For my latest project I chose to write a novel set in late 19th century England, unlike my previous works in which I avoided real historical settings altogether. For example The Sorcerer’s Children took place in a completely imaginary land of my own creation during a late medieval/early Renaissance period of development. As well, the magical kingdom had had the same ruler for over five hundred years. Likewise, The Adventures of Astrodog was set in an idealized domed-city on Earth’s moon. In each case, I was free to make-up historical and cultural norms without the limitations of actual, you know, facts–to a certain degree of course.
In my new novel I use a good amount of “Artistic License,” a term used when many novels, films or other stories stretch the truth about a time, characters or events for dramatic purposes. I admit, my new story relies on that broad, stretchable term quite a bit thanks to the characters and the use of paranormal elements. I particularly wanted to let myself have more fun this way. So, I began a story within a twisted or alternate historical setting.
Another point I favour with a “historical” setting is that it helps in the isolation of the characters and allows you to build the tension. There’s no cellphone service, no internet to consult about bumps in the night or to check on the background of questionable people. The characters have to proceed on their instincts and what knowledge they can uncover for themselves. Now my main character does have some powerful help of her own; the core secret that makes her distinct. What that is, will wait for another blog to reveal. Suffice to say, she’s damn lucky in that regard…but not invulnerable. As her enemies discover.
So, as the forces of darkness gather and the danger to everyone rises, what will be the price our heroes must to pay for victory?
In the end, it’s not inaccurate to say all stories are flights of fancy, no matter how rooted in “reality” they are. How far a writer strays from that position depends entirely on what their story is meant to explore and achieve. Or simply on what you like to read yourself. To decide for yourself on the direction you’d like to take for your writing/storytelling, the first place to look is your own bookshelf.
In a previous post I commented that two of my favourite books were: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and the pulp fiction Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Quite a combo, I know. I’ll even go so far as to state that both works have influenced the paranormal series I’m writing. Not that I’m trying to be pretentious or anything.
What kind of books or genres or themes influence your writing or reading? Do you like the slow, tension-filled build-up to a massive payoff or do you prefer the dive-right-into-the-action approach? Or is there another take that fuels your imagination? Is it mood and atmosphere or relatable characters? Or both? Feel free to let me know what you look for most in a story.
As Halloween draws nearer and the spirits of the season prepare to walk amongst us, you can find lots of cool Halloween merchandise in our Redbubbble store. Like our Lady In White who strolls through a haunted graveyard to the Halloween Witch you were introduced to in the last blog, there’s plenty of magic for everyone. So, cast your spell and make your wish and grab onto the magic of Halloween with us!
