Estorytellers is a premier ghostwriting and book publishing agency that specializes in delivering high-quality writing solutions customized to the unique needs of authors and businesses. We are the most sought-after ghostwriting company that handles every aspect of your book writing, book publishing, and marketing all under one roof.
Have you ever wondered why writing historical fiction feels both exciting and challenging at the same time? Learning how to write historical fiction takes time, patience, and a lot of research. Readers love the past. Over 52.88% of all print book sales in the US are fiction books, as of 2022, showing that readers are hungry for these stories. But it is harder than writing modern stories because you have to get the facts right. I have seen many writers fail because they focus too much on dates and not enough on the story.
This blog will guide you through the process of writing a story set in the past. We will look at what defines the genre and what makes a story great. You will find a step-by-step guide on research and character creation. We will even share tips to help you avoid common history mistakes. By the end, you will be ready to start your own historical book.
We should define the genre simply. It is a story where the plot takes place in a setting located in the past. Authors usually follow a general rule. The story must happen at least 50 years before the current year.
You must balance real events with made-up characters. Knowing how to write a historical novel is different from writing a textbook. Non-fiction tells you what happened. Fiction tells you how it felt. If you need help with fiction writing, Estorytellers can assist you.
To write historical fiction, you need to go step-by-step ahead, and these are some of the steps to it:
You cannot fake the details. You need to know what people wore and ate and how they spoke. But you must be careful. Do not put every single fact in the book. This is called “info-dumping.” It bores the reader. Visit libraries and look for primary sources. Diaries and letters from that time are very helpful.
Focus on sensory details like smells, sounds, and sights. If you want to know how to write a historical book that sells, you must transport the reader. Make sure the technology and language fit the time period. For example, a character in 1850 should not use a flashlight.
People in the past thought differently than we do today. This is key when learning how to start a historical fiction story. Their views on life, death, and society were different. But you must still make them relatable. Give them problems that modern readers can still understand, like love, fear, or ambition.
The reader should forget they are reading a book. They should feel like they are in that time period. History should serve the story, not the other way around. When you look at how to write a historical fiction novel, notice how the best authors hide their research in the action. They show the history through what the characters do, not just what they say.
Here is a simple guide to keep you on track:
| The Right Way | The Wrong Way |
|---|---|
| Describe the muddy streets and the smell of coal. | List the dates when the streets were paved. |
| Use words that fit the era naturally in sentences. | Use modern slang like “cool” or “okay.” |
| Focus on how the war affects the family. | Stop the story to explain the causes of the war. |
Certain tips to look for while writing a good historical fiction story that will help writers know what they should do.
Avoid modern slang terms like “okay” or “cool.” Understanding language is vital for knowing how to write a historical fiction short story. Do not make the old language too hard to read. Keep it simple but formal. You want the reader to understand the dialogue without a dictionary.
The history is just the background. The character’s journey is the main point. Many writers forget this when they learn how to write a historical fiction story. Use historical events (wars, plagues) to create problems for your characters. These events force them to make hard choices.
One wrong date can ruin your credibility. If you say a building existed ten years before it was built, readers will notice. Professional editing is vital. This is a huge part of how to write historical fiction correctly.
Writing about the past is a big challenge, but it is very rewarding. You have the tools now. The history books are waiting for you to open them. Start small, do your research, and focus on the story first.
Writing the book is only step one. If you need help polishing your manuscript or getting it published, Estorytellers is here to help. We offer ghostwriting, editing, and marketing services to make your book a success.
You need enough to build a believable world. Research the big events, daily life, clothing, and food. You do not need to know everything, but you must know the things your character interacts with.
It is better to stick to the truth for big events. If you change the winner of a famous war, it becomes “alternate history.” Small details can be flexible if they serve the story, but be careful.
Choose a time period that interests you. You will spend a lot of time researching it. If you love the era, your passion will show in your writing.
Do not try to copy the old way of speaking exactly. It can be hard to read. Instead, avoid modern words and use a slightly more formal tone. This gives the right flavor without confusing the reader.
Collaborate with our team of highly skilled ghostwriters and editors to bring your concepts to life in the form of a compelling nonfiction book that earns a spot on the shelves.
You get subject matter experts
You get customized samples
You get unlimited revision*From ghostwriting to publishing, printing, and marketing — we help you become the author you were meant to be.
📘 Ghostwriting | 🖨 Publishing & Printing | 📢 Book Marketing
✅ 100% Royalties | 📈 Amazon SEO | ✍ All Genres
Get Started Today