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Reading the Past. Historical Research for Historical Fiction Clip. Historical Novelists. Very little research has been done about the information-seeking needs of novelists.
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Reading the Past Historical Research for Historical Fiction Clip
Historical Novelists • Very little research has been done about the information-seeking needs of novelists. • When they describe their own research process, historical novelists discuss doing very intensive, very focused research. • Many have a stated preference for research that lets them touch thepast. • What could possibly be wrong with that?
Anachronism 101 • “You have to wear it [a wig],” Gomez said. “Short hair on a woman is a sign of disgrace, or heresy.” Michael Crichton, Timeline, 1999.
Tres Riches Heures de duc de Berry, (c.1410-16), illuminated manuscript. Chantilly, Musée Condé.
Whoops • Background and Context • Misinformation • It’s all Velvetta • Modern sympathies and prejudices
What to do? • Research like a historian, and spend five to ten years reading everything. • Or, read up like a historian. • This workshop is designed to teach authors how to read up on a topic and/or a period.
Teaching & Learning a Process • Finding an Introduction/Overview • Chasing Sources • Reading primary sources, original documents • Verification • Know what you don’t know
Can I have your attention, please? • Share examples of egregious anachronisms. • Discuss how they arose, and how they might be prevented.
4 Mat • Opening discussion explaining the relevance for whylearners. • Every module will have a short lecture introducing what, a demonstration showing what and how, an activity to practice how and allow for what if, and a discussion to share what if and reiterate why.
ARCS • Attention & Relevance: Discussion of the evils of anachronism • Confidence: Demonstrate then practice Discussion and feedback • Satisfaction: Feedback Mastery through Practice Chocolate
Evaluation • Discussion (what can I say, I like discussion). • Activities • Feedback • Novels