Wordy Nerd asked Jenny Moss:

I loved your book Taking Off. I like the fact that it was historical fiction. Can you give me some advice on writing historical fiction? How should I go about researching? How do I use a figure in history and make it my own? What things should I keep the same and recreate? How can I set the stage since it will be taking place in a different time period? How do I limit what time period or subject I want to write about?

Jenny Moss Thank you so much for writing! I'm so happy you enjoyed the book.

Christa McAuliffe was a wonderful subject to write about. One of the challenges I had was making her a character in the book, but staying true to who she was. I read books about her and watched TV interviews, trying to figure out what a conversation with her might be like. I also reached out to people who knew her. At some point, your imagination has to fill in the gaps. It was a challenge, but I hope I was able to accurately capture her. Do you have access to a lot of information about the person you're writing about? If so, that can help. But, then again, if it's an obscure figure in history, then I do think you're free to let your imagination take the facts and extrapolate from there. Otherwise, the person won't feel real enough to the reader. If you do recreate (i.e., deviate from what's known): I would explain in an author's note what you did & why. Do you already have someone selected?

The reader needs to feel that she/he is in the scene with your characters. Details can help immensely in creating the scene, in getting the reader in close. Sensory details, for example. Try to get close to your characters. Get close to the scene. Be "right there" with them.

Good luck!!

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