Hi guys!
I want to point out a few mistakes I noticed in online published novels, short stories and even books. Fellow writers, please don’t take it in a wrong way, I know how much work needs to be done for a story to be finished but I see these omissions over and over again and maybe if you are just starting out you will find this post an useful starting point.
When writing a story set in a historical era please consider a few facts:
1. World building: Pay attention to the language, gender roles, relationships, professions, weather, flora, fauna, food, politics, power, technology, activities, spirituality, rituals, traditions or habits.
2. Characters - make sure your fictional characters blends in, have a specific name, belief, personality which corresponds with the time period, nationality and social class, and please give them flaws, this way they become more real. I think the attached quote from John Gardner sets a good basis.
3. Scenes - Pay attention to who needs to be in a scene, what needs to happen, where is it takings place and if the scene moves the plot forward. Make sure you create a sense of time and place, meaningful conflict, and dialogue.
With plot holes or unanswered questions the story feels like an outline under construction. I am not an expert, but as a writer I want to become better with each world I create. I encourage you to read, read and read, not just this specific fiction but also history, geography, biology or even ethnographic books and create a fictional culture that feels real.
Dear experienced writer, what are your thoughts? Please share them with me and the writing community so we may pick up a few tricks...
With these said, I wish you all a good day! Learn & Grow I say! And...
Thanks for reading!