Biographical Historical Fiction: Why should I read it?

Biographical Historical Fiction - Why should I read it?

If you're looking for a genre that combines history with a fascinating story, look no further than biographical historical fiction!

This genre offers readers a chance to immerse themselves in another time period and learn about real people who lived through incredible events.

Here are just a few of the many reasons to love biographical historical fiction:

-You'll gain a new perspective on history

-You'll be inspired by the stories of real people

-You'll learn about different cultures and time periods

-You'll be transported to another time and place

So if you're looking for a genre that's both educational and entertaining, make sure to check out biographical historical fiction!

Check out 'Joan: put on a happy face' by Carol M Mottershead out in paperback now

Joan: Put on a Happy face: Amazon.co.uk: Mottershead, Carol M: 9798683476625: Books

Chapter 7 The Making of JOAN - So you think it's all over?

So You Think It’s All Over?

My journey into authorship has been nothing short of fascinating. To my surprise, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, even discovering an unexpected passion for history—something I never cared for in school. I thought my work was done once the story was written, my journey over. But it turned out to be just the beginning…

The Business Side of Authorship: Marketing

Like many novice authors, I believed the hardest part was writing the story, turning it into a book, and putting it out into the world. I thought readers would naturally gravitate toward it—how wrong I was! Initially, I relied on family and friends for support. Surely, they’d read it, offer reviews, and help spread the word, right? While their help was invaluable, there came a point when I needed to reach beyond my immediate circle. My book needed new readers—new blood, so to speak.

Joan - Puton a Happy Face is now available on over 17 Amazon sites worldwide, some managed by Amazon USA, others by international branches I’m still learning about, even five years later.

My next move was to join Amazon’s Kindle Select program. With thousands of Kindle devices sold every year and a vast subscription library—the largest eBook collection in the world—it felt thrilling to think my book was part of that immense catalogue. Millions of books and mine among them! But being on a digital shelf doesn’t guarantee readers will find or choose your book. The real challenge? Standing out in the crowd.

Libraries and Expanded Distribution

Determined to expand my reach, I explored getting my book into local libraries. That’s where Kindle Direct Publishing’s (KDP) ‘expanded distribution’ came into play. While it didn’t cost anything upfront, it meant sacrificing an additional 20% of royalties, bringing my share down to 40% (after print costs). However, the chance to get my book into more hands made it worthwhile—or so I hoped.

Unfortunately, libraries and bookstores outside Amazon often hesitate to stock indie authors' works, seeing them as competition. But I wasn’t ready to give up. There had to be another way—and there as.

Through KDP’s expanded distribution, details of my book were sent to various channels. Customers could purchase or stock the book like any other title. While I’m still waiting for that magical breakthrough sale, I remain optimistic, keeping faith in the process.

I also attempted to get my book into the British Library, believing it would make Joan - Put on a Happy Face available to libraries across the UK. While the British, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Cambridge, and Oxford depositories accepted my book, I later discovered they could only make it available for on-site reading, not for lending libraries. Another hurdle to overcome.

Not ready to quit, I attended a webinar with local librarians to better understand the system. Tight budgets meant libraries were hesitant to invest in unknown indie authors’ books, fearing they might sit unread on shelves. When I suggested donating copies, I learned I’d have to contact each central library individually, submit a copy for review, and wait for their decision. It was a painstaking process, but persistence paid off.

Small Wins and Big Lessons

Today, my book is held in Thornaby, Middlesbrough, and Brent Libraries, with more awaiting fulfillment. It’s also available as an eBook, paperback, or hardcover on Amazon, Blackwell’s, Waterstones, and other online bookstores.

To aspiring authors, my advice is simple: “Don’t give up on your dream.” The road may be challenging, but the rewards are worth every effort.  Happy reading—and remember, as Joan says,

"Put on a Happy Face’ and keep smiling!"

Joan: Put on a Happy Face (Where historical fiction meet true events) (The Elixir Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Mottershead, Carol M: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Part 6 The Making of JOAN - The book is writ - now what do I do?

The book is writ - now what do I do?

I had written a story—a story I never imagined I’d write in my wildest dreams. Night after night, I felt compelled to put these words to paper, as if possessed. But now, having finished it, the question loomed—what was I going to do with it?

First, I sent my manuscript to family and friends who kindly agreed to read it. Their feedback ranged from helpful to, well, less so. After four rounds of writing and rewriting, I finally felt satisfied with the final version. I meticulously checked for story content, grammar, and edits. My book was ready to send to literary agents.

