So, it's been a while since my "Modern History" class (two years) so I need a refresher. I'm thinking about writing a serial set in WWI. Originally, I was going to do it as a "steam-punk-esque" fantasy, but I can achieve everything I would have there by just writing historically. I don't have very many ideas for it so far. I'll try and incorporate some "letters" into the story, along with deserts, espionage, betrayal, etc. I'm drawing a lot of my influences from TE Lawrence's travels and Beau Geste, as well as some Indiana Jones style action. Maybe as a mystery.
Anyway... Here's some stuff to get you all started:
1. This will probably be set in North Africa/the Middle East, as well as parts of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey.) What was the status of Islam at that time? (Philosophes, influence, jihad, etc.) Was there a lot of diversity in beliefs? Philosophies?
2. How did normal citizens, especially in these areas^^^ view the war effort? Was it a stark black-and-white, or was there a lot of gray? What about morale? Support? Etc.
3. What did British colonial holdings look like at this time?
4. Any neat tidbits about the FFL, or any other equally "specialized" desert legion/army/troop?
(I will probably be researching a lot of this on my own, but wanted to get some different opinions here.)
For the "not a WWI buff" types:
1. What sort of protagonist would interest you in this type of story? I'm looking to create someone that we haven't seen before. What would you suggest? (I'm thinking of nationality here too, that's going to be a major factor.)
2. I had considered writing this in 1st person, but now I'm leaning towards third b/c there will be multiple view-points. I could, however, use multiple view points and have each chapter belong to a single 1st person character. Thoughts on this?
3. What things should I avoid in order to prevent this becoming a "typical war-story?"
Thanks for you time in advance.
~ED
Gender:
Points: 19207
Reviews: 192