Finding the balance between accuracy, descriptiveness and a pleasurable narrative; the delicate art of writing an historical novel

This paper discusses the subject matter of writing an historical novel as a high school student with no professional writing experience, no degree in History or English, no accreditations in associated fields of study nor the time and the resources needed for field investigations around various ancient sites — those being places now under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China. The goal of this project was not to pursue perfection in matters of style and literary achievement, but much rather to launch myself into the endeavour of becoming a teenage author to see what kinds of challenges I would face, and what successes I could score. This journey further led me to explore the differences in traditional East Asian literature and its European counterpart, as well as cultural notes hidden at the bottom line of either humanities. Ultimately however, my main onus would always remain the same throughout this maturity project: to find the titular balance and to unite the beauty of Asian historical drama with the quirky rabbit hole of English written delivery, allowing for a cocktail of captivating, facetious storytelling. I believe to have achieved this and am hence honoured to present this paper to you.