Are you an avid reader who is fascinated by history and loves diving into the world of historical fiction? If so, you've come to the right place! In this article, we will explore some exceptional books on writing historical fiction that will transport you to different eras and captivate your imagination. From award-winning authors to invaluable resources, we've got you covered.
1. "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain:
If you're a fan of historical fiction and curious about the life of Ernest Hemingway, this novel is a must-read. Based on true events, "The Paris Wife" delves into Hemingway's first wife, Hadley Richardson. McLain's beautiful prose takes you back to 1920s Paris, offering a captivating glimpse into the glittering literary world of the "Lost Generation."
2. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Step into the intricate and politically charged court of Henry VIII with Hilary Mantel's masterpiece, "Wolf Hall." This novel, along with its sequel "Bring Up the Bodies," introduces readers to Thomas Cromwell, a fascinating historical figure. Mantel's meticulous research and vivid storytelling earned her critical acclaim, making this work a must-have for any aspiring historical fiction writer.
3. "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon:
Travel through time to the rugged landscapes of Scotland with "Outlander," the first novel in Diana Gabaldon's beloved series. Blending romance, adventure, and historical accuracy, Gabaldon weaves an unforgettable tale, where the boundaries between the past and the present blur. If you're interested in crafting historical fiction with a touch of fantasy and romance, this series is a must-read.
4. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco:
Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mystery. Set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, this gripping novel follows a Franciscan friar as he investigates a series of bizarre deaths. Eco's attention to historical detail and complex characters make this book a compelling read and an excellent example of how to incorporate historical elements into a gripping plot.
While reading these books will provide you with inspiration and insights into the craft of writing historical fiction, it's also essential to have additional resources at your disposal. The following websites offer valuable information, tips, and community forums to help you refine your historical fiction writing skills:
1. Historical Novel Society (www.historicalnovelsociety.org):
The Historical Novel Society website is a treasure trove of resources dedicated to historical fiction. From author interviews to writing competitions and reviews, you'll find a wealth of information that will enhance your understanding of the genre and keep you up to date with current trends.
2. Fiction University (www.fictionuniversity.com):
Run by author Janice Hardy, Fiction University provides practical writing advice for all genres. Their extensive archive of articles covers various aspects of crafting historical fiction and offers valuable insights into character development, world-building, and research techniques.
3. Goodreads (www.goodreads.com):
Goodreads is not only a platform for discovering new books but also an excellent resource for connecting with like-minded readers and writers. Join historical fiction groups and engage in discussions, seek recommendations and reviews, and gather valuable insights from fellow enthusiasts and established authors.
In conclusion, immersing yourself in exceptional historical fiction novels and utilizing reliable writing resources will undoubtedly enhance your understanding of the craft. Whether you wish to explore the intricacies of the past or master the art of historical fiction writing, these books and websites are perfect companions on your literary journey. So, grab a cup of tea, get lost in the pages, and let historical fiction transport you to captivating worlds!
Li Yuxuan, the invincible warrior, has a devoted wife and a group of loyal brothers, as well as his sister Ai Jiufeng, who rules over the kingdom. He dominates the business world, possessing immense wealth. With his exceptional swordsmanship, he never fails in battle. Laughing in the face of formidable enemies, he destroys them effortlessly. This book combines elements of love, business warfare, military strategy, inspirational success stories, and scientific speculations within an entertaining narrative. It promises to provide readers with both relaxation and enlightenment. If you have any dissatisfaction or suggestions, please join our discussion group to participate in further conversations about the novel.
