For years I avoided writing a historical novel because of fear of research, but when Kathleen E. Kovach and I decided to write a contemporary novel with a historical frame about the Titanic, I discovered I could get lost in historical research. As I’ve worked the last many months on Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal, a passion has grown within me to offer accurate and interesting historical detail. I’ve read a few of the Titanic novels that have already begun surfacing. While I love many of the stories, I’ve been disappointed in most of their historical accounting.
Most of us know the big picture stuff about the Titanic, but it’s the little known facts or more complete descriptions I want to share. The trick is to plant them seamlessly into a story riveting enough to move the reader forward. I want my readers to come away feeling they’ve learned something about Titanic without being bored by too much history. (Tall order, ya’ll can pray for me!)
My hunger for historical research has had to be tempered by deadline! But I found I couldn’t do much story writing until I established a big-picture understanding of Titanic. I quit even pretending to write until I finished two of the most trusted first-hand book-length accounts of the Titanic. Both are available for free on the Internet. My favorite, Loss of the S.S. Titanic, was written by Lawrence Beesley, a teacher and Cambridge graduate. His story is well-written, easy to follow, and descriptive. He was one of only 8% of second class men to survive, sent off in one of the lifeboats when no more women were to be found.
When Beesley was first approached about writing a book, he declined. But after hearing so many sensationalized accounts of the sinking, Lawrence agreed to the book contract in hopes he could give a more accurate portrayal of the situation, honor the victims and survivors’ courage, and encourage reform to make future sea-going passengers safer. You can find his book organized on one of the most comprehensive Titanic websites with links to more specific information on some of the things he writes about.
The other book I read was written by Colonel Archibald Gracie, This on-line news article does a great job of summarizing his 379 page book, The Truth About the Titanic.
Gracie, a self-proclaimed amateur historian, had already written other historical accounts when he tackled the Titanic. His perspective is more comprehensive than Beesley’s for two reasons. The first is he was actually on Titanic when she sank, pulled down with her, then propelled back to the surface by a strange surge of water. His account gives more of the story of the final moments of the sinking. The second is Gracie did extensive research from other first-hand accounts and included them, as well as transcription from the governmental hearings, in his book. (You can also purchase a paperback version of his book at Amazon under the title: Titanic: A Survivor’s Story.)
Sadly, after this fifty-three year old survived the harrowing experience of being pulled under as Titanic sank, he died only eight months later, the last chapter of his account unwritten. It is said that he never recovered fully either emotionally or physically from his experience.
Hope you’re enjoying Tueday’s Titanic Tidbits. See you next week!
