Hello Everyone! After Sunday's poll, I have decided to begin the process of creating my first written work Desert Rat. I have created this thread so that when I post an excerpt, ask a question, need some help, or ask for some input, it'll all be here. I will be giving you guys updates as to where I'm at in the process and will try to give you a few paragraphs and sneak peek's every once in a while. Feel free to give your advice, and any requests on here! I have somewhat tweaked the original story line for this concept because of Opana. Opana's post about his professor at Purdue actually sounded like a good way to start the story out, a college history class in the late 60's with retired RAAF pilot Nicky Avery as the professor (Thanks Opana ). The Story will be told in 3rd person/ 1st person. Here is a quick recap of the main story: Purdue History Professor Nicky Avery, a former RAAF pilot, tells the tale of survival during the battle of El Alamein after he was shot down in his P-40 Kittyhawk behind enemy lines. I will give further details as I get more info, and workout the plot. Thank you all for your support!
I will also put the BEF Jewish brigade in the story as you requested Opana, I think it's a nice touch.
It is because of the fiction and what ifs that litter the forum I very rarely visit these days. If anyone wants to write a book about this subject there is plenty of factual information around to write a true story about those who were actually there without making things up.
Why did you respond in this post then? I respect your opinion, and yes there should be more novels about real people and real stories, but that's not my strength or preference. I will let other more experienced writers and historians pursue the exact 100% authenticity. What's wrong with a realistic, and 80% accurate story where the other 20% is imagination and creativity?
Give the kid some encouragement Brian, we should be pleased a 17 year old American kid is actually interested in the Brits in WW2.
I've read the odd bit about WW2, like many of us, but that doesn't mean some fiction is out of place. Most people will chose a novel over the United States Naval Administration in World War II, vol. one of nine.
I applaud your fortitude. There is plenty of real material out there to enhance your story with actual events. The fact that it is a fictional account should not deter you. Go for it.
Don't mind Brian. He's the resident forum curmudgeon and head of the "piss on your parade" committee. Read through his posting history and come to your own conclusions about his contributions to this forum.
Thanks everyone for the support, always enjoyable when the first post is, "Why are you posting this?" The name isn't set in stone either, so I'm open to suggestion's CAC
Clive.......I like that, is that short for anything? That's also really cool your dad flew P-40's during the war, I'm assuming that's him in your profile pic?
Haha...nuh! My grandfather was a great pilot though...became a test pilot...and survived. Clive Caldwell is Australia’s Eric Hartmann...best/most successful fighter pilot. The most successful P40 pilot of any airforce. If your writing about an Aussie pilot in North Africa, who better than to model your character off?
Oh......you had me fooled! I'm a little apprehensive now that you say he was that successful, I'm trying my best not to use real people in detail simply because I don't want to give a false image or potentially portray someone wrongfully. I really appreciate the suggestion CAC, hopefully you understand my reasoning?
I’d just google him and get a feel not just for him but Aussie Pilots...the way they thought and fought the war...the idiot top brass...the poor way they were treated by their own airforce...the reasons we were flying P40s...the lingo/language especially...
