• Historical fiction bases imagined stories on factual events.a stack of books image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Historical fiction is a fictional story based in a factual past. Generally, it is agreed, that historical fiction is based on research, not on experience. A general rule is that historical fiction takes place fifty or more years in the past. As with most artistic creations, there are no completely agreed upon rules or requirements for what makes historical fiction. However, there are guidelines that will help you get a better sense of the genre.
  
  

Research

• To write a historical novel an author must be dedicated to doing thorough and accurate research on historical events or persons. Readers of historical fiction expect not only a good story, but to also learn about history. Therefore, your story must be based on factual events, places, customs, political and social norms of the time and an accurate portrayal of life as it was. Even if you create a story that presents an alternative version of historical events, your story must still be comprised of facts associated with the time.
  
  

Characters

• Characters in historical novels, even if rebelling against the norms of the time period, must still be factually accurate. Characters should speak in a manner appropriate to the time. Be careful of how you use dialect, which can be distracting to a reader. Characters need to express awareness of political norms and social customs and have an understanding of morals and ethics of the time. Often in historical novels, authors write about real people from the past, but create an alternative story line for them. Fictional characterizations should be balanced with factual research.
  
  

Themes

• A good novel, regardless of genre, includes what are referred to as universal themes. Despite your novel's subject matter or time period, you still want your readers to be able to relate to the larger issues of your story. A novel about prohibition, for example, should conjure for readers thoughts about current restricted substances and the role of alcohol or drugs in today's society. Readers want to be able to relate to a story, even if it is set fifty years or more in the past.
  
  

Setting

• Base the setting of your novel on your research. It is important not to guess at a detail you don't know, even if it seems small. Readers who discover you have made a mistake with factual details will have less trust in you as an author. Research small details such as how buildings looked; what modes of transportation were used; and what foods were eaten and how they were cooked. These sorts of details add authenticity to your story. Even fictional details need to feel authentic and factual to the reader.