Writing advice

(I hope such posts are allowed here, if not, my bad)
Hi all, I am writing a book on the Zulu war, and since it is my first such project, I would like ask for some perspectives from a reader's (or possibly, another author's) perspective. What makes a good history book for you? A good balance between personal stories and overviews of the situations on a strategic level? Is an objective viewpoint generally preferred, or can stating how the writer thinks about the events add a bit more "sauce" to the whole text, as long as it is not obviously biased? Are there any other characteristics you love while reading? And something more specific to the Zulu war: are there any questions regarding certain events that are still unanswered, but really intriguing to some of you? I doubt my research could change much in that regard, since there are tons of literature already written on the subject, but I still think it is possible that I could bring something unique to the table.
I don't want to make this an ad, but to let you know more about my book, it is intended to be covering the whole story of the 1879 wars, their prelude, and consequences as well. What fuels me with some extra motivation is that there's literally not a single book about this conflict written in my native language, so mine will be the first, and I want the result to be real good, even tough i don't plan on publishing it the usual way. Thanks in advance.

It should contain something new that will add to the sum total of knowledge.
There are an awful lot of re-hashed histories out there.

I would also say, write the book that you would want to read.

Go where history was made - walk the actual ground - gain the experiences and atmosphere - Hlobane could blow your mind - write your book.

Kenny wrote:

Go where history was made - walk the actual ground - gain the experiences and atmosphere - Hlobane could blow your mind - write your book.

You don't know how much I want to visit Zululand! Isandlwana especially, it's not just the events of the 22nd of January that fascinate me, but also the place itself. That lonely, strange-looking mountain...

Julian Whybra wrote:

I would also say, write the book that you would want to read.

I've absolutely been following that principle. No chance for commercial success here, so might as well make it the way I want it to be.

Great initiative Hobbes, don't forget to mention your sources and try, if possible, to avoid unchecked information.

ADMIN. Comment Deleted.
We do not tolerate negative posts or putting other members down. Such behavior is very childish and more suited to a primary school playground. Constructive criticism is welcome, but personal attacks are not acceptable in this community. Please be respectful in your interactions.

Hobbes,

Check your private messages.

Tom

Admin - I was being honest, and negative posts should be allowed in this day and age. I was not putting Hobbes down, just giving honest advice on someone that wants to write a book on the Zulu war with hardly any knowledge on the subject whatsoever. Again, what is the point? In fact you are putting me down by calling me childish!!! Your comments will be deleted!!!!!

Warrior3
I don't know 'Hobbes'. It might be the pen name of Richard Overy for all I know! And he might just have been researching the war for some time and have something valuable and valid to say. Clearly he thinks he has. Why not let him proceed so that we can see what he has to offer?

warrior3 wrote:

Admin - I was being honest, and negative posts should be allowed in this day and age. I was not putting Hobbes down, just giving honest advice on someone that wants to write a book on the Zulu war with hardly any knowledge on the subject whatsoever. Again, what is the point? In fact you are putting me down by calling me childish!!! Your comments will be deleted!!!!!

To be honest, I do understand your point of view, and did not take it personally. I am aware I do not have much to offer, and nothing really to add to the impressive research already done by experts such as Ian Knight. My goal with writing this book was to offer a true and authentic  history of the Zulu War in my native language (while entertaining myself by researching, and also learning something about this period of history), not to revolutionize the way we look at the subject. I still have been making and will be making all the effort to produce a book that is as well-researched as possible.

Julian. I get your point. All I'm saying is that, I've been studying the Zulu war for fifty years, I've been out there six times, but I've got nothing new to offer anybody. I've got my ideas, but that's about that, and I don't think anyone else would be interested, and I don't blame them at all. Really do like your work, though!

warrior3
Thank you for the compliment. I hope to have Studies in the ZW volume VI out later this year.
Hobbes
Fascinating!  Which language will you be writing in?

Julian Whybra wrote:

warrior3
Thank you for the compliment.  I hope to have Studies in the ZW volume VI out later this year.
Hobbes
Fascinating!  Which language will you be writing in?

It will all be in Hungarian. There is almost nothing written about the subject in the language so I figured I could be the first to tell this story to those who are interested and want to read about it in their mother tongue.

Csodálatos!