Do you have an awesome idea for a piece of historical fiction, but it’s set in ancient Rome and your only knowledge of the period is based solely on the movie “Gladiator” or Monty Python’s “Life of Brian?” How about if you have a killer idea for a medieval story, but the brutality of “Braveheart” and “Game of Thrones” is all you can think of? Maybe you want to set it more recent, like World War II; was the world really black and white? Well, have no fear! In this seminar, you will learn simple research methods used by real historians, learn the difference between popular and scholarly histories, the differences between the types of sources available, as well as what sources are reliable and what sources should be avoided. Finally, we will discuss various historical constants and dispel several long-standing myths that could damage the authenticity of your historical fiction from antiquity to the Cold War. In this seminar, we’ll work together to make our stories more authentic.

Please note: This class or event will be held online (using Zoom or a similar live platform). To participate, students or attendees should have a stable internet connection. Class participants: you should have a computer or device with a webcam and microphone; and your Zoom link will be automatically sent to you after you register. Check your spam box if you don't see it.