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 ...

  There are many strategies you can use to increase sales of your novel. Here are a few ideas: Build an online presence: Having a website and social media accounts allows you to connect with readers and share updates about your work. You can also use these platforms to promote your book and interact with your audience. Use online marketing: There are many online marketing tools and platforms you can use to reach potential readers. This could include advertising on social media, running promotions on book websites, or using email marketing to connect with your email list. Get reviews: Positive reviews from other readers can be a powerful way to convince people to buy your book. Encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other book websites. Participate in events: Attending book festivals, writing conferences, and other literary events can help you connect with readers and sell books in person. Collaborate with other authors: Partnering with other authors can be a g...

 https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/randy-obrien/gettysburg-by-morning/

One Way to Write Your Story    1.        Anything can be a good subject for your story. What is your passion: sports, justice, love, family? 2.        Create an extraordinary character (protagonist) who shares that same passion. What will they do if they don’t presently have it or are about to lose it? Next, create a character (antagonist) who shares an equal amount of desire and goes for the same thing as the protagonist. 3.        A plot is a series of events that explores the theme. Fate vs. Free Will. Is good stronger than evil? What makes a family? What is justice? And allows the protagonist and the antagonist to battle against each other over aspects of the theme through words or actions. 4.        Choose who will tell the story, a narrator (third person) or one of the characters (first person), and use description and dialogue to engage the reader’s mi...

 Going to the printers this week. Author copies likely sometime this week. It's been a dream come true for a retired radio journalist  and wannabe novelist. I know some will like it and others won't. I'm okay with that. It pleased me first and I think most artists will tell you that's the most important thing.

Five months to go