Ask the Author: Michael R. Brasher
Answered Questions (6)
Michael R. Brasher
I grew up reading every piece of Civil War literature I could get my hands on. I remember even as a kid, I quickly got bored when reading about all the social, cultural, economic, etc. components that made up the entirety of the Civil War. I only wanted to read about the military campaigns and battles. To me all the rest was just "fluff." Of course as I matured, I've come to realize that these other aspects of the war are important also. But I still thought, if I could ONLY write a short book about one aspect of the history of the war and still make it interesting and make it stand alone, that is what I would want to read about...the military campaigns and battles. I could always go back and read the "fluff" later. To my knowledge, my book is the only "short read" that (hopefully) accomplishes that goal.
Michael R. Brasher
Read! Read anything. Read everything. Just read!
Michael R. Brasher
I am currently working on a regimental history of the 2nd Mississippi Infantry Regiment during our American Civil War. It's been an "on again," "off again" project for many years now.
Michael R. Brasher
Just write. Don't wait for the "perfect" idea or topic to come along. Just write. Unleash your brain and let it flow onto the computer screen (or paper). Just write!
Michael R. Brasher
The best thing about being a writer is that the product is a part of yourself. Of course writing non-fiction, you must be aware of the factual information. But you are allowed to reassess the facts. Come to your own conclusions, and argue, hopefully convincingly, that your new or fresh interpretation is the correct one. Then, knowing you have done your best, you allow your readers to be the ultimate judge of whether you succeeded or failed in your quest.
Michael R. Brasher
I basically adopt what's known as the "Swiss cheese" approach as I do in every difficult or complex project I have to complete. I know I can't (or just don't want to) sit down and do a whole chapter at once. So I'll take my chapter "main points" outline and just start sketching in thoughts I am sure I want to include under each one. I'll then go back and fill in the actual hard details later. But, as I punch holes in the project, soon the project becomes more "holes" than "cheese." You've made a lot of progress without even realizing it.
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