Fiction vs Reality
OR:
How to write an historically accurate novel
Writing historical fiction is not like writing a scholarly work. I studied History in uni, and got very used to writing about history in a factual, nonfiction manner. Scholarly writing is a very specific style, designed to provide context and information based upon facts that are presented by evidence. From there, any interpretation needs to be supported by the author’s evidence.
Historical fiction, on the other hand, can basically be anything the author wants so long as the novel takes place in a historical setting. Unfortunately, I’ve read many “historical” books riddled with inaccuracies and mistakes. This is a huge pet peeve of mine, largely due to my educational background. There will always be a few mistakes, whether it’s because of artistic license or because of a lack of historical record. The main issue I have is when it’s clear the author just didn’t do enough research.
I’m the first to admit that I can fall down the research rabbit hole to make a novel as accurate as possible. For example, in the manuscript I’m currently writing, I just read multiple articles about the price of silk in 1650s New Spain so that a character (who sells fabric) can quote an accurate price.
Is this necessary? Personally, I think so. Wherever it is possible, I want my novels to be accurate. I believe this provides better context for the book overall, and also provides a fun new way to learn about history. Because I write about colonial Mexico, I want my readers to gain a broader understanding of the people and culture of the time. The last thing I want to do is perpetuate the negative and inaccurate stereotypes so prevalent in our worldview.
So how do you write an accurate novel? Do your research.