How much research does it take to make historical fiction believable, and how do you know when it's time to stop researching and start writing?
In this episode of In The Writers Chair, I talk with historical novelist John Winn Miller, author of Miriam in the Shadows and the Peggy C. series, about the experiences that shaped his approach to writing.
From Journalism to Historical Fiction
Before becoming a novelist, John worked as a reporter, editor, foreign correspondent, and newspaper publisher. Journalism taught him to observe people and places closely and to keep writing rather than trying to perfect every sentence the first time.
That experience now influences his fiction.
When researching historical settings, John looks beyond major events and dates. He pays attention to details such as language, clothing, food, buildings, and everyday behavior.
He uses books and academic research as well as archived recordings, historical films, maps, and other resources to understand how people actually lived.
When Research Becomes a Rabbit Hole
Research can also become a distraction.
John admits that it's easy to spend hours following an interesting historical detail only to discover that all that work produces a single paragraph in the finished book.
His experience is a useful reminder that research should ultimately serve the story.
John also describes himself as more of a pantser than a plotter. He generally knows where a story begins and ends, but allows discoveries made while writing and researching to influence what happens between those points.
Perhaps one of the most useful lessons from his journalism career is simple: keep writing the next sentence.
The first draft doesn't have to be perfect. That's what revision is for.
Watch my full conversation with John Winn Miller on Vendela Publishing's YouTube channel:
Listen to full YouTube episode here
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