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.

  • 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
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define what historical fiction is.
  • Define the elements of historical fiction.
  • Describe mystery as a sub-genre of historical fiction.
  • Describe romance as a sub-genre of historical fiction.
  • Summarize classical historical fiction and more.
  • Identify characters, the who.
  • Identify setting, the where.
  • Determine if what you're writing should be real or make-believe.
  • Describe methods on how to do research.
  • Recognize who the experts are and how to get information from them in your writing process.
  • Determine historical fiction and fact.
  • Summarize plagiarism, lies, and Wikipedia issues.
  • Describe plotting techniques.
  • Describe what conflict is and how to build on it.
  • Describe subplots and motivation.
  • Identify the correct pacing for your story.
  • Describe showing, rather than telling techniques.
  • Describe the editing and re-editing processes.
  • Summarize what to do to find an agent or if you need one.
  • Develop a query letter.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
Introduction 1 points
Lesson 1 Assignment: Historical Fiction Ideas 10 points
Lesson 1 Exam 5 points
Lesson 2 Assignment: Historically Realistic Characters 20 points
Lesson 2 Exam 5 points
Lesson 3 Assignment: Your Sub-Genre Details 20 points
Lesson 3 Exam 5 points
Lesson 4 Assignment: Historical Romance Writing 15 points
Lesson 4 Exam 5 points
Lesson 5 Assignment: Historical Fiction Writing Exercise 15 points
Lesson 5 Exam 5 points
Lesson 6 Assignment: Historical Character Writing Exercise 20 points
Lesson 6 Exam 4 points
Lesson 7 Assignment: Google! 15 points
Lesson 7 Exam 4 points
Lesson 8 Assignment: Real or Make Believe? 15 points
Lesson 8 Exam 4 points
Lesson 9 Assignment: Pre Writing Questions 10 points
Lesson 9 Exam 5 points
Lesson 10 Assignment: Your List 10 points
Lesson 10 Exam 4 points
Lesson 11 Assignment: The Process of Research 5 points
Lesson 11 Exam 5 points
Lesson 12 Assignment: Begin Your Research 10 points
Lesson 12 Exam 4 points
Lesson 13 Assignment: Adding Fictional Characters 30 points
Lesson 13 Exam 2 points
Lesson 14 Assignment: References 10 points
Lesson 14 Exam 5 points
Lesson 15 Assignment: Plotting 20 points
Lesson 15 Exam 5 points
Lesson 16 Assignment: Conflict 15 points
Lesson 16 Exam 5 points
Lesson 17 Assignment: Sub-Plots and Additional Characters 15 points
Lesson 17 Exam 5 points
Lesson 18 Assignment: Pacing 15 points
Lesson 18 Exam 5 points
Lesson 19 Assignment: Showing, Rather than Telling 15 points
Lesson 19 Exam 5 points
Lesson 20 Assignment: Editing 15 points
Lesson 20 Exam 5 points
Lesson 21 Assignment: Agent Research 15 points
Lesson 21 Exam 5 points
Lesson 22 Assignment: Writing Your Query 15 points
Lesson 22 Exam 5 points
The Final Assignment 30 points
The Final Exam 20 points
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