writing a historical fiction novel

Writing a Historical Fiction Novel: Tips, Recommendations, and Inspirations

Are you an aspiring author looking to delve into the captivating world of historical fiction? Historical fiction is a genre that combines the allure of the past with the creative elements of fiction, allowing readers to immerse themselves in different eras and cultures. If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey, this article will provide you with valuable tips, recommended novels, and useful websites to help you along the way.

1. Research is key:
One of the most vital aspects of writing historical fiction is thorough research. Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial to create an authentic and immersive experience for readers. Dive deep into your chosen time period by exploring historical records, visiting museums, and reading primary sources. This will help you gain a solid foundation for your story.

2. Find your era:
Choosing the right time period for your novel is essential. Consider eras that captivate you and align with your interests. Whether it's ancient civilizations, medieval times, the Renaissance, or the World Wars, ensure that the era you choose provides a rich backdrop for your characters and plot.

3. Developing compelling characters:
Crafting believable and relatable characters is critical in historical fiction. Research their attitudes, beliefs, and mannerisms to accurately portray their mindset and behavior within the societal norms of their time. Balancing historical accuracy with character development will keep readers invested in your story.

4. Engaging plotlines:
While historical accuracy is crucial, remember that you're writing fiction. Create intriguing storylines that keep readers hooked from start to finish. Blend real events with fictional elements to add depth and excitement to your narrative. The key is to strike a balance that transports readers to a different era while keeping them engaged with your characters and plot.

5. Recommended historical fiction novels and authors:
If you're seeking inspiration or examples of exceptional historical fiction, consider exploring the works of renowned authors in the genre. Some notable recommendations are:

- Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall" series, set in Tudor England.
- Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth," a captivating tale set during the construction of a medieval cathedral.
- Bernard Cornwell's "The Last Kingdom" series, transporting readers to the Viking Age.

6. Useful websites for historical research:
The internet is a treasure trove of information for historical fiction writers. Here are some websites that can aid your research:

- History.com: A comprehensive resource covering a wide range of historical topics.
- Project Gutenberg: An online library offering access to thousands of free historical books.
- British Library: Provides an extensive collection of digitalized primary sources and manuscripts.

Remember, the key to writing an exceptional historical fiction novel lies in meticulous research, captivating characters, and a compelling plot. Seamlessly merging fact with fiction will transport readers back in time and leave them eager for more. So, grab your pen, explore the past, and embark on a literary adventure that will captivate readers for generations to come.
Tales of the Lingyun Realm Fiction
Tales of the Lingyun Realm

A poor young man unwilling to be ordinary, yearning to rise above mediocrity and become extraordinary. Due to a twist of fate, he became the previously weak and sickly noble. However, the fierce struggle for power at the pinnacle made the bonds of family appear incredibly indifferent. Through numerous ups and downs, he finally obtained the icy and scorching throne. When he one day ascended to a position of great authority, he finally awakened to the realization that, in order to obtain that supreme and absolute power, he would have to sacrifice a lifetime of freedom. PS: This book is already completed, please support the author's new book "The Conquest of Wutang," thank you! Custom author tags: Blood and Glory.

135.61 Million words | 2020-11-03 09:35Update

fiction historical ya historical fiction alternate historical fiction

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

The Princess Chases Her Husband Gracefully. Fiction
The Princess Chases Her Husband Gracefully.

Princess Situ saw a graceful young man standing at the bridge when she was young. Since then, her heart has been captivated by his gentle smile. Situ has always dreamed of marrying Minister Wei Feng, who is resolute and composed in court. She has been proactive in trying to get his attention, even confessing her love in front of the court officials. However, she didn't expect that he already had a fiancée who got pregnant with his child. Sigh... The person she has loved for ten years...she won't pursue him anymore! She will find someone else to pursue instead. But unexpectedly, Minister Wei comes to force the marriage: to marry or not to marry? Princess Situ is stunned, what's going on? This is a short story, and updates will be irregular. I will try to update more frequently.

