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Ask About Writing
Using Historical Markers
QUESTION: Should I be using historical markers when writing stories based in the past or should I make up a fictional history?
Interesting question this one, and I think the answer depends entirely on your viewpoint and the style and genre of your story.
My personal preference is to use factual history as markers. I find they add a sense of reality to fiction, make it easier to visualise the setting, to say nothing of satisfying my wish to learn something new every time I read.
However, if these aspects are not something you are trying to attain then I would consider creating up your own historic timeline. Especially if the genuine history would distract the reader from your story, won’t strengthen the story or if you aren’t one hundred percent certain that the factual details you are including are correct. Fewer things weaken a story more than incorrect research.
But in all honesty, I still believe it comes down to personal preference, who your target audience is and if you enjoy creating a fictional backdrop to your story more than you enjoy researching history.
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