how to research for historical fiction

Researching for historical fiction is a crucial step in creating an engaging and accurate narrative. By delving deep into the time period you wish to write about, you can transport your readers to a vivid and authentic world. In this article, we will explore effective ways to research for historical fiction and recommend some notable historical fiction novels, authors, and websites to assist you in your research.

1. Start with the basics:
   Begin your research by establishing a solid foundation of knowledge about the historical era you want to write about. Understand the major events, social customs, and cultural aspects of the time period. This will allow you to create a believable setting for your story.

2. Utilize reputable sources:
   Ensure your research is based on reliable and accurate information. Utilize books, academic journals, and reputable websites to gather historical facts and context. Some recommended websites for historical research include:

   - History.com: This website provides a vast collection of articles, videos, and images covering various historical topics.
   - Britannica.com: A trusted online encyclopedia that offers reliable information on historical events and figures.
   - JSTOR: A digital library containing scholarly articles from various disciplines, including history.

3. Dive into primary sources:
   Immerse yourself in primary sources such as diaries, letters, newspapers, and photographs from the time period. These firsthand accounts offer unique insights into the daily lives, emotions, and challenges faced by people of that era. Online archives like Project Gutenberg and Digital Public Library of America offer access to a wide range of digitized primary sources.

4. Study historical fiction novels:
   Reading well-researched historical fiction novels can provide inspiration and guidance for your own writing. Notable historical fiction authors known for their meticulous research include:

   - Hilary Mantel: Renowned for her Tudor-era novels, including the award-winning "Wolf Hall" and "Bring Up the Bodies."
   - Ken Follett: Known for his epic historical sagas, such as "The Pillars of the Earth" set in Medieval England.
   - Philippa Gregory: Specializes in writing about the Tudor and Plantagenet periods, with works like "The Other Boleyn Girl."

5. Visit historical sites and museums:
   Immerse yourself in the physical remnants of history by visiting historical sites, museums, and exhibitions. Walking in the footsteps of the past can provide a tangible connection and inspire your writing. Depending on the time period you're exploring, try to visit relevant locations or attend living history events.

Remember, the key to successful historical fiction lies in the meticulous research and attention to detail. By investing time into thorough research, you will be able to bring the past to life in a compelling and authentic way. Good luck with your historical fiction writing journey!
Ming politician Fiction
Ming politician

What is the way of Confucianism? Inform him before crushing. What is the way of military strategists? Crush with simplicity and efficiency. What is the way of Legalism? I will crush you strictly according to the law. What is the way of diplomats? I will call a group of people to crush you! What is the way of internationalism? I am crushing you for your own good. What is the way of China? Since ancient times, you have been crushed by us... Su Tiancheng, who was on the verge of becoming a middle-level official, was filled with sadness and anger, but he transformed it into strength. In the third year of Chongzhen, Su Tiancheng sat on the wheel of

232.16 Million words | 2021-04-09 20:43Update

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Twelve Hairpins of the Empress Fiction
Twelve Hairpins of the Empress

At first, it was all fun and games, but suddenly the building collapsed. She only wanted a stable life with food and shelter, but she got caught up in a conspiracy and struggled in vain, only to become an empress in the end. It's harder to gain someone's heart than to reach the heavens. Is it luck or a curse to have transmigrated and been reborn? Among this group of beautiful men, there are those who provoked her, those who betrayed her, and those who were used by her until they reached despair and left... In the first half of the story, the female protagonist drives the car, while in the second half, the male protagonists take charge of the car crash road trip. In this harem of men, the battle for power and schemes in the harem are diverse, with each family relying on their own abilities. Instead of witnessing women tearing each other apart for a man, why not change the flavor? Take a look at how different the world of China would be if the matriarchal society had not been overthrown...

