Historical Fiction Sprung From My Non-fiction work

[Wifetheif]

Guys and Gals, I submit my latest story Shanghaied https://literotica.com/s/shanghaied-1
If only to show that inspiration can come from all sorts of places. Over a decade ago, I wrote an award-winning popular history about some baseball players circling the world on the eve of WWI. One of their stopping places was Shanghai; some of the players promptly explored the walled-off section of the old city. I suspect, but cannot prove to visit the brothels and opium dens. In any event, recently, I was going over my notes and thought that the ancient "city of sin" would make a great setting for a tale of not-quite redemption and a not-quite loving wives wife. The setting is real, the Brits and Americans really did have a "hands-off" policy to that part of the city, and it really was filled with strong men and gangsters who did all sorts of things right under the noses of the British masters of the city. I began musing as to the possibility of turning my non-fiction book into a kids' travel tale when I was struck by the idea of a story where wedding rings play a crucial role. I've written lots of science fiction and contemporary fiction, but this was my first foray into historical fiction. You NEVER know where your research will lead you!
Has anything similar happened to you?

 

[ElectricBlue]

Has anything similar happened to you?

I had the chutzpah to do my own erotic take on the Arthurian myth, feeding from my knowledge of British pre-Roman history, various theories as to what caused the Dark Ages (in my version, Krakatoa erupting sometime in the fifth century AD), and my knowledge of the legends and the places. That probably counts, I reckon.

 

[KeithD]

I've written a few stories set in pre-WWII Shanghai (whose WWII started before most everyone else's). I have a collection of pre-war Chinese novels, which has helped with that.

 

[SouthernCrossfire]

As long as one doesn't go overboard by trying to include too many details, having that detailed knowledge can improve a period piece by adding a dose of realism and local flavor. I've studied the American Civil War (and its aftermath) extensively for decades and was able to incorporate some of that into the background for "The Valentine's Dance." Compare that to another period piece of somewhat similar length where I had to research every single thing, there's a great deal to be said for writing what you really know for both the author and the reader.