Historical novels have long captured the imagination of readers by weaving together fact and fiction, immersing them in another time while telling unforgettable stories. From tales of medieval knights and ancient empires to Australian historical fiction rooted in colonial and Indigenous history, the genre offers both education and entertainment. Writing a compelling historical novel requires more than just good storytelling—it calls for deep research, attention to detail, and respect for the cultures and events of the past.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes historical fiction stand out, how to write historical fiction effectively, the importance of primary sources, and the growing popularity of historical fiction books, including Australian contributions to the genre.
What Is Historical Fiction?
Historical fiction is a genre where the narrative is set in the past, often featuring real historical events, places, and sometimes even real people, intertwined with fictional characters and plots. It aims to transport readers into another era, allowing them to experience the sights, sounds, struggles, and triumphs of a world different from their own.
Unlike history textbooks, a historical novel prioritizes emotional engagement. The reader isn’t just told what happened—they feel it through the eyes of well-developed characters. A great work of historical fiction balances authenticity with storytelling, ensuring that factual accuracy enhances the drama rather than overshadows it.
How to Write Historical Fiction
1. Start with an Era That Inspires You
The first step in writing a historical novel is choosing a time period that fascinates you. It might be Ancient Rome, the French Revolution, World War II, or early Australian colonial life. Passion is crucial—if you’re deeply curious about the era, your enthusiasm will fuel your research and keep you motivated through the writing process.
2. Do Thorough Research
Research is the backbone of historical fiction. Writers must understand the politics, daily life, language, fashion, architecture, and cultural norms of the chosen era. This doesn’t mean you need to become a historian, but you should aim to create a believable world for your readers.
Use a mix of primary sources (like letters, diaries, newspapers, government records, and photographs) and secondary sources (such as academic books, history documentaries, and scholarly articles).
3. Develop Strong Characters
Characters are the heart of any story. In historical fiction, they must feel authentic to the time while remaining relatable to modern readers. For example, a Victorian-era woman may be limited by societal expectations, but she can still have dreams, frustrations, and inner strength that readers connect with.
4. Balance Fact and Imagination
Accuracy matters, but remember that you’re writing fiction, not a history textbook. Use real events as the backdrop, then layer in fictional characters and personal dramas to humanize the history. The key is to avoid anachronisms (details that don’t fit the time period) while still telling an engaging, imaginative story.
5. Mind the Details, but Don’t Overload
Period-accurate clothing, speech patterns, and settings make a story feel authentic. However, too much detail can overwhelm readers. Sprinkle in historical context naturally through dialogue, setting, and action rather than long info-dumps.
Using Primary Sources for Historical Fiction
Primary sources are invaluable for bringing history alive in your writing. They provide firsthand insight into how people thought, felt, and behaved in a particular era. For example:
Diaries and letters reveal intimate details of daily life and personal struggles.
Newspapers and pamphlets reflect the political climate and public opinion.
Photographs and artwork help writers visualize clothing, buildings, and landscapes.
Official records (such as census data or military documents) provide factual anchors for your setting.
By using primary sources, writers avoid guesswork and instead build their stories on a foundation of authenticity. A single diary entry, for instance, can inspire the entire voice or perspective of a fictional character.
The Rise of Australian Historical Fiction
While historical fiction has flourished worldwide, Australian historical fiction has carved out a unique identity in recent decades. These novels often explore the colonial period, convict settlements, the gold rush, and Indigenous histories—stories that reflect the continent’s complex and layered past.
Some common themes in Australian historical novels include:
Colonial hardship and survival – portraying the struggles of early settlers.
Convict experiences – exploring the penal colony system and its human impact.
Indigenous perspectives – giving voice to histories that were long overlooked.
Australian landscapes – highlighting the power and beauty of the natural environment in shaping lives.
Australian authors such as Kate Grenville and Thomas Keneally have become internationally recognized for their contributions to historical fiction, showcasing how local stories can resonate globally.
Popular Historical Fiction Books
The genre’s popularity is evident in the wide variety of bestselling historical fiction books available today. Some historical fiction books readers are drawn to sweeping epics that cover decades or centuries, while others prefer intimate stories set against the backdrop of a single event.
A few highly regarded historical novels include:
Works by Hilary Mantel, who masterfully reimagined the Tudor court in her Wolf Hall series.
Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth, which immerses readers in the world of medieval cathedral building.
Australian works like Grenville’s The Secret River, which delves into the clashes between settlers and Indigenous Australians.
These books highlight the range of styles within the genre—from political intrigue to personal survival stories—showing that historical fiction can be as diverse as history itself.
Why Historical Fiction Matters Today
Historical novels do more than entertain—they remind us of the struggles, achievements, and mistakes of the past. In a world that often moves too fast, they offer readers a chance to pause and reflect, gaining empathy and perspective through stories rooted in history.
For writers, historical fiction is a chance to illuminate forgotten voices, challenge historical narratives, and bridge the gap between the past and the present. For readers, it’s an invitation to step into another time, walking in the shoes of those who came before.
Final Thoughts
Writing historical fiction is both an art and a responsibility. Whether you’re drawing on primary sources, exploring Australian historical fiction, or simply enjoying historical fiction books as a reader, the genre provides a bridge between imagination and reality.
A successful historical novel doesn’t just describe the past—it makes readers feel as if they’ve lived it. By balancing research with creativity, writers can breathe life into history, ensuring that the stories of yesterday remain alive for generations to come.