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Is there a way to write a book taking place in an earlier time period without having to know the exact language of that time period????

I like to write. I write short stories mostly, but now i want to write a short book. Im fascinated with the past and would like to bring that about in my book without being familiar with the language of say --1700's.

2007-03-05 13:15:48 · 9 answers · asked by xxm3sm0riz3dxx 1 in Arts & Humanities Books & Authors

9 answers

Nothing is more annoying than trying to read a story and it's written so the dialogue is SUPPOSED to reflect that of the characters.

As an avid reader, I think the most important thing is for the writer to research historical events and the culture in the time period and then let the characters take over (in current day language -- simple and direct). Why would a modern writer want to pretend a book was written years ago by using archaic language.

2007-03-06 07:20:47 · answer #1 · answered by Lynda 7 · 0 0

It is important that you try to emulate the style of the writing of a period if you wish your book to feel authentic. A book set in the 1700's for example, that is full of "OMG" "Yo" and any other assorted modern words and phrases will fail.

If you wish to write effectively, I suggest first that you read books from that time period. The most important thing is not to use the words they use per se, but take notice of how they construct their sentences. You need to emulate the style.

Which means you don't need to fill your book with a bunch of "thou" "ye" and such, but you do need to have a strong understanding of grammar, punctuation, and tense.

But there is no easy way around it. If you want to write for the period, you need to read books from the period.

Your issue is not just one of language. How people interact with each other was completely different in the time period. At 13, you were normally already married and/or working. 40 was old age. You need to understand the cultural differences of the time as well.

2007-03-06 09:51:19 · answer #2 · answered by bardsandsages 4 · 1 0

I read a lot of period novels and i must say that they would not be all that believable if the language was not correct. I have however read a few books where the story is being either remembered at a later date or learned of through diaries letters ect by a younger relative and i found that these did not really have the correct period wording but it seemed plausible because it was being retold by someone more modern... hope that helps you out..

2007-03-05 21:25:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

Really, read a couple stories set in the time period you want to write in and you should get an idea of the language.

2007-03-06 04:57:38 · answer #4 · answered by Dan A 4 · 0 0

Get yourself a wonderful book called A Descriptionary. It will help you know the proper terms for things in various periods of history - clothes, weaponry, foods, means of transportation etc. Also - research research research.

2007-03-05 21:26:31 · answer #5 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0 0

I don't think I've ever read one that isn't. Maybe if you write it in 3rd person. But if your going to use quotes at all (which i think you will) it would seems strange to not have what people are saying it in the proper dialect. I say just write it in today's dialect then after your finished go back and change the quotes. =)

2007-03-05 21:26:07 · answer #6 · answered by Happy Girl=) 3 · 0 0

Have fun, and just go "googleing", type in language of the 1700's or whatever, and see what comes up. It usually helps me.

2007-03-05 21:23:43 · answer #7 · answered by Tacy 2 · 0 0

If you're not planning on making it a best seller, go ahead and "dash-it-all" heh... I would look up the vernacular of the time period. *shrug* theres no other way around it.

2007-03-05 21:22:11 · answer #8 · answered by Sirius Black 5 · 1 2

just use really really really precise grammar

and "dash-it-all" instead of "darn"

2007-03-05 21:18:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 2

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