Writing Historical Fiction: Balancing Fact and Imagination in An Irish Mystery

 By D.C. Salmon

Writing historical fiction presents a unique challenge: How do you transport readers to another time and place while staying true to the facts?

It’s a question I wrestled with while researching An Irish Mystery — and one that continues to shape how I approach writing today.

⚖️ The Weight of History

One of the first lessons I learned? There will always be someone who knows more than you.

When you write about real events or locations, expertise is everywhere — from professional historians to passionate local enthusiasts.

That meant I had to approach the research with humility and accuracy. If I got a detail wrong, someone would notice. But instead of letting that intimidate me, it pushed me to dig deeper, respect the facts, and make the history as authentic as possible.

💎 A Real Mystery as the Foundation

At the heart of An Irish Mystery lies one of Ireland’s most fascinating unsolved crimes: the disappearance of the Irish Crown Jewels in 1907.

I started with the facts we know:

• The regalia — a jewelled badge and star — was created in 1831 for the Grand Master of the Order of St. Patrick.

• Sir Arthur Vicars, custodian of the jewels, was accused of negligence.

• The jewels were stolen under mysterious circumstances… and never recovered.

These details gave me a historical foundation. But then came the twist: What if someone today tried to solve the mystery?

That’s where my characters — Cedric Newman and his team — stepped in.

👉 Curious? Read An Irish Mystery here

🧵 Weaving the Modern Thread

Writing the modern-day storyline brought a whole new challenge. To make readers feel grounded in the present, I leaned on:

• 🗺 Google Maps & satellite views for locations

• 🌦 Weather records & travel times

• 📝 Reviews of places my characters might visit

• 👀 Everyday sensory detail — sights, sounds, and textures

My goal was to create a seamless weave between 1907’s dusty archives and today’s high-stakes chase.

🚶 Walking the Line

In the end, writing historical fiction isn’t about reciting facts. It’s about honoring the truth while telling a compelling story.

The facts anchor us. The fiction brings them to life.

❓ Your Turn

I’d love to hear from you:
👉 What’s your favorite historical fiction novel that blends fact and fiction beautifully?

Drop a comment below or connect with me on social media — I’m always hunting for recommendations!

Enjoyed the ride? 📖

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An Irish Mystery is a fast-paced historical adventure about stolen treasures, hidden histories, and the cost of obsession.

Ebook, Kindle Unlimited, Paperback & Hardcover

👉 Available on Amazon: An Irish Mystery

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