Whether the thought of it fills you with delight or dread, research is an unavoidable part of writing historical fiction. From archival records to youtube channels and reddit threads to radio plays, this workshop will explore the weird and wonderful world of historical research. We’ll discuss when (or when not!) to do it, where to start, what to look for, and how to stay organized. Then we’ll turn our attention to the monumental task of incorporating research into fiction, including how to assess historical versus narrative value, nailing those details, and when to let it go. Participants will watch a short film clip, complete two reading/writing exercises, and take home a template for organizing their own research.
