I have still not had any response from a few people with regards to dates of buildings and name changes of a hotel. My POV is artistic so I wanted to ensure I found out artistic items and terms used in the Victorian era. I found a few but not enough to satisfy my enquiring mind. Throwing a few tantrums and complaining loudly about writing time being wasted, DH stopped me in my tracks with these words:
'I thought you were writing fiction? Can't you adapt it to your needs? Why not use imaginary names? What does it matter it is your story after all.'
I thought about his words and allowed them to sink in. I have been obsessing about keeping true to the town of Hunstanton, but what the heck, I can change the hotel name and keep the town. Likewise I can change the name of the town and keep the hotel name. My POV can paint with badger brushes, fox hair or her own, what does it matter? It is my choice-my story. It is me who has been wasting valuable time. If an historian reads my work and it doesn't fit within the 'real-life' boundaries and upsets them, then it is their problem for not realising it is a story with imaginary characters and places. Now I have come to terms with the situation I can start to write again. I can let my imagination flow free.
Have you ever held yourself back by hankering for the real life scenario or do you just make it all up?
14 Comments:
I thought that was the point of a story, our imagination. DH is a wise one. Carry on now and that imagination of yours run wild. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
I know, Jules, but I got caught up in following facts and keeping to reality. I lost my way while planning.
Thanks for your encouragement. x
Oh yes! It's difficult. That's why I make up towns now. lol Good luck! (and smart hubs!)
Guess I'm lucky that with science fiction, I can make it all up. Go ahead and take some liberties, Glynis - you're a writer!
Real life gives me something to start with and by the time I'm done it's not even recognizable.
I find I'm not able to make the reality fit without changes. Ah, life.
I don't know about being held back - I love research and like things to be as accurate as possible. If I'm not moving forward on a scene because of it, I'll just slap some square brackets around the mystery words and come back to it later :-)
Sounds as though DH is a very smart man. I bet he heard you say those smart words before though. :) You have a wonderful imagination and I'm sure you will find the right names and the story will flow beautifully.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Freelance Editing By Mason
Hi Glynis .. sounds like you've got it sorted! It's amazing how often we want an answer for something and think well they reply a.s.a.p. and it doesn't happen .. glad you're over that hurdle .. onwards and upwards .. Cheers Hilary
I think you have to do some research to make it authentic. You don't know who's reading your books and it might be someone who happens to be an expert on that era/topic.
But keep writing the story and just pop an X there or something until you get an accurate response. Just don't let it slow you down.
Oh, ugh, I could never write historicals! I get myself tied up in knots over silly little details in the present.
It is difficult to get real life scenario. Even places alone. I tend to make it all up, including names of places and buildings.
Thanks for all your comments and support. It is a tough road at the moment, but I will overcome!
Thanks for taking time out for me. X
Hi Glynis,
All the best! You will overcome the hurdles and move forward!
Thanks, Nas!
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