When it comes to researching a historical novel, thoroughness and accuracy are key. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, conducting proper research will not only enhance the authenticity of your story but also captivate your readers. In this article, we will outline a step-by-step guide on how to effectively research a historical novel. 1. Choose the Era: Begin by identifying the specific historical era you plan to depict in your novel. It could be the medieval period, the Victorian era, or any other time of significance. Narrowing down the time frame will streamline your research and help you focus on the essential elements. 2. Read Widely: Go beyond general history textbooks and delve into extensive reading about the chosen era. Look for non-fiction books written by reputable historians, academic journals, and scholarly articles. This will give you a strong foundation and a comprehensive understanding of the historical context. 3. Immerse in Fiction: Reading historical fiction novels set in your chosen era can provide valuable insights into the culture, daily life, and societal norms of that time. Look for acclaimed works by authors such as Philippa Gregory for Tudor-era fiction, Ken Follett for medieval stories, or Hilary Mantel for the Tudor period. 4. Primary Sources: Digging into primary sources is essential for authenticity. These sources include diaries, letters, newspapers, official records, and artifacts from the time period. Many of these sources are now digitized and available online through libraries, archives, and museum websites. 5. Visit Museums and Historical Sites: To get a real sense of the era you are researching, consider visiting museums and historical sites. They often provide immersive exhibits, expert-guided tours, and access to valuable artifacts. This firsthand experience can help you vividly describe settings and enhance the accuracy of your storytelling. 6. Connect with Experts: Reach out to historians, professors, and experts specializing in the era you are researching. Many are open to helping writers and can provide invaluable insights or recommend additional resources. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to historical fiction writing are excellent platforms to connect with experts and like-minded individuals. 7. Online Resources: The internet is a treasure trove of information. Use search engines effectively by utilizing specific keywords related to your research. Look for academic websites, online databases, and reputable historical blogs. Some reliable resources include JSTOR, Project Gutenberg, and Google Books. 8. Engage in Historical Communities: Join online forums and communities dedicated to historical fiction. Connect with fellow writers, share research tips, and discuss historical accuracy. Platforms like Goodreads, Historical Novel Society, and Reddit's r/historicalfiction are excellent places to engage with others in the genre. 9. Document your Research: Throughout your research journey, maintain detailed notes and citations. This will help you stay organized and provide a reference when needed. Consider using software like EndNote or Zotero to manage your sources efficiently. 10. Strike a Balance: While research is crucial, remember that you are writing fiction. Meticulous historical accuracy should not overshadow the storytelling and characterization. Aim for a balance between factual accuracy and the creative liberties needed to engage readers and bring your story to life. By following these steps, you can effectively research your historical novel and create a compelling narrative that will transport readers back in time. Remember, the more effort you put into research, the more immersive and authentic your story will become. Happy writing!
"The Phoenix's Song Through the Ages" is published by New Moon Publishing in Taiwan, and it is also available for purchase at the Taobao Orange Novel Bookstore under the new title "Thief Star Noble Wife". This is a shameless love story between Ji Qianqiu, a contemporary outstanding female thief, and Han Ziji, the Emperor of Da Jin. Ji Qianqiu is a righteous and courageous thief who stands up for justice, while Han Ziji is an ambitious emperor who desires to rule the world. Despite being two completely different individuals, one from the underworld and the other from the heavens, they unexpectedly encounter the meddling of the Matchmaker, resulting in the entanglement of their fates. The small-time
34.99 Million words | 2021-09-26 02:03Update
Special forces soldier Lin Yiqing completed his mission and returned to the helicopter. However, he was struck by a ball of lightning and lost consciousness. When he woke up, he found himself in a parallel timeline, in an unfamiliar dynasty called the Qian Dynasty. This dynasty, once prosperous, had now declined and was on the verge of a tumultuous change. It had just made contact with Western industrial civilization and was facing internal and external troubles. In order to realize his dream of a strong nation, Lin Yiqing resolutely led this ancient country forward, and created a glorious era of his own.
