GET THE STORY IN YOUR HISTORY RIGHT by J.R. Lindermuth
More than half of “history” is “story.” If you’re a writer
of fiction who incorporates history into your story, you better get the parts
you make up right.
No one is likely to shoot you if you have Washington
crossing the Ohio instead of the Delaware . But you better
believe some astute reader will inform you of your error. And, worse, they
probably won’t buy another of your novels.
Knowing your facts is important. How you introduce them into
the story is equally important. You don’t want a laundry list of facts.
Description needs to be blended in as a bridge and not a barrier between
dialogue and action.
The majority of my books have been set in places I’m
familiar with and I’m also fortunate as librarian of my county historical
society to have access to period newspapers, diaries and other documents
related to the periods I write about. Don’t neglect research. It requires time
and dedication, but can be fun—as well as distracting. Though that’s another
story.
My latest novel, Something So Divine, was inspired by
an actual murder, though imagination led me far from the facts of that case.
Employing “what if” often creates wholly
new and surprising outlooks on the most mundane of facts.
BLURB:
When a young girl is found
murdered in a Pennsylvania
Evidence against Ned is
circumstantial and there are other suspects. Influenced by the opinions of
Ned’s stepsister and Ellen, a woman who has perked his interest, Simon Roth,
the investigator, is inclined to give Ned benefit of the doubt. Then he discovers
damaging evidence.
Still unwilling to view Ned
as a cold-blooded killer, Roth puts his job and reputation in jeopardy as he
seeks to assure a fair trial for the accused.
Links:
J. R.
Lindermuth is the author of 15 novels, including six in the Sticks Hetrick
mystery series set in a fictional rural community near Harrisburg PA. A retired
newspaper editor/writer, he is now librarian of his county's historical society
where he assists patrons with research and genealogy. He has published stories
and articles in a variety of magazines, both print and on line. He is a member
of International Thriller Writers and is currently vice president of the Short
Mystery Fiction Society. Additional information on his books and writing is
available at www.jrlindermuth.net
Comments
bobbi c.
I very much enjoy doing historical research for my writing as well. Congrats on the new novel, it sounds like a winner! Wishing you many sales.
Good points, John, and I agree with you about historical facts and research. I'm now doing more research than ever for my historical mystery series on Kevin Tipple's blog site, and I'm enjoying it. Keep up the good work, my friend.
Marja McGraw