Novel
• Step 5: Remember to Show Both Sides of History
• Step 6: Create Awesome Characters That Fit the Era
• Step 7: Write and Edit Thoroughly
• Use AI for Missing Information
• Balance the Old and New-Sounding Language
• It's Okay to Bend the Timeline a Bit or Make Something Up
• Final Thoughts

So with that in mind, let’s dive in.

What is Historical Fiction?

Historical fiction stories take place in the past, though the timeframe considered “historical” differs. Generally, historical fiction is set at least 50 years in the past, before the author's own lifetime. This transports readers to an era outside of their firsthand experience.

The story is paramount in historical fiction. While accuracy matters, the priority is on crafting an engaging plot and relatable characters. Historical fiction selects interesting snippets from the past and uses them to highlight universal human experiences.

Some common time periods for historical fiction include classical antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Napoleonic era, the Victorian period, the early 20th century, and World War II. But historical fiction can bring any time in history to life!

Certain types of characters and plot devices frequently show up in historical fiction. Here are some of the most common historical fiction tropes:

• The feisty heroine who rebels against societal expectations
• The brooding hero scarred by war or loss
• Love triangles and forbidden romances
• Diaries, letters, and found documents framing the story
• Real historical figures making cameo appearances
• Political intrigue at royal courts or in seats of power
• Gritty descriptions of battles and warfare
• Incorporation of real historical events into the plot
• References to classic literature, philosophy, and art from the time period

These recurring tropes allow readers to be instantly transported to the mood and themes of historical fiction. They serve as shortcuts for signaling the genre and time period. But in weaker stories, they can also become predictable or overused. The best historical fiction writers breathe new life into familiar tropes.

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When writing historical fiction, I keep the following elements in mind to fully immerse readers in the past:

• Immersive historical setting: I carefully research the historical period I'm writing about to create a vivid and accurate setting for my story. I want readers to feel like they're right there in the middle of the action.
• Relatable characters: My characters are complex and relatable, with their own hopes, dreams, and fears. I want readers to care about them and root for them as they face the challenges of their time.
• Drama and high stakes: My stories are full of drama and high stakes. My characters are faced with difficult choices that have real consequences. I want readers to be on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next.
• Historically accurate context: I make sure my stories are historically accurate, both in terms of the setting and the events that take place. I want readers to learn about history as they enjoy my stories.
• Accessible yet elevated prose: My prose is accessible and easy to read, but it's also elevated and engaging. I want readers to be swept away by my stories, but I also want them to learn something about history along the way.

When I brainstorm and craft my own historical fiction, I keep these elements in mind at every stage of the writing and editing process. This helps me craft stories that will fully immerse readers in the past. 

Types of Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is extremely diverse. For one, it varies by historical error, which in itself is a huge list of subgenres.

But most historical fiction novels fall into a few major subgenres. Here are some of the most popular types of historical fiction:

This blend of fantasy and historical fiction incorporates mythological or supernatural elements into a real historical setting. It uses imagined or magical components to explore the past in new ways. Examples include Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke and The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker.

What if historical events had gone differently? Alternate history explores hypothetical timelines, changing key facts about the past and imagining the ramifications. Fatherland by Robert Harris is one of the most famous examples, as is The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick.

Mysteries and detective stories have been set in just about every historical era imaginable. Historical details enrich the plotting and raise the stakes for sleuths trying to solve fictional cases within the confines of the past. The Alienist by Caleb Carr is a standout historical mystery.

These suspenseful tales use historical backdrops to amplify danger for the characters. The stakes are often exceedingly high, with characters caught up in major events and sweeping change. Ken Follett writes some of the best historical thrillers around.

Love stories set in the past allow readers to experience all the swoons and passion of romance while immersed in a bygone era. Settings range from Medieval Scotland to World War II England and beyond. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is perhaps the most famous example.

Sea adventures have an enduring appeal, and nautical historical fiction takes readers aboard ships of the past. Pat O'Malley's Sharpe Books series brings the 18th century Royal Navy to rip-roaring life. There is also plenty of historical fiction about pirates!

Westerns conjure up images of cowboys, gun slingers, pioneers, and life on the 19th century American frontier. Classics like Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry transport readers to the Wild West.

Biographical historical fiction portrays the lives of actual historical figures, staying as accurate as possible while inventing conversations and imagining private moments. Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar does this beautifully for the Roman emperor.

As you can see, historical fiction provides unlimited possibilities for exploring the past through story. Keep these subgenres in mind as you conceptualize your own historical fiction ideas!

Does Historical Fiction Have to be Historically Accurate?

When writing historical fiction, how closely do you need to stick to the facts? Can you take creative license and deviate from what really happened?