567.11 Million words | 2021-12-18 02:05Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction

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

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

Fairy spectrum Fiction
Fairy spectrum

Produced by the Qingdu Studio, Email Address: [email protected] ___________________________________ Chess transcends the mundane, dominating the world of strategy, portraying the image of a chess player who uses the game to navigate life. Exploring danger and seeking marvels, it reveals the illusions of existence. Different from wuxia romance or supernatural tales, it creates a unique legend. Chess family secrets - Nine Palace Chess, Three Wars Chess, Blind Chess, Murderer's Chess... The protagonist Fang Guohuan is guided by a master, comprehending the highest realm of chess, the Tianyuan state. From then on, he roams the world of chess, benefiting society with his skills. Outside the Great Wall, he sets up the Tianyuan Chess Formation, repelling the iron cavalry of the Jurchen; at the Yellow Crane Tower, he engages in a fierce battle against the Killer's Chess. Later, he travels overseas to avoid disaster, following in Zheng He's footsteps to explore the Western world. Bearing witness to countless adventures, beneath the Kunlun Mountains, he changes the "Land Pattern" with his chess skills, creating an unparalleled myth. In the end, he bathes in the blood of Liaodong... Life is like a chess game, but few can truly navigate it successfully!

499.30 Million words | 2022-12-15 20:01Update

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

The Phoenix Reigns over the Kingdom. Fiction
The Phoenix Reigns over the Kingdom.

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

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

Endless Merchant Emperor Fiction
Endless Merchant Emperor

A light transmigration and growth-oriented historical fiction set in an alternative historical timeline. The plot is logically sound and involves court politics, ancient warfare, business battles, and agricultural development.

545.09 Million words | 2020-08-30 17:15Update

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

Anti-Terrorism Elites in the War of Resistance Fiction
Anti-Terrorism Elites in the War of Resistance

Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world!" Xu Rui said, "Give me an AWP and I will headshot the enemy boss!" Returning to the past, to an era of raging wars, with the sound of the charging tanks, we destroy everything in our path, with rivers of blood flowing along. Ste

233.53 Million words | 2023-04-24 12:53Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

Rebirth of the Great Tang Warlord Fiction
Rebirth of the Great Tang Warlord

Special Forces soldier Lu Chen, involved in a dispute by accident, transforms into the heir of Tang Dynasty's General's Manor after death. As a time-traveler with numerous advantages, how can he settle for mediocrity? With his wisdom, Lu Chen embarks on a journey to dominate the world in the prosperous Tang Dynasty. "Compare poetry with me? In my previous life, I was well-versed in Tang poetry and Song lyrics!" "Is this the legendary Yang Guifei? So fat!" "Oh? The An Lushan Rebellion is coming? Then I must recruit soldiers and buy horses too!" "I've said it so many times, I don't like your so-called beauties! I prefer them slim!!!"

571.89 Million words | 2023-06-20 06:41Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction by time period historical fiction time periods

Late Qing Dynasty Warlord. Fiction
Late Qing Dynasty Warlord.

During the Xianfeng period, there was the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom uprising and the Second Opium War. Countless humiliations and glories erupted at the same time, making this an era that is both inspiring and intoxicating! This is a story of the rise of a modern empire, a legend belonging to Lin Zhe! In the rain, the usual style of "reasonable imagination, thrilling dominance" presents to you the most realistic and shocking battle for dominance! The old writer guarantees the quality and quantity of the new book, so please rest assured to collect and read it! Welcome everyone to join the book friends group ().

515.19 Million words | 2023-02-04 21:48Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel books historical fiction history

treacherous minister Fiction
treacherous minister

One absurd misstep led Xu Xun, who had finally avenged his enemies, to fall into the prosperous era of the Ming Dynasty five hundred years ago. During this time of peace and prosperity, Jinling was enchanting, the capital city was majestic, the melodies of the Qinhuai River could never be exhausted, and the dances of Huaiyang were endless. Under the harmony of this golden age, the loyal and virtuous thrived while the common people were treated no better than dogs. As a lone orphan, Xu Xun faced numerous challenges in merely surviving. In that case, he might as well embrace his fate and become a notorious courtier. The days of those noble-hearted Ming officials who preached benevolence, righteousness, and morality were numbered!

238.75 Million words | 2022-07-27 06:55Update

reincarnation novel history and historical fiction historical fiction history

Iron Blood Great Qin Fiction
Iron Blood Great Qin

Cheng Feng, a hero who died for defending Diaoyu Island, unexpectedly traveled back to the Qin Dynasty and became Lord Fusu. In an era filled with heroic figures, witness how Fusu gradually grasped the power over the world, wading through the bloody mire, and competed with Xiang Yu and Liu Bang for the magnificent land.

