Tag Archives: Civil War


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What to Write About

We’re nearing the end of September and Fall is definitely in the air. If you’re planning on taking part in National Novel Writing Month in November then you may need to make a decision about just what subject you plan on writing about.

As you all know, I’m a history buff and love historical novels – writing as well as reading them. One answer to the question “What should I write about?” is to look for historical anniversaries. We are currently at the beginning of the American Civil War Sesquicentennial. We are also approaching the Centennial of World War I.

April of 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

May 2012 is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.

These can get you started.


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Historical Fiction

Beginning this year, it is the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. There are some excellent historical fiction books on library shelves. John Jakes is one of the most celebrated historical fiction writers.  Jakes wrote several books about the old South and the Civil War. Probably his best known are the North and South Trilogy that was made into a miniseries for television.

More recently released fiction and nonfiction:

1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart (Apr 5, 2011)

The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865 by Leander Stillwell (Jul 18, 2011)

Where the Mockingbird Sang: A novel of the Civil War by David Wilson Atwood (May 20, 2010)

Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia by Jessica James (Jan 19, 2008)

Try these and others. Enjoy!