Historic Fiction Writing Types

What is Historical Fiction?

By definition, historical fiction is a fictional story that takes place during a historical era. Even though the stories are set in history and may include some factual information, they are not intended to be accurate historical accounts.

Authors of historic fiction are able to take some degree of artistic license with the periods in history about which they write, as long as they don’t attempt to rewrite the course of history. Gone with the Wind, for example, is one of the most widely recognized examples of historical fiction. Set against the background of the Civil War, the novel features fictional characters dealing with the trials of living through the War Between the States.

Characteristics of Historic Fiction Writing Types

• Historical fiction is set in a past era.
• A historical event may be depicted in the novel.
• The main characters may be real or fictional.
• If the main characters are real, they may deal with events in a manner other than what really occurred.
• Historical fiction is not autobiographical.
• Historic fiction is not intended to be interpreted as factual.

What Historical Fiction is Not

• Novels that address the question of what would have happened if major historical events had different outcomes fall into the genre of alternate history rather than historical fiction.

• Novels that deal with magic or fantasy in historic settings are in the historical fantasy genre, and are not classified as historical fiction.

• Novels with a fictional theme that were written many years ago.

Examples of Historic Fiction Writing Types

• The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston
• The True Darcy Spirit by Elizabeth Aston
• Our Canadian Girl historical fiction series edited by Barbara Berson
• Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
• The Courtesan by Susan Carroll
• The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll
• The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick
• The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant
• The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
• The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
• The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
• Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George
• The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
• Royal Scandal by Philip Lindsay
• The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Penman
• Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice
• The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra
• The White Mare by Jules Watson
• The Dawn Stag by Jules Watson
• Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir
• Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor
• For additional resources, ask at your local bookstore or see the Google and DMOZ Historical Fiction Authors Directories.

Awards for Historic Fiction

Scott O’Dell, author of Island of the Blue Dolphins, established The Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 1982. Each year, one work of historical fiction written for children or young adults is recognized. The winning author receives a $5,000 award.

The Historical Novel Society and Fish Publishing present the Historical Short Fiction Prize each year. Winners and runners-up receive cash prizes and are published in that year’s Fish Anthology.

Resources for Fans of Historical Fiction

Those who enjoy historical fiction are likely to enjoy the following fan, association, and review websites.

• Danny Yee's Book Reviews - Historical Fiction
• FalcoPhiles - The A to Z of Historical Fiction
• TopicCraze - Historical Fiction Online
• Gather - Historical Fiction Fans
• Amy's Historical Fiction Guide
• Historical Fiction Network
• Historical Fiction
• Historical Fiction Review
• Historical Novel Society
• The Historical Mystery Appreciation Society

Interested in Writing Historical Fiction?

The following resources are rich sources of information for individuals who write, or are planning to write, works of historical fiction.

• Author Carla Nayland’s Historical Fiction Blog
• Historical Fiction Author Roundtable
• Historical Fiction: A Guide to the Genre
• Red InkWorks

Enjoying Historical Fiction

At its most basic, historical fiction is simply fiction set in the past. It may or may not involve real people and events, must it must reflect the basic feel of the time it purports to represent. If you enjoy reading great stories while simultaneously immersing yourself in historical culture, the historical fiction genre is likely to be very appealing to you.