Historians collect facts. Novelists collect trouble.

When you write historical fiction, you need both.

Historical fiction can be a tricky balancing act. On one hand, readers deserve authenticity. On the other, they deserve a good story. If a novel reads like a textbook, I have failed as a storyteller. If the history feels careless, I have failed as a researcher. Somewhere in the middle is the place where I like to work. I call it faction.

Go behind the scenes with author Martin Herman as he reveals how a writer thinks. In this reflective and witty blog post, discover the creative process behind historical fiction, biographies, and character-driven storytelling.

Explore the enduring appeal of historical fiction with author Martin Herman. Learn how historical novels offer a unique escape from the digital noise, provide valuable lessons from the past, and connect readers to the timeless human experience. Perfect for book lovers, writers, and anyone seeking depth in a world of distractions.

This new series will bring that spirit back, only this time it feels even more meaningful.

Let me tell you why.

Several years ago, after speaking at a book event, a man approached me. He told me that his mother-in-law—who was living with dementia—kept all of my books on a shelf beside her bed. She had become, in his words, “my biggest fan.” But what he said next stopped me in my tracks.