My editors are busy working away on The Sisters of Sea View (Book One in my new series, On Devonshire Shores, which releases Dec 2022). So now, I am beginning one of my favorite phases of starting a new novel: the initial research phase. As I plan out the details for Book Two, I am searching out what I can online or in books I already own, and am ordering additional books (often used/out of print volumes) as needed.
In a pleasant serendipity, at Sunday night’s meeting of the Minnesota chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, friend and fellow novelist Erica Vetsch gave a fun and informative talk about research, from finding sources and experts, to tips for organizing the resulting information. (The latter point is something I struggle with—so much information to keep track of!)
Erica and I love to research and buy books, which we sometimes share with each other since we both write Regency-era fiction. I loved hearing her thoughts and advice. Whatever your calling, there is always more to learn and I’m grateful for people who are willing to share their expertise.
If you are a reader: how much historical detail do you like to read in fiction?
If you are an author: How do you tackle the research component of the writing process?
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I am a reader who LOVES the historical accuracy embedded in the books that I read. That is one of the things I adore about your books so much! 🙂 Your characters are vivid and they do not reflect today’s modern women, but the feelings/thoughts/reflections of women in the past. I love the manners and speech of those by-gone days. Thanks for always portraying the “real” instead of imagined settings, customs and etc. You are great and I can’t wait to read the next one. 🙂 Mary
You are very welcome, Mary. Thank you for your kind words!
I enjoy a lot of historically accurate details in the historical fiction I read. I’m always reading a book, usually finishing it in 2-3 weeks before I start another one. Julie, you are one of my favorite authors, and I’m so glad you are working on another new book! I’ve even re-read some of your books. I hope you don’t get tired of writing anytime soon!
Thank you, Denise. You keep reading and I’ll keep writing! 🙂
I love the initial research phase of the book writing process! Enjoy! 🙂
Always more to research, isn’t there, whether contemporary or historical.
Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I like historical details that give enough back story to the setting and allows my imagination to transport me to that time period, to experience what the characters are. For example, going to a historical site, reading the placards and being able to imagine being in the that field, room, theater myself observing the characters. Almost like a play or movie for the brain. The details should also leave enough questions that I have to go do a little research on my own. The little known facts that make me say “did that really happen?!”
Love “Almost like a play or movie for the brain.” That’s often what I see when I write.
I love history and historical Christian Fiction. I want to know what else was going on in the world at the same time as the book I am reading. I just finished Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden. I was interested in what she said about The Boxer Rebellion since both my grandfather and his brother, while Christian Missionaries at that time, were prisoners of the Japanese. I like to see the big picture and not just an isolated piece of history, because I believe the world view at the time of the story, matters and has consequences.
I so enjoy your books and your research and attention to detail! Puts me right there!
Thank you so much, Paula.
Thank you for this interesting post, Julie!
Oh, I do love historical details that are accurate to a story’s time period. You have just the right amount in your books to please my heart and place my imagination into the setting.
I’m quite anxious to read your next book! Your new series sounds wonderful. I have all of your books except for Lady Maybe which I need to buy!
Happy researching and thank you 💐.
Thank YOU, Laura. I sincerely appreciate all your participation and support here and at IRR.
Historical fiction shows us all how our ancestors LIVED. You want facts, read a textbook. I love research as much as the writing, and details make the “showing” much stronger. (It’s organization I gotta work on … :))
You and me both, Janice. Thanks for commenting!
As a reader, I love lots of historical details. I like it best when authors sprinkle throughout rather than three pages on how an oil rig worked in 1890s Texas. As an author, research is a big part of the fun, organizing it can be tricky. I like the research aspects of using Scrivener because I can bring up links and images right beside the document for reference.
Good point, Kelly. And I use Scrivener, too. Probably need to take a refresher course on how to best use it for organizing research.
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so I love learning historical facts. Often they send me searching for more information. I have enjoyed the many things that I’ve learned from all of your books. Thank you!
I appreciate a few lines or a short paragraph of historical detail in fiction books. I like to tell others that I always learn something and it’s true!
I love historical fiction so vivid details of the setting and Era are awesome for me. I like what one person said about sprinkling historical facts throughout the book. I’m not saying every scene should be filled with details, that would be a bit much, especially for the author, but just enough to give readers a good taste of the time in history. I have read most of your books Julie, and you have just the right amount of history there that makes for an awesome read. I look forward for your next book, and the one after that! I love your books! And thanks for this interesting post. I always love learning more about the authors I love. ❤️❤️