512.09 Million words | 2023-06-28 09:33Update

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E Zhongtian on the Three Kingdoms Fiction
E Zhongtian on the Three Kingdoms

In the historical records, why are the actions of E Zhongtian always contradictory and controversial? Who was Cao Cao and what were his achievements and shortcomings in his early years? Professor E Zhongtian will interpret from the perspective of the common people in his book 'E Zhongtian on the Three Kingdoms'. Although the manuscript of the new book is based on his lectures, Jia Zongpei mentioned that the content of the book is much richer than what was shown on television. 'E Zhongtian has made revisions to the content he previously discussed on television, filling in all the unfinished thoughts in the book.'

336.54 Million words | 2023-03-09 04:04Update

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Snow reflects like spring. Fiction
Snow reflects like spring.

At the moment when her father and brothers died in battle, she ceased to be the young lady from the Huguo Manor, drifting like a fallen leaf, and found her way to him, becoming the dependent Miss of another household. She watched as he inherited the title of Marquis and became engaged to the Xue family. There was no longer any possibility between them, so she had to sever the ties of affection. But unexpected changes occurred. The Xue family called off the engagement, and he suffered successive setbacks. Seeing his pitiful state, she silently cared for him, unaware that someone had made a turnaround, becoming a wolf in sheep's clothing, devouring her. The situation seemed to have taken a weird turn. Even after they were married for a long time, she still couldn't figure out where her once gentle cousin had gone. (In a small scene) On a dark and windy night, a certain man stood outside the door: "I want to discuss something with you." She looked at him, half-drunk and half-awake, furrowing her brows: "Go ahead." His gaze was burning: "Marry me." She was shocked: "But we..." He closed the door and embraced her: "I love you." She pushed him away, a face full of shyness: "Cousin, you weren't like this

99.21 Million words | 2021-10-23 22:46Update

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Ming Dynasty Book Boy Fiction
Ming Dynasty Book Boy

Peng Yue, a college student majoring in modern history, accidentally travels back to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and possesses the dying body of a book servant. During a time when factional struggles just began to emerge in the Ming Dynasty, Peng Yue, who only wanted to escape the fate of the book servant, unknowingly becomes involved and, relying on his knowledge of history and insights from the future, successfully climbs up the ranks in the court. However, he soon realizes how difficult it is to make further progress while being deeply entangled in political struggles. Amidst the changing tides, deceit and treachery run rampant, powerful statesmen come and go, and he finds himself questioning whether he is the protagonist or just a supporting role. On top of this, he has to deal with the superstitious Emperor Jiajing who is increasingly detached from political affairs, as well as the accumulated problems that have plagued

471.06 Million words | 2022-10-16 11:57Update

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The long journey of immortality, starting from the Qin Dynasty. Fiction
The long journey of immortality, starting from the Qin Dynasty.

A meteorite enabled the young man Li Qing to time travel to the Qin Dynasty and bestowed upon him the extraordinary power of immortality. With the sole intent of altering history, Li Qing soon discovered that history could not be easily changed.

87.00 Million words | 2023-01-11 19:02Update

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Dominant Republic. Fiction
Dominant Republic.

History becomes a river, he goes against the heavens. Inside, there are petty people; outside, there are gentlemen. Twists and turns, obstacles abound, and in the end, it all turns into nothingness. Is it foolishness? Madness? Or true nature? He is called Yang Shuai. After crossing over, he realizes that even survival is not as easy as he imagined without speaking about hegemony. After various grievances, various frustrations, and the shattering of all naivety, he finally learns the true way of survival, the true cunningness. Is killing, violence, truly the path of kings? The true dominators have seldom killed. The one who kills a person is but a killer, while the one who rules over all is a true king. New book group: [insert group name], no matter how many people come, it will never disband.

