I'm working on a #historicalfiction novel based in the Roman empire (2nd century) and having to wrestle with 1) accurately portraying ancient sexual mores and 2) keeping the novel appealing/sexy to modern readers. Boy howdy did the Romans think of and do 🥒🍩🍑 things differently. 1/2 #amwriting
Not to mention 40 years of classical scholarship obfuscating matters because many philologists like to take ancient elite opinions as universal fact (looking at you, Foucaultists). There's a lot of mess to cut through in order to at least rhyme with history (the goal of most historical fiction).
Wow that sounds intense but fascinating 😄 How do you balance historical accuracy with making it relatable and engaging for modern readers?