The Lure of History
Two two-hour classes, complementary but independent, on writing narrative history and writing historical
fiction, two forms that require many of the same skills but that place different demands on the writer.
Morning Session, 10 a.m.-noon:
The Facts As We Know Them
Narrative nonfiction may be true, but still requires a story to keep it going. That may be biography, joint
biography, the story of an event, or the recently popular genre of micro-history. We will discuss identifying a viable idea and initiating research, choosing a point of view, and shaping a narrative arc. As an example, we’ll use the recently reissued To Marry an English Lord, a study of the American heiresses who
married English aristocrats in the late nineteenth century. Julian Fellowes has recently revealed that it was one of the nonfiction inspirations for “Downton Abbey.”
Afternoon Session: 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
But Did It Really Happen That Way?
Writers of historical fiction are often pulled between the storytelling imperative and the requirement to
follow the facts. It’s a creative tension, but poses some special demands on the writer. Among the challenges we’ll discuss are writing historical dialogue, embracing anachronism, and finding or creating believable drama in historical settings and relationships. In this connection we’ll discuss Leaving Van Gogh, about the
last two months of Vincent Van Gogh’s life, narrated by the doctor who was caring for him at the time.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Carol Wallace is the author of 21 books and dozens of magazine articles. Her most recent novel is Leaving
Van Gogh. To Marry an English Lord, which she co-authored, was published in 1989, Carol’s other books fall mostly into the categories of humor, social history, parenting and contemporary fiction.
Wednesday, May 23
Morning Session: $40/35 members
Afternoon Session: $40/35 members
Both sessions: $65/60 members
Books:
Leaving Van Gogh, Carol Wallace
To Marry an English Lord, Gail MacColl, Carol Wallace
