Sometimes it's the little things. No matter what your historical novel is about, or what kind of historical novel you're writing, building a world your readers can completely immerse themselves in is crucial. And that means paying attention to when the word "suitcase" was first used, or whether people in your era thought of Saturday and Sunday as a weekend. Those words/concepts may or may not have anything to do with your area of expertise or the research you've already nailed. But from a storytelling standpoint, they're important. With a little effort, you can arm yourself with a storehouse of essential information that will help you make more authentic scenes, go deeper inside your characters' physical experiences, and guard against the tiny anachronisms that jolt readers out of the story. My mini-guide, 3 Key Elements that Will Immerse a Reader in Your Historical World, is yours free when you sign up for my non-spammy email list here: https://loom.ly/etOsHOA It doesn't cover everything, obviously, but it might get you thinking about some details you'd glossed over in your zeal to get that story onto the page. Your readers will thank you!
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My newest free workshop is coming up next week, and I'll be talking about all things historical fiction—research, writing, revising. I'm putting the finishing touches on everything and wanted your feedback: 👉What's the biggest question you have when it comes to wrangling your research to fit your story? Share below, and tag someone you know who might also be willing to share. Thanks!"
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I’ve learned so much, gained so much joy and satisfaction from writing my 14 historical novels. I’ve learned that although the research is vital, the story is paramount. I’ve learned that my fancy PhD in Music History is totally unnecessary for writing my historical novels—even one that features music! I’ve learned so much about storytelling that has surprised and delighted me. And as to joy—how glorious is it to see my books in print! Now, I’m bursting to share some of my insights and learning with you, starting with this FREE workshop. Join me 10/15/2024 at noon EDT to hear about my 5W Process, and how it can help you focus and streamline your research and your storytelling. It'll be fun! Register here: https://loom.ly/0FlsvCk #freeworkshop #freewritingworkshop #historicalfiction #historicalnovel
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ICYMI: I'm hosting a free workshop next week! This is specially for historical fiction writers who want to get the book of their heart out of their head and onto the page—with more confidence and fewer road blocks. You can save your seat HERE: https://loom.ly/0FlsvCk (And if you can't attend live, you can still register and get the replay — but try to be there live because #surprises. 😉) It's no secret that I've coached many historical novelists 1:1, both beginners and seasoned professionals. Now, I want to share that with even more people inside this workshop. Inside, I'm sharing: -The process I use (and my clients use) to plan, draft, and revise a historical novel with more confidence and less frustration -The way to structure your novel research to focus on what's important (this will save you so much time} -Why you DON'T need to be an expert in your period to write a really good historical novel—that's accurate and satisfying -How to work with me more closely to get that manuscript on the page and into readers' hands!" This free workshop is for you if... ➙You've started your research, maybe even your manuscript, and you're overwhelmed by how to put it all together. ➙You've got a complete draft of a historical novel, but you're not certain where to start revising and what needs doing. ➙You've read all the structure books (Save the Cat, the Hero's Journey) but don't see how it will apply to your historical story. ➙You want guidance from a seasoned, multi-published, award-winning author of historical fiction—without paying thousands for 1:1 coaching." If that's you, then you NEED to be at this workshop. To save your seat, just do the following: 1. Go here to save your seat: https://loom.ly/0FlsvCk 2. Mark your calendar so you don't miss out. 3. Pat yourself on the back, because this class promises zero fluff — only actionable goodness to help you write the historical novel you've been dreaming of. So, go grab your spot, and I'll see you there! P.S. Did I mention #surprises at the end? 😉 Don't miss out — go save your seat now!
