I need advice on a good POD for my planned novel wherein the American Civil War begins not in 1861, but instead during James K. Polk's presidency in the 1840's. I have a crap load of research material for this, and have been planning it out for quite some time. 
For many who have seen my writing, you may enjoy it IF I finish it that is(and I will finish it, don't worry and will even post a few chapters perhaps)
Problem is, I can't quite narrow down a realistic POD for the novel while Polk is still President. There was the whole deal with South Carolina planning to secede to preserve its honor, but that is rather flimsy. The Wilmont proviso doesn't happen until 1850, so that is out of the question. I guess you could have it pass in the Senate way before 1850, but it would be unlikely. Plus, Polk would be dead by 1849 and by that time his term was up so I can't have him still be President by 1850.
Care to help me out here?
Basically in the book Polk plays a similar role as President Lincoln. Instead of becoming famous for annexing the western half of the United States though, he instead becomes famous for leading the Union during a time of Civil War.
Then Captain Robert E. Lee will play a prominent role as a foot soldier in the war(I have a huge biography by a general who served under him in my collection, he covers the Mexican War and Civil War parts of his life period well)
There will be several POV soldier characters from either side, as well as some "surrender scenes" post-Civil War(guess who wins?)
As a final question, who here would love to see me write it? for those of you who have seen my writing("The Canadian War" and "And The Workers Arose With Their Guns"), do you think I could write it well?
cheers.
For many who have seen my writing, you may enjoy it IF I finish it that is(and I will finish it, don't worry and will even post a few chapters perhaps)
Problem is, I can't quite narrow down a realistic POD for the novel while Polk is still President. There was the whole deal with South Carolina planning to secede to preserve its honor, but that is rather flimsy. The Wilmont proviso doesn't happen until 1850, so that is out of the question. I guess you could have it pass in the Senate way before 1850, but it would be unlikely. Plus, Polk would be dead by 1849 and by that time his term was up so I can't have him still be President by 1850.
Care to help me out here?
Basically in the book Polk plays a similar role as President Lincoln. Instead of becoming famous for annexing the western half of the United States though, he instead becomes famous for leading the Union during a time of Civil War.
Then Captain Robert E. Lee will play a prominent role as a foot soldier in the war(I have a huge biography by a general who served under him in my collection, he covers the Mexican War and Civil War parts of his life period well)
There will be several POV soldier characters from either side, as well as some "surrender scenes" post-Civil War(guess who wins?)
As a final question, who here would love to see me write it? for those of you who have seen my writing("The Canadian War" and "And The Workers Arose With Their Guns"), do you think I could write it well?
cheers.