Do you write Historical Fiction? Writing historically accurate fiction starts with RESEARCH.
Well, duh! I know that.
Most writers will take for granted a great many aspects that can lend more credence to their works, as well as a better experience of the story they want to put forward to readers. Additionally, if you want to be considered historically accurate, you must behave as a historian–do your due diligence. Can it always be done? Some things might slip past you. No human is perfect. Try your best. This series is going to help by presenting articles of interest from around the internet and get you started on the research necessary to complete an amazing manuscript.
Female Pirates
Not too long ago, I actually read a comment on a thread that declared there was no such thing as Women Pirates. I stared at the comment for a moment. The historian in me scoffed. The reasoning: made up by feminists.
The truth is that they did exist, probably still do. The reality is that most of our history was written by males with an agenda. The agenda is to hold up white male superiority via the historical record. When you actually do research with primary documents, the written history of best selling non-fiction starts to come apart in your hands. Primary documentation can never be replaced by The History Channel’s latest show on the sexual revolution or pirates of the swashbuckling era. To be honest, I’m surprised I’m actually sharing this article from them! They’re notorious for agenda and wrong history based on a conservative American ideology. My friends who teach rail against them all the time.
Regardless, it’s a list. A list gives you some vague topics to go out and research. Their names being here is actually a very surprising thing as well. Women have been erased from most of history, except where it was not possible. In their stead: fathers, husbands, brothers, subordinates–anyone male who could be given the cap of power over them replaced them in the stories. I have a colleague who’s entire thesis is built on this truth. Frankly, I cannot wait for her to start penning some books.
In the meantime, if you’re looking to tell a pirate tale, here’s a resource to get you started on researching the ladies, because you’re going to have to include at least one of them. You’ll see why when you learn more about them.
Take a look back at the criminal careers of five of history’s most ferocious seafaring women.
5 Notorious Female Pirates — HISTORY Lists
Have a topic you’d like discussed on writing historical fiction? Leave me a message and I will do my best to get to it.