Must write, must write, must write - every day. Its an exercise in improvement and perseverance. It will increase my ability to write and form cohesive thought. Now, to write about what.
I guess the best way is to just write what comes to mind. If you have read any of my excerpts from Under the Smoke, you know what that future book intends to share. I am experimenting with fiction and at war within myself on the time frame. I myself enjoy historical fiction strongly based on fact. My problem is with my own writing, I want to ensure all of my facts are straight. The historian within me insists on this. Is it a help or a hindrance ? Actually it is both.
My main knowledge base is on the American Civil War and World War II. The problem here is that so many stories already exist based on these time frames. The next to intrigue me would be the French & Indian Wars, but I am severely lacking in the aspects of this time. However, my knowledge of the Appalachian area helps in the scenic and geographical descriptions, as do the ties with my Muscogee or Cherokee ancestry. Just dive right in ? Yes and no. Much research is needed to get the history surrounding my story right. I want those who like history to enjoy it as much as those with limited knowledge. I want them to come away from the book nodding their head and saying, "Great story and the history was right too."
Is this important ? It is to me !
More travel memoirs like Under the Smoke are on the far horizon as well, but right now life intervenes and keeps us from expanding those outdoor stories to record. They are in my constant thoughts and definitely part of my dreams.
Tune in for more. As I stated above, I must write everyday.
