"10 Worst Mistakes That Authors of Alternate History Make"

"10 Worst Mistakes That Authors of Alternate History Make"

"Extinción de Dominio en Panamá: comentarios al primer capítulo del proyecto de ley 625"

In the world of literature, alternate history has become a popular genre that allows authors to explore the possibilities of what could have been. By altering key events in history, authors create new universes and timelines that captivate readers' imaginations. However, there are common mistakes that authors of alternate history often make, leading to a lack of coherence and believability in their stories.

One of the biggest mistakes authors make is concentrating too much on one changed event, instead of considering all the events that led up to it. It's important to remember that history is a complex web of interconnected events, and changing one event would have a ripple effect on everything that followed. Failing to bring the alternate history up to the present also hinders the reader's enjoyment. A well-crafted alternate history should make the reader see the real history of our world in a whole new way, and this can only be achieved by bringing the altered timeline into the reader's present.

Another mistake is not recognizing that some historical developments were probably inevitable. If an author wants to change a significant event, they would need to introduce a major change much earlier in history, rather than just derailing one individual's plans. Ignoring historical factors that were important at the time, even if they aren't essential to the story, also hampers the credibility of the alternate history. It's important to acknowledge and give a nod to the things that were contemporarily important, even if they don't directly impact the narrative.

Authors should also account for the ripples that would result from one major change. History is a complex tapestry, and altering one event would have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond what may be initially apparent. By paying attention to things that almost happened in real history, authors can create a more believable alternate timeline. Additionally, authors should be cautious about mixing up urban legends with actual history. Common misconceptions about the past can lead to inaccuracies and undermine the credibility of the alternate history being presented.

Assuming that nothing will change besides the one big alteration, or that everything will change, are both mistakes that authors should avoid. The reality is that some things will remain the same, while others will be drastically different. It's important to strike a balance and create a plausible alternate world that incorporates both familiar and altered elements. Making the story go where the author wants it to go, instead of where the altered history naturally leads, is another mistake that authors should be mindful of. A good story should be supported by the altered history, rather than the other way around.

Explaining too much can also detract from the storytelling experience. While it's important to do thorough research and have a deep understanding of the altered timeline, overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details can bog down the narrative. It's crucial to determine the pertinent details of the time-shift and integrate them organically into the story.

Lastly, authors must not forget the essence of storytelling. Creating interesting characters and a compelling narrative should be the focus, rather than simply exploring the "what if" question. Characters with relatable motivations and emotions are what make a story resonate with readers. Pixar movies, known for their timeless appeal, prioritize character development over pop culture references, unlike some Dreamworks animation films that often rely heavily on fleeting trends.

In conclusion, authors of alternate history must be mindful of the mistakes commonly made in this genre. By avoiding these pitfalls, they can create coherent and engaging narratives that transport readers to new and captivating worlds. To ensure success, here are three actionable pieces of advice for authors of alternate history:

• 1. Conduct thorough research and consider the interconnectedness of historical events. Remember that changing one event will have a ripple effect on everything that follows.

• 2. Bring the alternate history up to the reader's present to provide a fresh perspective on real history. This allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the alternate universe.

• 3. Focus on creating well-rounded characters and a compelling story. Characters with relatable motivations and emotions will resonate with readers and make the alternate history timeless.

By following these guidelines, authors can craft alternate histories that not only entertain but also provoke thought and leave a lasting impression on readers.