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- Go to A few questions for my writing friends.
The novel I have been working intermittently at for some years now
is historical. I love reading history, and I don't wait to do that research, it's an on-going thing. It helps set the background atmosphere, and sometimes brings in astonishing little gems that can work right into the tale. I plan an afterward to clarify what is and is not historically accurate. For instance, an event that happened one day in Rome, in August of 1500 AD, I have shifted to night because that's when I need it to happen.
Another instance: I send my character through an arcade of statues of famous men, which, as it turns out, was actually constructed some years after the story takes place. I have to rewrite the scene, or, if I decide it is needed as is, then I'll put the disclaimer in the afterward.
A bibliography is evidence of having done actual research, and adds to your credibility, but is a tedious thing to make. I might invite readers who want such information to contact me, and I'll send it to them. Chances are, I will never have to do that.
Revision is a different kind of pleasure, as you smooth and polish, and choose better words, better ways to say things. The thing to watch for is when it becomes a matter of change, rather than improvement.
posted by
Ciel
on January 18, 2014 at 7:59 AM
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sorry I dont have any idea to either question but I hope you stay warm
posted by
Lanetay
on January 18, 2014 at 6:52 AM
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Facts in historical fiction...
You can assume your published work of historical fiction will be read by people who are interested in the time period or subject you've chosen - and if you mess with the facts, they'll know. You need to do a bibliography - a list of sources consulted - at the end, and perhaps even footnotes or endnotes at the end of a chapter, so history buffs can look up details for themselves. People who are reading for fun won't give a fig about whatever poetic license you took - they just want an entertaining story...
posted by
Pat_B
on January 18, 2014 at 5:21 AM
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The question you asked - how long should a story be? Wow, you've
just given me the opening line for a blog. As for the editing / revision - as far as I'm concerned that's the real art of the thing. The rough draft is the big old piece of marble, and the revision is the chisel that brings the sculpture to life. It takes as long as it takes. You step back, take another look, see a rough spot and smooth it down.
posted by
Pat_B
on January 18, 2014 at 5:14 AM
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No advice here about legalities, but one shoould be able to warn readers that facts may be distorted to help the story's plot. If Grisham can do it....
. When will it be available?
posted by
adnohr
on January 18, 2014 at 3:28 AM
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My advice is at your age write about things that no one else can dispute. Such as( I used to court a man with three legs, he is dead now, but he was a fast walker.) If you write about history someone is bound to argue the toss. As for working on your book treat it as a pleasurable occupation, I think E.books have had there day, too many aspiring authors and they are being sold too cheaply, I downloaded one last week 6006 pages 60p. It is a love affair with a view to a promise. Nevertheless I commend your action and of course will buy a signed edition, so I can say I knew the famous personality. I would have put Authoress but I could not think how to spell that word.
posted by
C_C_T
on January 18, 2014 at 12:15 AM
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1. I generally edit about ten pages per day per project.
2. Yes, you can make a disclaimer at the end. John Grisham did that with The Last Juror. He actually deliberately played loose with the laws of Mississippi in order to accomplish what he wanted out of the plot.
3.With size, I write and whatever the length is, it is.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on January 17, 2014 at 8:18 PM
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On that first question, I think everyone is different. One has to find what they can do, when, and then keep to a daily schedule. I think the self-schedule is probably the most important (yet I have never been able to do that for myself).
posted by
TAPS.
on January 17, 2014 at 7:04 PM
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I 'aven't got a clue, Grandmummy.
posted by
lovelyladymonk
on January 17, 2014 at 5:41 PM
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Kabu
I've never written a novel, and probably never will - you're waaaay beyond me, and I really wouldn't know what advice to give you...
posted by
Nautikos
on January 17, 2014 at 5:21 PM
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Kabuiepie-;)~
That is a great story you're working, stick with it love.
posted by
WileyJohn
on January 17, 2014 at 4:27 PM
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writing,
kabu, there's always vanity publishing on amazon. a friend just alerted me to it so i don't know anything about it to share. who says a novel has to be so many pages and why not begin the thing saying this is mostly true or something to that nature. te he. God bless you, I'm sure you're doing well. writing can be such a vacuum. my spell check is not working here. did i spell vacuum right? i always screw up on that word. you're lucky to have a garage. my little buggy sits out in this cold weather. poor thing i hope it doesn't catch cold!
posted by
Carolyn_Moe
on January 17, 2014 at 3:30 PM
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