This is a question that historical fiction writers grapple with all the time. The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules. Some authors aim to be as accurate as possible, while others are happy inventing freely in service of the story.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you balance historical accuracy with creative license:

If you're writing biographical fiction about Abraham Lincoln, readers will likely expect a high degree of accuracy. But if you're writing a historical fantasy or time travel romance, you'll have more leeway to explore hypothetical scenarios.

While you don't need your fiction to read like a textbook, it should align with the overall historical consensus. The major events, timelines, and historical figures should match up with the facts. Don't contradict well-established history without good reason.

Many readers won't know or care if you're a little anachronistic with small details like clothing styles or dinner menus. But get too many obvious things wrong, and it will undermine the historical immersion.

However, on the flip side, getting a few smaller details right can actually set the mood, and allow readers to suspend their disbelief even more when you DO deviate.

Let readers know upfront when and where your story deviates from the facts. Explain why you made the choices you did to serve the narrative. 

Most readers will appreciate your transparency. Plus, it’s a good way to let the critics know that you didn’t miss those important details, you just deliberately decided against using them.

Fiction set in times we know less about, like ancient Celtic history or the stone age, has more room for creative speculation since the historical record is patchier.

At the end of the day, historical authenticity comes down to plausibility. Your fiction should feel true to the spirit and general atmosphere of the time period you're writing about. Most of your readers will happily suspend disbelief if your historical world feels immersive.

How to Write Historical Fiction

Now that we've covered the basics of the genre, let's dig into the process of actually writing historical fiction . Here's my 7-step guide:

The setting and time period of your book is the most important part of historical fiction. So it’s best to start there.

The setting will shape the rest of the book more than any other element. For example, a woman in WWII-era France will act and behave differently than a woman in 14th-century France. 

So start by figuring out where and when you want to set your novel. Then, before the research phase even begins, start to consume a bunch of media surrounding that era, both fiction and nonfiction.

I like to start by watching a lot of fictional movies and TV shows set in that era, along with a few documentaries. It’s a good way to get primed for the next step…

Once you've chosen a general era, the real research begins. Start wide by reading general history books about the time and place. Get a list of the major events, figures, cultural trends, and technological innovations you'll want to reference.

Then get more specific. Look for resources related to your characters' genders, classes, occupations, religions, ethnicities, and any other identities that will shape their perspectives. Seek out first-person sources like journals, letters, and artifacts that reveal what life was like back then.

Immerse yourself in the language of the time by reading literature, plays, newspapers, and speeches written during the period. Note unfamiliar words and style conventions you might mimic in your own prose and dialogue.

If possible, visit museums and historical sites to experience artifacts and places connected to your story. Handling objects from the past and walking in your characters' footsteps brings priceless insight.

You likely won't use more than 10% of your research in the actual writing. But letting your imagination soak in the sights, sounds, and details of the era will infuse your fiction with authentic spirit that readers will feel.

As you explore both primary and secondary sources, note down the specific details that grab you:

• Fascinating traditions, social conventions, or fashion trends
• Innovations and technologies specific to the era
• Notable events, battles, or political movements
• Interesting figures who make cameo appearances
• Delicious descriptions of meals or architecture

These vivid details will spice up your writing. Sprinkle them in strategically to delight readers with the essence of the era. Just don't info dump or force them in clumsily.

Now it's time to synthesize your research into a compelling plot. Brainstorm story ideas that allow you to showcase the fascinating slice of history you want to bring to life.

Develop a cast of fictional characters , making sure they fit plausibly within the constraints and opportunities of the historical setting you've chosen. Give them goals, conflicts, and motivations influenced by the time period they inhabit.

Map out a plot trajectory that intersects with major events of the era or uses them as turning points. Decide how closely you want to adhere to the historical timeline versus taking creative license.

I like to outline so I can visualize the cause-and-effect of events and make sure the pacing feels right. But do what works for your writing process.

One pitfall of historical fiction is depicting the past through an overly romanticized lens. The presentism of modern values often makes us view previous eras as simpler or more idyllic.

Resist glamorizing the past. Show the full spectrum of experiences, including the ugly parts of history many people choose to forget. 

Remember that history is written by the victors. So try to show the other side that we don’t necessarily consider these days.

Tell well-rounded stories that don't shy away from challenging themes. Seek out voices and perspectives that were marginalized or excluded from the official historical record. Find the untold stories of those who have been overlooked.

The key to immersive historical fiction is populating your stories with characters readers connect with. Develop nuanced players who feel like real people despite being products of another time.

Give each character a distinct voice stylized to the cadence and diction of their era. Build cultural attitudes and constraints organically into their worldviews. Ensure their choices and conflicts align with the social mores they inhabit.

