Second Question
April 28, 2008 by Melissa
Well, same rules, but this one, hmmm, I will give away your choice of ebook series collections:
A Little Harmless Sex and A Little Harmless Pleasure OR THe Accidental Countess and Lessons in Seduction
Real or Known Characters
One of the stories I have playing in the back of my head is one with Hawaiian Goddess Pele and I also did the Fate Luck in Tempting Fate anthology from Phaze. But, what I wanted to know is if this is a distraction or an addition to the books? Like, if a historical has Pres Lincoln or Queen Victoria, do you like that, or would you rather stay immersed in the fictional world? Do you like using well known Gods or Goddesses? Let me know.
Will draw a name at 8 central tonight.
Comments
8 Responses to “Second Question”
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Whoops - missed the first question. As to this one… it depends. Sometimes, I’m pretty forgiving about things. Although, if it’s something I know very well or spent a lot of time studying, it’ll be really distracting if an author gets something wrong. [Like classical mythology.] Or, it’ll be too disjointed and doesn’t seem to really fit - but just that the author really wanted to use the character, come hell or high water.
Of course, I have read some books where historical/mythological figures were well incorporated, and I got a little thrill noticing that/picking out little facts.
I guess my answer isn’t very helpful - I’m ok either way, but I’m difficult, so if it’s going to be done, I want it to be done well.
Good question. It’s a subtle thing, but if you are doing a story that just begs for a mention of an actual historical figure or event, I think you need to mention it. I also think that while you are creating your own world, gounding it in a small way to the real world adds immensely to your overall belivability.
Another thing is that I find it distracting to read a story set in a time that everyone knows something about and have real time be completely ignored. I keep waiting for the fact I know to come out. For instance, if you’re doing a historical involving the 7th Cavalry, you have to at least mention in passing Custer, Reno, Benteen or Crazy Horse. Of course, your mention must be factual - or perceived to be factual. You can’t have a character say Custer is out on patrol 3 years after the massacre.
Just my opinion. LindaK
melissa, I don’t mind the occasional reference to someone or something in history. I don’t want a history book. Elizabeth Lowell lost me as a reader when she started to put so much research data (on pearls or jade) in that I lost track of the story.
For me the story and the relationship between the primary characters is what is all important.
sandie
I’d rather stay immersed in the fictional world, but an occasional mention of a historial figure is fine if the story calls for it. I prefer a story to stay focused on the main characters.
As to gods and goddesses, as long as they are portrayed accurately, I think they would be an addition to a story.
I agree with Linda–I do tend to prefer to stay fictional, but agree that depending on the setting and story, mentioning real figures and events helps to anchor the story and give it some greater context. And like Limecello said, I do appreciate when the facts are right, but don’t need a history lesson (there’s that “mentioning” bit)
So, uh, I guess that’s a lot to ask, huh? 
And on the gods/goddesses, it can be really fascinating to read stories based on mythology, but I don’t know that it would be as interesting/enjoyable to read about deities that people currently worship–I would have trouble enjoying the fiction then, I think.
I have no preference, but I do like to stay in the fictional world. However, if people, places, etc. are mentioned, then I want the facts to be accurate.
It looks like most of us agree on that part!
It wouldn’t be a distraction to me. I would like to see the goddess of the volcano as a character.
I have no preference BUT if real people from history are used, I need them to be researched. I need it to be believable (does that make sense?)
I think authors can have a lot more fun when the characters are all fictional.