Online Class: Historical Fiction Writing

Dive into the realm of historical fiction where the past is brought to life through vivid storytelling and meticulous research. Learn how to blend history with fiction as you develop dynamic characters and engaging plots that captivate modern audiences.
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  • 23
    Lessons
  • 44
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,082
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 23
    Hours
    average time
  • 2.3
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Timeless Historical Fiction

Discover the magic of intertwining past epochs with creative narratives through the enriching world of historical fiction writing. This isn't just about recounting stories of bygone eras; it's about creating an immersive experience. Delve deep into a meticulous blend of factual research and imaginative storytelling, bringing long-forgotten times back to life with vividness and authenticity.

In this comprehensive course, embrace the dual roles of historian and novelist. Learn to weave tales where characters leap from being mere footnotes in dusty tomes to vibrant personalities, complete with emotions, desires, and challenges. Dive deep into an intricate realm where every costume, speech, and setting becomes an authentic echo from the past.

From understanding the very foundation of historical fiction to mastering the art of breathing life into the narratives, this course covers the vast spectrum of this genre and its numerous facets.

Course Breakdown:

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Historical Fiction - Journey to the Past
  • Lesson 2: Elements of Historical Fiction - Foundations of the Genre
  • Lesson 3-4: Delving into Sub-genres - Mysteries & Romances of Yore
  • Lesson 5: Classic Historical Fiction and Beyond - The Timeless Tales
  • Lesson 6-7: Crafting Characters & Evocative Settings - Bringing Stories to Life
  • Lesson 8: Fiction vs Reality - Striking the Perfect Balance
  • Lesson 9-11: Research Essentials - The Backbone of Authenticity
  • Lesson 12: Engaging with Experts - Gleaning Wisdom from Historians
  • Lesson 13: Historical Fiction vs. Historical Fact - Finding the Truth in Tales
  • Lesson 14: Ensuring Authenticity - Steering Clear of Plagiarism & Misinformation
  • Lesson 15-17: Crafting the Narrative - Plotting, Conflicts, and Subplots
  • Lesson 18-19: Writing Techniques - Perfecting Pacing & the Art of "Show, Don't Tell"
  • Lesson 20: Polishing Your Masterpiece - Editing & Re-editing
  • Lesson 21-22: Navigating the Publishing Maze - Agents & The Art of the Query Letter
  • Lesson 23: Wrapping Up - The Path Forward

As you traverse through each lesson, gain insights into the intricate elements that make a historical fiction piece stand out. Explore various sub-genres, dive deep into character motivations, map out captivating plots, refine your writing with editing masterclasses, and set forth confidently in the publishing realm.

By the end of this course, you won't merely understand historical fiction-you'll be adept at crafting tales that resonate with authenticity and timeless appeal. Enroll now, and embark on a journey that seamlessly marries the past with the present, creating narratives that future generations will cherish.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,906 votes)

  • Lesson 1. Crafting the Past: A Guide to Historical Fiction

    Historical fiction harmonizes past and present by blending factual history with creative storytelling, offering readers immersive experiences of different eras. It requires thorough research and imagination, allowing characters and events to resonate beyond traditional narratives.

  • Lesson 2. Embarking on the Tapestry of Historical Fiction

    Through rich plot themes of love, war, and identity, historical fiction explores universal human experiences with historical specificity, illuminating timeless truths. Such narratives bridge the past and present, offering fresh insights into enduring themes through the context of historical events and figures.

  • Lesson 3. Mystery Amidst the Pages of History

    Combining mystery with historical fiction introduces readers to captivating tales where past secrets and suspenseful narratives intersect, creating layers of complexity in storytelling. This subgenre invites audiences to unravel enigmas against vividly detailed historical backdrops like Victorian London or the mysterious ambiance of the Salem witch trials.

  • Lesson 4. Ephemeral Love Across Centuries: A Journey Through Historical Romance

    The subgenres within historical romance, such as Gothic and Regency, each offer unique atmospheres where romance dances with period-specific dangers and societal norms. The diverse settings allow authors to craft stories that are as rich in cultural context as they are in romantic intrigue.

