Creating a compelling historical fiction novel involves a delicate balance of factual accuracy and imaginative storytelling. You don't want your fiction to read like a history book because you got added in too much of your research into your novel. Stop and ask yourself 'does this enhance the storytelling?'
My work-in-progress, set during World War II and partly in post-war London, brings to life the untold stories of West Indian soldiers and the women of the Empire Windrush generation. Through my research, I've woven real-life events and characters into the fabric of my narrative. The idea was for readers not only enjoy a gripping story but also gain insight into these significant historical moments.
Unearthing the Stories of West Indian Soldiers
During World War II, thousands of men from the Caribbean colonies enlisted to fight for the British Empire. These brave individuals, often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts, played crucial roles in various military capacities. My research into this aspect of history involved digging through archives, reading personal letters, and studying military records to accurately portray the experiences of these soldiers.
Challenges Faced by West Indian Soldiers
West Indian soldiers faced numerous challenges, from the gruelling conditions on the battlefield to the racial prejudices within the military and British society. Despite these obstacles, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage. By incorporating these real-life struggles and triumphs into my characters, I aim to honour their contributions and provide a more inclusive portrayal of the wartime experience.
The Women of Empire Windrush
The arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948 marked a significant moment in British history. Among the nearly 500 passengers were many women who left their homes in the Caribbean to seek new opportunities in the "mother country." Their stories are a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Mona Baptiste: A Real-Life Inspiration
One such woman was Mona Baptiste, a singer from Trinidad who became a prominent figure in the post-war London music scene. Baptiste's journey is a source of inspiration for one of my characters. Her success story is not just about her musical talent but also her ability to navigate and overcome the challenges of being a black woman in a predominantly white society.
Blending Fact with Fiction
To bring authenticity to my historical fiction novel, I've blended factual events with fictional elements. This approach allows me to explore the emotional and personal dimensions of history that are often missing from traditional accounts.
Creating Authentic Characters
My characters are a mix of real and imagined individuals, their lives intertwined with historical events. For instance, LeJuene Francis who disappears when he returns to London on Empire Windrush in 1948 straight after having married protagonist, Essie, is inspired by the experiences of West Indian soldiers. He is purely fictitious as is protagonist, Essie who comes to London to search for him. While another character, modelled after the real life Mona Baptiste, adds to the colourful legacy of the Windrush Generation and highlights one of the many triumphs some achieved after settling in post-war London.
Setting the Scene in Wartime and Post-War London
I am also keen to get accurate depictions of the settings in my story in an attempt to really immerse readers in the story. From the bombed-out streets of wartime London to the vibrant communities of the Windrush generation, I've spent ages looking at archive pictures of locations, especially Stepney in East London, to create vivid and believable environments. Reading contemporary accounts has also contributed to building as rich and immersive a backdrop for my novel as I could.
The Importance of Research in Historical Fiction
Research has been the backbone of all my historical fiction novels. It not only ensures accuracy but also provides a wealth of material that has inspired me further while trying to enrich the narrative. One of the favourite aspects of my research has been to ask living people about their experiences. With this book, however, I struggled to find anyone still alive who could give me a verbal account.
Connecting Past and Present
The themes explored in my novel, such as racial equality, migration, and identity, are as relevant today as they were during World War II and the post-war era. By drawing parallels between past and present, I hope to engage readers in a dialogue about these enduring issues.
Conclusion
Turning real life into fiction is a challenging yet rewarding process. I've strived to create a historical fiction novel that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. The stories of West Indian soldiers and the women of the Empire Windrush generation deserve to be told, and I am honoured to bring them to life through my writing.
But I'm only on the first draft so stay tuned for more updates on my journey of transforming historical facts into a compelling fictional narrative. I'll do close-ups on my characters and particular historical events that inspired the narrative so I hope to see you back on the blog!
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