writing prompts historical fiction

Writing Prompts for Historical Fiction: Spark your Creativity

Historical fiction is a genre that combines the essence of both history and fiction, transporting readers to different eras with captivating storytelling. If you enjoy the richness of the past and the imagination of fiction, here are some writing prompts to ignite your creativity and help you craft your own historical fiction masterpiece:

1. The Forgotten Heroine:
   Explore the untold story of a brave woman from history who has been overshadowed by her male counterparts. Dive into her journey, inner struggles, and the impact she had on the world. You could delve into the life of unsung heroes like Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot, or Hedy Lamarr, an actress and inventor whose innovations laid the foundation for modern-day Wi-Fi technology.

2. A Timeless Love:
   Transport your readers to an iconic historical event and weave a love story amidst the chaos. The sinking of the Titanic, the World Wars, or the construction of the Great Wall of China could serve as the backdrop for an epic romance between two individuals from different walks of life. In this rich setting, explore the challenges they face, sacrifices they make, and the lasting impact of their love.

3. The Royal Intrigue:
   Set your story in the court of a famous historical figure, such as Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth I, or Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Unveil the political schemes, secret alliances, and betrayals that surrounded these rulers. You could invent a courtier or advisor who plays a pivotal role in shaping the history of the empire or imagine the life of a lesser-known figure who influenced these extraordinary leaders.

4. Uncharted Territory:
   Take readers on an adventure to unexplored lands and introduce them to indigenous cultures. Whether it's the exploration of the Amazon rainforest, the discovery of ancient Mayan ruins, or the Silk Road, use historical facts as a foundation to build a thrilling narrative. Immerse your readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of these uncharted territories through vivid descriptions and engaging characters.

5. A Quest for Justice:
   Uncover the hidden stories of marginalized communities and their struggles for justice and equality throughout history. From the civil rights movement in the United States to India's fight for independence, delve into the lives of individuals who played significant roles in these transformative moments. Highlight the victories, sacrifices, and the ongoing battle for equality that resonates with contemporary readers.

To enhance your historical fiction writing experience, here are a few recommended novels and authors to explore for inspiration:

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Set during World War II, this novel follows a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others, illuminating the power of words even amidst the darkest of times.

2. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel: This historical fiction masterpiece offers a vivid portrayal of Thomas Cromwell's rise to power in the court of Henry VIII, immersing readers in the political intrigue of Tudor England.

3. "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the journey of a young slave, Cora, as she escapes from a Georgia plantation using a literal underground railroad, shedding light on the grim realities of slavery in America.

For further research and resources, you can explore historical fiction communities and websites like Goodreads, where you can find extensive lists of recommended historical fiction novels and engage in discussions with like-minded readers. Additionally, platforms like Wattpad provide opportunities to share your own historical fiction stories and receive feedback from a supportive writing community.

Embrace the allure of historical fiction by weaving together real events and fascinating characters. Take readers on a journey through time and make history come alive through the power of your imagination. Happy writing!
Grand Robe Fiction
Grand Robe

After traveling through time, both of his parents were still alive, bringing him immense joy. However, as the royal guard to the prince, he incurred the wrath of the powerful Imperial Secret Police by punishing an evil scion in a fit of anger. From then on, he became an exile, wandering the world. He made friends with heroes of the martial arts world, embarking on thrilling revenge missions, showcasing his true colors as a man. When the previous emperor passed away and a new one ascended the throne, it turned out to be his foster brother. He delved deep into the court, taking control of the Imperial Secret Police. This started a complex web of conflicting loyalties between his old friends from the martial arts world and the interests of the court, where intrigue and power struggles were the norm...

585.19 Million words | 2020-08-26 21:30Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction historical fiction by time period

Scarlet Heart Fiction
Scarlet Heart

"Scarlet Heart" (Tong Hua) tells the story of a white-collar woman who, after traversing time, becomes the stubborn and willful "Determined Thirteen Sister" Ruoxi. With her insight into the Qing Dynasty's history, she becomes embroiled in the struggle for the throne among the Nine Princes. She constantly fights or compromises with her fate. She knows the course of history and who she should align with, but her deep love for certain individuals complicates matters. So she must carefully navigate every step, constantly shocking her heart. What kind of future will Kangxi arrange for Ruoxi? Can a woman's imprint coexist with the victors and the vanquished among men? Will Ruoxi choose the gentle and jade-like Eighth Prince or the cold-hearted but passionate Fourth Prince, or someone else? The ending is always unexpected! Please follow Maertai Ruoxi into this story of love that shocks the heart and hatred that shocks the heart.

