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Historical Fiction Author: Are You an Expert

My friends in radio tell me that they love to interview authors who are experts in their field. This leads them to seek writers of non-fiction and self-help books. When I suggested that Historical Fiction is invaluable when the author can illustrate how the problems of yesteryear are similar to those of today. This leads to the question: How would your characters respond to todays hot topics? Whether the subject is family, children, education, government, drugs, alcohol et al, the idea is that you, as an author, are an expert on that particular speck of time, provided you have done your research very well. A word of caution: DON'T TRY TO FAKE IT.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Laura Vosika on September 30, 2009 at 6:15am

Great question, and in fact, it rubs so wrong when characters from 1400 Europe or 1776 America have the exact same attitudes as a modern American. It's something I really work to avoid. I have spent hundreds of hours, so to speak, in fourteenth century Scotland, and as my trilogy involves time travel, my fourteenth century Highlander does come face to face with modern American values.

Permalink Reply by William E. Johnson on September 30, 2009 at 7:24am

Hi Laura. And welcome to the club, which I predict will grow exponentially. There are many like us out there. If you have book signing or presentation, I suggest you dress in the garb of one of your characters and speak as the character. For me, as John Hancock, it sells more books and makes the whole idea more interesting.
A 14th century Highlander sounds interesting.

Permalink Reply by Laura Vosika on October 1, 2009 at 8:20am

I'll have to think about this. I do have 3 book signings scheduled.

Permalink Reply by William E. Johnson on October 1, 2009 at 9:16am

What would a 14th century Highlander lass look like?

Permalink Reply by Laura Vosika on October 7, 2009 at 9:44pm

I have a medieval dress that would be perfect for the event. It is quite large on me. One of the members of my writers' group is also strongly suggesting the dressing up idea, but another of our members says he absolutely will not come dressed as an alien!

Permalink Reply by William E. Johnson on October 8, 2009 at 4:09am

Don't forget to put flowers in your hair. As for your friend, I get visions of Klingons. Seriously, the medieval dress will draw attention and don't be surprised if you are asked to pose for pictures. Be sure to post a picture.

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