The best authors of historical novels are usually very detail - oriented. They pay attention to the smallest details, from the clothing people wore to the food they ate. Take Colleen McCullough's 'Masters of Rome' series, for instance. The details in there really make you feel like you're in ancient Rome. They also have a great sense of pacing. They know when to speed up the story and when to slow it down. And they often have a unique perspective on historical events. They might show a different side of a well - known event or person, like Mary Renault did with her portrayal of Alexander the Great in some of her novels.
Good historical novelists also have a talent for storytelling. They can take historical events that might seem dry and make them exciting. Authors like Philippa Gregory can turn the complex politics of the Tudor court into page - turning stories that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Authors of historical fiction novels are often very well - researched. They need to dig deep into historical records to create an accurate and believable setting. For example, they might study old maps, diaries, and historical accounts. They also have a great sense of storytelling. They can take historical events and make them exciting and accessible to modern readers.
One of the main characteristics is the sense of time and place. Authors transport readers to different eras, whether it's the Regency period or the American Civil War era. The romances are slow - burning in many cases. The relationships develop over time as the characters get to know each other. There's also often a touch of adventure. Maybe the characters are on a journey or involved in a political intrigue. And the authors use historical events as a backdrop to the love stories, which gives the novels more depth and authenticity.
One characteristic is their attention to detail in the historical setting. They research thoroughly to accurately portray the time period, from the clothing and food to the social customs. Female authors of historical novels also often challenge the traditional historical narrative. They may highlight the voices and stories that have been overlooked or marginalized in mainstream historical accounts. For example, they might tell the story of a lower - class woman's struggle during a time of great political upheaval when most historical records focus on the upper - class and male - dominated events.
Australian authors' historical novels often feature the unique Australian landscape. It's like the land itself becomes a character in the story. For example, in many novels, the vast outback, the harsh deserts or the lush coastal areas play important roles in shaping the plot and the characters' experiences.
Many American women historical novelists are known for their detailed research. They dig deep into historical archives to make their stories as accurate as possible. For instance, when Margaret Mitchell wrote 'Gone with the Wind', she spent years researching the Civil War era.
Many female - written historical novels are rich in detail about domestic life. Since women were often more involved in the home sphere in history, these novels can show how daily life was back then. For instance, in some novels set in colonial times, female authors describe the cooking, sewing, and family relations. Moreover, female authors might be more likely to address issues of gender inequality in their historical novels. They can show how women had to navigate a male - dominated world and fight for their rights, as seen in various novels set in different historical periods.
Authors of historical fiction often have a deep knowledge of the historical period they write about. They research extensively to ensure the details like clothing, customs, and social hierarchies are accurate. For example, an author writing about medieval Europe will study the feudal system.
They can create vivid characters. For instance, a great romance author can make the hero and heroine so real that readers can easily fall in love with them or hate them depending on their actions. They also have a good sense of pacing. They know when to build up the tension in the relationship and when to release it, like in a dance.
The best mystery novel authors are masters at creating suspense. They keep readers on the edge of their seats by withholding crucial information and gradually revealing it in a tantalizing way.