Hello sir, I am writing a novel on the American Civil War and am finding it hard to find a story within the battles I am consenting to write about. For example, in Sharpes Rifles Sharpe has to raise the banner of st. James during sir John Moores retreat. Any research you would recommend? (And where do you come up with engaging little plots like that in the mist of a bloody mess, and how do I come up with my own?) Also I am very tempted to write about the battle of Bull Run from the Union side but I finding it hard to end the book with the northern soldiers involved still having some trace of dignity. Any Ideas? I dont want to end it with wild run back to Washington, I want there to be some positive on my characters well. What do you think is the best source of research on a war? Books about the battle or in general, reenactments, memoirs of soldiers, or what? I have to do a 5-minute speech on the 9th rifles and I was wondering if they have a foundation, museum, or Website? Your reader and hopefully someday fellow writer, PS: Long live the fighting 95th first in the field and last out of it!
Adam Azzalino