Authenticity in Historical Fiction – by Darlene Beck Jacobson AND a Give-Away!

To create authenticity or believability in historical fiction is just like setting a scene in any kind of writing.  The writer needs to pay attention to details. As a reader, I’m more likely to immerse myself in a story universe that is believable and accurate.  If I want readers of WHEELS OF CHANGE to follow Emily Soper’s adventures, they have to be grounded in the reality of 1908 Washington DC.

            What was life like in the Nation’s Capital 100 years ago?

            It was very rural for one thing.  With the exception of Pennsylvania Avenue, the area around the train station, and a few streets bordering 7^th Street – the main street of commerce - there was only gas lighting and no electricity.  Indoor plumbing was still a novelty.  Many roads were unpaved or had cobblestones. There were farms and wooded areas surrounding the government buildings. Most people still rode in horse-drawn wagons, carriages, or buggies.  Many goods were still made by hand.  Incorporating these details into the story grounds it and fixes the time and place.

Character is another way to create an authentic story.  When a story takes place in another era, the writer has to be sure to use language and sentence structure that rings true.  In 1908, children spoke in a more formal style, like their parents.  Very little slang was used.  Children addressed other adults as Mr. or Mrs. and often used “sir” or ‘ma’am” when speaking to their parents.

A character’s actions and behavior was different than it is today.  Expectations for males and females were much more divided and specific.  Boys had more freedom to explore and be adventurous.  They were expected to roughhouse and get into trouble now and then.  Girls on the other hand, were expected to be lady-like and exhibit proper behavior at all times.  They were encouraged to excel at the “domestic arts” such as sewing, cooking, housekeeping, and child rearing.

Here are some of the “Rules of Etiquette” young people were expected to follow at the turn of the Twentieth Century.

General Rules of Etiquette for Ladies and Gentlemen

13 Mannerisms to be avoided by all: 

1.     Whispering or pointing in company.

2.    Giving attention to only one person when more are present.

3.    Contradicting parents, friends, or strangers.

4.   Laughing loudly.

5.    Making noise with hands and feet.

6.   Leaning on the shoulder or chair of another.

7.    Throwing things instead of handing them.

8.    Crowding or bumping elbows.

9.   Contempt in looks, words, or actions.

10.  Drawing attention to self with dress.

11.   Lending a borrowed book.

12.  Reading when there is company, or when others are speaking.

13.  Laughing at the mistakes of others.

Manners appropriate for all:

1.     To be gentle and patient with others.

2.    To remember that while speech is wonderful, it is sometimes better to be silent.

3.    Speak with a gentle tone and never in anger.

4.   Learn to deny yourself and put others first.

5.    Give applause only by clapping hands – not by kicking or stamping feet.

6.   Rise to one’s feet when an older person or dignitary enters the room.

All this makes me wonder: How many of these rules do any of us consider important today?

Darlene Beck Jacobson has loved writing since she was a girl.  Although she never wrote to a president, she sent many letters to pop stars of the day asking for photos and autographs.  She loves bringing the past to life in stories such as WHEELS OF CHANGE, her debut novel.   If you’d like to see a trailer for this book click here:  http://youtu.be/qtGXALonq4w       

WHEELS OF CHANGE by Darlene Beck Jacobson is published by Creston Books, Berkley, CA.       ISBN: 978-1-939547-13-2

BOOK BLURB:  Racial intolerance, social change, sweeping progress. It is a turbulent time growing up in 1908. For twelve year old EMILY SOPER, life in Papa’s carriage barn is magic. Emily is more at home hearing the symphony of the blacksmith’s hammer, than trying to conform to the proper expectations of females. Many prominent people own Papa’s carriages. He receives an order to make one for President Theodore Roosevelt. Papa’s livelihood becomes threatened by racist neighbors, and horsepower of a different sort.  Emily is determined to save Papa’s business even if she has to go all the way to the President.

Wheels of Change has been chosen as a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015 by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC). 

WHEELSOF CHANGE was also chosen as one of 2014 Mighty Girl Books. Here is the link to view all: http://www.amightygirl.com/mighty-girl-picks/2014-mighty-girl-books

The book has also received a 2015 Grateful American Book Prize Honorable Mention. http://gratefulamericanbookprize.com/news.html 

Darlene’s blog features recipes, activities, crafts and interviews with children’s book authors and illustrators. She still loves writing and getting letters.  Check out her website at:  www.darlenebeckjacobson.com   or on Twitter@dustbunnymaven

EXCITING NEWS: Darlene has agreed to give away a copy of her Book, WHEELS OF CHANGE to one LUCKY winner. To be entered in this drawing, please leave a note in the comments telling us your favorite period and history. Drawing will be held on March 4, 2016. Good luck to all who enter!