Writing Historical Fiction: Insights from Victor James Phillips

Today on Bring Back The Porch Brian speaks with local author Victor James Phillips. He shares his journey into historical fiction, focusing on his series about explorers like John Cabot and Sebastian Cabot. Discover his research process, writing tips, and insights into the Age of Discovery.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Meet Victor James Phillips01:36 Why Victor started writing02:12 Travel and research influences03:39 Writing discipline and process04:55 Writer's block and inspiration05:48 Why choose John Cabot as a protagonist06:16 Development of the John Cabot story08:03 Sebastian Cabot's epic life08:49 Connections between Columbus and Cabot11:12 Historical accuracy and creative license13:26 Research tools and methods15:04 Surprising discoveries about Cabot and Sebastian16:29 Writing tools and routines17:32 Favorite places and travel experiences19:18 Why settle in Medicine Hat21:01 Upcoming books in the series21:33 Where to buy the booksThe Journey of Writing Historical Fiction: Insights from Victor James PhillipsWriting can be a daunting journey, especially when it involves weaving historical narratives with creativity. We delve into insights shared by author Victor James Phillips, who has successfully navigated the complexities of writing historical fiction. From the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of crafting a cohesive narrative, Phillips offers valuable lessons for aspiring writers.Victor’s journey into writing began with the encouragement of his mother, a passionate journal keeper. She urged him to write a book, planting the seed of inspiration that would grow over the years. Despite his initial foray into a financial career, the desire to write lingered, fueled by his fascination with history. This exploration took him across various places, including a significant trip to Bristol, where he connected with the history of John Cabot, a figure that would become central to his first novel.In writing historical fiction, there’s an inherent challenge in balancing factual history with creative storytelling. Phillips acknowledges that when adding characters, dialogue, and personality to historical events, he enters the realm of fiction. This blend of fact and creativity is what makes historical fiction compelling but also requires careful consideration of how much creative license to take.His narrative approach involves thorough research combined with imaginative storytelling, offering readers a vivid depiction of historical events while maintaining the essence of the characters involved. This method not only engages readers but also educates them about the historical context.Key TopicsResearch methods for historical fictionThe story of John Cabot and Sebastian CabotBalancing fact and fiction in storytellingWriting process and overcoming writer's blockTravel's influence on historical writingPublishing and distribution of booksResourcesVictor James Phillips - Official Website - https://victorjamesphillips.caFriesen's Press - https://www.friesenpress.comThank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch PodcastSupport the show