Posts Tagged ‘fiction’

When I began to write for myself instead of ‘Uncle Sam,’ I was trying to make up my mind whether to write fiction or non-fiction – a major decision.  I was helped in this difficult time by a group of established writers, who, without pressing me in any particular direction, steadfastly guided me toward making a choice that I would not regret later.  Although I am a photographer and have a published non-fiction history book, my passion remains what I chose as a result of the influence of those wonderful writers.  I write fiction, and more specifically, historical fiction. I write this blog in the hope that my journey might help give better focus to folks out there who are trying to find their niche in the writing arena.

I’ve always thought that good historical fiction is a great way to get people interested in history, and can even be a learning tool. My interest in history, and in the Civil War in particular, began when I was a youngster with Stephen Crane’s  “Red Badge of Courage.”  It has been nurtured since then by such greats as C.S.Forester, Patrick O’Brian, Bernard Cornwell, Michael Shaara, and, of course, his son, Jeff Shaara.

From the first time I put pen to paper, or I should say finger to keyboard, to try writing fiction, I was hooked.  I loved developing the story, in harmony with a set of characters of my own creation.  I embraced the interaction of the characters, almost flowing along without me, except in my roll of quiet, backstage puppet master.  It was a narcotic, and I was quickly a hopeless addict.  So far at least my problem hasn’t been writers’ block … it’s having too much in my head to write about.  I must have at least a half dozen books swirling around in there, half written, trying to escape.

As I may have said before, I believe that fiction is meant to entertain, where non-fiction’s primary purpose is to enlighten or inform.  Historical fiction is rather unique in the fiction world.  In fact, if well-written and well-researched, historical fiction can provide the best of both worlds.  I guess that would be my ultimate goal – that my stories are entertaining, provocative, and historically informative.

I want to entice.  I want to inspire others to look more into the Crimean War, the American Civil War, or perhaps Lincoln’s exposure and vulnerability to being assassinated.

Will Hutchison

I have so much to talk about right now. In the last several months I’ve published two books, my first non-fiction history and photography book, ‘Crimean Memories: Artefacts of the Crimean War,’ and the sequel to my first historical fiction novel. My first novel was ‘Follow Me to Glory,’ about a young Scottish nobleman coming of age as a man and an officer in the Crimean War. The sequel, ‘The Gettysburg Conspiracy,’ takes this same officer, Ian Carlyle, into the American Civil War as a British observer, who then becomes involved against his will in a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. I won’t bore you with details, but if you want to know more I invite you to visit my web site at www.willhutchison.com.

The book launch for The Gettysburg Conspiracy was on the evening of 20 November 2009, at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg. It was part of Americas’ Arts “Hear, See, Now Event,” and was called “Cocktails, Conversation, and Conspiracy.” It was sold out, and I believe the folks attending had a grand time – I know I did.

Crimean Memories

Follow Me to Glory - 1st in the Ian Carlyle Series

The Gettysburg Conspiracy - 2nd in the Ian Carlyle Series