Advice please

[BrotherLeeCT]

Ok, I had a new plot for a historical fiction book, but I couldnt get my plot to fit corectly with the time period. (because I dont know the time period well enough) Can/could anyone give me advice on how I can come to understand a time period more and different ideas on how to tie my story into it?

[RedBaron]

The best thing is to just research the time period, read some non-fiction and fiction set in that time.

What time period are you writing this in?

[BrotherLeeCT]

well, right now im writing roman times, but I was having trouble with the WWII era and just the different battles and stuff like that.

[jaybird]

well, right now im writing roman times, but I was having trouble with the WWII era and just the different battles and stuff like that.

What do you need to know about WWII?

[Arpy]

Watch WWII documentaries. Dramas are acceptable, too, but don't trust them for facts--ones that are made in the 40s are pretty good for the cultural side. I've read some good fiction books on it, too--
The Guns of Navarone is a good book, except for strong language. I'd suggest reading the stuff by people who were actually in the war.

The way I find is best for me to learn about a different time period is to read fiction written during it first, then non-fiction about it, then fiction about it. Roman times, though? I'm not sure there is any fiction written during. Non-fiction books are probably your best bet there.

I don't know if it's just Providence or what, but often I look up a time period in an on-line Encyclopedia or something and suddenly find something that works really well with my plot. Look for important people or events.

[jaeblakney]

I researched for years for my novel, Resist the Devil. http://www.jaeblakney.com/resistthedevil.htm. I wish I had a quicker answer and maybe there is one, but I didn't feel I could portray the facts and the sentiment of the culture unless I took the time not only to learn the objective things but come to know the heart of the culture.

[Arpy]

Just something I wanted to add--

I "live" in the past, so when I think up an idea for a book, it is usually pre-programmed to be in my "default" setting--early 20th century, usually, but it depends. I have to think harder to write modern books than historical!!!!!!

Just letting you know so you can see where I come from. My advice will be based somewhat on my own experience.

But I still do research!

[jaeblakney]

Sounds like fun! Is there a place I can read your writing?

[Arpy]

Well, not yet, exactly.

I have a blog with my colleague--get ready, this is confusing--under a different pen-name. Right now, most of the stuff on there is my colleague's. All the stuff that is mine is a little bit old and I can do way better.
I promise to get some more stuff on there soon--If you're still interested then, I can give you the address.
(However, anything I put on new will be set in to-day, because that is what I'm working on right now.)

[jaeblakney]

Yeah just wait until you're ready and let me know.

[Sparrow]

I wrote a novella set during WWII. I found several research books written specifically about the concentration camp it was set in. I also found mention of it in autobiographies and biographies and lots of info on the internet. When I'd finished the rough draft then I wrote one of the authors of the research book and asked if she'd be willing to look at it for accuracy. She did.

I also write a lot of Biblical fiction short stories. I use the Bible and commentaries and books about the culture and times.

Roman times, though? I'm not sure there is any fiction written during.

I believe Francine Rivers has written some set in Roman times, and I'm pretty sure there are some others out there, too. Some Biblical fiction books overlap with that time period.

[jaeblakney]

Roman times, though? I'm not sure there is any fiction written during.

Try Frank G. Slaughter's The Road to Bythinia or Thomas B. Costain's The Silver Chalice or The Martyr of the Catacombs by Anonymous.

[Arpy]

Oh yes, of course there are books about Roman times !
Ben Hur is pretty good. And I think G. A. Henty wrote some. Also, Shakespeare's Julius Ceasar is nice, but I'm not sure how authentic. But unless you want to read Ceasar's Latin, I'm not sure how much you'll find written in the first century.

[jaeblakney]

Oh, I have a copy of that. Took it out a couple of weeks ago and read a paragraph or so. Fascinating, I think, just the idea of it.

[Arpy]

I love Latin, and any kind of foreign language.
I've always wanted a Latin copy of Ceasar. Good old boy's school stuff.