Beware of projecting modern sensibilities onto characters from less progressive eras. But also don't feel boxed in by history. Look for ways to develop complex, multi-faceted characters who subvert stereotypes.

Just like any fiction, your historical writing needs crisp prose on the sentence level. But it also requires you to meticulously construct an authentic backdrop that feels seamlessly woven into the story.

Pull description double-duty, using setting details to establish time and place. Use era-appropriate metaphors, idioms, and slang in narration and dialogue. Root your characters in specific locations, occupations, classes, fashions, religions, politics, and technologies.

On later drafts, check for any blips of modern language or customs that break the historical spell. Keep referring back to your research materials even in the final polishing phase.

Thorough editing will catch any inaccuracies and ensure historical components are integrated smoothly rather than feeling shoehorned in.

Beyond the major steps above, here are some other tips for crafting incredible historical fiction:

No matter how extensive your research, you'll likely still have questions that arise during the writing process. Little details like what the inside of a 1940s taxi looked like or how Victorian children entertained themselves on rainy days.

This is where AI comes in handy! You can ask an AI assistant to fill in missing details based on the era and location of your story. Just be sure to verify any important facts it provides, if possible.

The most transportive historical fiction incorporates vocabulary and syntax appropriate for the time period. But you need a balance that still feels readable today.

Use completely era-accurate dialogue only for very short snippets, like quotes from diaries or news headlines. In all other dialogue and narration, blend historical words and sentence structures sparingly into mostly modern language.

Aim to give readers a flavor of the speech patterns without slowing the story's pace or making it a chore to read.

Don't let rigid accuracy derail your storytelling. The point of historical fiction is bringing the essence of an era to life through narrative, not creating a flawless replica of events.

If fudging dates or adding imagined details makes your plot flow better, go for it. Just try to preserve the overall context and spirit of the time. Use an author's note to explain your approach if needed.

In the end, vivid characters and compelling drama should take precedence over historical precision. Find creative ways to truthfully capture the past while still surprising readers. After all, you're writing fiction!

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Writing historical fiction is a delicate dance between accuracy and imagination. But the research required pays off in stories that truly transport readers to bygone eras.

By following the steps and tips in this article, you'll gain the knowledge and tools needed to start your own journey into historical fiction. Just remember to let the creative process take the lead once your research foundation is laid.

Immerse yourself in lively settings and characters. Capture the attitudes, worldviews, challenges, and triumphs of the past through the lens of engaging fiction. Historical details should complement your plot and themes, not override them.

Stay flexible, have fun wandering down research rabbit holes, and don't worry about getting every tiny detail right. If you maintain historical plausibility while crafting page-turning drama, your readers will eagerly lose themselves in the vivid historical world you create!

Jason Hamilton

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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How to Write Historical Fiction: 10 Steps to Writing a Great Story

Krystal N. Craiker

You don’t need a history degree to write historical fiction —you just need to love history.

But many writers find writing historical fiction intimidating. Although it requires more research than most other genres, it doesn’t have to be any harder than writing anything else.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write historical fiction, you’re in the right place. Here are ten steps you can take to become a historical fiction writer.

What Makes a Good Historical Fiction Novel?

How important is historical accuracy in a historical novel, 10 steps to writing historical fiction, final thoughts on how to write historical fiction.

Historical fiction readers love this genre because it’s a perfect balance of realism and escapism. Historical fiction is grounded in real events and time periods, but it’s more engaging than reading a history book on the subject.

A great historical fiction book brings history to life. But it does more than focus on the events. Rather, historical fiction transports readers through time, connecting them on a human level with people of the past.

When you’re studying history in school, it’s easy to forget that the past was full of real people who did very human things and had very human struggles.

Good historical fiction writers humanize the past, immersing their readers in a world that feels new and familiar at the same time. Historical fiction reminds us we’re not so different from other people after all.

Historical accuracy is a controversial subject among historical fiction writers. But the truth is, you will have readers who don’t care much about accuracy and readers who will hyper-fixate on an obscure detail you got wrong. So, keep in mind that you can’t please everyone.

Historical fiction ranges in accuracy. There are books like Wolf Hall with real people and events that are as accurate as possible. And some writers prefer to only fill in the gaps of what research can’t tell us, like The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are historical fiction books that are only loosely inspired by history. These books may occur at a specific time, but accuracy about details isn’t the author’s primary goal. Regency romance like Julia Quinn’s books are great examples of this.

And of course, there are eras in history that we know little about. Jean M. Auel’s The Clan of the Cave Bear focuses on interactions between Neanderthals and early modern humans. We know very little about their culture and customs.

The level of historical accuracy in your novel is up to you. In general, it’s a good idea to keep a broad sense of the era accurate. But you can choose to overlook smaller details.

