By profession I am a teacher and a historian. I love what I do, and it brings me great joy to research and paint a picture of the past. But therin lies my current problem. Currently, I have two books, one non-fiction, Bootleggers, Booze, and Busts: Prohibition in Kern County, 1919-1933, and one that is historical fiction, A Branch Too Weak.

I believe that it is historically irresponsible of me to write a work of fiction based on history without trying to weave an accurate portrayal of the time period. Literally, it pains me not to describe in relative detail the way people lived or the values they held dear. Unfortunately, that creates a situation for some readers that is cumbersome.

What do you think? Do you like your historical fiction with a healthy dose of actual history?