Welcome, fellow history buffs and aspiring writers! Today, we’re going to dive in and learn how to write dialogue that truly captures the essence of the times you’re writing about. Whether you’re writing a period piece set in medieval England or a historical romance set during the jazz age, dialogue is an important tool to convey the personality and worldview of your characters. Here are some tips and tricks to help you elevate your dialogue and make it feel authentic and true to the period:

1. Research the Language and Idioms of the Time 📚🔍

To write dialogue that feels true to the time period you’re writing in, you need to first research the language and idioms that were commonly used. Pick up books, letters, and other historical documents written during that period and pay close attention to the way people spoke. You might also watch classic movies that are set in that time period to get a feel for the way people expressed themselves. By doing this research, you’ll be able to pepper your dialogue with common expressions and turns of phrase that will lend your work an authentic flavor.

A stack of old books in a library

2. Use Historical Sources for Inspiration 📖📝

To make your dialogue feel authentic, you can also use historical sources for inspiration. Newspapers, journals, and periodicals from the time period can give you a good idea of the events and concerns of people living during that time. By exploring these sources, you can identify common themes and concerns that can help give your dialogue context and meaning. Additionally, historical dictionaries and thesauruses can be useful tools for expanding your vocabulary and finding period-appropriate words and phrases.

An open journal with a quill pen

3. Avoid Modern Slang and Jargon ❌🤐

When writing dialogue set in the past, it’s important to avoid modern slang and jargon. Words and expressions that are common now may not have existed at the time, and using them can take readers out of the story. Instead, try to find period-appropriate expressions or invent your own to capture the flavor and mood of the time.

A red slashed circle around the word "modern"

4. Keep Dialogue Consistent with Character👤💬

Dialogue is an important tool for character development, but it’s important to make sure that the way characters speak is consistent with their personalities and backgrounds. A character who is well-educated and well-read might use more formal language, while a character from a more rural and less-educated background might use a lot of colloquial expressions. Paying attention to these differences will help make your dialogue feel more authentic and grounded.

A set of character profiles with different traits and backgrounds

5. Don’t Overdo the Historical Accuracy 😬🤞

While it’s important to research and obey the linguistic norms of the time period you’re writing in, it’s also important not to overdo the historical accuracy. Using too many archaic expressions and idioms can make your dialogue feel stilted and unnatural. The key is to strike a balance between accuracy and readability.

A cartoon of a person jumping over an accuracy meter balanced on a seesaw

That’s all for today! By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting authentic and engaging dialogue that rings true in your historical fiction. Remember to research, stay true to your characters, and strike a balance between historical accuracy and readability. Happy writing, and may your characters’ words always ring true to the ears of history. 👀🎤🎬