Janet Croon
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Hi Chris, When writing historical fiction, what kind of balance do you use between fact and fiction? I found a wonderful story and am filling in the blanks between what is known and what is speculated, but don't want my work to turn into a "history book" -- which is a challenge for me, as I am a history teacher!
Chris Bohjalian
Hi, Augusta,
It's true: It is possible to turn a novel into a history book. It happens to me when I become so obsessed by my research that I want to share EVERYTHING.
But the reality is that a lot of the research should be to help you understand the context of your characters' lives. It is important for authenticity, but it need never be shared with the reader. It's background you need as the novelist, but may not be helpful when it comes to creating a page-turning novel.
So, I would focus on your characters and your story -- and then make sure your novel is historically accurate.
Good luck!
It's true: It is possible to turn a novel into a history book. It happens to me when I become so obsessed by my research that I want to share EVERYTHING.
But the reality is that a lot of the research should be to help you understand the context of your characters' lives. It is important for authenticity, but it need never be shared with the reader. It's background you need as the novelist, but may not be helpful when it comes to creating a page-turning novel.
So, I would focus on your characters and your story -- and then make sure your novel is historically accurate.
Good luck!
More Answered Questions
Nicoletta
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
I am halfway the Flight Attendant and I am loving it. Cassie character remind me of Leland Fowler (The laws of similar); she is getting more and more in trouble by doing one bad choices after another! My question is if you are going to write another historical fiction story like The Sandcastle Girls, Skeletons at the Feast or The Light in the Ruins? I loved those books and I would love to read new historical novel.
Linda
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Why didn't we ask our grandparents before it was too late? My grandparents who escaped the death march never talked about it. The horrors were too vivid. Years after my grandfather died, I found out that he & all the villagers were locked in a church and the Turks burned it down. He was the only one who escaped. My Grandmother had 1 family portrait, how did she keep that on the death march? Why didn't we ask?
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