I think any period in history can be adapted into interesting fiction, as long as you approach the actual history with respect.

Thank you, sir, but I am perfectly content being the bride of death.

I decided that it was more important to laugh than to eat.

So I grew up in a very book-friendly environment and my education as a writer was reading. I think that's the best education. Reading, and taking from the people I admired.

The more precious His gift, the more anxious God for its return.

My men have suffered greatly (from boredom), much blood has been shed (by mosquitoes), and I have swung my ax mightily (chopping firewood). Surely we have earned our place in the annals of history—for never has there been so little war in a war.

Some novels present a story form many points of view. Most movies tell only one person's side of the story. Sometime it's easy to use the strongest point of view, or find the character with the most dramatic experience. It depends on which themes the scriptwriter wants to explore.