The Power of Voice

 

Here's a link to an excellent column by Patricia MacEnulty of the Historical Novel Society called 

The Power of Voice in Historical Fiction.

Here's a snippet:

"I start by asking the character, what’s going on? What is she worried about? How does she feel about the situation she finds herself in? And most importantly, what’s she going to do about it? Usually I’ll get some kind of response. Sometimes the answer is a complete surprise."

Good stuff, eh? Okay now: the paragraph I didn't quote

-- some very nice words about my novel. 

What restraint on my part! 

How modest! How self-effacing!

Go READ it already.