Reasearching dilemma

[GreenPartyVoter]

So I want to write a romance novel set in the Roman Empire.

I can't decide what to research first.. the location to get a feel for the land, everyday life details, or start with the history of the Empire at the time. (I am pretty sure I will set it in the era just prior to the movie "Gladiator". That is, while Marcus Aurelius is still alive")

Anyone else written historical fiction who has a suggestion?

[wryter2000]

1. Good luck trying to sell that time period

It think it depends on whether your story will contain a lot of history or not. If your people interact with the people in charge, you'll need to know the political history. If the story doesn't involve the politics/wars/etc. of the period, you'll need to more about everyday life. You're going to need to know about everyday life, anyway.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. It's definitely more everyday life. I did ask around and

found there are readers who are interested in a book of this sort, so I am not worried about selling it. I know a few small publishers who would get the book out there. I'm not really worried about being a bestseller or striking it rich. :)

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. go to the Library and start with the Rise and Fall

heavy book but usefull.. will give yuo the political details and it is still considered an important one to read.

Then find any Journal in tne Classics, local University should have them, and you will find what yuo seek in any Historical Journal dedicated to the period

[Nay]

4. Read all of Lindsey Davis's Marcus Didius Falco mystery novels

to get a sense of what Roman life was like. His love for his girlfriend is very romantic, and I think you will enjoy the books. Davis has really captured Rome (and its satellites) without torturing you with every little bitty fact. That is the tone you will want to strive for in a romance novel.

[tjdee]

5. Writing something historical myself...two tips...

I'm not a "professional", LOL, but here are two things that have helped me so far:

1--writing the story before worrying about the historical things. When I started I went through history books, costume books, etc., but you know what that did, LOL? Stopped me from writing the actual story because I was getting hung up on accuracy. I figure eventually I'll know if I have to change "he drove to town in half an hour" to "he rode to town in half a day", you know?

2--Googling. For the stuff that couldn't wait, and for certain plot points, Google has helped a lot.

Good luck! The Roman Empire has so many possibilities--care to get any more specific about what kind of story you're writing? Political intrigue, romance...?

[Igel]

6. I'd do a bit of background reading; not much.

While working on the outline of the story. I wouldn't try to write anything that I intended to keep without serious revision until I had a feel for the age. Otherwise the Roman bit will be minor details, and could just as well be in a human colony on a different planet in 2160.

The book _Everyday Life in Ancient Rome_ (Lionel Casson) looks like it was written for your needs. There are a fair number of web pages, too.