  • Lesson 5. Essentials of Writing Great Historical Fiction

    Young Adult historical fiction entices young readers to explore alternate realities within a historical framework and even choose stories' outcomes. Blending modern themes with past eras, YA historical fiction captivates with curiosity-driven narratives, encouraging critical thinking about legacy and imagination of history.

  • Lesson 6. Authentic Portrayals of Our Historical Icons

    Historical narratives thrive on ethical storytelling, intertwining fact and fiction responsibly to honor the legacies of real individuals. Characters like Florence Nightingale and Nikola Tesla become vibrant figures through narratives that explore lesser-known facets of their lives, inspiring readers with their perseverance and groundbreaking contributions.

  • Lesson 7. Transporting Readers to the Past: Creating Authentic Historical Settings

    Use vivid details and thorough research to construct a setting that is both historically accurate and emotionally engaging, allowing readers to resonate with both past and present worlds. Your characters should both influence and be influenced by their setting, adding depth to the narrative and transforming the backdrop into a character of its own.

  • Lesson 8. Historical Tapestry: Crafting Fiction from Fact and Fantasy

    Historical fiction delicately blends the factual with the fantastical, inviting readers to explore the past through vibrant narratives. Balancing authentic details with imaginative storytelling transforms events into immersive experiences.

  • Lesson 9. Unveiling the Past: Writing with Authenticity

    Successful historical fiction hinges on rigorous research to faithfully recreate past societies, reflecting both extraordinary events and daily life. Leveraging diverse sources like scholarly articles, expert interviews, and digital archives ensures an authentic and vibrant portrayal of time periods.

  • Lesson 10. From Spark to Story: Crafting Narratives by Blending History and Fiction

    Embrace research as both an artistic and methodical journey, linking creativity with historical authenticity for a resonant narrative. Crafting nuanced characters inspired by historical figures offers a window into transforming known histories into captivating storytelling.

  • Lesson 11. Exploring the Depths of Historical Narrative Creation

    The past is animated through the oral histories shared by those who lived it, with stories adding vibrant, humane dimensions to dry historical facts. This living dialogue illuminates the era's subtleties, offering narratives shaped from real anecdotes that bridge the gap between written history and lived experiences.

  • Lesson 12. Mastering Historical Narratives

    Penning a historical novel demands capturing the elusive essence of bygone eras, tackling challenges like harnessing period accuracy and choosing the ideal perspective. Embracing a blend of self-research and expert advice can fine-tune authenticity while balancing budgetary constraints.

  • Lesson 13. Breathing Life into Bygone Eras: Crafting Immersive Historical Fiction

    Authors of historical fiction masterfully blend truths with imaginative narratives, crafting stories that entertain while illuminating lesser-known aspects of history. They skillfully balance accurate backdrops with vibrant character creations, making history feel alive and relevant.

  • Lesson 14. Exploring Ethical Storytelling in Historical Fiction

    In crafting historical narratives, acknowledging the role of references allows writers to maintain narrative flow while providing authenticity. Organizing sources by theme can enrich reader experience, offering clarity and deeper insights into the story's backdrop.

  • Lesson 15. Mastering Story Arcs

    Storytelling structure can vary from linear to more intricate formats like flashbacks or parallel plots, allowing authors to choose what resonates with their narrative style. Embracing these diverse structures can enhance reader engagement by offering them multiple perspectives and layers.

  • Lesson 16. Engaging Tales: The Transformative Power of Conflict

    At a story's core, conflict fuels character development and plot progression by guiding a journey of challenges and solutions. Through varied conflicts such as man vs. man, nature, self, or the supernatural, narratives unfold with immersive complexities.

  • Lesson 17. Subplots and Motivation in Novel Writing

    Successful storytelling requires not just a strong main plot but also subplots and authentic character motivations that enrich the narrative. By intertwining these elements, writers create a memorable literary tapestry that invites readers into a world of complexity and depth.

