1. Begin with Broad Historical Context
Before diving into details, build a strong understanding of the larger historical context of your chosen time period. Study major events, cultural norms, social hierarchies, and daily life. This foundation will help you make informed choices about what aspects of the era to emphasize. For example, knowing the political climate of 18th-century France will shape how characters might react to issues like class or revolution, even if your story is more intimate in scope.
2. Focus on Daily Life and Small Details
The small, everyday details are often what bring a historical setting to life. What did people wear, eat, and say? How did they travel? Research the sensory experiences of the period: the smells, sounds, and textures. These specifics ground readers in the story’s setting without overwhelming them. For instance, the smell of tallow candles or the sound of cobblestone streets can instantly evoke a time period.
3. Understand Language and Dialogue
The way people spoke, the expressions they used, and the vocabulary of the time are essential to making dialogue sound authentic. Research period-specific phrases, but avoid making the language too dense or difficult for modern readers. Strike a balance by incorporating some historically accurate expressions while keeping dialogue clear and accessible.
4. Research Social Structures and Norms
Social conventions, laws, and customs of an era influence how characters think, interact, and view the world. Researching these structures helps avoid anachronistic characters who act too much like modern-day people. For example, understanding gender roles in 19th-century England will inform how your female protagonist navigates her society’s expectations and limitations.
5. Use Primary Sources Whenever Possible
Primary sources, like letters, diaries, newspaper articles, and legal documents from the time period, are invaluable for capturing authentic voices and perspectives. These sources provide firsthand accounts that reveal how people thought, felt, and experienced their world. A single letter or diary entry can inspire dialogue, character motivations, and even plot twists that reflect the era.
6. Incorporate Historical Events Naturally
Historical events provide a backdrop for your story, but they shouldn’t overwhelm the plot or characters unless central to the story. Weave events into the narrative in ways that affect your characters’ lives personally, rather than just inserting them as historical milestones. For example, the impact of World War I might be felt through a family’s loss or a soldier’s struggle to adjust, giving readers a personal perspective on a historical event.
7. Be Mindful of Historical Accuracy and Creative License
While accuracy is important, sometimes you’ll need to adjust or omit details for the sake of storytelling. It’s okay to take creative license, but make sure that the adjustments serve the story and don’t undermine the authenticity you’re aiming for. Include a note explaining any intentional historical deviations, which shows readers you’ve done your research and respect the time period.
8. Consult Experts When Needed
If you’re writing about a complex historical period or need specific knowledge, consult historians or specialists. Talking to experts can help clarify difficult concepts or reveal details that might be hard to find in general research. Many universities, historical societies, and museums offer resources that can be invaluable in authenticating your story.
9. Balance Research with Storytelling
While it’s tempting to showcase everything you’ve learned, avoid overloading the narrative with historical details. Use your research to enhance the setting, character motivations, and plot, rather than letting it dominate the story. Remember, the goal is to transport readers, not to give them a history lesson.
Using research effectively in historical fiction requires both accuracy and restraint. By immersing yourself in the era and focusing on details that enrich your story, you can create a world that feels genuine and engaging. When done well, research doesn’t just inform—it breathes life into your historical fiction, making it a world readers can truly step into.
