How to Write Historical Fiction: Tips from Author Susanne Dunlap
Bringing History to Life—One Story at a Time
Historical fiction is one of the most fascinating genres—it’s where imagination meets research, and the past comes alive through unforgettable characters. But how do you balance historical accuracy with compelling storytelling? And how much research is too much?
In this post, based on episode 47 of the Write It Scared Podcast, we dive into the craft of historical fiction wrwith Susanne Dunlap, acclaimed author, writing mentor, and all-around historical fiction powerhouse.
In our recent Write it Scared podcast episode, Susanne shared invaluable insights on writing with authenticity, navigating research, and finding joy in storytelling.
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing historical fiction but felt overwhelmed by the process, you’re in for a treat!
Susanne’s Writing Journey: It’s Never Too Late To Write What You Love
Susanne’s path to becoming a historical fiction author didn’t start in a traditional way. After a career in advertising and earning a PhD in music history, she discovered a passion for storytelling that reached beyond academia. At 50, she published her first novel—and now, 14 books later, she’s proof that it’s never too late to chase your creative dreams.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that writing doesn’t come with an expiration date. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to a long-lost passion, your story is always worth telling.
Choosing Your Era & Doing the Research (Without Getting Lost in It)
One of the first big decisions in historical fiction? Picking the time period you’re willing to “live in” while writing. Susanne emphasizes that you have to love your setting enough to immerse yourself in it for months (or years!).
Research is essential, but it can also be a trap—it’s easy to spend forever digging through archives and never actually start writing. Susanne’s advice?
Use digital resources and collaborate with experts, but don’t let research become procrastination.
Find credible sources, but remember: fiction comes first.
When in doubt, write the story first and fact-check later.
Fiction First: Storytelling Over Facts
Susanne put it best: "Fiction is the noun, historical is the modifier."
At the core of every great historical novel is a compelling story—the history is just the backdrop. It’s not about cramming in every fact you find; it’s about crafting characters that resonate with modern readers while staying true to their era.
The goal? Universal themes that connect past and present. Readers may not relate to wearing corsets or living without electricity, but they will connect with love, ambition, betrayal, and hope.
The Research Balancing Act
Ah, research—the best and worst part of writing historical fiction. It’s what makes the world feel real, but it can also be a double-edged sword if you’re not careful.
Susanne’s take on research:
Start with broad sources (yes, even Wikipedia!), but always verify with scholarly research.
Don’t stress over getting every detail perfect—it’s okay to take creative liberties.
Use the author’s note to clarify where you’ve fictionalized things.
Writing Struggles? Change Your Approach
Every writer hits a wall at some point. Susanne shared a moment where she had to completely rethink her approach to a book that just wasn’t working. Her advice?
Step back, reassess, and be willing to pivot. Sometimes the best thing you can do is let go of your original plan and try something new.
Writing historical fiction requires flexibility, bravery, and patience—and sometimes, rewriting an entire section to make it stronger.
Finding Joy in the Process
Recently, Susanne made a big shift—she started writing historical romance. And guess what? She’s having so much fun!
Romance brings a whole new layer to historical storytelling, and embracing that joy has reignited her love for writing. Her pivot is a great reminder that trying new things can reinvigorate your creativity—so don’t be afraid to explore different genres or styles.
Final Thoughts: Keep Writing, Keep Learning
Susanne’s insights are a goldmine for historical fiction writers:
It’s never too late to start writing your novel.
Research is important, but storytelling comes first.
Be flexible in your process—writing is about discovery.
Find joy in what you write, and don’t be afraid to evolve.
If you’re working on historical fiction (or thinking about starting), embrace the journey—because writing the past is just as much about discovering yourself as it is about telling a great story.
Want to Learn More from Susanne?
You can find Susanne on Instagram and through her website, where she continues to inspire writers with her books and mentorship.
Historical fiction is a beautiful, complex genre, and learning from authors like Susanne makes the process so much more approachable. If you’re ready to bring the past to life, start writing—because your story deserves to be told.