For example, in my upcoming pirate novel, my timeline for major events, as well as travel time between locations, is very accurate.

But ships with steering wheels instead of tillers didn’t become mainstream until a couple of decades later. That didn’t fit with the pirate aesthetic I wanted, and most historical romance readers aren’t maritime historians, so my ships have the traditional wheel.

If you worry about getting emails citing all your errors, consider adding an author’s note that explains your choices in the back of your book.

Writing historical fiction can feel overwhelming at first. But these ten steps on how to write historical fiction will help break the process down.

1) Pick a Story Premise and an Era

Chances are you’re reading this article because you already have an idea for a historical fiction novel. Perhaps you have a favorite historical era or event you want to explore.

But if not, spend some time thinking about what you love about history. What excites you? What do you wish you knew more about?

Once you’ve decided on a premise and an era, it’s useful to pick an actual year. This will help you narrow your research and build your setting with external conflicts and events.

For example, if you’re writing a WWII novel, decide if you’re setting the story before or after D-Day. This will affect your story’s narrative.

2) Research the Basic Historical Context

Now you have to become a semi-expert in your era. This will require some in-depth research, but it’s hard to know where to start.

I once heard a historical fiction writer say she starts by getting an overview of the time period from the children’s section of the library. Then she can formulate research questions to go into great depth. Crash course videos are another great starting point.

I like to use a strategy that AP history teachers use with grade school students. Break down a time period and location by using the acronym PERSIA to take notes.

The acronym PERSIA stands for political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, arts . Social refers to social structure and social norms. Intellectual deals with major achievements.

A simpler form is PEGS , which is political, economic, geographic, social . Use these categories as an outline for your research.

Using one of these formats can help guide your research and organize the information you learn.

To go into greater depth, look into books, podcasts, documentaries, journals, and primary sources. Consider reaching out to a research librarian to help you find information. They’re professional researchers and can save you time and frustration.

3) Keep a List of Interesting Historical Details

As you research, your creativity will kick into overdrive. You may stumble upon one line in a book that fascinates you and will fit your story well.

These may be obscure details that aren’t important in the grand scheme of history. But these historical tidbits bring your story to life.

Keep a list of these little facts, along with a citation of where you found them. You may weave them into your story later.

4) Take Great Notes

There is nothing more frustrating than jotting down a historical fact to use later, only to never find the information again. I speak from personal experience.

When you take notes, add enough details to give you context. Then, add a citation to find it later. You don’t have to be picky about using a style guide. Just make a note of the book and page number, website, or episode where you learned the fact.

Find a note-taking system that works for you. Many people use a database app or spreadsheet to keep track of notes. Some people use folders and notes within their novel-writing software.

I like to use a project management board like Trello. I can keep track of all my information, take quick notes on my phone, and easily categorize my research.

5) Plot Your Novel

Not every writer is a “planner.” But with historical fiction, there are so many pieces to keep track of that some degree of plotting is necessary.

You must keep a real historical timeline of events, pick the historical details you want to include, plus you have to create a plot with conflict and character arcs.

There are many plotting formats you can use, such as the Snowflake Method, the Story Circle, or Save the Cat! beat sheets. Or you can create your own system.

If you’re more of a “pantser,” create a basic outline. Remember, nothing is set in stone when you plot. Your outline is a living document, and your characters may decide your story needs to go another direction.

But having a rough outline will help you keep all research and plot points together in a way that makes writing easier.

6) Keep Diversity in Mind

You know the phrase, “History is written by the victors?”

We often get a one-sided view of history, particularly that of the group that held the most power. But there’s more to history than you learned in school.

Women have always had agency in their lives, even if they are largely erased from the historical record. Queer people have always existed, but they didn’t have the vocabulary we have now for their diversity.

People of color are also not a monolithic group. Be careful not to erase the stories of marginalized people, but do so sensitively. Avoid harmful stereotypes and caricatures.

Research these groups of people during your era. Often, this information lies in scholarly journals. A librarian can help you get access to many of these.

We recommend hiring sensitive readers with experience in historical fiction to help you portray characters different from you with respect. ProWritingAid will also flag some potentially harmful language with our inclusive language report. You’ll see these improvements alongside your style suggestions in the tool.

7) Craft Engaging Characters

This step is true for any type of fiction. But it can be extra fun when writing historical fiction.

Characters make a story. Readers keep turning the page because they’re invested in your characters.

Consider what makes your characters stand out. Find interesting vocations from the era. Make your characters’ motivations match their time period.

This is also a great time to play with social norms. Do your historical characters break any societal standards? What are their pastimes?

Small quirks and historical details will also make your characters memorable. Does your heroine always forget her bonnet? Do your characters bond over a writer or philosopher of the time?