Self-publishing through KDP wasn’t my initial plan. I was adamant that vanity publishing wasn’t for me. My reasoning was simple: If I couldn’t find someone to believe in my story enough to invest time and money into it, I wasn’t going to pay just to feed my ego. My goal wasn’t to write for myself, friends, and family—I wanted my book to tell its story and share its message with the world.

“I want to do this properly,” I thought. My vision was to find a literary agent who would handle the hard work: securing a traditional publisher as enthusiastic about my story as I was, managing the marketing, and, yes, even paying me for the privilege! Only after trying this route did I come to fully appreciate just how challenging it is to market a book in today’s saturated market. There are so many books out there—how do readers even choose? What are they searching for? What draws them in? I felt utterly overwhelmed.

I emailed several literary agents, sending them my story synopsis, an elevator pitch designed to ignite interest, and the first three chapters. Then I waited. Weeks passed. Rejections trickled in—polite, but rejections nonetheless. Eventually, I conceded defeat.

Enter fellow author and comedian Lester Crabtree. During lockdown, he’d written a book about his life as a comedian “Born to Die” [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Die-Real-Life-Comedian-ebook/dp/B08D1H2G93] and he introduced me to KDP Publishing. I was sceptical, but I decided to see what they had to offer. Through KDP, I could professionally publish my book as an eBook, audiobook, and paperback, all tailored to my specifications with their guidance. Best of all, there were no upfront costs. KDP only earns when a book is sold.

In September 2020, with their support, Joan - Put On A Happy Face was officially published through Amazon.

I’ll admit I had reservations about self-publishing. I’d heard the horror stories—poor royalties and wasted time. However, with KDP’s royalties offering 70% on eBooks and 60% (minus print costs) on paperbacks, I thought this arrangement was quite reasonable! No upfront costs were another major bonus. Of course, traditional publishers cover all costs, taking the financial risks themselves—but that wasn’t an option for me. Vanity publishing? Out of the question! So, KDP Publishing was the path I chose.

To my relief, KDP proved incredibly supportive throughout the process, offering prompt responses to my queries. While the technology initially intimidated me, they guided me through it with patience. Their marketing tools, such as free promotions, countdown deals, and “click-to-view” ads (which I haven’t tried yet), add another layer of accessibility for authors.

I wholeheartedly recommend KDP Publishing to anyone struggling to find a traditional publisher. Unlike vanity publishing, there are no upfront costs. However, I can’t stress enough the importance of editing. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation is crucial. Sloppy, error-ridden books tarnish the reputation of independent authors and discourage readers from giving our work a chance.

Today, I am a published author, and there’s no feeling quite like holding your first book in print. It’s simply marvellous!

Take a “look inside” my book courtesy of Amazon, or visit my author page. Whatever you choose—happy reading! And as Joan says, “Put on a Happy Face” and keep smiling

Part 5 The Making of JOAN - Real life events that fit the characters in Punch & Judy

Real-life Events that Inspired the Characters in Punch & Judy

Developing these characters and weaving them seamlessly into the theme of Joan’s puppet show—what we now recognize as Punch and Judy—was a journey. Each puppet needed a backstory, a connection to Joan, and a role in her life's tapestry. The challenge was not just portraying their ties to her but doing so in a way that complements the whimsical, chaotic spirit of the puppet show itself.

Spanning 450 years of history, this timeline became a daunting yet exhilarating task. Joan, immortal and still alive today, lived through it all. We've taken care to honor her history and the tumultuous eras she witnessed. When I think of her, I picture her thriving in the serene Lake District, surrounded by the family she loves dearly.

Joan’s origin story became clearer as I dived into her connection with Commedia dell’arte. This Italian theatrical tradition, first documented in 1545, undeniably shaped Joan’s world. Imagining her as a young woman witnessing live performances in her Roman hometown provided the perfect backdrop. Estimating her birth year meant factoring in the societal norms of her time. Marriages in medieval Europe often saw women wed young—typically around 18—and the intricacies of these traditions added depth to her early years.

Research Highlights That Brought Her World to Life

- Medieval Weddings: Couples were married just outside chapel doors before entering for a nuptial mass—a fascinating contrast to Protestant customs. As for bridal attire and wedding rituals, I poured hours into uncovering designs and customs that reflected the period's character.

-Societal Roles of Wives: Through centuries, the perception of women shifted, though not always for the better. Women endured the indignity of being treated as property for far too long, and only in recent centuries have they begun reclaiming their autonomy.

- Childbirth Practices: Medieval mothers underwent intense spiritual preparation, seeking divine forgiveness and blessings for a safe delivery—a grim reflection of the era's high maternal risks. The sheer brutality of tools like pelvic cutters reminds us of the horrifying priorities of past medical practices.

