Comments on: 5 Research Tips for Historical Fiction Writers

By: Jann @ AustinDetails.me

Jann @ AustinDetails.me — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:40:56 +0000

Some solid suggestions here, Susan, thank you. Newspapers of the era are essential, for all of the reasons you named, and especially for the ads (since I want to know what products people used and what they cost)! I'm a fan of researching via WorldCat.org for books, journals and papers; and our major universities often grant access to their library collections with a "Share" card program. I find that oral histories (like those in the Library of Congress or on StoryCorps) and used books from the era I'm researching (at AbeBooks.com) help with lingo and language. These days, most US towns have a local historian publishing in the Images of America book series, also helpful thanks to the visuals. There's a wealth of old films on YouTube and other old film sites as well.

By: emily bennette

emily bennette — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 03:16:45 +0000

Susan, this is some really good information about historical fiction books. I like that you talked about how it would be smart to seek out living experts. It might also be smart to read a lot of historical fiction and see how others have done their research and how they used it in the books.

By: Gregory Delaurentis

Gregory Delaurentis — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 17:59:01 +0000

I really do not want to sound lazy or anything, and I don't know if anyone has alluded to my avenue but I'm presently writing a thriller about the NYPD in the 1940s. Since its the time of WWII there is a large amount of detail to cover. Along with my reading, I found a ready resource when I'm tired of the books on Netflix. Amazingly it has an enormous amount of documentaries, even some you can purchase. A quick and ready source of information that I found helped me over many rough spots because you not only have audible data, but also visual. Much success to everyone writing Historical fiction.

By: 5 Research Tips For Historical Accuracy | Writers In The Storm | Odd Sock Proofreading & Copyediting

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:40:16 +0000

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By: Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner)

Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:33:18 +0000

In reply to Carol Bodensteiner. I've never been to a living history museum, Carol. How are they different?

By: Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner)

Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:32:07 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Thanks, Jenny! I love sparkly...

By: Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner)

Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:31:11 +0000

In reply to Holly Robinson. You're welcome, Holly!

By: Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner)

Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:30:37 +0000

In reply to stillalife. Definitely scour the book outlets for books about Peru at the close of the nineteenth century. Look also for memoirs and biographies of notable Peruvians for that time period. I would also look at Peruvian universities and see which ones might have a history department that might provide resource material or point you in the right direction...

By: Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner)

Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:27:27 +0000

In reply to Ann Griffin. I do that as well!

By: Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner)

Susan Meissner (@SusanMeissner) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:26:37 +0000

In reply to christopherlentzauthor. Love the Hotel Del! It's a great setting for a story. I visited the Culver Studios, formerly Selznick International, but so much as changed in the last 75 years. It's not the same studio as it was in 1938/39. Still, I had a great time there, was able to walk the lots, poke my head into the sound stages that were around back then (like the sound stage where all the interior shots of Tara were filmed). And yes, I used the setting of the film not the film itself as my canvas. Much luck to you on your Hotel Del book!!