8) Create a System for Missing Information

Just when you think you’ve researched everything you need to know, you’ll run into questions while writing. These are usually minor details, like fabric types or when something was invented.

It’s easy to fall down a research rabbit hole when you run into these problems. You’ll think it’s simple to find the answer, only to spend several hours looking up when shoelaces were invented.

I spent at least fifteen hours over several weeks trying to find a visual of historic bilge pumps on ships so I could describe it. It culminated in me reading an entire book about bilge pump technology at 2 a.m., which still didn’t have a good diagram!

You will never finish writing your novel if you do this too often. So, you can create a note system to fill in the gaps on your first round of revisions. I like to add “LOOK THIS UP” in all caps. Other writers prefer to use brackets or comments on their document.

You’ll often find that you learn the answer later, or you may not need the information at all.

When you do need to fill in the missing information, you can now separate your research time from your writing time. Give yourself dedicated time to look up information that doesn’t take away from the time you spend writing.

9) Find a Balance of Old and New Language

Language changes over time, and your historical characters likely spoke quite differently from how we speak today.

You want to show the time period through dialogue, but you also run the risk of alienating readers if it’s too hard to read.

The balance of old and new language patterns is up to you. It will depend on your sub-genre, your comparison titles, and your own knowledge of historic speaking patterns.

It’s a good idea to use modern language in narration. Then choose some words or phrases to work into dialogue to enhance the historic setting.

10) Edit, Edit, and Edit Some More

Once you have your completed draft, put it away and celebrate. Give yourself a couple of weeks before you come back to edit. This ensures you’re looking at your manuscript with fresh eyes.

Historical fiction will take several rounds of edits. In your first pass, you’ll fill in those missing details and perhaps elaborate on certain scenes.

You’ll do developmental edits for plot holes, pacing issues, character development, and more. Then you’ll work at a chapter and scene level.

Finally, you’ll do line edits, cleaning up your prose and making sure every word is perfect.

ProWritingAid can help. We can offer pacing feedback and line edits on your manuscript. You can set your document type to Historical Fiction to get personalized feedback about how well your writing matches genre expectations. It’s a great feature that can save you time during your editing process.

While it may require more research than other genres, historical fiction is a fun genre to write. It doesn’t have to be any harder than writing anything else.

If you maintain a solid system for your research, plotting, and writing, you can write an amazing historical novel that readers will love.

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

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6 Principles for Writing Historical Fiction

Today’s post is by Andrew Noakes ( @andrew_noakes ), executive editor of The History Quill .

Let’s face it: historical fiction can be a daunting genre to write in. Endlessly fascinating and rewarding, yes. But still daunting.

If you’re diving into this genre for the first time and feeling a little overwhelmed, or if you’re already a historical fiction writer and looking for some guidance to help restore your sanity, then help is on the way. I’ve put together six concrete tips for historical fiction writers—the dos and don’ts of writing historical fiction.

1. Establish your own set of rules for when to bend history for the sake of the story—and stick to them.

There are as many opinions on how accurate historical fiction should be as there are historical fiction authors, and they vary widely between those who consider accuracy an optional bonus and those who can be, well, a little bit pedantic. Historical fiction writers tend to get anxious about the possibility of censure if they bend the historical record a little, which is both understandable and healthy, but ultimately you have to tell a good story, and you can’t please everyone.

Rather than worrying about never, ever deviating from history, I advise establishing your own set of rules for when to bend history or not. That way, you’ll be able to make fair and consistent decisions and achieve the kind of balance most readers are looking for. Here are some tips that might help:

• There is a difference between altering verifiable facts and filling in the gaps. History is full of mysteries, unanswered questions, and gaps in the record. If what really happened can’t be verified, you have much more freedom to play around with history.
• History is open to interpretation. As long as you can back up your interpretation through your research, it’s fine to contradict conventional wisdom.
• Plausibility matters. If you want to bend the historical record, your changes should be plausible. For example, if you want a historical figure to arrive somewhere a few days earlier than they really did, they shouldn’t have been, say, imprisoned or incapacitated at the time.
• If a historical figure isn’t well known and not a lot has been written about them, you have more room for maneuver than you do if their life has been exhaustively documented. But, if you’re going to make something up, make sure it’s consistent with what you otherwise know about the character, including how they behaved, their interests, and what their values were.

If you’re looking for more tips on historical accuracy, do check out The History Quill’s free, official guide to accuracy and authenticity in historical fiction.

2. Do plenty of research—but know what to include and what not to include in your novel.

Research is one of the very first steps on your journey to becoming a historical fiction author. Here’s a safety warning: you’re about to dive down a whole load of research rabbit holes. From ancient cutlery to medieval agricultural techniques, there is a lot of stuff historical fiction writers need to know about. Secondary sources are your starting point, but primary sources, particularly letters, newspaper reports, and diaries are also vital.

