Incorporating True Facts into Fiction
When writing a historical piece of fiction, actual events which happened during the period can be included, as part of the main plot or as a backdrop to the story. In using these events, it is vital to check that the facts are accurate and that nothing has been left out. Any key event in history recorded incorrectly in fiction can have major consequences for the author and possibly result in the work not being published.
Before writing any historical fiction, it is important to decide on the subject. One idea that may be helpful in this genre is writing about an event that has not been explored much in fiction or non-fiction. If it has, then the writer must come up with a fresh, new perspective to give the reader a definite reason to read their book instead of somebody else’s.
Once the subject has been decided, the author must then determine which facts to use. A novel cannot go into the full details of a life like a biography. The purpose of a novel is to entertain, to have a stimulating narrative. When reading about a potential topic, look for the one pivotal story above all others.
“With The Aviator’s Wife, that story was the Lindberghs’ marriage. I had to concentrate on that, which meant that parts of their lives did not shed light on it or that were redundant got left out of the novel.” (Benjamin, 2019)
When the facts are decided on, lay them out in the style of markers on a map. Start imagining. Imagine yourself as the characters, wearing their clothes, looking at the world in the time period in which they lived. For example, if I was to write a historical novel, centered around events which happened in the 1920’s and 1930’s, I would envision myself as a businessman, dressed in a charcoal-grey suit with a button vest, and a fedora hat. The streets would be dominated by luxurious, expensive vehicles, jazz music playing in clubs and bars. Everywhere I look, women would be dressed in traditional attire.
There are dangers to including true facts in historical fiction. As an example, people who were involved in or affected by the event taking place in the fiction may not be happy that the writer has decided to use this in their work. Before writing anything where others were involved, get permission. Explain in as much detail that this will be a work of fiction with fragments of truth woven through it. Tell the involved party that they will see themselves mirrored but, as Grover (2014) puts it, “It will be as if they are standing before a curved mirror in an amusement fun house.” Offer assurance that their story could be a great advantage to readers. If they are happy to have you share their experiences, begin writing.
If you are unsure and the idea of asking permission is burdening your process, start writing with the intention to either:
- Ask your involved parties in the future. There is a strong chance that you may be denied permission to publish your work.
- Be firm in your design to move the story beyond the facts.
Over the last two decades, an event that has been used as a backdrop in various works of fiction is 9/11. The attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York altered both reality and fiction. Like many major historical events which occurred prior to this, it is essential that facts are accurately checked in order for this event to be employed in both fiction and non-fiction. There has been frequent debate that 9/11 is not a subject that should be used in fiction, and critics have been very hasty in dismissing 9/11 literature that has emerged. However, several novels have been able to tackle this difficult subject brilliantly.
An example of this is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran-Foer, (2005). Set two years after the attacks, it gives readers an insight into a post-9/11 experience. The novel concerns Oskar Schell, a nine-year old boy whose father is killed in one of the Twin Towers on the day. Hearing of his father’s death, Oskar is overcome by panic attacks, anxiety and horrifying visions of what he imagined happened to his father on the morning of the attacks. The plot of the novel focuses on Oskar’s discovery of a key in his father’s closet, sending him on a mission across New York City to uncover the purpose and meaning of the key but also to find out more about his father and family than he bargained for.
“The novel begins shortly after 9/11, but contains a number of intense flashbacks to the morning of the attack on New York City, and it uses September 11 as its centre and focus point to reveal the mystery behind the key and importance of Oskar’s journey.” (Ostdick, 2019).
Including historical events in a work of fiction can be beneficial for the story’s plot. It is very important though, to consider the consequences it could have if described improperly. Gather the facts.
References:
Benjamin, M. (2019). Blurred Lines: Writing Historical Fiction From Fact. Available at: https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/blurred-lines-writing-historical-fiction-from-fact
Grover, L. A. (2014). Six Tips for Writing Fiction Based on True Events. Available at: https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/6-tips-for-writing-fiction-based-on-true-events
Ostdick, N. (2019). A Glimpse of Understanding: A Look at Post-9/11 Novels. Available at: https://blog.bookstellyouwhy.com/a-glimpse-of-understanding-a-look-at-post-9/11-novels
