It's encouraging to see so many writers here on the Downs. Good topic, littlemanpoet!
Jumping back a few posts, lmp, I wanted to throw in that reading military history can provide lots of inspiration for battle sequences. I just recently read an article in a magazine called -- appropriately -- Military History about a key clash between Carthage and Rome. The article was chock full of ideas for drama -- on the Roman side, two generals with a personal hatred for one another, on the opposing side, two brothers, Hannibal and Hamilcar, both brilliant strategists; for Rome, citizen-soldiers, for Carthage, a force comprised of mixed mercenary troops. Besides simple strategy and tactics, the article gave information on how things like terrain, the experience of the commanders, intelligence and counter-intelligence, the timing of maneuvers, the composition of forces and other elements shaped the battle.
I also like your idea of starting a thread to analyze Tolkien's battle sequences as fiction.
Since you've clearly finished at least a draft or two of your own work, maybe you can answer a few of your own questions posed at the beginning of this thread for the illumination of your fellow Downers. What strategies have you employed in your attempt to reach your sixth level of seriousness?
|