The Lure of History

2:27 PM Elizabeth Seckman 16 Comments

I have an idea for a book, a historical set in 1947. I started reading archived newspapers online, because you know...research is just the most awesome thing ever. Usually, when I look back at the past, it's with rosy lenses of a romantic. The past always seems less stressful than the present.

Maybe it's because we know whatever bad things were going on worked out eventually.

Take 1947. World War II had recently ended. The Korean War was looming. The atomic bomb was a new reality and a threat to every living soul. There were floods. Plane crashes. And communists lurking in every corner.

At the time, they had to think their world was about to come to an end.

But it didn't. The earth kept spinning and that generation survived to become the Greatest Generation.

What doesn't kill you, does make you stronger.

You just need to survive it first.

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Before you go...

Did you hear about the woman in labor who started yelling, "Couldn't. Shouldn't. Wouldn't. Can't!" ? Yep, she was having contractions.

16 comments:

Alex J. CavanaughMarch 22, 2019 at 2:34 PM
Funny.
I think you might have some great ideas for stories in that old news. Like, what if it didn’t all work out.
Susan Flett SwiderskiMarch 22, 2019 at 3:13 PM
The frightening parts of history lose their sting once we survive them, but that doesn't mean they weren't horrifying at the time. But you're right about how enjoyable the research can be. Have fun with it! I'm sure you can make history come alive.

I like that joke about contractions. When I was in labor with our first child, the gal in the room with me was yelling, too... but what she had to say was kinda unfit to repeat... :)

Have a super weekend.
Pat HattMarch 22, 2019 at 4:45 PM
Yeah, always think it was simpler times, but not so much then. Write away what comes to play.
Janie JunebugMarch 22, 2019 at 6:25 PM
When the men came home from the war, the U.S. had a terrible housing shortage. Women who had gone out to work in factories or elsewhere had to give up their jobs to the men and go back to staying at home with the kids, the number of which increased rapidly with the baby boom. In addition to reading about that time period, you might want to talk to people who lived through it. Older folks have fascinating perspectives on the past.

Love,
Janie
LisaMarch 24, 2019 at 12:50 PM
Hahaha! The woman in labor. I don't know if you've watched it yet, but the Finding Your Roots program on PBS is amazing for historical information and stories. I mean, really. Watched one recently about I think Andy Samburg who found his mother's biological parents. Crazy because they were even able to find one photo of her parents together, evidently on a one night stand. Amazing. You might like that show if you want to read about some crazy stories and get ideas...
Author R. Mac WheelerMarch 25, 2019 at 1:33 PM
I find writing in the past really tough, even just a couple decades. Getting the cliches, habits, and technology correct is nearly impossible. So many subtle changes in how we live and work from year to year.
AnonymousMarch 25, 2019 at 4:12 PM
OMG That joke is awesome. Made me giggle.
Susan Flett SwiderskiMarch 29, 2019 at 10:58 AM
MWAAAAAH! (That's the sound of me blowing a kiss to you.) Thanks soooo much for the review. You truly made my day, sweet lady.