- And Then… the Crocodile! 

Who could forget the beloved crocodile from Punch’s adventures? Unearthing its origins, I found that crocodiles emit a purring sound as a warning, which must have bewildered the uninitiated. Pulcinella’s nickname for the creature, “kitty, kitty,” suddenly made perfect sense!

Immortality: A Blessing or a Curse?

To add a modern layer of intrigue, I took to social media, polling the public about eternal life. Surprisingly, only a third of respondents expressed interest in immortality. When extended to their families, that number rose, but still, hesitation lingered. This exploration fueled my imagination as I pondered Joan and her family grappling with their eternal existence.

Joan’s Journey Begins Here

In JOAN - Put on a Happy Face, the first instalment of this trilogy, Joan and her family discover the consequences of a life forever altered by an accidental potion. Gifted by John Dee—a man bound to them by more than just friendship—this elixir carries unforeseen burdens and secrets yet to be unveiled.

When it came to finding how to fit the crocodile into the story... well... that was an interesting one for I discovered the reason Mr Punch traditionally calls the crocodile a 'kitty, kitty'. Crocodiles or cocodrillo's,  make a purring sound when warning people off.  To someone who had never seen a crocodile before, hearing the purring sound would be like hearing the purr of a cat, and Pulcinella or Mr Punch would have been no different!

For even further research, I wondered how Joan and her family would feel when they found out they were immortal... I decided to ask the public. Using social media this time, I asked the questions:

Would you choose to be immortal if offered a potion for life eternal? 

-Only one third of people said they would, which surprised me. I'd thought that if someone discovered an elixir for immortality that everyone would want it! 

Then when told that the potion could be taken by their whole family 

-a further fifty percent said they would consider it, not definitely, but they'd consider it. 

So immortality wasn't as popular as you'd think! 

That brought me to wondering how Joan, Pulcinella and their baby would handle finding out they would never die, they would never meet their maker, they would never find peace? You'll have to read the story for what happened I'm afraid though, haha!

So what is the story about?

Joan and her family became immortal after taking a potion intended only to heal, from their family friend John Dee; but there's more than friendship binding John to her family, a secret she has yet to uncover.

JOAN - Put on a Happy Face is the first of a trilogy meant to whet your appetite for what is to come...

Available as eBook on 

Amazon US   Amazon UK

Part 4 The Making of JOAN - Researching Nicholas Flamel

Researching Nicholas Flamel

History took a captivating turn upon delving into the life of Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle. They lived in the 14th century—a time awash with whispers of magic and tales that would eventually feed legends. Flamel, an alchemist, scientist, and educated man, owned a bookshop and worked as a scrivener, serving his community. Though deeply religious, he was famously credited with uncovering the secret to transforming lead into gold.

Over time, Nicholas, more so than Perenelle, became associated with the ultimate enigma: the secret to immortality. For a devout individual, this was a blasphemous claim. Yet, Flamel remained a figure of science, a humble bookshop owner, and a man devoted to aiding the less fortunate. Together, the couple provided refuge for the homeless, establishing a sanctuary in Paris that endures today as a restaurant. Their legacy of generosity has preserved their memory for centuries—even as the mythical accolades of alchemy and immortality remain unproven. But then, a new discovery beckons…

During my research, I stumbled upon a gem: an Elixir for Longer Life! 

Could this be what gave rise to the lore of immortality? In medieval times, a lifespan beyond forty or fifty years was exceptional. For someone outliving their peers, the label “immortal” might not have seemed far-fetched.

The treasure I uncovered is none other than Chartreuse’s Elixir de Végétal. This concoction, crafted by the Carthusian monks, contains an extraordinary blend of 130 flowers, plants, and herbs distilled in alcohol. Guarded by a 400-year-old secret recipe, its origins are a marvel in their own right. Until recent years, French doctors prescribed this potent liqueur for its medicinal qualities.

The Elixir is meant to be taken sparingly—a few drops at most—whether:

- In hot water with lemon and honey,  

- In a tisane,  

- As a cocktail bitter to enhance flavor,  

- Or on a sugar cube.  

Renowned as the “Elixir of Long Life,” it’s believed to promote health by easing digestion, curing fatigue and discomfort, and restoring vitality and well-being. To preserve its efficacy, it must be stored in its protective wooden case, away from light.

Adding to its mystique, only three monks know the recipe at any given time. Of the three, two hold only half the recipe each, while the third possesses the knowledge of how to unite the parts during production—an art carried out in the monastery’s cellar.

