BJ Hoff's GRACE NOTES

Just a Note

Because I'm in the process of having a new web site built, Grace Notes will be "closed" for a time. Check in later for more information as to when it will "reopen."

BJ

Past History--Fiction, That Is

Among some readers (and publishers), historical fiction has long been the Cinderella-before-the-Prince story: irrelevant, common, and easily dismissed. A number of devotees of  "serious literature" are quick to deny it any sort of literary merit, feigning no interest in reading it--or if they do read it on occasion, seem compelled to belittle its value.

And then there's the rest of us. I was a reader--a greedy reader--of historical fiction long before I ever began to write it. Even as a child--and on through my teens--biographies of people from the past and novels set in the past ranked right up at the top of my favorite reading choices. Some things never change.

The conundrum of why some of our finest authors would write in a genre--and defend a genre--that's not "worthy" of their stellar skills remains unexplained. Of course, choosing to write in a particular genre is a type of defense in itself. You'll recognize some of the following names, who have found historical fiction a fitting genre for their craft: E. L. Doctorow, Charles Frazier, Robert Morgan, James Michener, Gore Vidal, MacKinley Kantor, Eugenia Price, Michael and Jeff Shaara, Susan Howatch, Kevin Baker, Margaret George, Colleen McCullough, Thomas Costain, James Clavell, Mary Renault, Daphne Du Maurier, Mika Waltari, Ken Follett, Herman Wouk--and the list goes on.

On her internet site, teacher Tarry Lindquist, an advocate of historical fiction for children, admits that there's always controversy about even the definition of historical fiction. From that same site, here are some suggested attributes of the genre that apply to historical fiction for children and adults:

-Deals with "real, identifiable historical situations (as long as the period is recognizable, it need not include known events or people) and or personalities"; history "drives" the story.

-The author never personally experienced the era described.

The reader feels that she has now lived in the period because of the wealth of historical detail shared in the work.

-The work includes considerable historical detail, every day details make the story come alive.

-Characters and their situations are portrayed realistically for the time and place; people make history come alive.

-Complex issues are treated as complex issues; different points of view are seen.

-Often, the story unfolds slowly as the setting is described.

-Avoids stereotypes and myths unless relevant and appropriate.

As to relevance, in a recent interview with the Columbus Dispatch, Kevin Baker, author of the acclaimed City of Fire trilogy (Dreamland, Paradise Alley, and Strivers Row) said this: "I think good historical fiction informs us always about our present."

In the same interview, Baker also stated: "...I believe historical fiction should not be divorced from other literature. It should be held to the same standards and requirements, and the first requirements of all fiction are 'Tell a good story' and 'Know the human heart.'"

It seems to me that Baker's remark neatly sums up the ideal goal to which every historical fiction writer ... and all our colleagues who write in other genres ... should aspire.

BJ

Ta Da!

It's always a reason for celebration when a writer turns in a manuscript. Today I'm celebrating the completion of the third and final title (The Song Weaver) in my Mountain Song Legacy series.

When it's the conclusion of a series, the celebration can be somewhat bittersweet. After living with a particular family of characters for over three years, you do grow attached to and fond of them. I always feel a little glum when it's time to send them packing. This series was a very special one for me, for many reasons, and so I already know I'll find the "final parting" a lingering thing. It won't end in a day.

Yet the next project waits, with a number of ideas already mapped out and "new friends" who took up residence in my mind several years ago, so that will make "closing the book" a little easier.

This is also an occasion for celebrating my relationship with one of the finest publishers in CBA and an extraordinary editor. Harvest House and Nick Harrison make the writing of fiction as much pleasure as work, somehow managing to encourage and support their authors day after day, book after book. They're the best--and I'm continually grateful for them.

And now it's cleanup time. A storm seems to have blown through my office.

BJ

 

That Familiar Dark Night of the Soul

Ann Tatlock has written an interesting and informative post about writers and depression at Charis Connection. Her candid discussion leads to some excellent thoughts and suggestions on an issue all too familiar to writers and others involved in the creative arts.

See for yourself.

BJ