Author Interview - Annette Lyon, Part Four

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

29 Dec 2006 01:07 PM

Thank you for returning to Media Reviews as we conclude our exclusive interview with LDS historical and contemporary novelist Annette Lyon. Click here to read parts one, two, and three.

Annette, what do you find to be the biggest differences between writing historical and contemporary fiction?

How about that historical fiction is easier for me? Ironic, but true.

I suppose one of the biggest differences for me is that my plotlines and characters often evolve because of the time period and the setting. After reading up on Arizona wagon roads for two weeks, Maddie from "At the Journey's End" popped into my head fully formed. That never happened for me with my contemporary novels. Abe came about the same way--after reading an article as part of research.

One great difference is that life more than a hundred years ago was simpler. They didn't have the crazy rush that technology has brought us. So I don't need to worry about my character losing her cell phone signal or checking her email or running out of gas. On the flip side, lacking those things can create additional conflicts--if you have an emergency, you can't just dial 911. And doctors didn't have the same knowledge and tools back then, which can certainly add additional tension to the story when you can't even diagnose easily, let alone treat a patient adequately. Instead of gas, they can break a wagon wheel and be just as stuck.

One difference I love is being able to describe old things and places in a way that's fresh to current readers. I get to imagine what Temple Square looked like in 1867 and then try to make my readers see what I'm imagining. You can't do that with contemporary fiction.

Of course, one terror you have as a historical writer is that you'll get a detail wrong and someone will come after you and call you a fraud. So far, so good on that count. But I'm constantly looking things up to make sure I'm getting things correct--Can Abe really have a letter in an envelope in 1884? (Yes.) Did they use the phrase, "Good grief" in 1867? (No.) I look up a lot of those types of things -- something I wouldn't have to worry about in a contemporary book. But I like learning weird bits of trivia, so it's a good fit.

What are your plans for the future?

First and foremost, I plan to keep writing historical fiction. As I said, I'm just now jumping into my research for Manti, and I'm working on some other historical projects that dovetail with research I've already done with other temples. I'm also working on a nonfiction project that I'm excited about. After Manti, well, I'm not sure. I may go back to Kirtland or Nauvoo, return to Logan, or maybe even go to Alberta or Mesa. I keep thinking I should do the Hawaii temple--and take a nice, long, research trip in the sun.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us, Annette! I can predict great things in your future. Best of luck in all you do, and we'll check in with you later when your next book is released.

Be sure to visit Annette's website and her blog to learn more about her.

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House on the Hill

Author Interview: Lynn Austin

Author Interview: Robison Wells

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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