For modern palates, the Elixir has been adapted into a milder liqueur, available in its iconic green hue or a honey-infused yellow. These versions have found a home in trendy bars and cocktail menus of today.

Naturally curious, I purchased a bottle of the Elixir de Végétal. Intriguingly, within three weeks of taking three drops daily on a sugar lump, my platelet levels—low for five years and requiring tri-monthly monitoring—returned to normal. Coincidence or something more? Fascinating indeed!

Chartreuse’s Elixir de Végétal is available on Amazon Prime—an intriguing piece of history in a bottle.

Part 3 The Making of JOAN - Researching Punch & Judy Shows

Researching Punch & Judy Shows

Exploring the variations of the Punch and Judy puppet show has been fascinating. Despite there being hundreds of puppeteers performing this show worldwide, each rendition is unique while somehow retaining the same essence. It’s incredible how a single concept can be interpreted in so many different ways, yet maintain its originality.

Punch and Judy has roots in Commedia dell’Arte, which prompted me to delve deeper into the history of this theatrical style. I discovered that every show was distinctive because there was no set script to follow. Performers would improvise around themes or topics, often adding comedic and risqué elements—content that would undoubtedly be deemed politically incorrect by today’s standards. They challenged authority and mocked nobility with flair and audacity.

Learning about Joan through my research was unexpectedly thrilling, especially since history wasn’t something I had taken an interest in before. Delving into something new that truly captivated me felt exhilarating.

In my story, I explore Punch and Judy through the eyes of Joan herself. She would be shocked by how society perceives her shows today. To Joan, her performances are about her family and loved ones—how could anyone be so against them? But wait—how could Joan even express outrage in the present day, given she would be over 450 years old?

That’s when my eldest son raised an intriguing question: how could this scenario even be possible? Could Joan be an elderly retired puppeteer who has lost touch with reality? Was she suffering from dementia, convinced she was Judy? Perhaps she was a schizophrenic obsessed with becoming Judy. But no, I couldn’t imagine my version of Joan that way. Joan had to be strong, resilient, and full of confidence—a survivor of life’s challenges, ready to tell her own story.

Then, as I wrestled with this dilemma, my youngest son introduced me to an intriguing idea: Nicholas Flamel and the elixir of immortality. Like many, I’d only encountered Flamel through J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. To my surprise, Flamel had actually been a real person—a French philanthropist who donated much of his wealth to charities and hospitals. He was also an alchemist reputed to have discovered the Philosopher’s Stone, capable of turning metals into gold, and the elixir of immortality. With that, my research journey took an unexpected turn, adding yet another fascinating layer to my project.

Amazon US   Amazon UK

Part 2 The Making of JOAN - No two performances are alike

No two Punch and Judy performances are ever the same.

The retired puppeteer Pat seemed like the perfect fit for what I had in mind—a local female Punch and Judy performer with just the right voice. When I approached her and described the story I was envisioning, she listened carefully and told me that what I was planning to write would be incredibly powerful.

Was I ready to be challenged about my own experience with Punch and Judy? Absolutely not! I hadn't seen many shows myself, and like most people, I knew that each one was unique. The scripts are never written down for others to replicate. Much like their counterparts in Commedia dell'Arte, Punch and Judy shows evolve with the times and reflect current political views. They act as bearers of "the news," bringing it to audiences wherever they go—and the same goes for Punch and Judy.

Puppeteers have been using these archetypal characters for centuries, their origins tracing back to Commedia dell'Arte. For instance, when Mad Cow disease dominated the headlines, Professor Brian made local front-page news by having Mr. Punch declare that he wouldn't eat beef sausages. My research into various puppeteers' works revealed that, despite individual creativity, the same stock characters tend to appear.

There’s always Mr. Punch, Judy, and Baby, along with Scaramouche and the mischievous little dog Toby—once often played by a real dog. Other recurring characters include a singing, dancing black puppet, a clown, a devil, a doctor, an executioner or hangman, and a policeman or a figure symbolizing authority through the ages—not to mention the unforgettable crocodile. Beyond this, the roster often draws from the latest news or trending celebrities.

After searching extensively, I struggled to find a full Punch and Judy show online. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon ‘Preston’s Historic Punch and Judy’ in Adelaide, Australia, that I finally succeeded.

Part 1 https://youtu.be/a-yPfrcS2Zo

Part 2 https://youtu.be/NsTbFHlgcMA

Part 3 https://youtu.be/QuHtWIss5bY

[Thanks must be given to Preston's Historic Punch & Judy for sharing their videos on YouTube]