500.74 Million words | 2023-05-02 21:27Update
In the 32nd year of the Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty, the small court held on to half of the country while being cornered in a corner. The Jin Dynasty was poised to invade, and internal ministers fought for power. In the far north, Mongolian tribes were rising, while in the southern empire, religious ambitions were growing. The rivers and lakes were ever-changing, and the court was full of intrigue. The story begins here—an era of sudden change, the growth path of a renowned general, a journey through bloody wars, the rise and fall of a nation, political struggles, battlefields stained with blood, a mysterious and unpredictable rivers and lakes, and a passionate love story. Joining the web
556.69 Million words | 2022-08-24 03:16Update
On the day of her wedding, when she lifted her head, she was taken aback to see that it was the wicked eunuch she despised. Hua Qingmo, the legitimate daughter of the Ning County Prince's Mansion, was timid by nature and had been neglected by her parents, bullied by her sisters, and disrespected by the servants. On her coming-of-age ceremony, she was instigated by her sister and ended up dead in the snow. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Hua Qingning, one of the top superhumans of the Supernatural Research Institute. In the midst of the snow, she grabbed onto a glimpse of peony-red clothing to save her life, and it turned out to be Bai Zixiao, the
81.29 Million words | 2021-02-07 23:15Update
The Phoenix will soon come to an end, and the new book "Palace Intrigue" has been released. If you are interested, you can take a look. She disguises herself as a man in a foreign country and encounters him, who is aloof and indifferent. Is it a calamity or a debt? With numerous mysterious deaths, intense court struggles, how will she reverse the desperate situation and survive? As her loved ones turn against her and friends meet tragic ends, how will she subvert schemes and laugh at the prosperous age? With relentless conspiracies and a battlefield filled with blood and sand, how will she change the course of fate and rewrite destiny? Ultimately, the heavens choose her, and she will dominate the world, overlooking everything! (In this book, the female lead is similar to the character played by Chen Qiao'en in "The Rise of Phoenixes," and just like her, Gong Yin is passionate and full of emotions.)
585.35 Million words | 2022-12-11 22:52Update
"Miss Yao Qingqing, the young lady of the Yao family, tore the imperial edict in front of everyone in the Golden Palace... In the capital city, every street and alley were buzzing with discussions. Everyone knew that Yao Qingqing, the lazy and gluttonous young lady of the Yao family, had no talent in music, chess, calligraphy,
56.13 Million words | 2022-10-19 05:13Update
Once transcended, I became the Emperor Chongzhen of the Great Ming Empire! The imperial rule is on the verge of collapse, with calamities and disasters looming! In the face of these challenges, Zhu Youjian had only one thing to say: My destiny is in my own hands, not in the heavens! I shall become the most formidable emperor in history! Train a new army, forge mighty cannons, lift the maritime ban, open trade routes, eradicate rebels, and establish peace throughout the land! All regrets shall be compensated for! Every humiliation shall be avenged! My Great Ming Empire, I have the final say!
175.23 Million words | 2021-05-04 15:22Update
Emperor Zhao, a lone ruler, was granted the immortal scripture "Blood-Stained Great Qin" by the heavens. He then passed it on to King Yan of Liang to continue the dynasty. Determined to seek immortality in the east, Emperor Zhao embarked on a journey to Penglai to seek the path of eternal life, but his quest was in vain. In historical records, it is recorded that in the twelfth month of the sixth year of the reign of Emperor Wu of Great Qin, the renowned conqueror, under the pseudonym of Li, obtained a partial copy of the immortal scripture known as "Blood-Stained Great Qin." Overjoyed, he kept it in the Zhaode Hall and passed the throne to King Yan of Liang. From then on, he pursued the path of immortality. However, this copy was incomplete, and he could never find the entrance to immortality. Emperor Qin sighed deeply and renamed the scripture as "Sunflower Scripture," decreeing that it be studied by the small yellow gatekeepers in the
401.53 Million words | 2020-11-10 21:19Update
The Eastern Jin court was complacent, and the gentry pursued intellectual discussions. The officialdom was plagued with factionalism and corruption. The protagonist became an orphan due to the ravages of war, but through numerous adventures, he was fortunate to receive the guidance of a mysterious master. Little did he know that he would be drawn into a great whirlpool. Fortunately, he met many like-minded individuals who helped him navigate through crucial moments. The protagonist experienced numerous ups and downs in life, witnessing the coldness of the world and the deceitful nature of human beings. Through these trials, he gradually matured and grew. Eventually, he saw through the decay and hypocrisy of the Jin court, and returned to the northern lands to assist the Fu clan in pacifying various tribes. He also strived to reform the internal affairs, ultimately establishing a powerful
427.75 Million words | 2022-07-13 23:28Update
Liang Xingfa, a young rookie in the workplace, time-traveled to the most perilous period of the Anshi Rebellion in the Tang Dynasty with the help of a folk inventor. After receiving guidance from a master and mastering martial arts, Liang Xingfa assisted the Tang army in quelling the Anshi Rebellion.
