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Elizabeth Chadwick | Pros and Cons of Writing About Real People
September 22, 2010
I write historical novels that tell the life stories of people who have actually
lived, and whose bones are still physically on this earth. My career involves
fleshing out those bones and bringing past lives and times back to life for
readers of today. Who were these people? What were they like in life? What
were their dreams, their aspirations, their stories? I am always aware that in such telling that my path involves extensive use of
the imagination. From the first piece of dialogue, I am putting words in the
mouths of my characters. I am writing scenes for them that sometimes never
happened, sitting them down to dine on meals they never ate, and giving them
thoughts that I think they may have had, but I don’t know for sure. Nevertheless, I am a storyteller trying to bring modern readers close to what
happened back then and it is my duty to weave my tale with integrity and a care
for the known historical facts and the people involved. I strongly believe that any author who is going to write about a person who
actually lived, should do their level best to find out everything they can about
their chosen subject. This means exploring any documented character traits that
they had and noting how they responded to situations and other people, and how
other people responded to them. Conducting in depth research is a way of
respecting your subject matter because the more you know about the person, the
more able you will be to write their story with truthfulness. From my personal
viewpoint as an author, I feel it is not right to play fast and loose with known
history. To me the length of time that has passed makes no difference. The
13th century is owed just as much integrity as something that happened last
week. To say it doesn’t smacks to me of modern arrogance and says that we are
more important then them. But one day our society will be the long ago, and our
lives will be at the mercy of a different generation of story tellers, so it
behoves us to tread with honour. Sometimes characters are well documented and finding out about their lives is
simple enough, although often one has to read between the lines and at the same
time have a good knowledge of the culture and ideas of the time. If a writer
looks at people through a modern lens, then distortion is bound to occur. So it
is important that an author studies a known character’s choices using the
prevailing attitudes of the time. For example, with a modern eye, I might look
at the great William Marshal, marrying off his daughter at the age of 13 and
then leaving her to cross the sea to Ireland, and be appalled. But looking at
it through a Medieval lens, I see a father anxious to do the best for his
daughter and his dynasty by ensuring she was married into a noble family of high
status who would keep her protected while he was away and also cement an
alliance between the families. Since 12 was the age of consent to marriage at
that point, everything to the medieval mind was decent and above board. (consent
to marriage was not the same as consent to sexual relations, although it
happened depending on circumstances). Thus, what might horrify our modern
sensibilities, is in Medieval terms a father doing what he knew was best for his
child and his dynasty. It might not be our mindset, but it was theirs. The further back you go, the more difficult it become to find out details, but
usually there are at least fragments to act as pointers. Usually too, you soon
become discerning about your sources and find out who is reliable and who is
not. Some chroniclers play fast and loose with the truth or have their own
agendas, so it is important to read the facts from as many different sources as
possible. Writing fictitiously about people who have actually lived becomes more awkward
if an author is telling a story about someone with close relatives still alive
today. It is one thing to write a novel about a personality who has been dead
for 800 years, quite another to write about someone who died say 50 years ago
and is still remembered by their, community, friends and family. Depending on
the content of the story, a writer could easily end up being slapped with a
lawsuit, or cause deep offence. An author should therefore step with caution and
sensitivity when the subject matter is only a short distance away. In summary, my thoughts on the thorny matter of writing about real people as
opposed to inventing them from scratch, is that integrity should be an author’s
watchword, and that the research should be thorough and draw on as many sources
as possible in order to built up an informed picture of many layers that will
distill the true essence of the personalities involved. As author Laurel Kenyon
said at the Historical Novel Society Conference in Schaumburg Illinois in 2009:
‘Do not defame the dead.’ FOR THE KING’S FAVOR
BY ELIZABETH
CHADWICK—IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2010 A bittersweet tale of love, loss, and the power of royalty…
A captivating story of a mother’s love stretched to breaking and a knight
determined to rebuild his life with the royal mistress, For the King’s Favor is Elizabeth Chadwick at her
best. Based on a true story never before told and impeccably researched, this is
a testament to the power of sacrifice and the strength of love. When Roger
Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at court to settle an
inheritance, he meets Ida de Tosney, young mistress to King Henry II. In Roger,
Ida sees a chance for lasting love, but their decision to marry carries an
agonizing price. It’s a breathtaking novel of making choices, not giving up, and
coping with the terrible shifting whims of the king.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elizabeth Chadwick
lives near Nottingham with her husband and two sons. She is the author of 18
historical novels, including The Greatest Knight, The Scarlet Lion, A Place Beyond Courage, Lords of the White Castle,
Shadows and
Strongholds, the Winter
Mantle, and the Falcons
of Montabard, four of which have been shortlisted for the Romantic
Novelists’ Awards. Much of her research is carried out as a member of Regia
Anglorum, an early medieval re-enactment society with the emphasis on accurately
re-creating the past. She won a Betty Trask Award for The Wild Hunt, her first
novel. For more information, please visit her website.
Comments
31 comments posted.
Re: Elizabeth Chadwick | Pros and Cons of Writing About Real People
I am looking forward to reading this book. I love historical novels, that are based on real people, they are the best books to read. And this book, look like it will be really interesting :)
(Aimee Robison 1:14am September 22, 2010)
It must be quite the balancing act to write accurately about historical figures but make them people we want to read about and care about today.
(Maureen Emmons 6:32am September 22, 2010)
I can't even imagine the amount of research this must take to write a book of this caliber. The cover is just gorgeous and I would love to read the story. Thanks for the contest.
