ideas for historical fiction

One idea could be to set the story during the Industrial Revolution. You could focus on a young factory worker's struggle for better working conditions. Show their daily hardships, like long hours and dangerous machinery. Another idea is the Viking age. Write about a Viking warrior on a quest for a hidden treasure. Include elements like their longships and Norse mythology. A third idea would be to write about the Roaring Twenties. Maybe a flapper girl trying to break free from the traditional norms of society while also dealing with the economic boom and the changing social landscape.

Set the novel in Ancient Egypt. Focus on the religious beliefs and the role of the priests. A young apprentice priest discovers a heresy that challenges the established religious order. He has to decide whether to expose it or keep it hidden, which could lead to a great exploration of the rigidity of religious dogma and the power struggles within the religious elite.

One idea could be to set the novel during the Crusades. Have a fictional character, perhaps a young knight, who starts out with a very dogmatic view of the religious conflict. But as he travels and meets different people, including Muslims who are more complex and kind than he was led to believe, his views begin to change. This could explore themes of religious tolerance and the human cost of war.

One idea could be a story set during the Industrial Revolution. A young orphan boy works in a textile factory. He dreams of a better life and secretly teaches himself to read and write using discarded newspapers. Eventually, he uses his newfound knowledge to lead a workers' strike for better conditions.

One idea could be to focus on the historical accuracy of the setting. For example, if the book is set during the Industrial Revolution, research how accurately the author depicted the working conditions, the social hierarchy, and the technological advancements of that time. Another idea is to analyze the characters in relation to the historical context. Were their actions and beliefs typical of the era? A third idea is to compare the book's version of history with the actual historical events. This can help you understand how the author used historical facts to create a fictional story.

For a historical fiction short story, think about the Meiji Restoration in Japan. You could create a story about a samurai who is forced to adapt to the new modernizing Japan. He struggles with the loss of the old ways but also sees the potential in the new Western - influenced changes. The Great Depression in the United States is also a fertile ground. A story about a family who loses everything and has to migrate to find work. They face discrimination and hardships on the road. Additionally, the Byzantine Empire could be the setting. A story about a courtier involved in the power struggles within the empire, with all the political backstabbing and intrigue.

The Napoleonic Wars are a great time for stories. There were epic battles and political maneuverings. A story could focus on a young soldier's experiences on the battlefield. The Harlem Renaissance in the United States is also a good time period. It was a time of a cultural explosion among African - Americans. A story could be about a jazz musician trying to break into the music scene. And the Bronze Age can be used for stories. Picture a story about a bronze - smith creating beautiful weapons and tools for his tribe.

Well, in historical fiction, 'big ideas' can include the power of human resilience in the face of historical hardships. Take 'The Book Thief' for instance. Set during World War II, it shows how the main character copes with the terrors of the war through her love for books. Additionally, the idea of how historical events can change the course of a nation is important. Novels about the fall of the Roman Empire, for example, illustrate this. And then there's the concept of the impact of class differences in different historical eras, which many historical fictions explore.

One idea could be to focus on the lives of ordinary people during a major historical event. For example, during the Industrial Revolution, tell the story of a factory worker's daily struggles and dreams. This gives a more personal view of history.

For a historical fiction story, you might like Castle Rock. It gives the impression of a place where a castle is built on a large rock, which was common in medieval times. Then there's Pilgrim's Path. This could be a path that pilgrims used in a certain historical period, say during the Middle Ages. And Silk Road Oasis. It's great for a story related to the Silk Road trade route, a place where travelers could rest and trade in the middle of the desert.