My recent serial, ‘Russian Sector’ concluded yesterday. Later this week, I will compile all 27 parts into one story, for those who prefer to read it all at once.
This was my first attempt at ‘Historical Fiction’, albeit modern history, from 1945-1990.
Choosing that genre came with its own challenges. Research is critical, making sure that dates and places are accurate, names are valid, and events around the characters actually happened.
Trying to put myself into the mind of someone born in 1935, seeing the fall of Berlin ten years later, then growing up under a Socialist regime in the former East Germany, that was a challenge too. When we write characters, we sometimes include a little of ourselves in one or more of them. Whether we do this deliberately or subconsciously, it does happen. However, this could not be allowed in an historical context, so I had to re-think how I would approach it.
The real-life aspects of much of the story also meant that I could not inject the twists that are usually so much a part of any story I write.
Despite all this, I am happy to report that this was actually my most widely read/viewed serial so far. It enjoyed a regular daily view in excess of 80, sometimes higher, and engagement in the comments was very satisfying indeed. And it has encouraged me to experiment with genres outside of my usual comfort zone in the future.
As always, my thanks to everyone who read the serial, left a comment, and shared on other platforms.
Best wishes to everyone, Pete.
I am pending with 2 series. Annie and this one. Will finish it soon. I am just too tired of studying so I am reading comics and short stories these days.🙂✌
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No problem, dear Suzan. The stories are online, and not going anywhere. One day will do just fine. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Thank you so much for understanding. I am just too caught up with board works. 😞😭✌
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You are the MAN, Pete! xox
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Thanks so much, Lara. (Missed this for some reason)
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Congrats Pete….you may have found a new source, eh? chuq
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I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction, chuq.
It made a nice change to write some. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sue is a huge fan of historic fiction…I am sure she will enjoy it….chuq
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You did it in a very famous way, even i had to stop with part 15, i will read over this weekend. Every part forced to read the next one. Michael
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Glad to hear that. I appreciate you reading it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Always Pete! Love your style very much, and this history fiction is great too.
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Pete,
I am a new reader (2 months). I just want to tell you I am enjoying your efforts!
Michael McDaniel
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Thanks very much for letting me know, Michael.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Terrific to read that you had a dedicated following that exceeded your expectations, Pete…that said, I sense the need for a white knuckle story with a real TWIST from you soon!
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Thanks, John. I will give that some thought. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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You have, as I have mentioned in earlier series, a real skill at character development. With Manfred you got to really showcase that skill without needing any gimmicks, twists, mayhem or murders.(Not that I mind the stories with those elements.) Well done.
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Thanks very much, Elizabeth.
I appreciate those kind words.
Best wishes, Pete.
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And I WILL catch up with it!
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Not to worry. The complete story is out tomorrow, but it is 36,000 words!
Best wishes, Pete. x
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In my opunion, it was the best serial so far!
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Thanks, David. I enjoyed trying something different, and I am happy that it was so well-received.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I enjoyed it. 🙂
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Thanks, KT. I appreciate you reading it all, and your comments too. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I have not read it yet, Pete. I am waiting for the compilation.
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Thanks, Maggie. Coming up soon! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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The fact that it didn’t have your usual shocking twists, yet so still kept us all coming back for more is further proof of your wonderful talent Pete.
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That’s a kind thing to say, dear Kim. x
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m glad the story was so popular, Pete: it must be very gratifying, after all the hard work you put it. Cheers, Jon.
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Thanks, Jon. As it was my first attempt at straight historical fiction, I was pleased to see such a good reception of it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Congrats, Pete!
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Thanks, Cindy. I enjoyed trying something different. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
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“When we write characters, we sometimes include a little of ourselves in one or more of them.” Hmmm… all those murder serials…… 😀
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OK, guilty as charged! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Looking forward to it Pete!
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It will be available soon, Arlene. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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