Writing historical novels

'Researching any historical novels can be both a pain and a pleasure. One danger is that the author gets so interested in the research that he does not do any writing... I am one of those lucky few authors who was published straightaway, but the publishing business has changed since then, and is much more competitive. I sent my own first novel straight to a publisher, but nowadays it is more common to sell work through an agent.

I feel that anyone who wants to write historical fiction needs to love the genre, rather than be tempted to have a go at historical novels just because they seem to be fashionable right now. Aspiring historical novelists need to have something new to say, and to avoid rehashing old clichés about the repressed Victorians covering up table legs. But most of all, new novelists need to enjoy what they are doing, because this enjoyment will show in their writing.'

Jude Morgan, author of Passion in Writers' ForumBritish writers' magazine which is highly recommended for all writers. It features wide range of news and articles which help writers to improve their work and get published: www.writers-forum.com