A New Challenge

And what a challenge! I’ve decided to try my hand at writing my first ever historic novel, and it is much different experience than anything else I’ve worked on. Most of what I write requires some research, but nothing like the amount necessary to write a historical figure in a setting I can barely imagine. Since it was such a long time ago, no one else can imagine it either, and that means I can add quite a bit of my own imagination to shape the protagonist. But that is also the pitfall. I need to respect the historical figure, write him to the best of my abilities and all those who surround him. This also extends to everything else, like minor characters, the setting, the flora, the fauna and so on.

One aggravating fact I’ve run into is the pace of this writing. I’m used to writing three thousand words per day when working on longer stories, but I find it impossible for this work. After I write a few sentences I’m plagued with doubts and I need to open up a reference book and continue researching. Every sentence is perilous as it can raise new questions regarding whether or not I’m writing a believable story.

This challenge will certainly keep me busy until I can put it aside for a week or two to write the final draft of “Null City”!