Historical fiction is more than just placing characters in the past. It’s about transporting readers to another era while weaving in gripping plots, authentic characters, and rich details. Whether you’re an Inkitt writer or just getting started, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to write compelling historical fiction.
What Is Historical Fiction?
Historical fiction is a genre that blends imaginative storytelling with real historical settings, events, or figures. It offers readers a chance to time-travel through war zones, royal courts, dusty frontier towns, or bustling 1920s jazz clubs.
The key? Staying true to the era while telling a story that resonates emotionally.
Why Write Historical Fiction?
-
You love history and storytelling equally.
-
You’re fascinated by “what if” scenarios and untold stories.
-
You want to explore universal themes: love, power, betrayal in a historical context.
Writing historical fiction is also a great way to explore modern-day questions through a historical lens.
Main Features of Historical Fiction
To write convincing historical fiction, your story should include:
1. A Real Historical Setting
The time and place must feel real. Readers should be able to see, hear, and feel the era.
2. Well-Researched Details
Everything from clothing to slang to politics needs to be authentic.
3. Fictional or Semi-Fictional Characters
Your characters can be real historical figures, completely fictional, or a blend of both.
4. Plot Grounded in Historical Events
The story should interact with actual events, or at least reflect the values, struggles, and norms of the time.
5. Themes That Transcend Time
Love, freedom, injustice, ambition—your themes should connect with modern readers.
The Golden Rules of Writing Historical Fiction
Writing historical fiction is fun! But it’s also a big responsibility. Here are some rules to keep you grounded:
DO:
-
Research, research, research (more on that below).
-
Use sensory language to bring the setting to life.
-
Stay true to the values and limitations of the time.
-
Fact-check historical events and cultural references.
DON’T:
-
Dump too much historical info at once (no one likes info-dumps).
-
Add modern attitudes or speech patterns to historical characters.
-
Ignore the context—even fiction should reflect the reality of the era.
How to Create a Powerful Historical Atmosphere
The atmosphere of your book is what makes the past come alive. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Use Specific Details
Mention the textures, colors, and smells of the era. For example, the scent of coal smoke, the roughness of wool uniforms, or the creak of a wooden cart.
2. Get Dialogue Right
People in 17th-century London didn’t say “cool” or “totally.” Avoid anachronistic language—but don’t go overboard. Your goal is readability + realism.
3. Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of saying “It was the Victorian era,” show it: corsets, candlelight, cobblestone streets, rigid manners.
4. Anchor the Reader in Place
Start scenes with grounding details: the sound of church bells, the buzz of a warplane, the feel of silk gowns or battle armor.
How to Research for Historical Fiction
Research is where your story really begins. You don’t need a PhD, but you do need depth and accuracy. Here’s a research plan that works:
Step 1: Start Broad
Read general books about your chosen time period. Get a sense of major events, daily life, and cultural attitudes.
Step 2: Dive into the Details
Look for:
-
Memoirs and letters from the time
-
Old newspapers or pamphlets
-
Paintings, photographs, or architecture
-
Historical maps and fashion plates
Step 3: Vet Your Sources
Stick to reputable books, museums, and academic websites. Wikipedia is great for starting! But always double-check.
Step 4: Keep a Research Journal
Track your sources and interesting details. This will save time and help you fact-check your own work later.
Step 5: Know When to Stop
At some point, you have to stop researching and start writing. You don’t need to know everything; just enough to make it feel real.
Personal Tip: Let the Era Shape the Plot
One of my favorite tricks? Let history influence the plot naturally. Ask yourself:
-
What kind of story could only happen in this time period?
-
How do the laws, customs, or inventions of the time shape what’s possible?
-
What unique conflicts arise from the historical setting?
This helps your story feel rooted in its time—not just dressed up in historical clothes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Tell History, Live It
Historical fiction isn’t about writing a textbook. It’s about inviting your readers to step into another world, to walk in different shoes, and to see echoes of themselves in the past.
It’s one of the richest, most challenging, and most rewarding genres to write—and readers on Inkitt are always looking for stories that bring the past vividly to life.
So dive in. Get curious. Be bold. And above all: tell the story only you can tell.
Looking for Inspiration?
Browse Inkitt’s Historical Fiction section to see what’s trending.
Feeling inspired? Start your own story today and bring the past roaring to life.
