L.E. Denton .. also known as Laura .. has written Of Their Own Free Will, a novel exploring the early triumphs of Andrew Jackson through the lens of two men caught in the turmoil of war. Today Laura offers suggestions on using resources close to home when writing historical fiction.

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History In Our Own Backyard by Laura Denton

I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction. It takes one back to people, places and events that we read about and drives our curiosity to places alive in our own imaginations.

One of my favorite authors is Ken Follett, who takes his readers back to the English Middle Ages, where he explores human nature in settings we can picture in our minds’ eye. Oh, to have lived in those times, I sometimes think! How exciting it would have been to be a part of a time when the human condition changed so dramatically.

And yet, in my own writing journey, I am most keen these days on exploring what is close at hand. In my latest novel, “Of Their Own Free Will: Fort Mims to New Orleans”, I had the opportunity to explore and research the area where I now find myself living. I found it most intriguing to be able to drive to the places I was writing about and found myself enveloped in the story in ways I never have before.

It was a chilling experience to step into the reconstructed Fort Mims, where one of the worst massacres in American history took place. To stand on the ground that was once blood soaked gave me a sense of dread, as I thought about the lives lost there and where a whole chain of events began that would lead to a new era in our history.

Traveling by car to the Chalmette battlefield, where the Battle of New Orleans took place, I spent hours walking the field that once held thousands of troops, both British and American, uncluttered by monuments and statues, and got a greater sense of what actually transpired there. I believe that experience gave me a greater sense of urgency in my writing and a clearer idea of the events of January 1815.

We should be inspired by the past events that took place right where we are. It doesn’t matter where you live – history is there.

If you were to decide to join me in exploring the history of your area, I would first suggest you go to as many places where historical events happened as possible. Take time to contemplate your surroundings in solitude. Think about what types of individuals found themselves in the same surroundings in the past. What were their thoughts? Their emotions? Did they understand what was happening? What lead them to the same place where you find yourself today, in the present? Hopefully your musings will give you some inspiration and the beginnings of a story.

There are numerous resources all around us, if we just take the time to explore them. One of the greatest I found were local genealogy societies. Some of them have small libraries, rich in resource material. You will also find among their members people who have spent tremendous amounts of time researching their own families and have vast knowledge of the history of your area. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your research. Many of them have members who are more than willing to share their knowledge with you.

Many libraries have local history sections. Here you will find books and other resources not readily available online. Many of their holdings are long out if print, and can be a bonanza of information. They may also have genealogical information as well. Genealogies can give you ideas on characters for your own writing. Some larger libraries will also have an archives department. These are an invaluable tool for you as you flesh out your storyline. Some archives have assistants that are employed to help you search through their materials. I found those assistants to be a huge help.

Even the smallest museums will have information that can give your writing a boost. Some of these will also have written material that you can use for research. I found by engaging in conversation with the people who work at these museums that they were very eager to share. Be open with them about your purpose there. Let them know you are researching to write a book. I’ve found people to be very eager to help once they learn your intent.

As I explored, I even found myself visiting graveyards! There are all sorts of clues about the people of the past on headstones and in family plots. Some will give you causes of death, while others will tell you a little bit about the people they honor.  For instance, the oldest graveyard in the state of Alabama is in Mobile. By exploring it, I discovered the graves of many who perished from outbreaks of yellow fever in the early days of the settlement. By walking through it, I could spot the exact month and year of these outbreaks simply by reading the headstones.

Don’t be afraid to explore what you have near at hand. There are stories out there that demand a voice. Your voice. Use it!

Of Their Own Free Will: Fort Mims to New Orleans by L.E. Denton

In the chaos of war, destinies are forged, loyalties are tested, and survival is never guaranteed…

Of Their Own Free Will: Fort Mims to New Orleans is a riveting exploration of the human spirit set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Creek War and the War of 1812. The narrative follows Jacob Worley, a man of mixed heritage caught in the crossfire of cultural conflict, and Pierre Durand, a traditionalist grappling with personal loss amidst the French ways of Mobile. As war ravages their homelands, both men are thrust under the command of a relentless leader, challenging the might of an empire and the course of destiny. This compelling tale of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery tests the boundaries of loyalty and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a profound exploration of personal identity amidst the chaos of war

Many thanks for these straightforward and yet powerful suggestions, Laura. It reminds me of a small museum in northern France that I visited once and how a simple display inspired a scene in my first novel Unravelled.

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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from  Amazon ,  Nook ,  Kobo ,  Google Play  and  iTunes . She can be contacted on  Facebook  or on her website  www.mktod.com .

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