I love research mode. Right now I'm reacquainting myself with the history of the American Civil War.

I've found a wonderful book for insight into the causes and social atmosphere. America Aflame: How the Civil War Created a Nation has broadened my understanding of factors like immigration, evangelism as well as the broad spectrum of opinion regarding the slavery issue.

The Civil War: A Narrative, by Shelby Foote, is fascinating but I need more time. I'm trying to save money by using my public library, but I'm running out of renewals. :/

All this for a novella. I'm definitely going to have to do a prequel to
Under a Texas Star maybe a story about Marly's Aunt Adele.