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
Learning Outcomes
- 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.
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 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 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 Exam | 5 points |
| The Final Assignment | 30 points |
| The Final Exam | 20 points |
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