Historical Fiction section poll.

[Beagle]

I've been thinking about suggesting adding an Historical Fiction section to the stories and scripts forum. Only been here a few days and didn't know how to go about it, so I thought the best way would be to see if there's enough support to justify the idea.

['Ginnis]

I'm all for it. We added a Stream of Consciousness section earlier in the year, have to see what the brass thinks but I think it can be done.

[Peppy]

I don't think so. A historical fiction would fit in well with the Fiction section, I think.

Stream of (Un)Consciousness is a different story, in my opinion, because there's nothing else like it on this site.

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[Beagle]

I see what you mean, there's nothing to stop historical fiction going into general fiction. That said, it is a specific taste, and there's no harm in letting people access their specific tastes more easily...in fact just putting the section there might encourage more people to write historical fiction. I don't have an agenda or anything.

[dearest]

I could see the value in a historical fiction section. After all, fantasy is a type of fiction, but it has its own category. It would only make sense to create a seperate place for it. Sounds like a great idea.

[ea_blue]

I like the idea, but I don't know how much activity it would get. I'd like to see Nautical Fiction myself, but there's no way that would happen.

[Syrah]

I wanted a historical fiction for a long time... but here it is: unless people start writing historical fiction on the site, it is a waste of data space. I'm happy to make one if interest gets sparked.

[Beagle]

If need be I can drown you in historical fiction.

[Lubesh]

Scripts are going, so maybe there's room now?

[Syrah]

OK. I'll give it a shot. But if there isn't enough submissions within the next few months, I'll move all entries to fiction and get rid of it. So let's get some historical fiction up!

[Vohkia04]

fiction is fiction, and really, I wouldn't see a need for a brand new folder thing for it. There are plenty of people on here (judging from what I've read so far) who write in a historical context, but I don't think we NEED to subdivide a section.

I've got no problem with it, but I see no need for it

[Beagle]

You may well be right, but it seems the section's up so I guess it's a case of filling it or watching it go away again...

[iwrite4areason]

I would definitely take advantage of a historical fiction section! I've been dreaming for sometime about writing the true (non-shakespearean) version of Richard III (my historical lover...)

[iwrite4areason]

Ahhh...I see I'm a little late in replying to that...I guess I'll have to make some historical fiction posts now...

Hmm...somebody should take the poll down if it's already been added....

[Beagle]

Probably, though maybe we should wait till it's out of 'BETA'. I'm working on a little piece about the Romans first expedition to Britain, won't be up for a while because of holidays/work though.

[Syrah]

Beagle, you are right. Keep this up while we are in testing period. I want to be able to see the dialogue regarding this new section. Also, if anybody is interested in keeping this forum-- start writing!

[Vorcla]

I'm coming late to this. I've got some Roman Empire-era stuff, when men were men and women were hot. Seems like that would be a good place for it. I'm a bit hesitant to post it, but I may try it. I've written a lot of Star Trek fiction, too, which has won a number of major online writing awards, and which will never see the light of day here!

[Vohkia04]

Originally Posted by Vorcla

I've got some Roman Empire-era stuff, when men were men and women were hot.

lol. well said

I still think were just splitting hairs, but if was go down to brass tacks, Im indifferent by it all, so lets just run with the section a bit

[timtornado3721]

Originally Posted by Vorcla

I've written a lot of Star Trek fiction, too, which has won a number of major online writing awards, and which will never see the light of day here!

What's wrong Rick? Scared to be labeled as a Treky? lol

I'm not against adding this but wouldn't historical fiction include everything medieval, piratey, and just about anything else we can think up that took place several years ago? Like I know Kit's "Firetales" could fit in the category and Rick's "Vorcla's Quest" series could if it were set back twenty or so years. This section would just be another way to say fantasy that was based off of real stuff; only exaggerated a little to include magic, elves, or vampires.

[Phonoho]

I believe that for a story to qualify as historical fiction it must contain references to actual, verifiable historical facts and/or take place during notable events in history. Simply setting your story in the past is not enough.

[Vohkia04]

well said. I agree

[timtornado3721]

Alright then, setting the story during WWII, the colonial days of America, or the Roman empire is; which is what I meant.

[Syrah]

Historical fiction is a sub-genre of fiction that often portrays fictional accounts or dramatization of historical figures or events. Writers of stories in this genre, while penning fiction, nominally attempt to capture the spirit, manners, and social conditions of the persons or time(s) presented in the story, with due attention paid to period detail and fidelity.

Historical fiction presents readers with a story that takes place during a notable period in history, and usually during a significant event in that period. Historical fiction often presents actual events from the point of view of people living in that time period.

In some historical fiction, famous events appear from points of view not recorded in history, showing historical figures dealing with actual events while depicting them in a way that is not recorded in history. Other times, the historical event complements a story's narrative, occurring in the background while characters deal with events (personal or otherwise) wholly unrelated to recorded history. Sometimes, the names of people and places have been in some way altered. As this is fiction, artistic license is permitted in regard to presentation and subject matter, so long as it does not deviate in significant ways from established history. If events should deviate significantly, the story may then fall into the genre of alternate history, which is known for speculating on what could have happened if a significant historical event had gone differently. On a similar note, events occurring in historical fiction must adhere to the laws of physics. Stories that extend into the magical or fantastic are often considered a historical fantasy.


A good example of historical fiction is "Gone with the Wind"

[Syrah]

OK. I see that so far 11 people are interested in keeping this forum However, there hasn't been any traffic in it yet. I know of only 1 person working to submit a story in this section. Is there anyone else working to submit or plan on submitting a story in this section by the end of summer? Are you waiting to see an example submitted to break the ice before you submit? Talk to me, let me know what is going on in your guy's thoughts, please, so I know what/how I'm going to deal with this forum and situation.

I definitely understand the idea might be a little intimidating, but there is a 1000 word contest that was a historical fiction based on jack the ripper.... (challenge #18). If there is any doubt in ways to write historical fiction there are examples closer to home.

[Persephone]

Ohhh, I love historical fiction...but what the heck is a Stream of Consciousness fiction? Kinda sounds like it might be where, for example, you talk in your sleep and record what you've said while asleep, then post it up. *nods*