As noted before ANZACs is 55,000 words and counting. The plot and narrative are done what remains is the wrap up, lose ends and details. For example:
-What do the Kiwi's call themselves?
-What do the Aussies call themselves?
-What do they call the Vietnamese?
-What is Vietnamese fighter-jock nomenclature?
-What exactly is the Soviet involvement here? Cam Ranh Bay is after all a Soviet naval base?
Etc....etc...
Ok, now here's a big one. Just how many Maori and Aborigines should be in the story?
Actually I've been writing ANZACs with a bit different style, limiting the number of Vietnamese characters. Usually when I write the cadence goes A then B, A then B and usually with scenes with one POV character. I've been having scenes open with say, an Australian tank commander, then onto a different tank entirely before shifting back to the tank commander.
Just trying to shake things up a bit. ANZACs will have the same feel as the others, but a slightly different cadence, say 3/4 time instead of 4/4.
They can't all sound the same, can they?
Just finished reading the 3 1990 books and enjoyed them immensely. Looking forward to the next two. Only comment i have is that in Castro's Folly you had the Cubans firing SA-7s using radar and kind of dismissed Electronic Warfare with a quick "that could be dealt with" comment. The SA-7 is a short range, IR missile and doesn't need radar. In 1990 the Cubans most likely had SA-2 and SA-3 batteries and since they had SA-6s during the Angolan Civil War they probably would have had those available as well. All of these would have used radar and the SA-6 is particularly mobile, unlike the SA-2 and 3.
ReplyDeleteAs for EW. We actually are very good against the SA-2/3 and were so in 1990. The SA-6 would have been more dangerous but we still have a very good capability against it, especially against an enemy that has little to no experience working against electronic attack.
But, then again I've spent a lot of years in the EW world so it's a pet peeve with me and didn't really take away from the enjoyment of the books. Next I intend to read your Israel books and look forward to another good story. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
Jeff W.
Retired EA-6B ECMO
Thanks! and Thanks! I admit to knowing almost nothing about electronic warfare which is why I haven't mentioned it much. Hope you enjoy the Israel books. Same vein as the others.
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