202.41 Million words | 2022-05-21 06:13Update

historical fiction. historical ya fiction historical fiction

Intelligent Owl Fiction
Intelligent Owl

In the ninth year of Chongzhen reign, the grand palace teeters! Sons of Han, their hot blood spilled!

334.26 Million words | 2021-02-11 03:00Update

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

The Legend of Yaoxiang Fiction
The Legend of Yaoxiang

During the middle period of the Tang Dynasty, Princess Shengping's second daughter, Yaoxiang, was mischievous from a young age, often causing trouble. As a result, she was sent by her parents to train in the Hezhong Army. In Hezhong, Yaoxiang honed her skills and became a well-known female warrior. As border conflicts escalated, Yaoxiang fell into an enemy trap and the Hezhong Army suffered consecutive defeats on the verge of collapse. Faced with these setbacks, Yaoxiang had to abandon her carefree nature and transform from an innocent girl into a resilient and independent female general. She took on the mission of revitalizing her family and rebuilding the Hezhong Army.

2.57 Million words | 2020-09-02 18:16Update

time travel historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction 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

Crazy Cavalry Wave at the End of the Han Dynasty Fiction
Crazy Cavalry Wave at the End of the Han Dynasty

With the system accompanying him in this era, the throne that surpasses all sentient beings is the freedom that Li Zheng pursues. Invincible battle steeds traverse the land, gallop across the oceans, and dominate the sky. No one can stop Li Zheng's advancing footsteps. Cao, Liu, Sun? In this unique end of the Han Dynasty, witness the unrivaled fury of the battle steeds, crushing everything in their path!

447.92 Million words | 2023-04-16 12:28Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Wolf General Fiction
Wolf General

Before the Xinhai Revolution, he was a reclusive and insane scholar who never left his home. After the Xinhai Revolution, he emerged from his study with a sinister and determined demeanor. Despite facing a corrupt government and a fragmented nation, he used his vast knowledge to defend his homeland. With iron-handed tactics and cunning strategies, he fought valiantly in this tumultuous era, striving to secure a future for future generations.

288.48 Million words | 2023-06-04 18:03Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

Ultimate Special Forces Soldier King Fiction
Ultimate Special Forces Soldier King

【Free Novel】Returning as the King of Soldiers, I was unexpectedly forced into marriage by a heartless father-in-law. "Since my sister isn't here, should I marry my younger sister-in-law?" With bloodshot eyes that see through life and death, and a loyal heart that would rather die than regret, with a single promise, what harm is there in carrying a lifetime of slaughter? Returning from hell, who will accompany me to the underworld once again?

286.28 Million words | 2020-07-20 20:48Update

time travel historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods

The guilty concubine is not allowed to escape. Fiction
The guilty concubine is not allowed to escape.

She is the princess of a fallen kingdom, her dance captivating the nation, but now reduced to destitution. The serpent king, who possesses vast lands and territories, finds the world mundane until one day, he realizes that she is the only interesting thing amidst all the monotony. Their entanglement is her fault, and there is no escape!******All they wanted was a peaceful love throughout their lives, but they face numerous obstacles, causing upheaval across the entire continent. One flower, one world, one lifetime, one destiny? To endure together is not as good as forgetting each other in the river and lake? Impossible! He only knows that when the end is near and the heavens and earth grow dim, they must be together. In life, in bed,

84.21 Million words | 2021-05-07 16:07Update

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

The unparalleled talent amid the chaos caused by the Five Barbarians. Fiction
The unparalleled talent amid the chaos caused by the Five Barbarians.

During the period of the Two Jin Dynasties and the Southern and Northern Dynasties, when the Five Hu (non-Han ethnic groups) invaded and chaos reigned, human lives were as insignificant as grass and hay. The Han people were regarded as lambs waiting to be slaughtered, with only one in ten Han people surviving. In such times, who could possess extraordinary talent and prowess? Let us witness how Shi Jia will turn the tide and restore the mighty glory of Great Han.

297.92 Million words | 2022-12-19 18:18Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel books best time travel historical fiction