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. ...