73.19 Million words | 2022-10-29 23:51Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction

Holy Tang Dynasty. Fiction
Holy Tang Dynasty.

Mei Tianlang, a narcotics police officer, was injured in the head and traveled back to the Tang Dynasty, becoming the only descendant of the usurper Yuwen Huaji, a figure never recorded in history. He discovered that the Tang Dynasty he found himself in had significant differences from what he knew. Was it due to historical inaccuracies or the influence of his time travel? In his early days, he encountered a Turkic invasion at the Wei River, leading to

155.81 Million words | 2020-08-09 04:24Update

best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

Pretentious Scholar of the Ming Dynasty Fiction
Pretentious Scholar of the Ming Dynasty

Without relying on their father's success, they can still live the life of a playboy and win the heart of a beautiful woman! He is a dead rascal hiding his true identity as a scholar! He is a rogue who thrives in the Ming Dynasty, pretending to be sophisticated, seducing women, and challenging the wealthy! The character of the playboy often appears in urban novels, but the playboy that Xiaojun wants to write about

215.94 Million words | 2022-12-12 22:28Update

history and historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history

Iron horse in the mountain pass Fiction
Iron horse in the mountain pass

In the year of the Common Era, Wanyan Zonghan and Wanyan Zongwang launched a second siege on Bianjing. Emperor Qin Zhaohuan was forced to enter the Jin camp for negotiations and wrote a letter of surrender before returning to the city. From then on, the Wanyan brothers began their endless extortion, taking everything from money, beautiful women, to sacred artifacts. In order to protect themselves, Emperor Qin and the retired emperor adopted a reckless spirit of

160.81 Million words | 2021-10-23 07:01Update

historical fiction ya historical fiction history alternate historical fiction

The Anger of the Leader Fiction
The Anger of the Leader

Modern German fan Li Mo unexpectedly travels to World War II Germany, and he is even the only son of the Fuhrer. How can he navigate in unfamiliar surroundings? How can he survive amidst the flames of war? The rumbling war tanks of the Fuhrer are crushing the world, and the German army, with the power of just one nation, challenges the entire world. My Fuhrer, this is a suicidal rhythm you're setting! Can Li Mo save those honorable, loyal, brave, and sacrificial German soldiers? Can he save that mysterious Germany, embodying arrogance, vanity, fanaticism, bravery, sincerity, rigidness, seriousness, harshness, diligence, and reflection all at once? (Disclaimer: We admire the German army, their loyalty and bravery, patriotism and dedication, strength and resilience, honor and sacrifice, as well as the unique German traits of diligence and rigor. None of these are related to Nazis or fascism. I strongly oppose mass killings and extreme racism. Looking at the current situation, our predicament resembles that of pre-war Germany. Therefore, we need to be more patriotic, stronger, braver, and more tightly united to build our great motherland.)

290.29 Million words | 2021-11-13 11:46Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel books dual timeline historical fiction

Dragon Soars 1856 Fiction
Dragon Soars 1856

In the year , amidst the fires and smoke of war between the Xiang Army and the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, a young Chinese naval captain crossed over, altering the destiny of all humankind!

375.96 Million words | 2022-06-11 12:13Update

time travel historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history

The peasant girl-turned consort's fame spreads throughout the world. Fiction
The peasant girl-turned consort's fame spreads throughout the world.

Once crossed over, she became a notorious plague god and short-lived ghost in the surroundings. Her family was dragged down to live in a shack, and many people were waiting to see if this whole family could survive the winter. Either they starved to death or froze to death! But as they waited, this family bought houses, fields, land, and shops... What in the world was going on with this outrageous fortune? —— People in the capital city knew that the Jin Prince married a peasant girl who only knew how to farm, and he cherished her like a pearl. Everyone was waiting to see how this country girl turned princess would make a fool of herself and disgrace the Jin Prince. However, one day, they discovered that the legendary certain someone and another certain someone were actually the little princess of the Jin Prince's family! What happened to the little peasant girl who was supposed to only know how to farm? (Witness how this little peasant girl will become famous throughout the world and become the wealthiest under heaven!)