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I’ve learned a lot writing my 14 historical novels. I’ve learned that although the research is vital, the story is paramount. I’ve learned that my fancy PhD in Music History is totally unnecessary for writing my historical novels—even one that covers music history—and I’m ready to share some of my insights and learning with you, starting with this FREE workshop! Join me 10/15/2024 at noon EDT to hear about my 5W Process. Register here: https://loom.ly/0FlsvCk or at the link in my bio! #workshop #historicalnovel #freeworkshop #writingcraft #writingworkshop
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OOPS! I made a change recently that wasn't reflected in my previous post. I decided to rename my signature course—because it's been so enlarged and changed—to THE HISTORICAL NOVEL COURSE. Next week, I'll be opening the doors to this course! To kick things off, I'm hosting a brand new, free workshop: How to Get Your Historical Novel Started (or Unstuck!) with More Confidence and Fewer Road Blocks Inside, I'll be walking through the same process I'll be sharing in my course — the same one I've only previously shared with paid clients. If you're curious to learn more about The Heart of Historical Fiction, or if you struggling with getting out of your research rabbit hole so you can start writing, then this class is for you. (Also, if you're like a lot of aspiring historical novelists and you struggle with turning history into a viable story, then you must be at this class.) If... You're ready to stop losing yourself in endless research that doesn't help your story. You're ready to start creating characters, amping up suspense and tension, and making it all work in a historical context. You're ready for a way to help put you on a path toward a manuscript you can be proud of. You're ready for knowing that you CAN write that novel that's been in your head and your heart, itching to get out. You're ready for The Historical Novel Course. But... that's not open yet. 😉 In the meantime, I need you at this workshop. Bold claim: Next week's free workshop will change everything you thought you knew about writing a historical novel. Be sure to sign up for the workshop to see if I'm right. Save your seat HERE: https://loom.ly/7SqIxS0
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If you've been following me on social media recently, you know I've been busy working on something for all of you. Next week, I'll be opening the doors to my newly enlarged and updated signature course, The Heart of Historical Fiction. To kick things off, I'm hosting a brand new, free workshop: How to Get Your Historical Novel Started (or Unstuck!) with More Confidence and Fewer Road Blocks Inside, I'll be walking through the same process I'll be sharing in my course — the same one I've only previously shared with paid clients. If you're curious to learn more about The Heart of Historical Fiction, or if you struggling with getting out of your research rabbit hole so you can start writing, then this class is for you. (Also, if you're like a lot of aspiring historical novelists and you struggle with turning history into a viable story, then you must be at this class.) If... You're ready to stop losing yourself in endless research that doesn't help your story. You're ready to start creating characters, amping up suspense and tension, and making it all work in a historical context. You're ready for a way to help put you on a path toward a manuscript you can be proud of. You're ready for knowing that you CAN write that novel that's been in your head and your heart, itching to get out. You're ready for The Heart of Historical Fiction." But... that's not open yet. 😉 In the meantime, I need you at this workshop. Bold claim: Next week's free workshop will change everything you thought you knew about writing a historical novel. Be sure to sign up for the workshop to see if I'm right. Save your seat HERE: https://loom.ly/7SqIxS0
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The key to writing a good historical novel is not in the history—it’s in your heart. That's only one of the things I’ve learned through writing my 14 historical novels. I’ve also learned that although the research is vital, the story is paramount. I’ve learned that my fancy PhD in Music History is totally unnecessary for writing my historical novels—even one that features music! I’ve learned so much about storytelling—craft, pacing, narrative drive—that has surprised and delighted me. Now, I’m bursting to share some of my insights and learning with you, starting with this FREE workshop. Join me 10/15/2024 at noon EDT to hear about my 5W Process, and how it can help you focus and streamline your research and your storytelling. Registration required! Sign up here: https://loom.ly/0FlsvCk #historicalnovels #freeworkshop #research #historylover #story #storytelling #craft #historicalfiction #freewritingworkshop
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It seems that everywhere I look these days, I see references to romance! This article spoke to me, big time: https://loom.ly/vOWeAdE The author, Jamie Harrow, talks about the journey from sports writing to romance: "When we write about a sporting event, we want our story to be so compelling that knowing how it ends is not enough. We want to convince the reader, essentially from the outset, that they must live the story as if they were there. " It's well worth the read, and this is so much what I'm talking about in my workshop tomorrow through Writers In Progress! It's not too late to sign up. You can do so here: https://loom.ly/JDQInGo #romance #writingworkshop #writingromance #writingcraft
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This Saturday, I'm teaching a workshop through Writers In Progress, ROMANCE WRITING TECHNIQUES FOR ANY GENRE. We'll talk about structure, pace, tension, interiority—and more! Check out this interview about it with Writers In Progress: https://loom.ly/k4-jQFQ And sign up for the workshop here: https://loom.ly/JDQInGo (Recording and slides will be available to all who sign up!) #workshop #writingworkshop #romance #writingcraft
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The workshop I'm teaching this Saturday, 9:30am–12:30pm, explores the storytelling techniques in romance that any genre could benefit from. My Substack post (https://loom.ly/hvJ4Pk0) goes into more detail about the whys and wherefores. To sign up for the workshop, go here: https://loom.ly/JDQInGo #signup #workshop #storytelling #romancing #genre #historicalromance
