In today's blog, Miss Snark gives advice to an aspiring historical romance writer who was told that her writing was "flat and unevocative" and often sounded contemporary.
While I was writing this post, I read the comments and saw that the first respondent directed the author to the HNS. There are some other helpful responses here - only five so far, but I'm sure more will appear as the day progresses. A round of applause for the agent who provided constructive criticism to the author, and to the author herself, who was brave enough to come forward, and whose experience inspired some interesting and very useful remarks.
About Me
- Sarah Johnson
- Collection management librarian, readers' advisor, avid historical fiction reader, NBCC member. Book review editor for the Historical Novels Review and Booklist reviewer. Recipient of ALA's Louis Shores Award for book reviewing (2012). Blogging since 2006.
I mentioned the HNS on Miss Snark and I hope the writer in question follows my advice. I enjoyed the responses as well -- and surely having a historical novel win (and another as the leading contender) will make the relationship between history and fiction even more relevant and lively.
ReplyDeleteOops -- I meant win the Pulitzer.
ReplyDeleteYou were the anonymous HNS poster? That's cool :) I should check the website stats to see if the site had a flurry of visitors this morning. Many more good responses, I see, especially those that suggest that the author immerse herself in the period by doing more research.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could join the HNS but I don't have a credit card, and since I'm unemployed I can't get one. :-(
ReplyDeleteCredit cards aren't required, though I know the website doesn't list anything else. (I'll be investigating whether that can be changed...) I'll ask the UK membership coordinator to get in touch with you with details. She can accept checks or money orders, though I don't know if they have to be in pounds.
ReplyDelete