War Story

Taz · 12 May 2006, 11:12 AM

Alex- Thanks for the info, especially on other worthwhile books to read. I have tons of reference books and have read many period books, but more are always helpful. Especially since I have aspirations towards doing a WW-I aviation novel myself and getting the period right is the toughest part.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Butch · 12 May 2006, 06:09 PM

Taz,
Have you seen

Cecil Lewis'

Farewell to Wings? It is his pirep of all the aircraft he flew. Good reference.
Pete

Taz · 12 May 2006, 08:57 PM

Butch- Seems like I have a copy, but will have to check. This is an oft quoted book that was updated with a bit of hindsight added. Need to look through my collection. Lewis was an excellent writer.

Taz
Terry Phillips

alex_revell · 13 May 2006, 02:23 AM

Taz,
No, getting the period thing right is not the hardest part of getting a WW1 flying novel published, it's getting a publisher to publish the damned thing!! I wrote a flying novel some time ago now. All the publishers my agent sent it to had nothing but good words for the writing and story but all said the same thing:because of the subject matter it just wouldn't sell to the general public. When I wrote about Donald Jack I didn't know any more about him than the three books I mentioned, which I've had for many years. After my post I went into the web and found that he was a very prolific writer, with a tremendous following and had published many more books. Unfortunately he recently died. But type his name into Google and you'll see how well thought of he was.
Alex

Taz · 13 May 2006, 03:04 PM

Alex- Thanks for the advice and also the insights on the other thread. When I get more serious, I will try and bribe some more info out of you. Experience is an invaluable commodity.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Ginger. · 14 May 2006, 06:09 AM

Alex,
I'd be interested in your opinion of Derek Robinson's most controversial book 'Piece of Cake', have you read his latest one about Bomber Command in the early war years?

Nebogatoff · 14 May 2006, 10:38 AM

What a timely thread. I just finished "Goshawk Squadron" and found it to be outstanding. I was halfway thru it when I learned that apparently it is the third book of a trilogy, the other two being "Hornets Sting" and "War Story". I ordered a copy of "War Story", so it's on the way, but "Hornets Sting" is proving to be more difficult. I'm a cheap bastard, so don't want to pay big $$ for it. Local library doesnt have it either. I'll find it one way or another.
Another favorite WW1 aviation novel of mine is "Falcons Of France" by Nordhoff and Hall - the same guys better known for "Mutiny On The Bounty". First read it in sixth grade, but still think of it as one of the best books I ever read.
Just my 2 cents (and it's probably Canadian). I may not post much, but I sure do love this board!

NeilE · 14 May 2006, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger.

Alex,
I'd be interested in your opinion of Derek Robinson's most controversial book 'Piece of Cake', have you read his latest one about Bomber Command in the early war years?

I thought "Damned Good Show" was okay but was essentially "A Piece of Cake" with bombers. Plot themes are quite similar. Both books share one particular character who is banished from Fighter Command to Bomber Command. Can't remember his name now though...

HTH

Neil

Ginger. · 15 May 2006, 12:14 AM

'Skull' Skelton: "They used to say women and children first."
'Moggy' Cattermole: "Did they? But they can't fly Spitfires, can they?"

alex_revell · 15 May 2006, 02:38 AM

Sorry Ginger, I haven't read either of them
Alex