321.58 Million words | 2023-04-22 08:11Update
The story revolves around palace intrigue, love, and a breathtaking masterpiece that has captivated millions of girls. She is the princess of the fallen Xia kingdom, and the beloved of three emperors, yet she can only be a concubine for life. When love clashes with power, which weighs more heavily, the empire or the woman? Witness the protagonist navigate the treacherous world of power and bloodshed. As skies intertwine, two realms vast and boundless, she realizes that a dream from eleven years ago was but an illusion...
39.70 Million words | 2022-01-19 15:02Update
After sacrificing his life on a mission, a modern secret agent's soul transmigrates to an entirely unfamiliar dynasty, becoming a son-in-law in the mansion of a great general. In his previous life, he had toiled tirelessly without rest. In this new life, all he desires is to enjoy a comfortable existence. However, fate does not comply with his wishes, as he embarks on a legendary journey in this unfamiliar dynasty. Witness how he indulges in the embrace of beautiful women, orchestrates battles in autumn fields, and much
71.96 Million words | 2023-05-30 16:42Update
Master of Weapons in the Heroic Legend of the Northern Song Dynasty! Breaking the Khitan, exterminating the Western Xia! Severing the roots of chaos, the Jurchens and Mongols shall not prevail! Taming Tibet, reclaiming the Western Regions! Washing away the shame of the Tang dynasty, retaliating against the Abbasid Caliphate, the prestige of the Chinese nation resonates across distant lands! The strength of the Great Song surpasses the prosperous eras of the Han and Tang dynasties, unparalleled in history! ……………… What is a master of weapons? A true master of weapons not only excels in crafting unique and sharp weaponry, but also surpasses the capabilities of those who wield them! – "The Weapons Compendium of the Great Song? by Lu You"
110.28 Million words | 2020-08-15 03:07Update
In front of the two armies, the valiant Xiang Yu swung his spear and countless soldiers were beheaded, turning into a mist of blood. Li Cunxiao's blood surged: "Lord, this subordinate is willing to go into battle!" Chu Yi shook his head: "Xiang Ji... let this king handle it personally!" In the vast land of the heavens, with its eighteen heavenly provinces, the imperial star dimmed and turmoil stirred in all directions, as an era of chaos and war began, with numerous warlords standing tall. Chu Yi crossed over from Earth, carrying a sense of duty in his heart, vowing to unify the world and bring an end to this turbulent and precarious era, where lives were as insignificant as grass and leaves.
151.81 Million words | 2022-11-21 09:58Update
Having been in the political arena for ten years, ambition has also been worn down into an old horse. One careless move in the power struggle led to a downfall. Crossing over? It's not a rare occurrence, but luckily, I crossed over into the body of a nobleman's son. Unfortunately, he is only a common-born son of an elderly marquis, who holds a prominent position. With fifteen sons, he ranks twelfth in the family hierarchy, making it impossible for him to inherit the title. Among his elder brothers, some hold official positions, while others serve in the military. Unfortunately, our immediate family possesses no talent and shows no signs of improvement, relying on a meager monthly allowance of twenty taels of silver to scrape by. My mother was a concubine who passed away early, and the marquis's mansion holds no regard for us. Even the snobbish servants dare to flaunt their power in front of us. Only my widowed sister, who shares the same mother as me, treats me kindly and occasionally provides assistance. However, as a widow with a son, I must be mindful of my boundaries. While others who have crossed over try to develop businesses, our elderly marquis strictly forbids his descendants from engaging in commerce. Shall we wait until the marquis passes away, only to be driven out by our brothers, each given a small plot of land? As a modern person, if I'm going to experience this, it must be done in a grand manner. Engaging in literature and calligraphy is not my forte, and the games of kings and marquis are not interesting to me. How about manipulating the changing of emperors and establishing my own power? "Why shouldn't a man carry his Wu Blade, conquering fifty provinces? I invite you to temporarily ascend the Lingyan Pavilion. Which scholar wouldn't desire to become a marquis of ten thousand households?"
