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The Ultimate Guide to Writing YA Historical Fiction

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What Is Young Adult (YA) Historical Fiction?

Historical fiction has always been a beloved genre, transporting readers to different times and places. And within the realm of historical fiction (a broader post on which can be found here), young adult (YA) historical fiction holds a special place. Combining the richness of historical context with the relatability of young adult themes, this genre opens up a world of possibilities for both readers and writers. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the key elements and techniques that can help you craft a compelling young adult historical fiction novel that will captivate young readers.

Understanding YA Historical Fiction

Before we delve into the intricacies of writing YA historical fiction, let’s first define the genre and understand its unique characteristics.

Defining the Genre

Young adult historical fiction is a genre targeted towards readers aged 12 to 18, blending historical settings, events, and themes with the coming-of-age experiences of teenage protagonists. It captures the struggles, hopes, and dreams of young people in the backdrop of significant historical periods.

One of the fascinating aspects of young adult historical fiction is its ability to transport readers to different time periods, allowing them to experience life through the eyes of characters facing challenges in historical contexts. Whether it’s the turmoil of World War II, the excitement of the Roaring Twenties, or the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, this genre offers a unique blend of education and entertainment.

Key Characteristics of Young Adult Historical Fiction

Young adult historical fiction often features relatable young protagonists who undergo personal growth while facing historical challenges. It masterfully weaves together historical accuracy with fiction, providing readers with an immersive experience that educates and entertains.

Readers of young adult historical fiction not only get to witness the events of the past but also gain insights into the emotions, relationships, and aspirations of characters navigating through those tumultuous times. By intertwining personal stories with historical events, authors create a rich tapestry that resonates with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels.

Now that we have a solid foundation in the genre, let’s delve into crafting compelling characters that will resonate with readers.

Crafting Compelling Historical Fiction Characters

A well-written character is the heart and soul of any novel, and this holds true for young adult historical fiction. When creating characters for this genre, it is essential to strike a balance between historical authenticity and relatability.

Developing characters for YA historical fiction involves a meticulous process that goes beyond just giving them a name and a background. It requires delving deep into the historical context of the time period, understanding the societal norms, values, and challenges that shaped people’s lives back then. This attention to detail helps in creating characters that not only feel authentic but also resonate with readers, transporting them to a different era.

Building Authentic Historical Characters

Authenticity is crucial in young adult historical fiction. Research historical figures who lived during the time period you are exploring, and use their lives as inspiration to create unique and believable characters. By grounding your characters in historical reality, you add depth and credibility to your story.

Delving into primary sources such as diaries, letters, and historical records can provide valuable insights into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of people from the past. Drawing inspiration from these real-life accounts can infuse your characters with a sense of authenticity that resonates with readers, making them feel like they are experiencing history firsthand.

Balancing Historical Accuracy and Relatability

While historical accuracy is important, don’t forget that your characters need to resonate with young readers. Infuse them with emotions, dreams, and quirks that transcend time, making them relatable to a contemporary audience. Striking this balance ensures that readers empathize with your characters while learning about history.

By weaving together historical accuracy and relatable characteristics, you create characters that not only reflect the past but also speak to universal themes of human experience. This connection between the historical and the personal is what breathes life into your characters, making them memorable and compelling for readers of all ages.

With your characters in place, it’s time to shape their journey within the historical tapestry of your story.

How Do You Plot a Young Adult Historical Fiction Story?

The plot of a YA historical fiction novel should be carefully crafted to weave historical events seamlessly into the narrative while keeping readers engaged and invested in the story.

When incorporating historical events into your novel, it’s essential to delve deep into the research of the time period you’re portraying. By immersing yourself in the historical context, you can uncover lesser-known events or societal norms that can add richness and depth to your storytelling. Consider how these historical nuances can shape your characters’ motivations and interactions, adding layers of authenticity to your narrative.

Incorporating Historical Events

Research significant historical events that occurred during your chosen time period. Integrate them into your story in a way that feels organic. By having your characters interact with these events, you create a sense of authenticity and allow readers to experience history through their eyes.

Furthermore, consider the impact of these historical events on different strata of society. How do the events affect the lives of your characters differently based on their backgrounds or social status? By exploring these nuances, you can create a multi-dimensional portrayal of the historical period, making your story more compelling and thought-provoking.