302.72 Million words | 2022-01-11 09:23Update

historical fiction with romance historical romance fiction ya historical fiction romance

Zhu Yuanzhang Fiction
Zhu Yuanzhang

Zhu Yuanzhang treated power with instincts similar to how a wild beast treats its prey: a strong desire, dreadful patience, long periods of laying low, remaining vigilant in chaos, discerning real opportunities, baring its fangs, and striking a deadly blow. This power-hungry founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty left behind a prosperous era known as the "Hongwu reign of governance." This is a comprehensive account of Zhu Yuanzhang's strategies and struggles in obtaining power, manipulating power, seizing power, and wielding power throughout his life.

367.08 Million words | 2021-08-17 05:41Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction by time period historical fiction time travel

Tiger Roar of the Iron Rider Fiction
Tiger Roar of the Iron Rider

Yan Hui, who was reborn with memories of his past life, was born into a wealthy family. Due to his family being suppressed by the emperor, he ended up becoming the son of a butcher by a twist of fate while hiding from the pursuit along with his mother. He changed his name to Niu Tianci. His greatest wish is to ensure eternal peace and happiness for his loved ones, free from separation and sorrow. With his abilities - a ancient tomb space, the divine Dragon's Secret, and his faithful brothers, as well as his lifelong love, he embarked on a path to dominate the world. On this vast land, a legendary tale of passion unfolded.

93.30 Million words | 2021-03-25 07:07Update

historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history

Ace Special Forces in the Turbulent End of the Sui Dynasty Fiction
Ace Special Forces in the Turbulent End of the Sui Dynasty

To save the beauty, he ventures alone into the forbidden palace, putting aside grievances, he joins the army to campaign in the west. Embracing literary talents, gathering fierce generals, he vies for control of the Central Plains. Calming the desolate north, conquering Persia, setting sail overseas. Liu Ziqiu, the ace special forces soldier, travels through the end of the Sui Dynasty, rising against the chaos, expanding territories. He will present to you an extraordinary story of the Sui and Tang Dynasty... Group ID: [Please provide the group number]

505.72 Million words | 2023-03-29 06:41Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Story of Yanxi Palace Fiction
Story of Yanxi Palace

In the sixth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, the young girl Wei Yingluo enters the Forbidden City as a palace maid in search of the truth behind her older sister's death. After investigation, Yingluo confirms that her sister's death is related to the reckless Prince Hongzhou and vows to seek justice. Empress Fucha is well-versed in etiquette and laws, and worries that Yingluo might take the wrong path, thus providing her with warmth and assistance. Under the careful guidance of the Empress, Wei Yingluo gradually grows to become a righteous and strong court official, letting go of her resentment and living a meaningful life. Unfortunately, the Empress passes away, causing Yingluo to misunderstand Emperor Qianlong. From initially being enemies, the two eventually come to understand and support each other.

199.78 Million words | 2022-07-26 19:05Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction

Patrolling the Great Ming Dynasty. Fiction
Patrolling the Great Ming Dynasty.

Otaku Duan Fei traveled to the middle of the Ming Dynasty and became a low-ranking constable. With his extensive knowledge from reading countless books and watching American dramas, he unraveled major cases and became the renowned "God Constable"! Solving cases? Piece of cake!! (QQ Group: Thanks to the genie lamp's support, O(∩_∩)O~) Cheating, deceit, and fraud? That's how fortunes are made! Like the wind follows the tiger and clouds follow the dragon, a true talent is never lonely. The Jinyiwei and Dongchang sent him covert flirtations; the six ministries of the imperial cabinet begged him to take the lead; rebels came to usurp the throne under the pretext of upholding justice. Skillfully maneuvering between major forces, he patrolled the heavens, punished corrupt officials, fought off pirates in the East Sea, and kicked the Mongols in the north. He changed history and reshaped the future. From the moment he appeared, future historians acclaimed this era as the "Post Zhengde Period" with utmost admiration.

