Historical fiction: words from the wise, by Ali Bacon
The audience at Novel Nights in Bristol A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to read at Novel Nights , a regular event in Bristol where local writers get the chance to air their work in progress. I’ve been a fan of these evenings for quite some time and have followed them over two changes of venue. Since guest speakers have been added to the programme, there’s the bonus of picking the brains of a writing or publishing expert. And the cosy vibe encourages serious questions rather than the celebrity worship of high profile literary events. In January, the guest was Celia Brayfield and the theme historical fiction, the module Celia leads on the Bath Spa M.A. As the guest is last to take the floor on these occasions, it gives writers (if they're anything like me!) the chance to recover from the anxietyof reading to an audience and take in the words of wisdom. So here are Celia's edicts for writing Historical Fiction, at least as I recall them. ...