Creating Engaging Storylines for Young Adults

Young adult readers crave stories that captivate and entertain them. While historical accuracy is important, don’t shy away from incorporating elements of adventure, romance, or mystery into your plot. Engage your readers by injecting excitement and emotional stakes into your young characters’ lives.

Moreover, consider the emotional journey of your characters as they navigate the historical events unfolding around them. How do these events shape their growth, relationships, and beliefs? By delving into the psychological impact of history on your characters, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a personal level.

Research plays a vital role in crafting a believable historical backdrop for your story. Let’s explore some techniques to ensure the accuracy of your historical details.

Researching for Historical Accuracy

Writing young adult historical fiction requires thorough research to bring the past to life. The more accurate your details, the more your readers will be immersed in the historical world you create.

Delving into historical research is like embarking on a time-traveling adventure. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and customs of the past to ensure your narrative resonates with authenticity and depth.

Reliable Sources for Historical Research

Consult reputable historical sources, such as academic journals, books, and primary documents, to gather accurate information about the time period, events, and societal norms. Use these sources as a foundation for building your historical setting.

Primary sources, like letters, diaries, and official records, offer firsthand accounts that breathe life into your storytelling. By examining these authentic materials, you can capture the nuances and intricacies of historical moments with precision.

Online Research Databases:

JSTOR

Google Scholar

Project MUSE

How Do You Balance Fact and Fiction in Historical Fiction Novels?

While historical accuracy is important, remember that you’re still crafting a fictional story. Allow yourself creative freedom where necessary, while remaining respectful to the era you are writing about. Strike a balance between factual authenticity and narrative coherence.

Infusing historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling is akin to painting a vivid tapestry of the past. Blend meticulous research with creative flair to transport readers seamlessly across the boundaries of time.

Writing techniques are essential to transport readers to a different time and place. Let’s explore techniques specifically tailored for young adult historical fiction.

From evocative language that captures the essence of a bygone era to vivid descriptions that paint a picture of historical landscapes, mastering these techniques enhances the immersive experience for readers. By skillfully weaving together historical facts and narrative elements, you can craft a compelling story that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.

Writing Techniques for YA Historical Fiction

The language and style of your writing play a crucial role in creating an authentic historical atmosphere. Pay attention to language, dialogue, and descriptive writing to fully immerse your readers in the time period.

When delving into the world of young adult historical fiction, it’s important to remember that authenticity is key. Researching the vernacular of the era you are writing about can provide valuable insights into how people communicated during that time. By incorporating specific phrases or expressions from the historical period, you can add depth and richness to your characters’ dialogues, making them more believable and engaging for your readers.

Language and Dialogue in Historical Context

While our language has evolved over time, it is essential to strike a balance between historical authenticity and readability for young adults. Incorporate some representative aspects of the era, such as idioms or formal language, without overwhelming readers. Through dialogue, show how people from different backgrounds and social classes interacted during that time.

Furthermore, exploring the nuances of social hierarchy and cultural norms through dialogue can provide a window into the complexities of historical society. By showcasing the interactions between characters of varying social statuses, you can offer readers a glimpse into the power dynamics and interpersonal relationships prevalent during the time period you are depicting.

Descriptive Writing for Historical Settings

Bring historical settings to life by using vivid and sensory descriptions. Paint a picture of the time period, including architecture, clothing, customs, and smells, to transport readers into your world. Engage their senses, allowing them to see, hear, smell, and feel the historical atmosphere.

Moreover, when crafting descriptive passages for historical settings, consider the impact of the environment on your characters’ emotions and actions. By illustrating how the surroundings influence the characters’ moods and decisions, you can create a more immersive reading experience that resonates with young adult audiences. Writing young adult historical fiction is a rewarding experience that combines the fascination of history with the emotions and experiences of young characters. By understanding the genre, crafting compelling characters, plotting engaging storylines, conducting thorough research, and employing effective writing techniques, you can create a captivating novel that resonates with young readers for years to come.


Chandler Kidd

Chandler Kidd, Social Media Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her three cats. She is a yogi and an avid horror and dark fantasy reader. During the day, she loves creating social posts for Atmosphere Press and connecting authors online. By night she can be found learning music production, DJing, or at a concert. 

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