Don’t be afraid to push the boat out and visit some archives, and, for that matter, do go and visit historical sites relevant to your story if you can. If you want to get really immersed, you can read the fiction of your period, cook the food, or even try and find authentic recreations (or possibly recordings, depending on the era) of the music.

Here’s the thing, though: you’re going to do all of this research, and then you need to discard 95 percent of it. Don’t actually delete your notes, obviously. What I mean is, only a very small fraction of your research should actually make it into your book. The sum total of your research will make the world you create feel real and authentic, and you need to deploy little details carefully and selectively to immerse the reader, but don’t be tempted to show off and dump everything you’ve learned onto the page. Otherwise you’ll end up with a dry tome of a history book, not an engaging historical novel.

3. Include characters who break the conventions and norms of their period—but don’t forget to include context.

History is replete with exceptions—people who ignored or rejected social conventions , overcame entrenched political and economic barriers , or challenged the prevailing wisdom of their time . One could argue it would be inaccurate not to include people like this in your historical novel. If every single one of your characters perfectly encapsulates the prevailing culture of their time, then you lose the change, difference, and non-conformity that have always been just as much a part of history.

Most of the trouble with depicting non-conformist characters comes when their non-conformity is represented as normal rather than exceptional. To persuade the reader that your anomalies are authentic, you must provide context. That means showing the obstacles, conflict, and ostracization your characters face. By doing this, you’re implicitly recognizing that they are unusual for their time, while persuading the reader they are nonetheless as real as any other part of the story.

4. Don’t write like you’re in the 14th century.

One of the ironies of writing historical fiction is that, in many cases, your dialogue should actually not be historically accurate. If you’re wondering why I would say such a profane thing, this is the reason:

Aleyn spak first, “Al hayl, Symond, y-fayth; How fares thy faire doghter and thy wyf?” “Aleyn! welcome,” quod Symond, “by my lyf, And John also, how now, what do ye heer?”

These lines are from The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer, written in the late 14 th century, and I often use them to remind people just how different the language was back then. If you have your characters speaking to each other like this, most readers will put your book down in five seconds flat.

At the same time, historical fiction readers often really hate it when modern-day language creeps into historical fiction, which leaves us caught between a rock and a hard place.

The answer to this conundrum lies in a literary sleight of hand. We must create the impression of accuracy while ensuring the language remains readable and enjoyable. To do this, writers have to avoid modern colloquialisms and keep most of the language neutral, using words that, in some form or another, feel equally at home in history as they do in the modern day. Then you must add some more archaic words and constructions into the mix—not so much as to overwhelm the reader, but just enough that the story feels of a different time. The type of archaic language you select is important here—they have to be words and phrases that are still recognizable, even if they are no longer commonly used. This is an intricate task, but it can also be a fun and rewarding one once you get into the rhythm.

Historical language obviously becomes less alien the closer you get to the modern day, but even 19 th century language was sufficiently different that it must be tempered for a modern reader to some degree.

5. Integrate the history seamlessly into the story.

In A Tale of Two Cities , Charles Dickens portrays a French aristocrat in his carriage running over a child on the street, before tossing a coin to the devastated father and driving off. The scene perfectly encapsulates the sentiments and forces that generated the French Revolution.

When it comes to striking a balance between history and story, this scene shows us the way. The cold indifference of the aristocratic class, the inequality not only in wealth but in the application of justice, and the debasement of the common person’s humanity all live and breathe in these lines. And yet the scene does not impassively summarise the causes of the French Revolution. Instead, the history is integrated into the story, and Dickens dishes out a history lesson without us even realizing it.

Dedicating large chunks of your story to outlining historical context through exposition or focusing on historical details purely for their own sake will quickly test your reader’s patience. Instead, follow Dickens’ lead and think about how you can illustrate history rather than exhaustively describing it, and try and integrate the smaller details organically. That means not sending your character off to a banquet purely so you can show off all the historical cuisine you researched or into an armory just so you can list all the weapons. Details like this have to fit naturally around the plot, not the other way around.

6. Don’t insist on accuracy if it will cause disbelief (but here’s a workaround if you really must).

A paradox of writing historical fiction is that sometimes accuracy must be sacrificed for the sake of authenticity. When you come across something that really happened in history but is just too ludicrous for the modern day reader to believe, often it’s better to leave it out. Like it or not, the impression of accuracy matters more than actual accuracy if you want to tell a story that will be well received.

