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How Much Sacrifice it Takes
Difficult Times follows an eighteen-year-old farm boy in the 1860s who dreams of heroism and honor and joins the Union army. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always been inspired by the sacrifice and dedication some individuals put into a cause they feel passionate about. Regardless of the cause, there is one defining characteristic these people display, and that’s dedication and a no quit attitude. I wanted to illustrate, in some small way, how much sacrifice it takes to build and maintain a country. I wanted to show how much sacrifice and heartache just one family might have to endure to meet those ends, just one family, multiplied by thousands upon thousands throughout the years. My vehicle was the Civil War.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the stories theme?
I researched every aspect of the book, from competing attitudes and political views to how much coffee an individual soldier was issued. For this general type information, I used Wikipedia and Google. Newsletters and historical government websites were helpful.
I read Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier by Joseph Plumb Martin to see how Thomas connected with the author and helped influence his decision to volunteer.
I consulted Major George L. Wood’s The Seventh Regiment, a Record 1865, for first-hand accounts of troop movements, timelines, and campaigns.
Finally, I researched the Library of Congress for actual newspaper accounts. I felt presenting these articles would help drive home the point that these events happened to real people and that these real people and their families suffered real emotions.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
I believe that whatever our stations in life is, most of us imagine ourselves being, doing, or experiencing other things. From Sci-Fi to Horror to heroics, the possibilities are endless. The fiction writer who can tap into a topic, or fantasy, and present it well, will most likely have the greatest success.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book will be a collection of short stories. I have only completed two so I can’t give a timeline as to when the book will be ready for publication.
War is declared, and Thomas volunteers, causing high anxiety and stress for his family and Elizabeth. Thomas assures everyone he won’t be away long. His enlistment period is only 90 days. This assurance does little to ease the pain of his leaving.
Expectations for a short war fade, and it becomes clear to Thomas that he won’t be going home as expected, and the longer the war lasts, the more he worries about losing Elizabeth. He writes and proposes marriage, but gets no reply. Is it possible she didn’t receive his letter? Perhaps her return letter was lost or is in the dead letter file. Maybe she’s
declining his proposal. The uncertainty is nerve-racking.
All the while, camp and combat conditions deteriorate, taking their toll on his regiment, the 7th Ohio Infantry. So far, Thomas and his close circle of friends have managed to survive, but that could change with the next battle.
Difficult Times
Difficult Times by R.A. Wright delivers an emotionally charged historical fiction set in the turbulent 1860s, centering on Thomas, an ambitious eighteen-year-old farm boy. Driven by dreams of heroism and honor, Thomas eagerly anticipates war as tensions between the Confederate states and the Union escalate. When the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter sparks President Lincoln’s call to arms, Thomas, alongside his friend Simon, eagerly enlists in the Union army. Leaving behind his anxious parents and his girlfriend, Elizabeth, Thomas embarks on a harrowing journey that will test not only his courage but also his endurance and faith. Wright takes readers straight to the front lines, painting a vivid picture of brutal battles, harsh camp life, and the emotional weight Thomas must carry. Through rich detail, the novel captures everything from the camaraderie between soldiers to the psychological trauma of war, drawing readers deeply into one of America’s most defining conflicts.
Difficult Time’s historical authenticity is so meticulous that it could rival actual historical accounts of the Civil War. Wright’s deep research is evident in every detail, from battlefield tactics to the cultural nuances of the era, making the story not only believable but profoundly immersive. The seamless integration of real events and personal narratives breathes life into the era, offering readers a chance to step into the shoes of those who lived through the American Civil War. The characters are richly developed, each unique yet deeply relatable. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful introspection, Wright reveals the characters’ fears, hopes, and ambitions, making it easy for readers to connect with their individual journeys. The emotional toll of war is laid bare, with Wright exposing the fragile humanity behind the façade of bravery, allowing readers to truly grasp the sacrifices and emotional scars left by the conflict.
Difficult Times is more than just a war story—it’s an emotional coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of America’s most defining internal conflict. With its blend of historical depth and emotional resonance, this novel is a must-read for any fan of historical fiction, and I highly recommend it to adult readers seeking a gripping, immersive experience.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0D3BRY7MM
LITERARY TITAN 