How to Research a Setting for a Historical Romance

"Get the facts straight," says Sheri McGregor, author of "Under One Roof." "Readers will know if your facts are wrong. Did the gals wear bustles in 1880s France? If your book is set during that period and location, find out. What other undergarments did men and women wear? Appropriate research is absolutely necessary to write in the historical period."

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• History Books
• Writing Classes
• Notebooks
• Writing Pens
• Notebooks

1. Conceive the time and place of your novel before you start. An understanding of your setting, character and plot is the foundation on which you build your tale.

2. Use a historical setting only as the stage. Characters and plot remain the focus of a good play.

3. Research, research, research. Write intelligently about a time and place and make it come alive for your reader.

4. Connect your reader to your tale. Show elements within the setting that are common to all people so that your novel appeals to a broad audience.

5. Respect your reader. Inaccurate historical references can ruin a good story.

6. Draw your characters and relate your plot in a way that stays true to the historical period. For example, a Victorian maid would not talk in the rhythms of a valley girl.

7. Avoid choosing a historical setting that overwhelms your storyline and characters.

Tips & Warnings

• According to historical author Jannine Petska, author of "The Lily and the Falcon," "It makes a big difference if you're doing Western or medieval, or another time period. I will have a general idea of a particular country, then I'll look at books about that country and see what was happening at any given time in history."
• "So much of a location depends on the type of story, the characters' needs and the plot's needs," Petska advises.
• There are no shortcuts. A writer must read and research.
• "Don't overdo the history," McGregor advises. "Remember, this is a romance first and foremost."