While it is not necessary or always possible for authors to travel to their settings in historical fiction, I know how much a visit can enhance the realism and add perspective to any story. In writing a series set in Moorish Spain, each trip to Granada’s Alhambra has increased my… Read More »Historical Fiction: On Location by Lisa Yarde
After many years writing feature articles for national publications such as The New York Times, The L.A. Times, and Wired, as well as several nonfiction books for Penguin, Random House, and other publishers, a few years ago I plunged into writing my first novel. I hope it’s as fun to read as… Read More »How a Boy from Queens Ended Up Writing a Historical Novel About Detroit by Warren Berger
Since I write mysteries, people die and my sleuth, Leadville saloon-owner Inez Stannert, must ferret out the criminal and the crime. This latest book in my series takes Inez to Manitou Springs, a fast-rising health resort and tourist destination, where there was a whole lotta dying going on, not all… Read More »Eat Well and Thrive…or Not by Ann Parker
A novel with main characters based on historical figures presents a set of challenges to authors. History gives the principals who influenced and affected the course of events, but propaganda and poor record-keeping can alter impressions. Research provides information about particular incidents in the lives of historical figures. Yet, biases… Read More »The challenge of “true” historical fiction by Lisa Yarde
Last week, Sarah Woodbury wrote a post about setting her newest Gareth and Gwen Medieval mystery, Fallen Princess, during the Celtic celebration of what is now known as Halloween. Coincidentally, I’d written a similar post last year about setting a scene of Uneasy Spirits, my second San Francisco Victorian mystery,… Read More »Victorian Valentines by M. Louisa Locke