(Karen Gervasi 11:11am September 22, 2010)
My favorite romance novels are those that are linked to historical figures. They don't necessarily have to be a main character but to me it brings realism to the story. I don't mind if occasionally there is a disclaimer at the end when historical facts, i.e. inventions, etc., may be slightly off the actual date as long as the author brings it to the readers attention. I enjoy your stories because knowing facts about the people, politics and values of the time let's us understand the characters points of view.
(Jeanne Miro 1:23pm September 22, 2010)
Your book "For The King's Favor" sounds very intriguing. I've always found the time period of Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquataine to be fascinating and that of their children. I'm very curious as to what you've written about him. I love historical fiction because it is the past yet we know that these people had to experience the same emotions that we do today.
(Maria Durst 2:14pm September 22, 2010)
Showing how much you go through to write your books not only shows love of your characters, but also reverence for them. Love them or hate them for what they did, they still deserve a bit of respect for their title, and you showed it by going through such painful research. Your latest book sounds like it will tear at the heartstrings, and I can't wait to read it!! I'm sure it will be wonderful.
(Peggy Roberson 2:32pm September 22, 2010)
must people have some kind of opinion about what and who people are with straight fantasy you can almost just let yourself believe if the stories well constructed. :)
(April Strength 2:35pm September 22, 2010)
I love historical novels about real people. Especially in English history as I'm a Brit...hehe!!
I can imagine the research is fascinating, I think I would get all caught up in that and never get writing...how do you manage that?
Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 2:38pm September 22, 2010)
The Cons,too much detail can be boring.Like all the kings relatives ect.. The Pros,getting to know the main characters.This book sounds interesting.
(Deb Pelletier 3:17pm September 22, 2010)
Is all that research fun? I know it's informative and I, for one, can spend hours looking things up online or in a library. Still, it's different when it's for work.
I enjoy reading real people or events in a novel; it adds realism and makes me appreciate the author's research.
(S Tieh 3:28pm September 22, 2010)
Historical novels are my favorite. Fact and fiction intertwined.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 3:43pm September 22, 2010)
Writing historical fiction cannot be an easy thing, with all the research that is involved in producing an authentic story for the time period. But when the author ties fiction together with fact, it makes for a very stimulating read.
(Aimee Robison 3:51pm September 22, 2010)
I love historical romances, as a mater of fact it's my favorite type of fiction. I'm looking forward to reading this book.
(Joyce Bruner 4:16pm September 22, 2010)
I look forward to reading this book.
(Sharon Engel 4:34pm September 22, 2010)
I too love historical novels. I'm always impressed with a writer how takes real people and writes a story about them.
(Maude Allen 5:28pm September 22, 2010)
History is alive & well. I can never understand why people find history 'dry'. It is vibrant & full of fascinating people. I can't wait to read FOR THE KING'S FAVOR.
(Mary Preston 6:16pm September 22, 2010)
I also love historical romance but think that it would be hard to wright about real people becouse how do you get their personality just perfect? I'm looking forward to reading you book it sounds good.
(Vickie Hightower 7:05pm September 22, 2010)
I consider reading historical romances my favorite hobby. Your book sounds wonderful!
(Pamela Stewart 8:11pm September 22, 2010)
I just happened to be one of these people who would read a historical romances and look it up to see if the history of events and the real famous people are accurate. Whenever I read a fiction book, I expected to learn something from it.
Looking forward in reading your book.
(Kai Wong 8:44pm September 22, 2010)
Lately I've found that I really enjoy reading about real people in the romance novels. Your book sounds great.
(Brenda Rupp 8:45pm September 22, 2010)
I started reading historical novels last year. I haven't read any of your books so I'm looking forward to reading your new book.
(Melissa Rice 9:35pm September 22, 2010)
Really love to read historical fiction about real people.Looking forward to reading For the King's Favor. Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 10:10pm September 22, 2010)
I very much appreciate your attention
to detail and accuracy. I choose
historical fiction to read because I
want to learn something about the
time and people as well as have a
story to read. The details are
important. Part of the reason I read
historicals is to learn something. If
the author can't take the time to make
sure he or she is correct in the details,
there will be a lot of misinformed
people out there.
(Patricia Barraclough 12:31pm September 23, 2010)
imho the decision to marry always carries a price...
(Debbi Shaw 11:39am September 23, 2010)
I like historical fiction, mostly older history though. It works better in my opinion.
(Pam Howell 12:23pm September 23, 2010)
I really enjoy reading historical romances. It's interesting to read about other times and places.
(Cheryl Lynne 1:17pm September 23, 2010)
I always wonder how accurate some of the historical fiction really is--and I like to hear that you approach writing with as much acuracy as possible.
(Sue Farrell 3:26pm September 23, 2010)
I also like to be able to associate Historical Fiction with real places. It more realistic that way Thank you for the great books your write
(Cj Swier 4:26pm September 23, 2010)
Sounds like a great read, love historical romance
(Sheila True 10:34pm September 23, 2010)
I love to read Historical romances.Thanks for giving me a Chance to win it.
(Linda Hall 11:56pm September 23, 2010)
Having people you know in your writing is tricky, because they seem to only want to pay attention to their assets, yet it's the conflicts and struggles that move the plot along with some kindof action. I do like historical fiction.
(Alyson Widen 3:54pm September 24, 2010)
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