46.27 Million words | 2023-05-30 20:41Update
Traversing the Naruto world, becoming Uchiha Madara, in order to prevent a future of being exploited and a tragic fate, Uchiha Madara embarked on a path of defying destiny from the moment of his arrival... Hashirama: Madara, how do you have my Wood Style? Black Zetsu: Don't play around with me like this. If you're going to speak, speak honestly and bare your heart. Great Toad Sage: The ninja's mission has been completely altered! Six Paths Sage: Hm? Madara, what's going on? You're even stronger than me! Kaguya Otsutsuki: Who is he? Why does he possess powers far surpassing mine? Uchiha Madara: I am Uchiha Madara! Defying destiny!
394.58 Million words | 2020-11-07 04:41Update
She was his queen, yet he hated her to the core. His dark eyes filled with malice, he cruelly broke her bones and abandoned her, going to the palace of his sister, where she was met with endless torment and trampling. Her sister, a master of deception, joined forces with the palace concubines to continuously plot against her, with his active participation, ruthlessly ravaging her body and soul. The unbearable pain of losing their unborn child eventually compelled her to leave decisively! He thought that what was missed was just a moment, but as he looked back in haste, he realized that what was missed was a lifetime. (This story is tragically cruel, please have some tissues ready.)
173.97 Million words | 2020-08-08 10:58Update
When Wei Yu was reborn as Wei Zhongdao in the Three Kingdoms era, his first thought was to live a comfortable life with his wealthy and influential identity. However, living in the turbulent times of the late Eastern Han dynasty, he found it difficult to fulfill his desires. Forced by life, he embarked on the path of a strategist. From the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the campaign against Dong Zhuo, from the Battle of Jieqiao to the Battle of Guandu, from the Battle of Red Cliffs to the Battle of Yiling, he strived to become a competent advisor. He established academies, educated the masses, defied the constraints of noble families, controlled intelligence agencies, traveled overseas, developed the Eastern Liaodong region, and fought against foreign tribes. His figure appeared in every significant event. Wei Zhongdao asked the author, "When will Cai Meimei treat me better?" The author replied, "That depends on whether the readers are supportive enough!"
581.67 Million words | 2020-07-08 18:54Update
Jian is wicked and Xiong is mighty. In times of order, one becomes a villain; in times of chaos, one becomes a hero. In the face of the end of the world, one becomes the hope of the world, known as a cunning hero. Due to an accident, Chen Guodong, the second officer of a large ocean-going ship, abandoned a bright future and transcended to the late Southern Song Dynasty, which was on the verge of destruction. Ahead were iron horses and golden spears, while behind was a deep abyss. Looking at the world, it was a time full of opportunities. Let's witness how the cunning hero Chen Dexing saves the nation from a millennium of decline amidst the raging storm...
271.18 Million words | 2020-12-02 09:20Update
A former top-notch thief reigns in a parallel universe. Immersed in a completely unfamiliar world, he strives to forge a new era, though such a story may seem cliché. However, in this case, I hope to inject some fresh elements into the familiar narrative. The protagonist, a thief in his previous life, retains memories he shouldn't have acquired due to not drinking the Meng Po's footwashing water before being reincarnated. In this new world, what can he accomplish? The only viable option seems to be to continue his thieving ways, but on a grander scale – stealing the entire world. Of course, in a YY novel, failure is not an option. So, as long as the readers find it thrilling, it's all good. If they're not pleased, the author can indulge in some appropriate consequences. No need to hold back. Author's self-defined tags: passion, adventure.
101.25 Million words | 2022-01-10 23:46Update
Heroes emerge one after another, wars are relentless... He arrived in the Three Kingdoms by accident, and his presence changed the course of history in a way different from what it was meant to be... Where to go, to become an assassin or rise up in resistance, the winds of change in this great era pushed him to the forefront!
422.32 Million words | 2022-03-31 10:30Update
In a familiar
469.67 Million words | 2020-07-18 03:07Update
Reborn as Lu Bu, dominating the Three Kingdoms. Dear readers, if you think "Lu Bu" is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ group and on Weibo!
350.73 Million words | 2021-09-12 20:58Update
Caging the imperial power, I let the Han people stand at the pinnacle of the world. — Quoted from Zhao Yun's quotes. His title was the Eternal Emperor, but future generations always called him Emperor Zhao Yun.
