Honoring America’s History Through Literature on Its 250th Anniversary
Every Fourth of July, Americans around the country celebrate the true American spirit. It was on July 4, 1776, that the Founding Fathers approved the Declaration of Independence. This document announced the intention of the American colonies to split from the oppressive ruling power of Great Britain. The American Revolution quickly followed, in which the American colonies fought for their freedom. They won the war, and the rest is history.
Now, exactly 250 years later, people all over the country are celebrating the continued legacy of the American spirit. Every Independence Day is a cause for celebration, but this year is especially potent. Whether you are grilling, watching fireworks, or spending time with loved ones, the Fourth is a special day for Americans.
An under-appreciated way to celebrate American history is through literature. All sorts of books can deepen our collective understanding of this country, both fiction and non-fiction. This article will guide you on your journey to embracing the impact of Independence Day through the literary world.
History and Historical Fiction
When diving into the literary world, there are two larger categories: fiction and non-fiction. Within those parameters, there is nuance and individual differences. Obviously, as a general rule, fiction applies to made-up stories, and non-fiction is about real things.
Historical works can also fall within these two categories. Both are valid ways to embrace America’s history with literature, with their own unique features. This all applies to both readers and writers of historical books.
Non-Fictional Works of Historical Literature
Non-fiction is the most traditional form of literature to read and write to learn more about history. In all its creative endeavour, non-fiction works teach both the reader and writer about the world. These can take the form of historical biographies, accounts of events, memoirs, reference materials, or anything else that is factual. The most important thing is that everything is true and based in fact.
When writing a non-fiction historical book, the most important thing to do is research the subject. Who would want to read a book written by someone who gets information wrong? You can research online, in books, through interviews, or anywhere else; just do your homework. Once you have a substantial understanding of the topic, you can begin the actual writing process. This can start with an outline, a storyboard, or free writing.
For readers who embrace historical non-fiction, they are drawn to books about their favorite subjects. Everyone has their own individual tastes, but history is crucial to understand. In light of America’s 250th birthday, it becomes even more important to learn about the country’s past.
Fictional Works of Historical Literature
Historical fiction carries some notable similarities to non-fiction. However, fiction tells a story that is not true; it comes from the author’s imagination. With historical fiction, the author takes a real-life era or event and writes a fictional story about it. These books can be any genre in the literary canon, so long as real-life history is incorporated. There is always a balance between the fictional elements and the things based in reality.
As a non-fictional writer, only you know your specific process. However, research is key to creating a powerful and enduring historical fiction. Once you have the research done, the process will follow any other fictional story’s creation.
Incorporating your imagination into history is a powerful creative tool for readers. Some people might have difficulty focusing or absorbing historical non-fiction, so fiction is where they will be drawn to. When searching for a historical non-fiction to read, readers can use their favorite eras, events, or authors as a start. Their imagination can run wild and teach them about history.
Spread Patriotism Through Literature and History
For America’s 250th birthday, understanding the history of this country is crucial. If you are reading or writing this Fourth of July, share your passion for history and literature with others. People trust and rely on the opinions and motivation of others when interacting with culture.
As both a writer and a reader, promote any historical books you have read to friends and family. You can even share your appreciation of history with young readers. Audiobooks are one additional way to spread historical stories with others. As a highly accessible form for reading, audiobooks can reach the entire potential audience who process audio differently.
