"10 Worst Mistakes That Authors of Alternate History Make"

Diego Ospina Serna

Hatched by Diego Ospina Serna

Apr 07, 2024

3 min read

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"10 Worst Mistakes That Authors of Alternate History Make"

When it comes to writing alternate history, authors often make several mistakes that can hinder the coherence and believability of their stories. In order to create a compelling alternate universe with a counterfactual history, it is important to avoid these common pitfalls. Let's explore some of the worst mistakes that authors of alternate history make and how to overcome them.

One of the biggest mistakes is concentrating too much on one changed event, instead of considering all the events that led up to it. A successful alternate history should take into account the intricate web of historical developments and how they would be affected by the alteration. Failing to bring the alternate history up to the reader's present also leaves out half the fun. The best alternate histories can make readers see the real history of our world in a whole new way and question the inevitability of certain events.

Ignoring historical factors that were important at the time, even if they aren't important to the story, is another mistake. A big part of writing alternate history is making judgments about which historical points to pursue and which to let go. It is important to consider the context and significance of certain events even if they may not be directly relevant to the story.

Not accounting for the ripples from one major change is a common oversight. Every alteration in history has consequences, and these consequences can have further ripples. While it is impossible to account for every single ripple, it is crucial to pay attention to the potential effects of major changes and consider how they would shape the alternate universe.

Mixing up urban legends with actual history is another mistake that can compromise the authenticity of the alternate history. It is important to fact-check and not rely solely on common misconceptions or folk-history. Assumptions about what will or will not change besides the major alteration can also lead to inconsistencies. Some brands and attitudes may still exist, while others may not. Striking a balance between familiarity and novelty is crucial for creating a believable alternate history.

Another common mistake is making the story go where the author wants it to go, instead of where the altered history would naturally support. While creativity is important, it is essential to ensure that the story remains plausible within the context of the alternate history. Breaking the rules of the alternate history without proper justification can undermine the credibility of the narrative.

Explaining too much can also hinder the storytelling process. While research is important, including every detail can overwhelm the reader and detract from the plot. It is crucial to determine the pertinent details of the time-shift and integrate them organically into the narrative.

Lastly, forgetting to tell a good story is perhaps the biggest mistake an author can make. Alternate history is not just about exploring "what if" scenarios, but also about creating interesting characters and a compelling narrative. Focusing on characters and their motivations, similar to those in our familiar world, can help create a timeless and engaging alternate history.

In conclusion, writing alternate history requires careful consideration of the historical context, a balance between familiarity and novelty, and creating a compelling narrative. To avoid common mistakes, authors should not concentrate solely on one changed event, bring the alternate history up to the reader's present, account for ripples from one major change, avoid mixing up urban legends with actual history, be mindful of assumptions, ensure the story aligns with the altered history, avoid over-explaining, and prioritize storytelling. By avoiding these mistakes, authors can create captivating alternate histories that resonate with readers.

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