Authors of historical fiction have to be versatile. They need to be able to switch between different historical eras with ease if they write about multiple periods. They are also empathetic. They try to understand the mindset of people from different historical times. For example, Bernard Cornwell in his books about different wars tries to show the motives and feelings of soldiers. They are skilled at creating believable characters within a historical framework. And they are patient, as the research process for these books can be very time - consuming.
There are several. For instance, Philippa Gregory is famous for her historical fiction. Her books offer rich and detailed depictions of the past. Another is Diana Gabaldon, whose stories blend history and romance seamlessly. Both have a significant fan base.
There are many notable authors of historical fiction. Diana Gabaldon is one. Her 'Outlander' series combines historical elements with elements of time travel and romance. It's set in the Scottish Highlands during the 18th century among other times. Conn Iggulden has written historical fiction too, like his 'Genghis: Birth of an Empire' which gives an in - depth look at the life of Genghis Khan. And Umberto Eco, with his 'The Name of the Rose', which is set in a medieval monastery and is full of mystery and historical context.
There is also 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family' by Alex Haley. This novel traces the author's family history back to Africa and through the generations of slavery in America. It was a very influential work that brought the reality of slavery to a wide audience. It not only shows the hardships of the slaves but also their resilience and the importance of family and heritage.
James Michener. He wrote numerous historical fiction novels. 'Hawaii' is one of his famous works. It tells the story of the Hawaiian Islands from their geological formation to the arrival of different cultures and how they interacted over time. Michener's books are often epic in scope, covering long periods of history and multiple generations.
One of the great authors of historical fiction is Hilary Mantel. She is well - known for her 'Wolf Hall' trilogy which vividly recreates the Tudor court and the life of Thomas Cromwell. Another is Ken Follett. His works like 'The Pillars of the Earth' offer detailed and engaging portrayals of historical settings, in this case, the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. And there's also Philippa Gregory, who has written many novels set in the Tudor period, bringing to life the complex relationships and power struggles of that era.
One of the best authors of historical fiction is Hilary Mantel. Her 'Wolf Hall' trilogy is a masterpiece, vividly recreating the Tudor court. Another great one is Ken Follett. His books like 'The Pillars of the Earth' bring medieval England to life with rich detail. And then there's James Michener who wrote sweeping historical epics that cover different periods and regions.
Grants for authors of historical fiction can vary widely. There are grants that are given based on the merit of the proposed work. For example, if an author is planning to write a historical fiction novel about a less - known but important historical event, and they can show in their proposal how they will bring this story to life in a unique way, they might be eligible for a grant. Some grants are also given to support emerging authors in the field of historical fiction. These might be smaller in amount but are crucial for new writers to get started on their projects.
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.
Bernard Cornwell is a highly regarded author for historical fiction. His 'Sharpe' series, set during the Napoleonic Wars, is very popular. The books are full of action and give a great sense of what life was like for soldiers at that time. Additionally, Philippa Gregory is well - known for her Tudor - era novels like 'The Other Boleyn Girl', which offer a fictionalized but well - researched look at the lives of historical figures.