Guide to Transforming Your Real Family into Imaginary Characters
In the quest to write a captivating fictional family history novel, it is essential to combine various research methods to create a rich and authentic narrative. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey.
First, begin by interviewing living relatives to collect oral histories. Family stories provide unique and personal perspectives that may be overlooked in official archives. When conducting these interviews, prioritise open-ended questions, create a comfortable atmosphere, record or take detailed notes, and verify important facts where possible. Although oral histories may have their "shakiness," they are considered legitimate historical sources and can offer rich material to enliven your fictional narrative [4].
Next, gather historical sources beyond family stories. Local libraries, archives, and historical societies can provide newspapers, official records, and microfilm that document the time and place relevant to your family. Academic historiographies and bibliographies can help you understand the broader historical context and debates surrounding your family's era [1][3]. Remember to evaluate your sources critically for reliability and relevance [1].
The internet can be a valuable tool for genealogical research. Utilise databases such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and government archives to locate birth, marriage, death, immigration, and census records. Online research can be supplemented by membership access to exclusive genealogy databases or contacting international archives, especially if your family's history crosses borders [2]. Fact-checking with multiple sources is important since online genealogical data can contain inaccuracies [2].
By combining these approaches—interviews, archival/historical research, and internet-based genealogy—you can create a solid factual basis for your fictional family history novel. This foundation will enable you to craft a rich and authentic narrative while creatively filling in the gaps that fiction allows [4].
Remember, when writing a novel rooted in an ancestor's story, family members may view the story differently and resist. To convey that the work is fiction, include a disclaimer stating that names, characters, places, and incidents are products of fiction or used in a fictitious manner.
For more insights on crafting a plot from your historical obsession, read E. C. Ambrose's article "Spinning a Yarn out of History: How to Craft a Plot from your Historical Obsession." If you're interested in editing tips, check out Margaret McNellis' article "Stripping Down My Prose: Risking the Removal of Adjectives."
Articles can be shared on various social media platforms and by email. Guest Contributors are also invited to post at Writers Helping Writers. For a related discussion on the importance of story in historical fiction, read "Historical Fiction: The Story Comes First."
Lastly, when adhering too closely to real life, the fictional story can weaken. Daily life details, such as plot-advancing actions, setting, and characters' emotions, need to be filled in to bridge gaps between the story and history. A novel needs a beginning, end, and something at stake for the protagonist. Emphasise that the story was "inspired by" a person or event rather than being about them. An Author's Note can be used to detail facts, identify fiction, and provide insight into debated topics within the family.
Happy writing!
- Attend creative writing workshops to hone your skills in character development and plot creation for your fictional family history novel.
- Nonfiction books like "Spinning a Yarn out of History" and "Stripping Down My Prose" can offer practical advice on crafting a compelling narrative from historical research.
- To ensure accuracy, double-check your facts from multiple sources, even when researching genealogical data online.
- Incorporate your family's unique experiences and perspectives into the home-and-garden lifestyle of your fictional characters, creating a rich narrative that blends fact and fiction.
- Writers can find support and inspiration from communities like Writers Helping Writers, where guest contributors share their insights and experiences.
- To maintain a balance between authenticity and creativity, focus on creating a captivating story, emphasizing the 'story comes first' principle in historical fiction.
