I am considering publishing my grandfather's war diaries, or writing a biography- how should I start?

Question

My grandfather had a distinguished career during WW2 and his diaries (with personal entries from the King, Heile Sellasie and Montgomery) are excellent reading. He was also M.O.D.

I would love other people to be able to read them- what is involved in publishing them as diaries, or making a wartime biography out of them?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Something contextualising before you introduce him as a character.

Answer 2

What a great idea start here

http://www.vantagepress.com/?gclid=CM6kg...

Answer 3

It's only my opinion but I would start with the diaries and sort of copy and edit them as you go.

You will probably be re-writing anyway so I think that would be a good way to start.

You could even do a teaser / serialisation kind of thing - if you want to do it with a website I could help you with that, just send me a message.

Sounds very interesting, good luck.

R!

Answer 4

Check out this blog, it's a simple but powerful idea; this chap is publishing letters from his grandfather, from the front in WW1, in real time as if it were a blog; each letter is posted 90 years to the day after it was received by his family.

http://www.wwar1.blogspot.com/

Answer 5

What a wonderful idea!

I would love to read it when you're done.

Sorry, I can't give you much advice but I would think starting with one of his most gripping entries to hook your readers in.

Good Luck!