  • Lesson 18. Weaving the Perfect Narrative Tempo

    Perspective shifts can infuse a story with renewed energy, revealing fresh angles and intricate interconnections. Different viewpoints propel the narrative forward, building suspense and keeping the reader eagerly turning pages to uncover progressing revelations and storylines.

  • Lesson 19. Show, Don't Tell: A Writer's Essential Guide

    'Showing' breathes life into storytelling by crafting vivid imagery that appeals to the senses, while 'telling' efficiently manages pacing and transitions. Effective writing blends these techniques, enhancing narrative flow and maintaining reader interest.

  • Lesson 20. Building Blocks of a Captivating Tale

    Pacing dictates a story’s momentum, balancing between languishing and rushing through events to keep readers engaged. Developmental editing, like in The Da Vinci Code, times climactic moments precisely, maintaining intrigue and ensuring the storyline unfolds dynamically.

  • Lesson 21. Navigating the Literary Labyrinth: The Indispensable Role of Agents

    To appeal to literary agents, authors must cultivate a compelling presence, from building a reputable writing portfolio to maintaining an engaging digital footprint that demonstrates both their dedication and marketability. Mastering the art of crafting an engaging query letter adds a vital layer, offering literary agents an intriguing glimpse of the manuscript's promise and uniqueness.

  • Lesson 22. Unlocking the Secrets of a Winning Query Letter

    In the competitive world of publishing, a query letter is your golden ticket to capturing the attention of decision-makers with a succinct showcase of your work, style, and voice. Crafting it demands a blend of personal passion, knowledge, and creativity to make each word count.

  • Lesson 23. Historical Fiction: A Journey Through Time

    By blending meticulous research with creativity, historical fiction immerses readers in authentic worlds of yesteryear. This genre compels writers to navigate facts, settings, and characters, capturing the essence of past societies and events.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to research and integrate historical details into creative storylines, enhancing narrative authenticity in historical fiction writing.
  • Identify the key components of historical fiction by distinguishing between factual accuracy and fictional creativity within a narrative.
  • Define how historical settings influence character development and plot progression in historical fiction.
  • Identify the methods used to incorporate authentic historical details to enhance storytelling in historical fiction.
  • Demonstrate the ability to design a compelling mystery plot within a chosen historical period, ensuring consistency with historical details and plausible character motivations.
  • Identify the core characteristics of a successful historical mystery by analyzing examples of effective integration of historical authenticity and narrative intrigue.
  • Define the role of historical setting in shaping characters and themes within historical romance and evaluate its effectiveness using specific examples.
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyze the balance between historical accuracy and romantic elements in historical romance novels, identifying key techniques used by authors to maintain reader engagement.
  • Analyze the approaches used in young adult historical fiction to engage younger audiences, such as incorporating alternate realities and 'choose your own adventure' narratives, enhancing critical thinking and historical understanding.
  • Define the key elements of classic historical fiction, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and authentic character portrayal, to ensure an accurate reflection of historical contexts.
  • Analyze and evaluate the ethical considerations in storytelling, balancing historical accuracy with creative narrative.
  • Define and illustrate the motivations and challenges faced by historical characters within the context of their time.
  • Analyze and describe the interplay between the historical setting and character development in a historical novel, identifying how the context influences character actions and relationships.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Historical Fiction Writing
Course Number: 9770560
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (1,906 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: April 2024
CEU Value: 2.3 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "This was a wonderful course with a great deal of information. I have always wanted to write my own historical fiction, I may never do it, but I feel I have the correct tools to try now!" -- Jana E.
  • "I enjoyed being able to read work submitted by other students. It helped me understand how others were presenting their stories." -- Nancy C.
  • "The work at my own pace is the absolute best! At times, I couldn't decide weather to write and take another lesson! Each topic was very engaging and some of them were pretty difficult." -- Angela H.
  • "This was another great class with such a great instructor. If I have any problems she is extremely willing to help." -- Donna N.
  • "The instructor was warm, friendly, and encouraging. The information is vital to those hoping to see their writing published was presented in an open, generous and encouraging way." -- Barbara P.
  • "Everything was great!" -- Cathy K.

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