Online Workshops
Writing Historical Fiction
Course Duration: 6 weeks or at your own pace
Start Date: On Demand
Tutor(s): Patricia O’Reilly
Course Fee: €315.00 + VAT
Ever wanted to spice up the past with your imagination? Perhaps get the know-how on researching and writing a historical back story for a contemporary novel? Maybe you’re interested in detective or fantasy with a historical twist? Ever wondered about the Victorian era; the Irish Famine, the time of the Tudors?
If so, Writing Historical Fiction is the course for you.
Historical fiction is the new kid on the publishing block. Writers on both sides of the Atlantic are enjoying unprecedented sales. The genre is enthusiastically embraced by publishers and readers alike. In 2009, several of the novels on the Man Booker Prize longlist were historical fiction and winner was Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel’s story of Cromwell.
Writing historical fiction is much more than placing characters in a bygone era. This course helps writers explore the various genres of historical fiction, and become skilled at building historical fact, storylines and characters into riveting fiction. Each module includes an email lecture, writing suggestions, reading recommendations and an assignment to be submitted for tutor review.
At the end of this course participants will have clearly defined characters, a strong storyline, optimum locations, cameo scenes and an opening chapter.
To enquire about this course complete the form below:
Course Content in Detail
6 self-contained modules, tailor-made to meet individual requirements, each containing email lecture, writing suggestions, reading recommendations and an assignment.
Module 1: Introduction
- What is Historical Fiction?
- Various genres
- Importance of Time Period
Module 2: Research
- How to show both historical and fictional figures dealing with historical events
- Using historical events to complement story’s narrative
- How and Where to carry out research
- Using research to story advantage
- Balancing history and fiction – so that neither overwhelms the other
Module 3: Characters
In Fiction characters are king and never more so than when writing historical fiction.
- Development of character/s using Character Profile
- The power of the senses.
- The advantages of showing rather than telling
- Using to character advantage clothes/food/ethos of time
Module 4: Plots and Subplots
- MindMapping
- Storyboarding
- Creating Cameo sequences
- Set-pieces to create atmosphere
Module 5: Locations & Skills
- Optimum Locations/settings/weather to compliment characters and story line
- Point of Entry
- Building on Detail,
- Emotional landscaping
- Writing Historical Fiction as a contemporary genre
Module 6
Polishing first Chapter
Tips on finishing that First Draft