402.75 Million words | 2023-02-12 15:51Update
Who says the sea is stormy? I say only those who dare can win! As a time traveler, Li Tu aims to pioneer the era of great maritime exploration in the late Ming Dynasty. This is a story of a time traveler's struggle and adventures in the late Ming Dynasty. It's an exciting tale.
15.94 Million words | 2020-08-25 04:37Update
Shanghai Bund - Battle Among Dragons and Snakes! In this turbulent era, society is akin to the rivers and lakes, where the weak are prey to the strong. Whether referred to as society by scholars, or the rivers and lakes by warriors, what is the difference? Survival of the fittest, only continual growth can lead to success. In 1902, a new soul is reborn. Is it an envoy of the goddess of hate, a judge appointed by the heavens, or a flash of lightning that shatters the darkness? Eliminating evil and promoting good, killing fiercely at every turn. For Ah Fa, rebirth is both fortune and redemption. Even if this road to redemption is paved with blood, even if the ultimate goal is the fate of the nation and the people, he must press forward courageously. Only by trampling on evil and carving out a bloody path can he achieve this one and only form of redemption, as well as fulfill the promise of a bright future in his dreams. Redemption through Blood.
24.49 Million words | 2022-07-22 23:38Update
Title: Pang Gang Returns to the Turbulent Ming Dynasty, What Should a Former Urban Management Officer Do? Summary: Pang Gang returns to the troubled times of the eighth year of the Chongzhen Emperor in the Ming Dynasty. The rebellion led by Li Zicheng is raging internally, while the invasion of the Manchus poses a threat from the outside. As a former urban management officer, what should Pang Gang do? Should he go with the flow and
174.91 Million words | 2023-04-03 14:20Update
Yumiao, a former circus performer, fell from a swing in mid-air and when she opened her eyes again, she had transformed into a red carp. Despite its theatrical life, the good thing was that she had strong teeth and could bite anything into pieces, making everything delicious. Little did she know that she accidentally swallowed the Ghost Hand Prince's Fire Cloud Pearl and almost damaged something important on the prince's body, which led to a conflict between them. In order to escape the fate of being killed for the pearl, it was necessary to have a conversation with the prince. Hopefully, he would accept her now that she had transformed back into a human form. However... why was her body human while her head remained that of a fish? Would the prince accept her like this? The Ghost Hand Prince looked at her disdainfully and said, "Foolish fish." Yumiao retorted, "Ghosty Paws, my prince." The Ghost Hand Prince raised an eyebrow and said, "Say it
76.29 Million words | 2022-12-19 15:25Update
Nickname as "Quick Shooter", a Chinese Special Forces instructor, accidentally travels to a parallel world where he finds himself in the American Old West, a world full of cowboys, lawlessness, and heroes... Here, you will witness fiery duels between Western cowboys, lightning-fast gun draws that leave you breathless, and the legends of fearless gunslingers roaming
284.33 Million words | 2021-06-17 01:16Update
"The King's Adorable Concubine" has thrilling and captivating plot twists that were skillfully written by the author, Yin Mei Hu. You can read the latest refreshing and clean chapters of this novel for free on the Qidian platform.
548.80 Million words | 2023-05-27 16:47Update
Ai Qiaoqiao grew up by her father's side, learning excellent culinary skills, but she never expected her family to undergo a tremendous change. Her father suffered a severe injury and passed away, leaving her with only a half-page stained with blood recipe and a mentally unstable mother. Accompanying her mother, they carried her father's remains back to their hometown, but on the way, they were forcibly poisoned and left for dead on the side of the road. In the Yan Kingdom, there was a legendary divine physician who was said to save lives with three needles. By chance, Qiaoqiao obtained one of these needles. From then on...cabbage, salted rice, and coarse tea in a clay pot. Midnight, intoxicated by wine, under the moon, the beautiful woman roasts a fish head with delicate
86.64 Million words | 2020-10-03 09:54Update
On that day, German soldiers silently lined up and began their journey back to Germany. They may not have failed, but they would taste the tears of failure! If only there were ifs, everything would have changed...
315.65 Million words | 2023-02-14 03:55Update
This is a golden age for Chinese literati. The artistic youth travels back to the Qingli period of the Northern Song Dynasty. From then on, they flourish and achieve an extraordinary life.
249.13 Million words | 2022-11-25 01:10Update
