randy obrien

Did you know there are over two hundred documented cases of women who dressed as men to fight in the Civil War? Although not widely recognized, this fact reveals a fascinating and often ignored aspect of American history. These women, driven by a sense of duty, adventure, and the desire for equality, took on male identities to serve their country in one of its most tumultuous times. This article delves into their courageous stories, their motivations, and the lasting impact they left on the pages of history. I based my novel Gettysburg by Morning on biographies, documentaries, and diaries from these courageous women. The Enlistment At the onset of the Civil War in 1861, slavery divided the United States. The Union and the Confederacy called upon their citizens to take up arms, and thousands of men answered. However, given the times, women found no place to serve. My character, Eloise Jacobson, took her brother's identity to uphold her family's honor. She was discouraged by ...

 Building Worlds: The Novelist's Goal.... The novelist's job is not merely to tell a story; it's to build a world and invite the reader to inhabit it. This requires a delicate balance of artistry and craftsmanship, where every word, every sentence, and every carefully constructed scene contributes to the illusion of reality. I write historical fiction and contemporary thrillers. Both genres require research and the creation of characters representing opposing views of the plot. While the writer may base these characters on personal experiences or friends and families, their main reason for existence is to challenge the dramatic debate proposed by the plot. The goal is to present a plot and create an experience. The reader should feel the heat of the desert sun, the chill of the winter wind, the weight of grief, the thrill of victory. They should taste the bitterness of betrayal, the sweetness of love, the tang of the sea salt air. This immersive experience hinges on several...