So, if you are going to write a period piece, you are going to have to commit a significant amount of time to research. Getting the details right is critical. In the case of Chasing Dragons that involved delving into World War II events, personalities and organizations. Gen. Vinegar Joe Stillwell, Generalissimo Chaing Kai-shek, Amelia Earhart and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) to name a few. South Pacific island locales also needed heavy researching as to climate, runways, flora, fauna and World War II history.

The story features a Lockheed Lodestar C-60…the Deuce. This is a pretty rare aircraft and getting the details right was critical to the authenticity of the story. I had to find a company in New Zealand that provided vintage flight manuals that I could pore over to figure out how to fly her.

The point is, you have to put the work in. The good news is that the research is fun and you will be pleased how the little details add texture to the story.

Research, Research, Research

George Mazzeo

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Hill Aerospace Museum

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Mr. Spock with an E6B