I find myself very busy conducting research, re-reading past research material, and generally trying to put a personal face on my latest novel, Leatherjacket Soldier. Governor Rivera fascinates me and I find it a daunting task to make him into a real, living person more than 300 years after his death.
It's no easy task.
What did he eat?
What did he wear?
What was his socializing with those around him?
What biases did he have?
How did he react to the biases of those around him?
What were his feelings for the Indians? He subordinate soldiers? His superiors?
How did he feel at being overlooked and placed under a soldier of lesser rank?
What were the barriers he faced in trying to perform his duties?
That this man managed to do even half of what he accomplished is a testimony to his character - and the schooling he received from his Jesuit teachers.
Half way there and wondering how to keep it from turning into a 200,000 word volume.
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