Welcome to the second post of this 3-part series about keeping track of your characters – the one with The Free Download. In the previous post, I covered what pieces of information about your characters you could and should define.
You have now created a lot of data for each character. How to handle it? The answer depends on your preferences. Here are some options: Continue reading
Your novel features many characters. Each of them has individual characteristics of appearance and behaviour. You might easily remember the long dark hair of your heroine and the aquiline nose of your hero. But remembering every bit of information about every character is likely to be a challenge. It is advisable to list those attributes somehow.
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Forde Abbey is located 3.6 miles from Chard, Somerset. It was founded as Cistercian monastery in the 12th century. Its interior is mostly covered in oak panelling and plasterwork. Thus, those preferring the more splendid Georgian style may be reluctant to visit Forde Abbey. However, it is well worth having a closer look at it.
From 1814 to 1818, you would have met Jeremy Bentham at Forde Abbey. He was known as one of the most important social reformers of his time. He had rented Forde Abbey from its owner. He wrote several books there, turned to radical politics and entertained some of the greatest thinkers of the early 19th century, among them the economist David Ricardo and legal reformer Sir Samuel Romilly.
Research is immensely important for writers of historical novels. A good knowledge of the historical background helps to straighten the plot, gives credibility to its characters and brings the story to life.
Research also is fun.
If you aspire to write a Regency novel, here are five conventional and unconventional methods of research for you:
Unconventional methods of research
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Writers are free to make use of any creativity technique they can think of. Brainwriting and Mind Mapping, for example, are well known.
Another intriguing technique is incorporating chance, i.e. random thoughts, into your creative process in order to trigger ideas. In a previous post I have suggested using chance cards when being stuck in creating a plot.
In this post:
– The amorous entanglement of a handsome young Englishman in France
– It’s tricky to inherit!
– A gentleman as agricultural reformer
Holkham Hall is located two miles west of Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk. It is one of the most splendid houses in England.
Of course, I haven’t. They are not real! Or they are dead. Or both.
Is that what you are thinking? Technically, you are right, but luckily it is not the end of your story.
Time to let your schizophrenic side(s) shine:
How do you come up with a plot? The question sounds harmless, but has caused many a sleepless night to aspiring writers.
Once you have decided to write a Regency novel, the rules of the genre define your framework:
For a Regency novel, you need in any case: Continue reading
