writing historical fiction-fwe 6/1/12

• When did you first learn about the historical fiction genre?

I discovered historical fiction when I was a teen and read a lot of Catherine Cooksons books. They covered a lot of what the aristocracy felt about the help and child labor in those times. The author wrote about poverty in Victorian England there was a lot of sadness and despair due to the hardships.

• What are the main characteristics of a historical fiction?

I believe the main characteristics are that a story is set during a period of time as in Cooksons books or a significant event such as the wars or the time of slavery as in Roots, or Cold Mountain which depicted the hardships during the civil war.

• What is your favorite book from this genre?

I enjoyed the story of  NORTH AND SOUTH SERIES by JOHN JAKES. It tells the story of two families at the brink of the american civil war where allegances were decided by what side of the Mason Dixon Line you lived on. The southern Mains and the northern Hazards are friends before the war but have to choose sides when the first shot from Fort Sumpter is fired. There is love and political intrigue of the times to keep the story rolling.

• Have you read any good historical fiction books lately? (And tell us what they are.)

I am about to read a speculative mystery which set in the turbulent years just after Kennedys assassination. In that respect it could be considered historical. tile is AGENT OF ARTIFICE by S. EVAN TOWNSEND.

I am also wanting to buy and read JEAN M. AUELS LAND OF PAINTED CAVES IN THE EARTHS CHILDREN SERIES. I love this series as it explores what life might have been like in prehistoric times. No Dinosaurs just cavemen.

• Who is your favorite author in this genre?
  

More like favorite authors: CATHERINE COOKSON, JOHN JAKES, CATHERINE COULTER ETC.

• What was the first historical fiction you remember reading?
  

THE DWELLING PLACE by CATHERINE COOKSON

• Have you read a historical fiction book, then watched it convert successfully to the big screen?

I read North and south series in the 80's and then saw the mini-series adaptation on TV.

• What era is your favorite to read/write?

As I haven't written one yet, I love reading about either the Civil War Era or WWII.

• What are things about the historical fiction genre that you don't fully understand and would like to have clarified?

Not that I can think of but how accurate does a writer have to be in writing such a story?