Tips on Writing Historical Fiction for Kids
A Children's Historical Novel Requires Careful Planning
Oct 22, 2009
Children’s historical fiction is one of the most enjoyable genres to read but one of the most challenging to write. That’s because kids look for a historical novel that’s believable, holds their attention, and makes dull history shine. All this takes careful planning on the part of the writer. Here are some important steps for writers to follow before beginning a historical fiction novel for children that will meet their demands.
Know the Setting Well
Studying the time and place of the novel is key to avoiding anachronisms, those errors in chronology that can make a reader question the credibility of the story. So writers need to make sure they have their facts straight. For example, if home mail service wasn’t available in 1860 in Pittsburgh, the story shouldn’t mention a mailman delivering a letter then and there. Knowing the setting well also makes it easier to recreate the scenes and details of the story.
So how does a writer research the setting? There are a number of ways to find information on time periods and places in history, including:
- Visit county, state, and other historical societies
- Tour museums
- Read history books, including biographies of people who lived during the time period
- Watch documentaries or other movies set during the time period
- Perform internet research
- Take a trip to the place where the story is set
Create a History-based Plot
Another important step to take before beginning a children’s historical fiction novel is to make sure the story has a reason to be called historical. If history doesn’t play a part in the plot, the novel might be better off written as realistic fiction. For example, a story about a family’s struggle during wartime could be set during any number of time periods, including today. But a plot that revolves around the rules and circumstances of Nazi Germany, like that of The Book Thief, has to be written as a historical work.
Plots for historical novels are usually devised one of two ways:
- By writing the story around a true historical event
- By incorporating true historical details of life against a fictional background
Plots that involve a true historical event may require more research than plots that don’t because the writer will have to dig up details about the event in addition to the other details of life during the time period. Whichever method a writer chooses doesn’t matter; it’s how well the plot is executed that does.
Sketch Out Credible Characters
A children’s historical novel should also include characters that children connect with, so it’s important that writers use kids as the main characters and that they’re relatable and believable. Here’s how:
- Give them similar struggles as those that kids face today
- Make the characters solve their own problems, with minimal adult help
- Use dialogue, including slang, that is in sync with the time period
- Assign the characters names that are historically appropriate
- Describe the characters using historically accurate details
It helps to draft a short sketch on each character and then study the sketch. By getting to know the characters, including their dress style, language, and personality, writers will lend consistency and credibility to their stories. This is especially important for a story told from the point of view of a character.
Draft a Workable Outline
Once the setting, plot, and characters are determined, it’s time to draft an outline detailing how the novel will play out. Outlines are just a guide, however, and subject to change. While some writers prefer to work from a brief outline, others draft a lengthy, chapter-by-chapter one. An outline can include these key elements:
- The working title. Writers should aim for an attention-grabbing, short title that describes the storyline, but often the final title isn’t decided until the book is completed.
- An enticing opening or introduction. A first chapter that describes an exciting flashback, for example, or a scene from the future might hook a reader more quickly than beginning a story at the beginning.
- The storyline, with plenty of action and conflict to keep it moving. But keep in mind that outlines are places to jot down ideas, not complete scenes.
- Subplots, to add depth and intrigue to the story. Subplots are also a good place for further character development.
- The climax or turning point. This is what all the events of the story lead to and the place where secrets and missing information are revealed.
- A satisfying conclusion. Depending on the age of the targeted reader, historical novels don’t have to end on a happy note, although they should leave young readers with at least hope and closure.
Writing a historical fiction novel for children involves many steps, even before beginning chapter one. But by studying the story’s setting, devising a strong, history-based plot, sketching out characters that kids connect with, and drafting a workable outline, a writer is well on the way to creating an exciting book that will meet kids’ demands.
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