Today on Bring Back The Porch Brian speaks with local author Victor James Phillips. He shares his journey into historical fiction, focusing on his series about explorers like John Cabot and Sebastian Cabot. Discover his research process, writing tips, and insights into the Age of Discovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Meet Victor James Phillips
01:36 Why Victor started writing
02:12 Travel and research influences
03:39 Writing discipline and process
04:55 Writer's block and inspiration
05:48 Why choose John Cabot as a protagonist
06:16 Development of the John Cabot story
08:03 Sebastian Cabot's epic life
08:49 Connections between Columbus and Cabot
11:12 Historical accuracy and creative license
13:26 Research tools and methods
15:04 Surprising discoveries about Cabot and Sebastian
16:29 Writing tools and routines
17:32 Favorite places and travel experiences
19:18 Why settle in Medicine Hat
21:01 Upcoming books in the series
21:33 Where to buy the books

The Journey of Writing Historical Fiction: Insights from Victor James Phillips
Writing can be a daunting journey, especially when it involves weaving historical narratives with creativity. We delve into insights shared by author Victor James Phillips, who has successfully navigated the complexities of writing historical fiction. From the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of crafting a cohesive narrative, Phillips offers valuable lessons for aspiring writers.

Victor’s journey into writing began with the encouragement of his mother, a passionate journal keeper. She urged him to write a book, planting the seed of inspiration that would grow over the years. Despite his initial foray into a financial career, the desire to write lingered, fueled by his fascination with history. This exploration took him across various places, including a significant trip to Bristol, where he connected with the history of John Cabot, a figure that would become central to his first novel.

In writing historical fiction, there’s an inherent challenge in balancing factual history with creative storytelling. Phillips acknowledges that when adding characters, dialogue, and personality to historical events, he enters the realm of fiction. This blend of fact and creativity is what makes historical fiction compelling but also requires careful consideration of how much creative license to take.

His narrative approach involves thorough research combined with imaginative storytelling, offering readers a vivid depiction of historical events while maintaining the essence of the characters involved. This method not only engages readers but also educates them about the historical context.

Key Topics

Research methods for historical fiction
The story of John Cabot and Sebastian Cabot
Balancing fact and fiction in storytelling
Writing process and overcoming writer's block
Travel's influence on historical writing
Publishing and distribution of books

Resources

Victor James Phillips - Official Website - https://victorjamesphillips.ca
Friesen's Press - https://www.friesenpress.com

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