When I was younger, I used to think that some day I would write a book. However, my life was full and hectic and, to tell the truth I was, still am, too lazy do do the research necessary. I had planned what I thought was a novel format for my book.
Most non-fiction writers gather information through research then regurgitate it with their point of view. I always thought that if the person or people about whom you are writing could tell their stories themselves, it would be more interesting and at least sound more authentic. My idea was to write a book in the interview format. I would have interviewed famous historical figures like Lincoln, Grant and Sherman and perhaps Napoleon and Hitler. My first attempt was going to be Jesus Christ. Can you imagine how much I would have to know to do a good interview with Jesus? I think he has a book out already.
Someone like Jesus would be a long book. But other famous people of the past could have been combined in one book, like short stories, questioning them about some outstanding event in their careers. I'd ask Napoleon, "Emperor, can you tell us what you were thinking when you decided to invade Russia?" and the Emperor of Japan, "Sir, had you been drinking when you decided to invade the United States?". There are a lot of serious questions that could be asked of these famous people of history but the problem is you must know the answer before you ask the question. I could ask but I couldn't answer.
Most non-fiction writers gather information through research then regurgitate it with their point of view. I always thought that if the person or people about whom you are writing could tell their stories themselves, it would be more interesting and at least sound more authentic. My idea was to write a book in the interview format. I would have interviewed famous historical figures like Lincoln, Grant and Sherman and perhaps Napoleon and Hitler. My first attempt was going to be Jesus Christ. Can you imagine how much I would have to know to do a good interview with Jesus? I think he has a book out already.
Someone like Jesus would be a long book. But other famous people of the past could have been combined in one book, like short stories, questioning them about some outstanding event in their careers. I'd ask Napoleon, "Emperor, can you tell us what you were thinking when you decided to invade Russia?" and the Emperor of Japan, "Sir, had you been drinking when you decided to invade the United States?". There are a lot of serious questions that could be asked of these famous people of history but the problem is you must know the answer before you ask the question. I could ask but I couldn't answer.
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