This week’s prompt in the #MFRWauthor 52-Week #Blog Challenge is Why I Write. That’s a good question and I don’t know that I have a good answer.
Mostly it’s because I’m a book junkie and have been since childhood. I fell in love with the written word and the power of story as a child and the magic never wanes. I love to read books and I love to tell stories. In my opinion, writers of popular fiction (romance, mystery, fantasy, etc.) are storytellers rather than writers. You can write a non-fiction book or article and provide useful, interesting, factual information, but when you write a piece of fiction, you are telling a story. And I love telling stories.
I’ve been slowly working my way through Lisa Cron’s book, Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence and taking the time to mark relevant passages and ponder what she said. The important takeaway is that scientists now know that the human brain is wired for story. It’s how we learn.
Besides finding that fact fascinating, I also find myself awed by the power of storytelling. In light of this revelation, I think it’s more important than ever for fiction writers to “get it right”. For instance, readers expect to learn a little history when they pick up a historical novel. I try to do my best to convey the period as accurately as possible, while not dwelling on the more unpleasant aspects of times past. Like the smelly horse dung in the street and the lack of sanitation, etc. You get the drift. But I also try to stay true to actual historical facts. It’s a balancing act, and the things that trip us up are the ones we didn’t think we had to look up.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
Linda
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Getting it right with historical is something that scares me. It’s why I think I stick with contemporary. You still have to ‘get it right’ but less research and chance of messing something up. LOL
You’re so right, Meka. If I had a better take on contemporary culture, I’d try writing it, but without kids around, I’m completely out of touch. Don’t ask me who the newest singing sensation is; I have no idea.
Awesome you can do Historical. I love it but don’t think i could do it!
It’s not easy, but when you’re a history freak like me, you go for it anyway.
I always try to get the details right in my stories, but gosh can it be challenging! Sometimes I can find the answers in memoirs or travel diaries, and sometimes I can’t.
I know. Sometimes the information just isn’t there and we have to guess, or get as close by looking at a time before or after our period.
Amen. That’s why I stay away from settings and time periods I’m not familiar with. Though once in a while my contemporary characters will throw me a curve ball with issues that cause me to stop and do some research!
There’s always research, no matter what we write. Personally, I enjoy the research.
I’ve heard about Wired for Story, though I haven’t read it. Your post inspired me to go to my library’s website and put a hold on it, so thanks!
I’m finding it fascinating.
Having been on both sides of the writing fence, love the distinction between author and writer. Storytelling seems to be in our blood.
It really does seem that way, Helen.
Your reasoning for Historical accuracy is the very thing I enjoy most in a Historical Romance! I want to learn more about the period, including the darker side of life back then, but please don’t shove it down my throat and make me regret reading your work! Thanks for a very interesting post!
I try not to let the research show, Raine, but it’s not always easy.
You’re right, people look for historical accuracy – you can see it in the reviews when readers point out that the author had the wrong king in a particular year or that something hadn’t been in use yet. Scares me to think of writing one! I’m glad there are some brave souls out there, like you. 🙂
I’ve seen those reviews, too. Any historical author who thinks the readers don’t know history is in for a big surprise.
That’s why I don’t write historical- I’ve heard about people fact-checking. Rest assured, when I read anything historical- I’m in it for the story-not the facts. Must be why I write paranormal/fantasy- I can make things up, lol.
When I began my first full-length novel, it was a time-travel romance. Research had to be done at a small library that usually had to borrow books I needed. Today I write contemporary, and I prefer the internet with answers at my fingertips. I praise all you authors who write historical romance/novels.
Time travel is a special challenge since you still have to do the historical research plus figure out a convincing time travel mechanism, not to mention how do two people from different times find a happy ending?
I loved every minute of it, Linda, but you’re right on all counts.
I agree that time travel would be fun to write. Maybe I’ll try it some day.