Sometimes truth is more fascinating, more adventurous than fiction. Sometimes a news article becomes a spark for a fictional story. One of the greatest films of all time, Titanic, took its cue from real life; many books and films are based on real life stories, mysteries, narrow escapes, historical events and experiences. The best kinds of story sparks are those things which capture our imagination; not only best for the reader, but also for the writer – for if you are not excited by and captivated by what you’re writing about, researching and investigating, how do you expect a reader to be excited or captivated by it? Personally, history has always fascinated me; I wonder, “What would it be like to walk among them?” or “What would it be like to discover these events as a modern archaeologist?” I explored such a theme in my novels, “The Cardinal“.
Here are a few historical sparks that might capture your imagination; just click on each image to link to the article:
Artifacts from the Battle of the Egadi Islands, ca. 240 BC
The City of Heracleion, Plunged into the Sea
China’s Atlantis: Shi Cheng
The Skulls of Sac Uayum
An Ancient Roman Shipwreck Reveals Medicinal Remedies
Stephanie Huesler 