Outline Complete
The first major milestone is complete as of today. The Outline for Child of War is officially complete. Each of the major plotlines have been reviewed and at this point I believe they are ready for the first draft. I’m sure details and events will change as that draft gets underway since it’s already been demonstrated that my characters have no intention of either behaving themselves or following my orders. As long as they don’t go too far astray, though, the general goals of the book should remain intact. I hope.
Now that the outline is complete, the need to focus on research is apparent. Not only am I researching the military tactics of the time period, but I’m also focusing heavily on the lifestyle of both the nobility and the common folks in several different cultures. In Child of War, there are three main cultures in constant conflict, and I intend for each of them to be noticeably different. While I know what I want for each of them, there are some significant details that need to be worked out, and that’s where the research comes in.
Right now I’m working through the Osprey Publication “Armies of the German Peasants’ War – 1524-26“. In addition to some excellent tactical diagrams, the book provides excellent insight into the life of the lower class in that time period. Granted, the time period is more Renaissance than medieval, but there are many aspects of that particular setting that will fit well into Child of War.
As to where things stand at the moment, the goal of finishing the outline prior to 09/30/09 has been met. I will be starting the first draft shortly, although there’s some cultural information I need to research first. I’m on vacation next week, and I’m hoping to use that time to make some good progress on the first chapter. Stay tuned…
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