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Writing Historical Fiction

A Writers' and Artists' Companion
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( 66 ratings, 11 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Writing Historical Fiction: A Writers’ & Artists’ Companion offers a comprehensive guide to crafting compelling stories set in historical periods, from Ancient Rome to World War II. It begins with reflections on the genre’s history, followed by invaluable contributions from renowned authors including Margaret Atwood, Hilary Mantel, and Philippa Gregory. The book concludes with practical exercises and advice on research, plot development, authentic dialogue, and navigating publishing.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$6099
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This companion is ideal for aspiring and established writers interested in historical fiction, as well as readers intrigued by the craft behind this popular genre.

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"With advice from leading international and bestselling writers, this book provides ... advice you need to write historical fiction"--

With advice from leading international and bestselling writers, this book provides all the practical advice you need to write historical fiction succesfully.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Writing Historical Fiction: A Writers’ & Artists’ Companion is an invaluable companion for a writer working in this challenging and popular literary genre, whether your period is Ancient Rome or World War II.

PART 1 includes reflections on the genre and provides a short history of historical fiction.

PART 2 contains guest contributions from notable authors such as Margaret Atwood, Ian Beck, Madison Smartt Bell, Ronan Bennett, Vanora Bennett, Tracy Chevalier, Lindsay Clarke, Elizabeth Cook, Anne Doughty, Sarah Dunant, Michel Faber, Margaret George, Philippa Gregory, Katharine McMahon, Valerio Massimo Manfredi, Hilary Mantel, Alan Massie, Ian Mortimer, Kate Mosse, Charles Palliser, Orhan Pamuk, Edward Rutherfurd, Manda Scott, Adam Thorpe, Stella Tillyard, Rose Tremain, Alison Weir, and Louisa Young.

PART 3 offers practical exercises and advice on topics such as research, plots and characters, mastering authentic but accessible dialogue, and navigating the world of agents and publishers.

Series: Writers’ and Artists’ Companions

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  • Writing Historical Fiction
    Writing Historical Fiction: A Writers’ & Artists’ Companion is an invaluable companion for a writer working in this challenging and popular literary genre, whether your period is Ancient Rome or World War II. PART 1 includes reflections on the genre and provides a short history of historical fiction. PART 2 contains guest contributions from notable authors such as Margaret Atwood,...
    Paperback
    $6099
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Writing Short Stories
    Writing Short Stories: A Writers' and Artists' Companion is an essential guide to writing short fiction successfully. Part 1 explores the nature and history of the form, personal reflections by the editors, and offers help getting started with ideas, planning, and research. Part 2 includes tips by leading short story writers, including Alison Moore, Jane Rogers, Edith Pearlman, David Vann,...
    Paperback
    $4999
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  • Playwriting
    Full of inspiration and practical advice, Playwriting: A Writers' & Artists' Companion is a comprehensive companion to writing for the stage. Part 1 includes reflections on the art and the craft of playwriting, guidance on writing for a full range of genres and spaces, and a brief history of playwriting itself. Part 2 contains inspiring advice and reflections from leading...
    Paperback
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Madeline Miller praises the book as "a treasure trove of elegant and inspiring thoughts about historical fiction, cut with hard-nosed practical advice." Sarah Powell of Reference Reviews highlights its friendly and instructive approach, welcoming both readers and writers, and notes the useful insights from successful authors as a positive foundation for aspiring novelists.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780937854

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 December 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 363g

Pages: 344

About the Author

Celia Brayfield is a multi-award winning novelist and a creative writing tutor. Her nine novels include Wild Weekend (2004) and Sunset (1999).

Duncan Sprott is the acclaimed author of The Ptolemies (2004), Daughter of the Crocodile (2006), and Our Lady of the Potatoes (1995). He was awarded a Literature Bursary by the Arts Council of Great Britain in 1995. The Guardian described him as 'The natural successor to Robert Graves and Mary Renault'. He has nearly 20 years' experience of teaching Creative Writing.

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