On Monday of this week I turned in the content edits for the debut novel, which used to be called Willa (I did announce it as the final title. And it was. Until it wasn’t. So I’ll be announcing another title. Eventually.).
Anyway, the content edits for The Novel That Must Shortly Be Named are turned in and while I’m waiting to hear if they pass muster (or will need a round two) and then for the line edits to arrive, I’m turning my attention to my second contracted book, which needs a good polishing before its deadline in January.
Turning from New York to Western North Carolina (present day eastern Tennessee), from 1784 to 1787. Very refreshing. I’ve loved all the time I’ve spent with Willa, Neil, and Joseph (and there will be much more of it in the weeks to come), but now I can’t wait to visit again with Jesse, Tamsen, and Cade.
I’m also writing a Historical Note for the first book, to explain in a little more depth a few aspects of Revolutionary War history, and a few historical characters, that strongly influenced the story and my fictional characters, in the Mohawk Valley of 1784.
So I have a Would You Rather Question for you. Do you like Historical Notes, or Author’s Notes as a part of historical fiction, or would you rather let the story speak for itself and go hunting down more information on your own, if you’re so inclined?
If you fall into the camp (as I do) that loves all the historical notes they can get at the end of a work of historical fiction, are you happy to see a short bibliography of research sources included as well?
Okay, that was two questions! Please let me know what you think in the comments. I’d love to hear what you have to say. And anything else pertaining to extras that could be included after The End of a novel. Thanks!
Lori, On my last MS, I was advised by Kelly Long to keep editorial notes and I found that helpful for myself and I hope the editors who have read the MS so far have found it useful! I do think historical notes are great at the end or even the beginning of books, esp. if the content is a little more obscure. Best wishes, Lori!
What fun for you to be at the point of getting to put all this together! The moment you see it all compiled as galleys will be so special. I enjoy author notes. I like to see the tidbits behind the story and to glean a few more details from the author. I tend to keep mine short, probably much too short 🙂
This is so exciting! Go, Lori, Go! I love hearing where you are in the process.
I adore Author's Notes at the end of my historical reads. The bibliography isn't needed in my opinion.
I adore historical notes or author notes. So I'm all for it. As for a bibliography, I don't see a need since I'm a fiction reader. 🙂
I love historical notes! It's not done very often, but I always appreciate them. If your editor doesn't want them at the end of the novel, you could always make it a tab on your webpage.
I do like historical notes. I am not fussed by bibliographies though.
Oh good. I'm glad you guys are partial to historical notes. I started writing one today, and instead of a bibliography I'll likely quote one of my more helpful sources once or twice. I'll see how that goes.
I can see how too much nonfiction-y information might feel intrusive into the story world. Best saved for the website.
Thanks for the comments everyone! Good to have a little reader input on this. 🙂
I love the historical notes AND the bibliography because that sometimes gives me some more reading. Reading I might not have found on my own.
Love the way the new look to the site.
Thanks Becky. And that's one vote for a bibliography. I wouldn't include the full one, in any case. That would take about a chapter's worth of pages. 🙂 We'll see how it goes.
LOVE historical notes and author's notes. Bibliography doesn't hurt either.
I'm leaning toward just mentioning a few of the most helpful books in the text of the historical note, instead of a list. But if a time period or setting really captures my imagination in a novel, then having a bibliography at the end, even a short one, will almost always send me to the library or Amazon to learn more.