This is my first
question for you. I know you love writing historical fiction, especially
stories set during WWII. Do you think we can
learn the truth about our past and roots reading historical novels more than or
as well as researching on documents?
Reading a story set
in a historical context can help stimulate interest in historical events, and
further our understanding of our own path through the present. This places an unusual duty on the
author. The context within which your
story takes places must be historically accurate - balanced against the need to
simplify overly complex interactions and create a story people will read and
enjoy. I research my novels as if I were
writing a “real” history. I write the context as accurately as
possible, and then insert my characters into lessor known pieces of that
history to create a plausible story.
Good historical fiction is a challenge and a joy.