How I Decide Which Historical Details to Keep—and Which to Cut

When writing about history, the challenge is not just finding facts but choosing which ones to include. History is full of details, some essential and others less so. Deciding what to keep and what to leave out shapes how readers understand the past. This post explains how I make those choices to create clear, engaging, and meaningful historical narratives.

Focus on the Story’s Purpose

Every historical piece has a goal. It might explain a major event, highlight a person’s impact, or explore a cultural shift. I start by clarifying the story’s purpose. This helps me filter details that support the main point.

Prioritize Impactful Details

Not all historical facts carry the same weight. I look for details that had a clear impact on events or people. These include turning points, decisions by key figures, or social changes that shaped outcomes.

Consider the Audience’s Interest

Knowing who will read the post guides which details to include. A general audience prefers clear, relatable stories without overwhelming facts. Experts might want more depth and nuance.

When writing for casual readers, I choose vivid details that bring history to life. For example, describing the atmosphere in a medieval marketplace or the emotions of soldiers before battle. These details create connection without bogging down the narrative.

Use Clear and Simple Language

Historical details can be complex. I try to avoid jargon and complicated explanations. Instead, I like to break down events into simple terms and explain why each detail matters.

If a detail is too technical or obscure, I ask myself if it adds enough value to justify its complexity. If not, I leave it out or simplify it. This approach keeps the story accessible and engaging.

Balance Between Facts and Narrative

History is more than dates and names; it’s a story with characters and conflicts. I choose details that build this narrative. Facts that explain motivations, challenges, and consequences make history feel alive.

Avoid Overloading with Numbers and Dates

Numbers and dates are important but can overwhelm readers if overused. I include them when they clarify the timeline or scale of events but avoid excessive statistics.

For example, instead of listing every battle date in a war, I like to highlight a few key moments that changed the course. This keeps the story moving and prevents readers from getting lost in details.

Cut Repetitive or Redundant Information

Sometimes historical sources repeat the same facts in different ways. I try to remove repetition to keep the narrative tight. This also helps maintain reader interest.

If two details say the same thing, I keep the clearer or more vivid one. This editing step sharpens the story and improves flow.

Use Examples to Illustrate Points

Concrete examples help readers understand abstract ideas. I include specific stories or incidents that show the impact of historical events.

For example, to explain the impact of industrialization, I might describe a factory worker’s daily life rather than just stating economic growth statistics. This makes history relatable and memorable.

Check for Relevance and Accuracy

I verify that each detail is relevant to the storyline and factually accurate. Irrelevant or incorrect details may confuse readers and weaken credibility.

If a detail doesn’t fit the story’s focus or lacks reliable sources, I often exclude it. This ensures the narrative stays trustworthy and clear.

Of course, sometimes history doesn't help me advance my story. So, I feel compelled to rearrange a few things. After all, I'm a novelist not a historian.

Leave Room for Curiosity

While I aim to be thorough, I also leave some questions open. This invites readers to explore further on their own. I avoid overloading my stories with every possible detail, which can feel overwhelming.

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads