Morgan Mandel's Page

Are Historical Figures and “Legends” of U.S. and World History Fair Game for an Historical Novelist?
by Robert W. Walker, historical and suspense novelist

Recently heard a questioning complaint against an author who depicted Julius Ceasar as a murderer and Mark Antony (Anthony) as a drunkard but heroic warrior, and Brutus as a Hamlet type character. I have heard via the grapevine of “historical plays” by one historical fiction author named William Shakespeare that these depictions are pretty close to his research. Legend has it that Will improved on Plutarch’s Ceasar. In other words, Will got some of his information from earlier writers (surprise!), many purporting to write “truth” as perceived by the earlier authors, some who couched their work in Greek and Roman plays. Shakespeare went on to write historical plays about Antony and Cleopatra, depicting them as human beings rather than statues; Willl wrote about historical events much closer to his own time as well—The Historical Plays of Shakespeare depict kings and princess clashing on the battlefield and behind closed doors. Do we hold Shakespeare to a higher standard or a lesser one than the historian who depicts Henry II. By the way, my money says Ceasar likely did away with a lot of people beyond those his armies conquered in order to hold onto power.

As both a suspense writer and historical novelist and researcher, I have my own take on working with historical figures in my novels. I have to begin by asking -- What do they say about history? When the "legend" becomes truth, print the legend. So how much truth is there in "nonficitonal" versions of history? How much do we know about the secret heart of any man? Including the historian? Like the guy who wrote Revelation in the New Testament? We know little of him and less of his motives, and few people know he was writing a condemnation of Rome. By the same token, how much do we know of what went on behind the scenes of the Lincoln Administration? He was not for instance a big proponent of his own Emancipation Proclamation; he was no doubt moved by the circumstances of slaves and he advocated against slavery, but there's a lot of "evidence" or "legend" that he used the issue to further his main cause--the maintenance of the Union. I've also read that he felt and urged freed slaves to make a country of their own--a new African nation. Okay and Adolph Hitler loved his dog. All the same, I am circumspect whenever dealing with "a legend" either one of EVIL or GOOD, or someone who has long stood on a pedestal. It's hard to argue with legendary characteristics or to depict a Lincoln or a Washington that does not convey the statue as well as the pedestal.

As a rule, I write about characters I have created who may have an opinion say of U.S. Grant or Sherman, etc., rather than bringing on Grant or Sherman; and I may have Mark Twain on the marquee, and I may have another historical figure walk through, but I did have to do a whole depiction of one of the Pinkerton boys -- William Pinkerton -- in City of the Absent. I eluded to an affair, to his having secrets, to his having regrets, and in effect I created a typical human being with some atypical characteristics. However, his main purpose in the book is to bolster and further define my main character—Inspector Alastair Ransom with whom he is at odds. He becomes the character I needed to further Alastair Ransom's story and character. Is that a crime? Does that slander Pinkerton? Will I be sued by his decendents—of whom there are apparently many? I can only do my respectful best to depict him not as a god but as a man. In the end, the two men have respect for one another but Pinkerton has as yet to stop working for “the man”--people in power—exclusively. Although he and his brother have ended all work as strikebreakers by 1893, something their father, Alan Pinkerton wished the agency to put an end to. By now they are concentrating on bank safety, rail safety, and chasing fugitives.

I got my "evidence" and "legend" about the Pinkerton Agency and family from a terrific historian and his book, which I give thanks to in acknowledgements in the first book in the series--City for Ransom. All one can really do is read, read, and read more, and in reading biographies and histories of a once living man or woman, make up your writer’s mind and depict the person you feel the "legends" have given you. If one reads and finds different renditions as I have over the years with Abraham Lincoln (read some British historians who take on American History), you have to in the end make up your mind as to what is and what is not relevant to your story. Who is and who is not relevant to your story. I co-wrote a book where in the end we have Fidel Castro come in to sort things out after all the murder and mayhem has taken place in his country. We depicted Castro as people might expect him to be while still healthy. We based all of his characteristics and even the way he spoke on a great deal of research—including videotape. I think we nailed him. This book, Cuba Blue, is still looking for a brave publisher who believes as my co-author and I do that readers would love our fictional heroine, a Havana cop named Qui Aguilera. Castro is a “force” throughout the novel but he is a person on the page, a man with his own agenda.

In the end, however, historical fiction is not altogether different from a lot of history. Early historical texts I was spoon fed in school still called George Armstong Custer's loss at the Little Big Horn a massacre while his and other Anglo wins in the War for the West and the governments; "Indian Problem" as great achievements of Manifest Destiny. This Manifest Destiny included (but did not say in the books) giving Native Americans smallpox (early germ warfare via diseased blankets) as well as removing them to a state of reservation now called Oklahoma on a death march ordered up by the President of the United States and backed by Congress. Ironic that George Custer’s middle name was ARMSTRONG as in strong arm.