182.38 Million words | 2023-05-15 18:00Update

historical fiction time travel books dual timeline historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

Legend of Earth's Black Technology Fiction
Legend of Earth's Black Technology

Advanced technology stands on the earth, sprawling mega cities cover Northeast Asia, the smiles of happy people inspire the world, the barrels of the Tank Swarm make our enemies tremble, floating battleships overlook the land, our gigantic aircraft carriers dominate the ocean, our army knows no bounds, shattering this decaying and corrupt old world to create a new one, singing the anthem of conquerors, the great flag will last forever, humanity will break free from the earth's atmosphere, the vast universe will be our new home.

555.24 Million words | 2021-02-02 15:33Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

Countryman Fiction
Countryman

A modern person travels back in time to the late Ming Dynasty in Jiangnan. Present-day Yangzhou is still thriving with music and dance, and picturesque with small bridges and flowing water. But turbulent times are approaching. A new era is about to begin.

449.09 Million words | 2023-02-24 07:24Update

rebirth of the urban immortal novel damn reincarnation novel ya historical fiction

The Power of the Three Kingdoms Overwhelms the World Fiction
The Power of the Three Kingdoms Overwhelms the World

Biochemical expert Liu Bang accidentally traveled to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and became Liu Xun, the son of Liu Zhang. Faced with the fratricidal struggle between father and son, and the schemes of treacherous villains, where will Liu Xun go from here? This is a tale of heroism and legend, weaving together both iron and blood with tender emotions. A true son should be like Liu Xun, like the son of Liu Jingsheng, a loyal and courageous warrior! Join our book lovers' group: [group information].

55.40 Million words | 2022-01-20 13:54Update

war historical fiction best historical military fiction books best military historical fiction

The Rise of Noble Families in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Rise of Noble Families in the Three Kingdoms

He comes from Jiangnan, a collateral branch of the Zhu family, one of the four major families. His name is Zhu Cheng, and he has a third uncle named Zhu Jun! After time-traveling to the Three Kingdoms era, he unexpectedly discovers that he can level up by fighting monsters. With the support of the "Heroes System," why should he submit to others? He rises during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, becomes renowned during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, and subdues the chaos in the South, establishing prosperity in Jiangnan. Born and raised in an influential family, he understands the phrase "There may not be a thousand-year dynasty, but there are ten-thousand-year families." Suddenly realizing, the royal family is actually the largest family in

388.87 Million words | 2022-04-02 11:03Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

Rebirth: Subverting the Great Song Dynasty Fiction
Rebirth: Subverting the Great Song Dynasty

I crossed over and became the crown prince, but sadly, I became the crown prince of a fallen country... When the shame of the Jingkang Incident arrived, the prince had to flee Kaifeng. The Jurchens pursued him, and Prince Kang, Zhao Gou, also chased after him. Eventually, he was forced to escape to the northwest, where the powerful minister Zhe Keqiu still held influence... After defeating Zhe Keqiu, he finally took control of the court, gradually developing military strength and economic prosperity. First, he occupied Guanshan and ChuanShu, then he descended south to overthrow Prince Kang, and finally he marched north to defeat the Jin Dynasty... Friends who pass by, please click and take a look. I guarantee it will be thrilling and not disappoint you. In the era of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties, your favorite heroic figures like Yue Fei, Han Shizhong, and Wang Chongyang are all included, along with a variety of colorful side characters. If you desire the rivers and lakes, they are here. If you seek extraordinary martial arts skills, they exist. Naturally, there are also peerless beauties. Come and take a look, please, (*^__^*)...

390.77 Million words | 2020-11-12 01:25Update

historical fiction time travel books dual timeline historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

Steel and Flames Fiction
Steel and Flames

Once you break through the barrier that mortals cannot transgress, you can become something different, right? Of course not! So the unlucky Lolin had to participate in an even unluckier experiment, only to experience another time travel in the end! Belonging to Lolin's era, a different history will be changed by him, and the tale of Lolin Taylor, marked by steel and flames, will resonate through time and space until the end.

7.49 Million words | 2022-03-24 08:33Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline

Superstar with a gun. Fiction
Superstar with a gun.

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

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline