OnLine Course: Writing Historical Fiction

Contact me by email at patricia@patriciaoreilly.net if you’re interested in this course.

“Thanks again for your valuable inputs, both at an earlier stage when I did your module on Historical Fiction, and through your more recent editorial inputs.”
Endorsement from Patricia Byrne, author “Veiled Woman of Achill” published by Collins Press, April 2012.

Course Content

Introduction:

• What is Historical Fiction?
• Various genres
• Importance of Time Period

Research

• How to show both historical and fictional figures dealing with historical events
• Using historical events to complement story’s narrative
• How and Where to carry out research
• Using research to story advantage
• Balancing history and fiction – so that neither overwhelms the other

Characters

In Fiction characters are king and never more so than when writing historical fiction.

• Development of character/s using Character Profile
• The power of the senses.
• The advantages of showing rather than telling
• Using to character advantage clothes/food/ethos of time

Plots and Subplots

• MindMapping
• Storyboarding.
• Creating Cameo sequences;
• Set-pieces to create atmosphere

Locations & Skills

• Optimum Locations/settings/weather to compliment characters and story line
• Point of Entry
• Building on Detail,
• Emotional landscaping
• Writing Historical Fiction as a contemporary genre
• Polishing first Chapter
• Tips on finishing that First Draft

Writing Courses in UCD

As part of UCD’s Adult Education Programme 2011-12, based in Carysfort Campus on Wednesday mornings from 10 o’clock to noon, I facilitate writing workshops.

We have had amazing successes - on two occasions short listed for Amazon Book of the Year (since published), several awards; fiction publications ranging from contemporary through mystery and historical; many more stories in progress:

(i) Autumn: The Nuts & Bolts of Writing & Plotting Fiction (WN115)

The purpose of this course is to assist writers to find and use their fictional voice to achieve their writing dreams. Writing is based on a combination of life experiences (nuts) and imagination (bolts). This course facilitates the discovery of creativity and its use to put the nuts and bolts of life into writing in a structured way which is where Plotting comes in. Focus is on: storylines, structuring, various methods of plotting and locations, as well as narration and dialogue. Areas covered include short stories, novels and plays. Sessions arranged to allow time for writing and constructive analysis.

(ii) Spring: Building Story People - Creating Fictional Characters (WN223)

Characters are the royalty of fiction. No matter what sort of fiction you write, your story has to be populated with characters. The majority of characters, if not all, have to be created from scratch. While there is no instant solution to the creation of memorable fictional characters, there are tried and tested Do’s and Don’t’s. That’s what we’ll explore during this course. The sessions are arranged to allow time for writing and constructive analysis.

For further information, etc, contact me: patricia@patriciaoreilly.net. I am happy to discuss course with anyone wishing to do so.

Tutoring & Editing - Professional Help for Writers

On-Line Tutoring and Editing has proved very beneficial - with several writers going on to be published. There is an abundance of writing talent but much of it is too raw for publication. This is where a few sessions of professional tutoring and editing can make the difference between publication and rejection.

The majority of people know how to write their first draft. But without experience few have the necessary skills to bring their work to the standard required by today’s publishers, editors and producers who increasingly look for print-ready copy.

If you are interested in On-Line Tutoring or Editing, initially submit for free analysis:

By e-mail to patricia@patriciaoreilly.net 500 words ‘polished’ to best of your ability – stating whether short story, novel, play etc.

On-Line Tutoring & Editing consists of market analysis, tips for professional presentation and suggested outlets for your work.

Communication is by e-mail and/or phone for a fixed fee