So when I hear someone complaining about how some poor schlep like Julius Ceasar was treated badly in a Roman noir novel, I first assume the legend is being chipped away at by a thoughtful person who has done reams of research and put in hours, days, months, maybe years of blood, sweat, and tears and has read the other side of the arguments, and who has some acquaintance with actual historical research as well as the legend passed on from generation to generation—often spurious stuff. And so often, I have found that the loudest complainer, the one who shouts to the rooftops how bad the book is, how awful the author is to depict say FDR or another “giant” of history as having a moment of doubt, or a human frailty, who might display unbridled anger, etc., that complainer knows NOTHING of the facts and ought to read the books used by the author in the creation of his novel. I once had a complaint about the gun used by Alastair Ransom, that it did not exist in 1893, and yet I can point to it in the then Montgomery Ward Catalogue.

So often the historical novel depicts the historical figure far more as a man than a god (George Washington comes to mind here). My Dr. Christian Fenger who appears in the entire City for Ransom trilogy is depicted as a man and not as the "god" of Chicago's early surgical world in Chicago and the Midwest. He was an amazing surgeon, way ahead of his contemporaries and the man every wanna-be surgeon wanted to see in a surgical theater. However, in my informed opinion, much of his angst and sadness is depicted in his photographs alone. He is the picture of melancholy. That’s at the core then of my depiction of the man.

In essence, good, well-researched historical fiction imbues historical figures with more humanity than does a textbook. The novel centers on one figure, one set of events, one main plot, whereas most historical treatises cover a huge amount of time and space and often the entire panorama of history and as a result much is given short shrift—turned over to the footnote as often happens with the first major witch hunt in America at Salem Village, Massachusetts. This topic is my next historical. I wrote a 70 page history term paper in my junior year of high school on this. My graduate thesis for my Master’s in English Education was a novel of Salem Witch Craft. Over the years, I have read everything ever written on the subject, and I have come to deep, abiding conclusions about all the principal players and am now building the definitive historical novel on Salem entitled BLOODROOT. I have definite defined ideas as to how all of the characters are to be depicted, and all but a few are historical people who lived through it. There is no other way to depict historical figures other than the conclusions you come to via the research. And if you begin to fear being sued or pissed on for your efforts, you will never succeed in getting the novel written.

Look, depicting Abraham Lincoln as a serial killer might be over the top and indefensible but most serious historical novelists would know better. Allowing a “fictionalized” Lincoln to have thoughts of murdering someone—say one of his own Cabinet members, however, is not far from the truth and the legend. Depicting Adolph Hitler as a social philanthropist again might be ovet the top, but he did have an entire nation “feeding” out of his hand, so again it so depends on one’s purpose and the amount of work put in. I’d find an historical novel from the point of view of Hitler’s spiritual advisor of interest, but this is me. And this is entirely my humble opinion.

Rob Walker
www.robertwalkerbooks.com
www.robertwwalkerbooks.com
www.HarperCollins.com
www.Echelonpress.com

Last week I talked about Disney and sea turtles hatching along the coastal beaches of Florida. From that simple vacation tale sprang an idea for a children's book. So I did a little research on sea turtles, plus the techniques used for writing children's books.

I already have the premise of my story, a dab of make-believe wrapped up in the life cycle of the sea turtle. I've decided a picture book would work best to tell the story I have in mind.

Mama turtle swims along the shore, waiting for the tide to rise.

Using a storyboard technique, two pages facing open, I can better comprehend the flow of my story. Most picture books are 32 pages, with only a sentence or two on each page. I will write the words first but I'll keep in mind the different colors needed on the page, as well as the drawing that will enhance the two-page spread.

With the one statement above, I've already decided if this will be a character driven story or plot driven. Action will further move the story along. Kids want to be involved with the stories read to them. Even with brilliant illustrations, the words need to draw a picture in each child's mind.

The bright moon shines on the sandy beach and a big blue wave carries her to shore.

The thing about many Disney books, is there are too many words on each page. I've discussed this with other librarians and we are left wondering how Disney sells so many books, when most are too long to read in one setting. The goal for most authors of children's books is to have the book read in a short period of time. In this book, my book, I want to accomplish that too.

Another decision I have to make is what message do I want to deliver via my story. Is this topic strong enough to have a cause? A moral message? Perhaps educating others would be best. Or is this book just for fun and to develop a love of the written word? My story can have more than one purpose as long as it isn't presented in a heavy-handed manner. Nobody wants to be preached to, even small children.

So I've completed my first spread of pages. I'll continue on in this fashion, keeping in mind the final layout of the book in my mind. And just when I think I'm finished ... it will be time for editing! I'll undoubtedly have mistakes, too many words or not enough pages. I'll evaluate the flow of the story, examine the wording and tighten up the text. I may add a glossary. Kids love discovering the meaning behind new words. In my first line I've already discovered many children may not know what a rising tide is - it would be fun to explain that. I might even add pictures of the many sea turtles. The possibilities are endless.

All within 32 pages, of course.

Til next time ~

DL Larson

YA Author, June Sproat, Romantic Suspense Author, Margot Justes, Mystery and Romantic Comedy Author, Morgan Mandel in the back.

