Yay, I have just booked to come and see you at BRTD in mid October, I can't wait! And on the ethics of writing historical fiction, here is my thoughts after recently reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz and so much WWII fiction: Firstly, author notes are important! These are a great way for authors to explain their rationale, sources and ideas and so readers can understand what sits behind the story, don't you think? I think telling Lale's story, mostly told from his perspective but in her words, was a really vital contribution to society's knowledge of what happened. It might or might not be 100% accurate, but it is his story (and mostly accurate), which makes it special. Secondly, what if nobody wrote about the past and the people who lived in it? That would be so sad! I would rather read an author's interpretation of a mostly untold story, rather than know nothing about that person or that moment in history. A bit like Anna Funder's Wifedom - she was inspired by researching real people in the past and has allowed us to get to know them a bit better by writing about them (I have not read this book yet, but I think it is a great addition to the public's understanding of Orwell and his wives). Imagine if she hadn't, because she was worried about the ethics of writing about the dead. So I think as long as the author note explains what is inspired by history and events, and what wasn't, I think the ethics are honoured. Don't you? I also think sensitivity reads can help - like asking people who are closer to the setting of the story to read it before it is published? If they indicate that the story is believable and not hurting anyone's reputation, then that's great!
Regardless, please continue to be inspired by incredible women doing remarkable things and sharing their stories with us in your wonderful books! x
Really looking forward to seeing you in October! And thank you for all of your thoughts on writing historical fiction and ethics. I will definitely keep being inspired by these women and writing their stories. I think it's good to step back every now and again and look at what I'm doing and why I'm doing it and you're right – there is no one single truth out there that can be accurately written into a story about someone's life. I especially love what you said here: "I would rather read an author's interpretation of a mostly untold story, rather than know nothing about that person or that moment in history." I would too – and I'm so glad you put that into words. Thank you!
Yay! You’re coming to Busso! Wow! How do you keep up with everything? You’re amazing Natasha! So many exclamation marks, but ordinary punctuation will not do xx
I love reading about your writing process and all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes!
I'm very glad to hear that! I love knowing that people enjoy these articles. Thank you.
Yay, I have just booked to come and see you at BRTD in mid October, I can't wait! And on the ethics of writing historical fiction, here is my thoughts after recently reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz and so much WWII fiction: Firstly, author notes are important! These are a great way for authors to explain their rationale, sources and ideas and so readers can understand what sits behind the story, don't you think? I think telling Lale's story, mostly told from his perspective but in her words, was a really vital contribution to society's knowledge of what happened. It might or might not be 100% accurate, but it is his story (and mostly accurate), which makes it special. Secondly, what if nobody wrote about the past and the people who lived in it? That would be so sad! I would rather read an author's interpretation of a mostly untold story, rather than know nothing about that person or that moment in history. A bit like Anna Funder's Wifedom - she was inspired by researching real people in the past and has allowed us to get to know them a bit better by writing about them (I have not read this book yet, but I think it is a great addition to the public's understanding of Orwell and his wives). Imagine if she hadn't, because she was worried about the ethics of writing about the dead. So I think as long as the author note explains what is inspired by history and events, and what wasn't, I think the ethics are honoured. Don't you? I also think sensitivity reads can help - like asking people who are closer to the setting of the story to read it before it is published? If they indicate that the story is believable and not hurting anyone's reputation, then that's great!
Regardless, please continue to be inspired by incredible women doing remarkable things and sharing their stories with us in your wonderful books! x
Really looking forward to seeing you in October! And thank you for all of your thoughts on writing historical fiction and ethics. I will definitely keep being inspired by these women and writing their stories. I think it's good to step back every now and again and look at what I'm doing and why I'm doing it and you're right – there is no one single truth out there that can be accurately written into a story about someone's life. I especially love what you said here: "I would rather read an author's interpretation of a mostly untold story, rather than know nothing about that person or that moment in history." I would too – and I'm so glad you put that into words. Thank you!
Hmm …. Glen Waverley - that is so close to home. Have to go and see if I can make it. It would be wonderful to meet you.
Yay! You’re coming to Busso! Wow! How do you keep up with everything? You’re amazing Natasha! So many exclamation marks, but ordinary punctuation will not do xx
I am and I can't wait! And I love an overuse of exclamation marks – it's good for the soul!
Glad you liked it and thank you for reading and best wishes for touring! Xx
I love your Substack, Bri – it always makes me stop and think. So thank you for giving me that wonderful moment of contemplation every week! x