Who?
When I write a history story I have to decide when the action is going to take place – and also where to set it. I also have to decide what is going to happen based on the setting. Then how it happens. And why it happens. But – for me – writing historical fiction always has to begin with the character.
The who. That who is usually a real person who lived through a period of history that fascinates me. That’s my character.
Once I have the who, the where and when look after themselves. That’s my setting. I need to set the book in the time and place that person lived. If you are basing your story on a real person this is the easy part.
Now – with more research in books, online and in film, maybe – I can find out what they did. Along with how they did what they did, I have a plot or a storyline.
And, finally, why. What motivated my historical figure to do what they did?
That’s my WRITING CHALLENGE for all you young Time Tunnellers.
Can you think up a good idea for a story based on a real historical figure that you are interested in?
Now ask yourself the questions:
- Who do you want to write about from history?
- When did they live?
- And where were they when they made their contribution to history?
- What did they do in that time and place that so interests you?
- How did they go about it?
- And – very importantly – why?
For me this is the starting point for every book I write. Some answers come easier than others, but, if you keep going and research deeply into your who, where, when, what, how and why, then you should have a decent story on your hands.
Tom Palmer is the author of over 60 children’s books, including award-winning historical fiction for young people.
Find out more about Tom here.
Time Tunnellers 