This year two special author friends and I will be selling and autographing our books in a booth at Frontier Days Marketplace, at Recreation Park, near Belmont and Miner, close to Stage West in Arlington Hts, Illinois on Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6 from 10am-6pm

Although I've been a Festival volunteer for over 15 years, autographing at Frontier Days is a new experience for me, but an appropriate one.

With the publication of my debut mystery, Two Wrongs, I crossed the line from unpublished writer to published author and entered a new frontier. Before, I wrote only for myself. Now, I write for everyone. What that means is I'm constantly busy getting word out about not only Two Wrongs, but also my new romantic comedy, Girl of My Dreams.

Some, but not all of the ways I've been doing this are autographing my books at booksignings, participating in panels, attending conferences, putting up displays at the library, even riding in the Festival parade with my brother and nephew handing out bookmarks alongside the car. I've also been known to stick my bookmarks and business cards at such out of the way places as advertising kiosks at rest stops or bulletin boards at restaurants.

In addition to that I spend countless hours on the Internet networking with fellow authors and meeting new readers. I created Book Place at http://bookplace.ning.com to provide a venue for booklovers and book industry people to promote their wares. I joined My Space, Good Reads, Bebo and countless other sites. Every day I get new invitations of places to join, many of which I accept. I've even become a book editor on an online magazine at www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

My time is not my own which can be a discouraging thought. On the other hand, I love what I'm doing and do it willingly. You might say it's Frontier Days for me every day as I explore the territory of being an author.

Happy Fourth of July!
Morgan Mandel
www.morgan mandel.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html
http://http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged but there’s a good reason. I’m in transition. It almost sounds painful and at times it has been.

I’m going through a separation from my husband and beginning the divorce process. Lots of that going around lately.

Lest you think I’m bitter - I’m not. Oh, I went through the required anger, bitterness, sadness, depression at first but then an amazing thing happened - I started to enjoy getting to know myself.

It was quite a journey being married to Todd and I can honestly say now that I don’t regret getting married. I learned a lot from Todd and from being married to him. Oh, there are things I wish I’d done differently, things I wish we’d both done differently, but now that my marriage journey with him is ending, I’m on a new journey. A journey to find out just who I am.

Lately my journey to the center of myself has been rather fun. I thought it would be scary but it’s actually fun and I’m surprising myself at almost every juncture and bend in the road. I’m discovering just how many people really care about me and I’m discovering just how much I care for them. I’m also discovering just how resilient I am. Given the childhood I came from - I'm extremely proud of myself. I'm no longer just surviving, I'm thriving.

I haven’t felt sorry for myself at all. I still love Todd - I suspect I always will - we just have different journeys to take now and the roads we’ve each chosen don’t mesh, overlap, or really connect that much anymore, and I've discovered that this is okay. Not so long ago I don't think I could have honestly said this because I lacked the sense of self, the sense of contentment to do so before now.

I feel very blessed - I have great neighbors, friends, an interesting and challenging job, a daughter who is almost finished with college, and a stubborn 15-year-old West Highland Terrier. Talk about resilience! I'm not living out of my car and I'm not in Iraq being shot at - since I'm a veteran I appreciate this more than most.

I'm reminded of the quote "It's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." Although I don't feel as if I've lost. I've had a chance to learn some things about myself and grow from that knowledge. Life is exciting and I'm enjoying the process. I finally understand the sentiment - Life is Good!

Have you ever gone to church or to a seminar?

No?

Do you watch Reality television?

You do? Well, forget that. How about school? Remember school?

Anyway, for those of who have gone to church, a seminar, or school, do you just sit in your seat in the anonymous protection of the audience, shut off your mind, and simply wait to be entertained or educated?

Do you stare vacuously at the speaker with your brain waves slowing to a vapid nothing while you wonder what you’re going to pick up at dinner on the way home, or chewing on your pencil with your orthodonically enhanced … I think I just made up this word … perfect teeth?

Well, don’t do it!!

Do you realize how frightening this is to the speaker?

All he sees are these blank stares. That’s scary! He needs to know that he is reaching you.

I regularly give speeches and take it from me - you audience members need to take lessons in how to be responsive audiences! You need to learn how to do the encouraging smile. Your eyes must have the entertained sparkle. You should murmur your appreciation at the most poignant parts of the speech or say, “Amen,” maybe faint in the aisle or something.

Sure, this might be awkward at a business seminar, but nobody will care until they are fully caffeinated and bagel-ated … another made up word.

I was in church one day and the pastor was talking about the fear of death. He said that the only thing that scares people more than the thought of dying is the thought of speaking in public.

I don’t think he’s right though. Because once in college, when I was sitting there being vacuously entertained … but I had a rough night the night before … so it’s okay... anyway, I learned that when you take a speech class, you are told to imagine the audience in their underwear.

Ever since I heard this, my biggest fear is being in an audience.

Norm

www.normcowie.com

The Adventures of Guy … written by a guy (probably)

The Next Adventures of Guy … more wackiness

The Heat of the Moment

Fang Face (coming 2009)