369.69 Million words | 2022-12-25 08:32Update

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Rebirth of the Gang Leader in the Kanto Region Fiction
Rebirth of the Gang Leader in the Kanto Region

Qi Tian, a special forces soldier from the Hua Xia Shen Yang Military Region, went on a mission and perished alongside foreign mercenaries at the border of Bai Tou Mountain. Rewinding time, he is reborn at the foot of Bai Tou Mountain as a hunter with the same name. In this chaotic world, Qi Tian, who possesses the family's inherited sword skills, relies on cold weapons and vows to clash with firearms. In an era plagued by warlords and rampant banditry, the young Qi Tian emerges from Bai Tou Mountain and embarks on

70.04 Million words | 2021-09-04 20:51Update

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The Ultimate Emperor Fiction
The Ultimate Emperor

Special Forces Soldier Lin Feng, during a mission, had an out-of-body experience and inexplicably traveled through time and space, possessing the body of a foolish and tyrannical emperor. He became a new emperor with knowledge, culture, resources, and abilities. In a world of turmoil and competition for supremacy, wars raged on and the beauty of the land enticed. Within the palace, beauties filled every corner, embracing him from left to right. On the battlefield, brilliant generals emerged, but I alone reigned supreme. Recruiting famous generals, seizing beauties, dominating the world, and unifying the land. Custom labels by the author: Return of the Strong, Special Forces, Iron and Blood.

436.69 Million words | 2022-04-06 22:26Update

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Rebirth of the Cold Emperor's Beloved Consort Fiction
Rebirth of the Cold Emperor's Beloved Consort

She was just an ordinary, extremely ordinary person. An unexpected car accident caused her to be reborn in a different world, and she even became a princess of a country, embarking on a journey of reversing her fate! Wait a minute, she successfully turned the tide, but can someone please tell her why there are other races besides humans in this world? What is the power of race? Oh my, what kind of world is this? Just a small hint: there are dual male and female protagonists in this story~

144.31 Million words | 2021-12-27 04:41Update

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The Terminator of Kingpins Fiction
The Terminator of Kingpins

It was a chaotic era of warlords, with fierce competition and brilliant heroes... Ling Feng, a famous playboy in Chuan Valley County, was unexpectedly drawn into this turmoil due to a sudden upheaval in his family. Let's see how his fate unfolds. They say extraordinary people do extraordinary things, and his father was one such exceptional individual. He came from another world, and Ling Feng inherited his father's dying wish, embarking on a journey with an unparalleled mission! They say conquerors are formidable and heroic figures, but he specialized in annihilating conquerors!

593.51 Million words | 2023-01-30 11:45Update

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The Royal Family of Great Jin Fiction
The Royal Family of Great Jin

In the second year of the Great Jin Dynasty, Prince Dai, who had just recovered from a serious illness, arrived in Chang'an City. He flipped through history books and finally came to a conclusion: this was a dynasty unfamiliar to him, but possibly a dynasty he was familiar with. With the emperor's order to conquer Goguryeo, Baekje, and Korea, and the construction of the Grand Canal, as well as a series of national policies to pacify the south, he seemed to grasp something... an alternative history! Please don't take it as fact, thank you all! Regular group.

169.21 Million words | 2022-11-14 04:27Update

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Super Prince Consort Fiction
Super Prince Consort

After time-traveling, mastering the world, marrying two princesses, and forcing the enemy's queen to submit, I proudly showcase my prowess in the land of China! With my own strength, I eradicate the Lotus Sect, annihilate the Liao Empire, and unite the country! Witness Xiao Mo's unparalleled dominance as he becomes an unprecedented super-intelligent prince consort! ...

459.83 Million words | 2023-02-03 12:38Update

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Ming Dynasty tycoon Fiction
Ming Dynasty tycoon

In the era of Longwan, money flowed freely, maritime trade prospered, and the whip of capitalism began sprouting, leading the Great Ming toward the pinnacle of power. This was an era where politics and commerce were intertwined, where scholars were also entrepreneurs. This was an era of grandeur and decline, a turning point in history. This was an era of extravagance and splendor, where everything seemed dazzling. This was an era of waiting for industries to flourish, a time to showcase one's capabilities. In this era, old systems came to an end, while new systems emerged, paving the way for the Great Ming to embark on another path towards world domination.

