Straight from the Source: Ritu Hemnani on Writing Historical Fiction
What typically comes first for you: a character? An era? A story idea? How do you proceed from there?
For Lion of the Sky, I started with a character—flawed yet driven by relatable hopes and dreams—who provides the heart of the story. Enter Raj! This character shapes the journey as they navigate conflicts, goals, and growth within a chosen setting and era, culminating in a resolution that hopefully leaves an impact.
How do you conduct your research?
I try immersing myself in reading and watching, delving into various sources to gather information. I always strive to unearth insights beyond what’s readily available online. This involves seeking out individuals with personal connections and tapping into their firsthand experiences that might not be found elsewhere. This helps me discover exclusive details that enrich the depth and authenticity of my work.
Do you have a specific system for collecting data?
Yes, I do. I maintain checklists and organize information in Excel folders dedicated to facts on language, clothing, phrases used, foods eaten, and specific building structures of the time. This helps me ensure that details are well-documented and easily accessible for reference when needed.
What kinds of sources do you use?
I delved into historical accounts and primary sources, including personal diaries, official documents, and oral histories from the 1947 Partition archive, to authentically capture the essence of that tumultuous period. Drawing inspiration from literary works, visual resources such as photographs and artwork, as well as letters and educational materials tailored for young readers, I aimed to create a rich narrative. Additionally, I explored cultural artifacts like folk songs and films to infuse depth into the storytelling. Most importantly, I engaged with elders in my community, many in their eighties and nineties, listening to their stories and recording their memories—often shared for the first time, overcoming the lingering stigma of the Partition. These diverse sources gave me a multifaceted perspective and helped me grasp the nuances and emotions intertwined with significant historical events like the Partition.
How long do you typically research before beginning to draft?
I research for about 3-6 months before diving into the drafting process. However, I often find myself so engrossed and fascinated by the information I find that I can’t wait any longer to start putting pen to paper. Even as I begin drafting, I continue to research and gather more details as my story evolves, and I persist in researching through revisions to ensure the accuracy of the narrative. Research is an ongoing journey that enriches the storytelling process at every stage.
At what point do you feel comfortable beginning to draft? How does your research continue once you begin writing?
I feel comfortable beginning to draft when I sense I have unearthed the heart of my story. This means I have delved deep enough into my research to grasp the core of the tale I want to tell, providing me with a solid foundation to start crafting the narrative.
What is your favorite thing about research?
My favorite thing about research is the anticipation of uncovering all the fascinating facts I know I’ll find!
What’s your least favorite thing about research?
My least favorite thing about research is that sometimes, you must be patient and persistent, especially when you encounter conflicting sources of information. Sorting through contradictory details can be challenging and requires careful navigation to arrive at the most accurate understanding of a subject.
What’s your favorite thing about writing historical fiction?
My favorite thing about writing historical fiction is the ability to journey back to a fascinating period and have the creative freedom to play with what could have happened then. It’s a unique blend of showing truth while simultaneously indulging in wild imagination, allowing me to weave a narrative that is both rooted in history and enriched by my creative interpretation.
What are some obstacles writing historical fiction brings?
Writing historical fiction is tricky because you must get the facts right, avoid using things that didn’t exist in that time (anachronisms), not drown in too much research, stick to the historical timeline, create believable characters, handle cultural differences with sensitivity, and meet reader expectations.
What’s one of the most interesting things you’ve learned while researching?
One of the most fascinating discoveries during my research was the abundance of stories showcasing acts of kindness, selfless risks taken to save others, and communities banding together to provide protection—a side of history often overlooked in larger history books.
Has your research ever affected the overall trust of your book? How so?
Yes, my research has influenced the overall trustworthiness of my book. Drawing from primary sources, tapping into my own profound family connections and noble sacrifices made, and engaging a Muslim-sensitivity reader to ensure objectivity and impartiality in portraying diverse perspectives have all enhanced my work’s credibility and trustworthiness.
Because life isn’t always clear cut, the motives behind our actions don’t always make sense. But stories need to follow a logical path. What sorts of decisions have you had to make about “muddy” historical figures or events in order for your book to work?
In Lion of the Sky, I grappled with how best to represent the intricate historical events. For instance, I crafted my main character, Raj, to first believe that Muslims were the ones forced to leave Sindh, evoking such deep empathy that he is willing to join a protest to help his Muslim brothers stay. This initial setup turns into a twist when both Raj and the reader learn that he and his Hindu community must flee, heightening the character’s plight. By narrating these events through a child’s perspective, I was also able to spotlight unsettling aspects of the era, like the poignant contrast of two friends from different communities, once united, now celebrating their motherland’s birthday on separate days.
Why is historical fiction important?
Historical fiction is vital for bringing the past alive, blending facts with captivating stories to educate and engage readers. It fosters empathy, broadens perspectives, and helps us appreciate how history shapes our present and future.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Writing Lion of the Sky allowed me to intertwine fragments of my own life story with the historical tapestry, incorporating whispers of my family legacy. Their courage, fears, and resilience in times of turmoil are woven into the narrative, enriching it with authenticity and depth. It’s a reminder that infusing personal experiences into any form of writing can enhance its authenticity and add layers of nuance.
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Ritu Hemnani is an author, journalist, educator, and motivational speaker who hopes for every child to see themselves in the pages of a book and know that their stories matter. Ritu is passionate about promoting diversity and empathy through writing stories for the South China Morning Post, and her debut middle-grade novel in verse, LION OF THE SKY, was published by HarperCollins in 2024. Ritu shares the seeds of her writing journey and the inspiration behind her deep dive into her own family history in her 2019 TEDx Talk, An Inheritance Worth Sharing. You can find Ritu online at www.rituhemnani.com.