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what time period should I set my Novel in?
I'm trying to write a "Supernatural Mystery" Novel,(set in America)and I want it to be back before (Modern) Technology and most inventions:Cars,Cell Phones,Video Games etc.I was thinking like the 1870-1890'S
I don't want any of the World Wars to influence my book either so I wanted to set the timeline as far back from that as possible...my Story takes place in Philly
Maybe you can tell me some major themes\Events going on doing 1870-1880(especially in Philadelphia),or suggest other time periods that were relatively quite(so to keep other distractions at a minimal)...I would prefer it be in the mid\late 1800's ....Your thoughts?
1 Answer
- 7 years agoFavorite Answer
this as a calm time in America, a time in between the first world war (1914) and the Civil War. I don't have much knowledge on this area of history, but try thinking about industrialization, as this was the time it was happening in America.
There is a relatively new genre that has gained popularity recently called steampunk. On Wikipedia, it is defined as "a genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.". Pretty much it's just set in the Victorian area (which is amazing to write about considering the clothing and revolutionary time of technology they lived in) and it is personally on of my favorites. It's also pretty rare so it will make your story unique. Check out the Clockwork Angel series by Cassandra Clare, it is a supernatural steam punk book. If you choose to write in the industrialization time period, I suggest making be set in England, especially London, as during this time period England controlled much of the world economy had a huge influence.
Sorry if this wasn't helpful/ didn't fit your vision! good luck on your story!