113.04 Million words | 2022-08-19 17:20Update

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Emperor from a humble background Fiction
Emperor from a humble background

I was entrusted by heaven, blessed with eternal prosperity. I, rising from humble beginnings, had no intention to claim emperorship. However, destiny has chosen me, and I will prioritize the well-being of the people, govern with culture, strengthen the military, aim for dominance, and overlook the world! A transcendent tale awaits, witnessing how a commoner ascends to the throne, sweeping across the vast territories effortlessly, merging the joy of leisure with the weight of history. Who says one cannot have it all? ************** I hope that readers can pass on the message and help spread the word. Your support is my strength!

131.15 Million words | 2022-04-19 01:54Update

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Nan Song does not cough. Fiction
Nan Song does not cough.

Background Song Dynasty was a unique period in history. It possessed three out of the four great inventions. It had significantly higher tax revenue compared to other dynasties. Its foreign trade and commercial scale were well-developed. It also had a high level of urbanization, poised for further transformation. Unfortunately, it encountered the Mongol Empire, a seemingly insurmountable historical challenge. Consequently, its process of development was abruptly interrupted, leading to the decline and eventual oblivion of the dynasty. The protagonist, Hong Tao, is a seasoned professional who has been reborn three

251.80 Million words | 2020-07-13 07:56Update

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Sniper of the Late Qing Dynasty Fiction
Sniper of the Late Qing Dynasty

Li Zhen, the special sniper, returned to late Qing dynasty as the Second Opium War was approaching. With a gun in hand, I dominate the world! With a set of modern special warfare tactics, I am invincible in both offense and defense. With my astonishing marksmanship, I can take down the enemy's leaders from thousands of miles away, making Britain, America, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan all weep in despair. I will pacify the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, eradicate internal strife, promote the industrial revolution, establish a pioneering capitalist system, make the invading imperial powers tremble and leave China, and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Avenging

221.88 Million words | 2021-03-20 02:35Update

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Sniper Genius Fiction
Sniper Genius

Facing the pursuit and blockade of mercenaries, elite agents, assassin groups, and international criminal organizations, Wang Hai navigates through difficult and dangerous situations effortlessly. With just one bullet, he can eliminate his targets and obtain both money and beautiful women. He is known as the sniper genius. Rest assured, my works have been completed: "Solo Mission," "Bullet Soaring," "The Great Sniper." Published works include: "Solo Mission," "Wolf Slayer," "Wild Soldier," "Bullet Soaring," "Special Forces - Reconnaissance Soldier," "The Great Sniper," "Red Fox," "The Great Sniper," "Warhawk," "Unsheathed," "Warhawk," "Rainy Night Murder Game," "Corpse

24.07 Million words | 2021-09-12 09:49Update

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The Great Tang Dynasty said. Fiction
The Great Tang Dynasty said.

The lecturer, with his sharp tongue, traveled back in time to the Tang Dynasty, witnessing the power of language. A sharp tongue could withstand a million soldiers. With his sharp tongue, he altered the course of history and made Liu Ao, this unfortunate time traveler, live a rich and flavorful life. With a sharp tongue, the world changed, and peace prevailed. The sharp tongue said, "I just want to live a good life..."

98.48 Million words | 2021-04-16 06:37Update

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I am really not the last emperor of the Wu Kingdom. Fiction
I am really not the last emperor of the Wu Kingdom.

In the late years of Dong Wu, there were internal troubles and external dangers, with smoke rising from all corners of the land. Treacherous officials held power. In Sun Hao's heart, he thought: "Since I have traveled to this tumultuous era, I will do my utmost to reverse the situation! I will not be the last emperor of Wu!"

35.14 Million words | 2020-08-09 15:54Update

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