If there’s some facet of history that you simply must include in your story but you’re concerned the reader won’t believe you, there is one way to gently disarm them: introduce their scepticism into the story. Depict at least one character finding it just as unbelievable as you think the reader might, and then depict another character putting them right. This is a subliminal nudge to the reader acknowledging their scepticism and reassuring them that, yes, this really was a thing. In a pinch, this can work.

So, those are my dos and don’ts of writing historical fiction. If you’re thinking about giving the genre a try or you’ve already started and feel like you’re out of your depth, I hope this guidance will help you move forward with confidence. No one with any sense ever said writing is easy, and historical fiction can be a trickier genre to master than some, but it’s worth every bit of perseverance.

Andrew Noakes is the founder and executive editor of The History Quill , which aims to provide support to historical fiction writers at every stage of the writing process, including through editing, coaching, and book promotion via their book club . A graduate of Cambridge University, where he studied history, he spent nearly a decade working in the world of politics and international affairs before happily giving it up to pursue his real passion: historical fiction.

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Andrew, This is really helpful. As an established nonfiction author working on my first historical fiction, I find myself grappling with each of the six things you mention. Your suggestions make me feel like I am doing things right. However, number 6 is hard in my case, because I am dealing with bringing to light precisely those things that the modern reader finds hard to believe about peasant life in Western Europe during the 11th-13th centuries, such as the common ban on milling flour and baking bread.

I chose to deal with this by interjecting my voice as narrator occasionally throughout the text, when things are confusing. In this sense, the book is an extended storytelling conversation between me and the reader. I wasn’t sure how this would be received, but 12 beta readers have almost unanimously loved it. I’m not sure how common this kind of narrative voice is.

Hi Samuel! That sounds fantastic. The most important thing is that your beta readers are happy. If they’re a good sample of your eventual target audience, that means you’re doing well. It’s common for an omniscient narrator to have their own distinctive voice and to pass comment on the events of the story. Less so for a third person limited narrator. I assume you’re not writing in first person as that would make it difficult to introduce a different narrative voice.

All of these are really good tips, speaking as an unrepentant historical novelist, specialising in the Elizabethan era (10th book of a series under the pen name P F Chisholm coming out next year). My recommendation would be to do plenty of general research and then write the first draft of the book. There will be large lumps where you simply don’t know enough and have to make it up – so you research those bits specifically, standing ready to rewrite the whole thing if necessary. And please, please, please make sure that your characters don’t commit the infuriating crime of psychological anachronism.

Excellent article. I am currently working on my fourth novel, third historical. Thanks.

[…] Andrew Noakes: 6 Principles for Writing Historical Fiction […]

Gratefuly to Fussy Librarian for sharing your post. I find myself agreeing with you point by point, especially about language. (Hurries off to subscribe to the Quill and the club.)

Great advice as usual, Andrew! The bit about doing all that lovely research and then discarding 95% of it is painfully close to home! 🙂 Thanks for sharing such in-depth insight. Sometimes it’s handy to read these things to remind us we’re on track.

This is excellent: thank you.

In my Western novel’s front matter I included a page noting that many events in the story are hysterically accurate (as far as possible), though relocated a few years in time.

Thank you, particularly the comments on archaic language and constructions. I often wrestle with the use of 18th century idioms.

Great guidelines! As a stickler for historical accuracy (yes, I’m one of those pedants–but I try to do it gently), I appreciate the support for facts … and the elegant ways in which to justify bending them. I like the gaps in history and the odd (to us) ways of believing. So many veins to mine–after doing thorough research, of course.

[…] Noakes enumerates 6 guidelines for writing historical fiction, and David James Poissant ponders how to write a timely novel in a world that won’t stop […]

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A Guide to Writing Historical Fiction

Historical fiction isn't for the weak.

The frail, the vulnerable, and those not willing to roll up their sleeves need not apply.

But, if you're up for a literary challenge and have a love of history, this genre may be the right option for you. Set at least 50 years in the past, historical fiction requires you to transport readers to another time and place— somewhere that they may not be familiar with firsthand. If you take on this challenge, you must be willing to balance historical accuracy with entertainment. This is definitely not easy to do.

If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with an encyclopedia entry and no heart, or a cast of characters that are out of sync with their historical setting.

Here’s how to write a historical fiction story without losing your mind.

Start By Reading

Before you start your first draft, before you outline, and before you even think too closely about the story you’re going to write— read. Read books in the historical fiction genre. These books will help you get a feel for what your readers expect when they open your book.

Sure, you’ve probably read historical fiction before. But have you read it from an author’s perspective? In other words, instead of getting immersed in the story as a reader, try to look at it from a critical eye. Question why the author chose those specific scenes, characters, and motivations. Take specific note of if, how, and when the author introduces dialogue. Also, pay attention to the descriptions of setting and how the characters interact naturally in their environment. This will help you as you start planning your own novel.