548.82 Million words | 2021-09-11 02:44Update
When the tower is about to collapse and the jade pillar sinks, the blood ocean overwhelms the Huazhou clan. Behold my magnificent emergence from the sky, crushing bandits like a car running over mountains and forests, and suppressing the Japanese pirates in the East Sea. With fury, I trample the red-haired under my feet, resolute as lightning to shake the universe, and restore the pride of the Great Han! Book progress by Bu Xiaosheng: 1. Alternate history novel "Storms and Rain in Nanming": A journey of a carpenter in the late Ming Dynasty. Serialization completed, currently under embargo. 2. Alternate history novel "Iron Wings Soaring": Flying in the skies of World War I France. Currently serializing and gradually being released. 3. Fantasy legend "The Spirited Donkey": A romantic and eerie detective story set in a different world. Currently serializing. Contact information for Bu Xiaosheng: QQ: [removed] Bu Xiaosheng Group A: [removed] Email: [email protected] "The Hero I Am" by Zuoduan: The latest urban work by Zuo Duan. Book number [removed]. Please stay tuned.
410.55 Million words | 2021-09-04 16:33Update
The King of Qin sweeps across the land, His gaze as fierce as a tiger's, Wielding his sword, dispersing the clouds, The feudal lords all come from the west. With clear judgment bestowed by the heavens, He commands talented advisors with great strategy. Disbanding the army, casting golden statues, Opening the Hangu Pass to the east. Car
57.65 Million words | 2023-03-01 17:33Update
Through the years, the Han ethnic group survived amidst the struggles on the Crimean Peninsula. Starting from Crimea Island, they defeated the Genoese, assimilated the Tatars, and ventured northward, crossing the Dnieper River to control the Cossacks, turning them into the sword of the nation. The iron mines of Krivoy Rog and the Donbass coalfield forged
343.03 Million words | 2021-02-07 03:08Update
Reborn, she, who graduated with a major in architecture in her past life, may not become a legitimate noble woman, but in this ancient era with only shabby thatched houses, she should still be considered half a technical genius. Wherever she goes, she can display her skills. Who would have expected that in the Great Rong Dynasty, everyone relies on the I Ching for divination, predicting fortunes before leaving the house, and casting a hexagram upon entering. Her father is the grand national teacher who directly controls the fate of the dynasty. Compared to her amazingly talented younger sisters, she is even more useless than a waste. Who cares if she can build tall buildings? Just as she was about to become a freeloader at home, she suddenly heard, "Two hundred taels of silver, who will build a magnificent mansion with me?" This is what they call, gold never rusts.
128.62 Million words | 2022-10-27 10:35Update
Do you think I am a singer? Yes, indeed I am a singer! But you surely don't know that with a gun in my hand, I am the god of war, mercilessly killing on the battlefield! Do you think I am a soldier? Yes, indeed I am a soldier! But you surely don't know that when I strum the guitar, my singing voice can captivate you endlessly! Taking up a pen, the pieces I write can intoxicate people! Putting on a costume, the roles I perform can leave an unforgettable impression on you for a lifetime! So, in fact, I am a gun-wielding superstar!
561.52 Million words | 2020-08-26 23:24Update
This is an era belonging to the strong, This is an era where human life is worthless, This is an era of war and roaming, a time of tragedies for beautiful women. In the Three Kingdoms, heroes emerge; In the Three Kingdoms, emotions run deep; In the Three Kingdoms, the world is intoxicated with wine. Zhuge Yang, accidentally returning to the era of the Three Kingdoms, discovers that he has become the legendary Zhuge Liang's older brother, a monstrous being. Thus, he becomes completely entangled... "The Sleeping Dragon and the Phoenix, with either one, one can pacify the world." With such bold words still echoing, will he take a step forward? Or... Witness how the first genius, Zhuge Jin, manipulates the three kingdoms, displaying his wisdom in the midst of battles and adding fragrance to the red sleeves in love affairs. Awake, he holds the power of the world, intoxicated, he lies on the beauty's knees, and with a smile, he observes the affairs of the world! For those who enjoy "Genius," welcome to join the first Q group of this book: We have declared to join the ranks of civilized online literature writing and willingly accept the supervision of all members in the civilized writing ranks.
105.91 Million words | 2022-11-24 11:12Update