: Re: Writing is it the plot, subplot or backstory Why do most books and videos on creative writing refer to the protagonist as the hero and the antagonist as the villain such as with thrillers,

Labels like "hero" and "villain" are terms intended to simplify, but your story does not have to be so cut and dry. As with any craft, there's not so many hard and fast rules as there are guidelines. Use your bets judgment; choose what feels right for your story.

I would stick to terms like "protagonist" (the lead character that takes the journey) and the "antagonist" (the character that keeps the protagonist from getting what he or she wants). Though your story is a historical fiction, it has an element of mystery to it too: your main character sets off on a journey to discover a truth that can change her life in some way.

As far as backstory goes, you should only incorporate it if it reveals something about your character that the reader didn't already know, and/or if the information will somehow move the plot forward.

If flashbacks are integral to your plot, you could possibly have alternating chapters: one set in the past and one set in the present. It would be an interesting way to weave the mother and daughter's story together.

Some historical novels that I would reference for inspiration would be "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova and "Possession" by A.S. Byatt. "The Thirteenth Tale" by Dianne Setterfield would be good read as well, since it has to do with unraveling the past.

Load Full (0)

: Can I submit to an agent before permission to use quotations is finalized? Can I send a finished book manuscript to an agent while I am waiting to receive the permission I have requested to

@BetL639

Load Full 1 Comments

: Where can I find co-authors willing to share writing duties for a fiction novel? Writing has turned out to be lonely profession. After a successful career of working with collaborative teams

@BetL639

Load Full 4 Comments

: What stylometric pecularities are considered to be typical for stephen kings writing? I never read a book written by Stephen King, but i heard on many occasions about his style of writing being

@BetL639

Load Full 1 Comments

: What are frequently used arguments for recognizing bad writing styles in fiction? I ve heard randomly of remarks used to explain why a writing style is bad. for instance by the argument that

: Re: Writing is it the plot, subplot or backstory Why do most books and videos on creative writing refer to the protagonist as the hero and the antagonist as the villain such as with thrillers,

More posts by @BetL639

: Can I submit to an agent before permission to use quotations is finalized? Can I send a finished book manuscript to an agent while I am waiting to receive the permission I have requested to

: Where can I find co-authors willing to share writing duties for a fiction novel? Writing has turned out to be lonely profession. After a successful career of working with collaborative teams

: What stylometric pecularities are considered to be typical for stephen kings writing? I never read a book written by Stephen King, but i heard on many occasions about his style of writing being

: What are frequently used arguments for recognizing bad writing styles in fiction? I ve heard randomly of remarks used to explain why a writing style is bad. for instance by the argument that

Login to post a comment!

0 Comments

Back to top