Prologue or no prologue? An answer for historical fiction writers

Prologue or no prologue? An answer for historical fiction writers

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

It is a truth universally acknowledged, it seems, that editors and agents and readers don’t like prologues. Don’t like them, don’t need them, don’t read them. But if this is true, why do writers keep writing them? What purpose do they serve?...
Overcoming writer’s block for historical fiction authors

Overcoming writer’s block for historical fiction authors

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

When you love writing, it’s terrifying to find yourself staring at a blank screen or an empty notebook, completely unable to summon a single word. Most authors have experienced mind-numbing episodes of being unable to write but, don’t worry, you can break free! What...
SHWING! 10 horrible cliches to avoid in sword fights.

SHWING! 10 horrible cliches to avoid in sword fights.

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

It is a universal truth of historical fiction that sooner or later, there is going to be a sword fight. Don’t try to deny it. If your book is set any time before the Victorian era, someone is bound to have a swordfight sooner rather than later. Physical violence is...
Five top tips for writing a book series

Five top tips for writing a book series

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

There are a lot of good reasons to write a book series: it allows you to spend more time with the characters you’ve invested in, you can make repeated use of all the research you’ve done for your setting (something that historical fiction is particularly heavy on, of...