Exploring Storytelling: My Beginers Journey in Historical Fiction

Hello, friends!

This week, my Work in Progress journey has taken me on a delightful adventure: the world of storytelling. And wow, what a world it is! I’ve been gathering resources like a squirrel hoarding nuts for winter—except my nuts are books, and the winter is…well, me sitting down to figure out how to write stories that bring 15th-century Bruges to life. Let me share what’s been on my reading list, my research, and a few laughs along the way.

The Great Book Haul

First off, I visited Half Price Books. You know, the place where you say, “I’ll just browse,” and leave with an armful of treasures. I came home with only three gems:

Unleash the Power of Storytelling by Rob Biesenbach. This small book appears to be a practical guide (something I really need) connecting people through stories. It’s full of tips that make storytelling feel less a mysterious art and more of a skill anyone can learn.

Writing Historical Fiction by Rhona Martin – Let me just say: this book will be a godsend. Writing Jehanne’s story will involve balancing facts with creativity. This guide will be like that friendly coach whispering, “Stay accurate, but keep it engaging!”

The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction edited by Lex Williford and Michael Martone. This collection is a feast of modern short stories. I expect it to actually show me about pacing, voice and packing an emotional punch in just a few pages. It’s like sitting in on a masterclass, one story at a time.

And, as I am more determined than anything, I hopped on Amazon and ordered “Save the Cat Writes a Novel” by Jessica Brody. It’s a highly recommended, structured approach to storytelling. I can’t wait to see how it guides me to turn my ideas into full-fledged stories.

The Research Rabbit Hole

But wait! There’s more. The books are just the start of my journey. What’s been truly fascinating is the research into the people who lived during Jehanne Bening’s time. The more I dig, the more I realize what a vibrant and interconnected world Bruges was.

Of course, there’s the Bening family—Simon Bening and his wife, who are practically a goldmine of inspiration. Add to that Gerard Horenbout, another master illuminator. Include his family, with Susanna Horenbout among them, who was one of the few known female illuminators of the era. Then there are the wealthy patrons like Margaret of Austria who gave commissions that kept artists workshops constantly busy. Those were just a few of the known cast of characters. There were also anonymous guild officials who were ever-present and kept everyone in line.

And that’s just the historical side! I’ve also been brainstorming fictional characters. They include Jehanne’s rival apprentices, Willem and Pieter. I may also add a quirky market vendor who brings pigment supplies. It’s a tapestry of personalities and possibilities, and I’m enjoying dreaming up every challenging moment stitching them together.

What I’m Learning

Storytelling isn’t magic—it’s craft. Sure, it takes creativity, but also structure, research, and a bit of courage. The books I’m reading demonstrate the depth a story can have. The historical figures I’m uncovering illustrate this too. Both show me how much depth a story can have when it’s built with care.

Why It’s Worth It

I won’t lie—this is out of my comfort zone. But that’s part of the fun! Writing stories about Jehanne Bening and her world is a challenge I’m excited to tackle. It’s overwhelming in the best way, like putting together a massive puzzle where every piece holds a new surprise.

And the best part? The research into historical figures and everyday life during Jehanne’s time is giving me endless inspiration. Bruges seems to be coming alive through these discoveries. I am eager to share everything through my stories.

What’s Next?

For the coming week, I’ll dive deep into my newly purchased treasures. Even though it includes Thanksgiving, I hope to bring up a story worth sharing. One that will blend my historical research with fictional narratives. It’s a work in progress, after all, and that’s the joy of it!

So here’s to storytelling—the research, the reading, the plotting, and the joy of discovering new things. If you’ve been thinking about tackling a creative project, I highly recommend jumping in. You never know where it’ll take you.

Happy Wednesday, friends! What are you working on this holiday week? Let me know—I’d love to hear about it!