Here are 25 historical fiction novels to consider reading before you write your own. Subscribe to receive this extra resource.

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FOCUS ON THE STORY

As an author, you may be in love with a specific time and place. However, don’t let the time period overshadow the story.

While time and place can serve as your muse, don’t forget to focus on the characters who create the story. Your characters are at the heart of your story, and it’s through your characters that your readers will experience the time and place in your novel.

Also, remember that historical fiction doesn’t always involve a real person. You can create characters that are period appropriate and also fabricated from your imagination. More important than being true to a factual historical figure is being true to the time and place.

CHOOSE A SPECIFIC TIME PERIOD

When choosing a time period for your historical fiction novel, get specific. Resist the urge to set your novel in “the 20th century.” Think about it. What exactly does that mean? For example, if you contrast the 1950s to the 1990s (which is only 40 years apart and in the same century), you have two different customs and cultures. If your time period is too broad, you can muddle your story unintentionally.

Instead, choose a decade instead of a century. This allows you to focus in on a smaller section of time for the most accurate details.

CHOOSE A SPECIFIC PLACE

In addition to narrowing your time period, you need to also zoom in to a specific place.

Here’s an exercise. What do you think when you picture “America”?

Now, what do you think when you picture “Montana”?

America is culturally diverse, bringing together multiple ways of life, traditions, and social norms. You may see a quick-moving slideshow of multiple images from New York to L.A., and random places in between.

But narrowing the setting to Montana calls a very specific culture and place to mind. Perhaps, you think rugged, wild, cowboys, big country, and bears. You know, the stuff of Ford trucks and Marlboro ads. But when you think of a setting as vast as “America,” you probably don’t think of bears first.

This is exactly why it’s important for you to choose a specific place for your historical fiction novel. Otherwise, your mind will be racing with setting descriptions and ideas that may not describe what your character would realistically see out their window.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Research is important for every novel, but it’s an essential step for a historical fiction novel. You simply cannot write a historical fiction novel without researching first.

Here’s why: Historical accuracy is a big reason why readers are drawn to this genre. Your readers want to be transported into a very specific time and place. And believe you me, they’ll call you on it if you get details wrong.

Research everything from names to dress to language to socially acceptable behavior. One of my favorite tips is to read novels and other books written during the same time period that your story takes place. This will help you get a feel for the common language, thought, and social graces.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SMALL DETAILS

The devil is in the details. As I mentioned above, your readers want to get lost in the time period. If your details are off, you’ll lose them.

You can use small details to accurately capture the mood of the time period. Something as small as the type of hat a man wears or the way they say goodnight can add authenticity and richness to your story. This is why research is so vital.

WEAVE REAL EVENTS INTO THE PLOT

Whether your story is entirely fictional or not, you need to weave real events into your plot. They anchor your story and turn it into historical fiction, and not just fantasy or literary fiction. A historical fiction story needs to take place in an accurate historical setting.

When researching for your novel, find milestone events that would naturally affect and shape the characters in your story. Even if your story takes place in 1950, your characters would still be affected by World War II which occurred five years earlier. It’s your job to acknowledge (and research) those landmark events that would be fresh in your characters’ minds.

VISIT THE LOCATION

When researching your historical fiction novel, take a trip to the location of the events. I know this isn’t always possible, but if you can travel, do.

Visiting the setting of your novel can give you a sense of space. Even if the area is now modernized, you may still be able to see glimpses of the past, especially if your novel is set in the recent past.

However, if traveling to a distant locale isn’t in the budget, consider visiting a museum. Most museums, especially those in bigger cities, have an extensive collection of historical pieces from near and far, such as dresses, furniture, letters, and, of course, art.

And if you don’t have access to the right museum for your needs, take the hunt online.

DON'T INSERT YOUR 21ST CENTURY SENSIBILITIES

Be careful not to write contemporary characters and thoughts into a historical novel. It’s so easy to transfer your mindset and cultural attitudes to the characters in your story. But, your characters don’t know anything about the Internet or Popeye’s chicken. They may not even know what germs are. Perhaps, they’re still grappling with ideas like a woman’s right to vote.

They certainly don’t see things in the same way that you do, even the most basic of things, such as romantic love or self-identity in one’s society. Take this as an opportunity to contrast your character’s culture against our current culture. Find the universal, human truths that remain relevant across all time periods.

Final Thoughts

Writing a historical fiction novel will require research and a shift in thinking. You can’t simply write a contemporary character into a historical setting and call it a historical fiction novel. You need to craft characters, settings, and details that are authentic to the period.

Before you go, check out these related posts:

• Do This Before Writing Your Next Novel
• 100 Tips to Help You Become a Better Author
• How to Find the Inspiration and Motivation to Write Your Next Book

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