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Being as A) it isn't even out of the planning stages, B) it isn't really fiction or poetry or anything to that degree, which is all I'm seeing in the Writing sub, C) it could go in the Politics sub as readily as the Writing one and D) I want this to actually be responded to, it is here. Move it as you see fit, big hand in the sky, but for now, here it is.

Anyway, on to business - as an aspiring journalist, political analyst and writer in general, I have struck upon a means of combining fictional writing, journalism, and everyone's favorite political "hot topic" into one. The piece I envision is effectively this - a journalist's personal account (effectively a "journalist's journal") of time spent reporting what he sees in Iraq. Glee. Effectively, it's going to look at Iraq from an unbiased perspective (or close enough as makes no difference) and report the actual facts without media slants and selective truth. I want to show iraq from the outsider's perspective, a viewer looking in. This is going to touch on the civilian perspective, the effects of American incursion both for better and worse (for example, the citizens now have the right to speak and vote as they please, but they may well be caught in a crossfire or explosion on the way home from voting anyway) and the future for the country - if the Americans leave, al Qaeda will take back their country and make it suffer for it's rebellion, but with the Americans there, it's constant war and threat of death for the people.

Now, what I plan on doing is to speak to Mr. Anderson Cooper for assistance in the authoring of this piece, as he's the type of person who would know best of all how this character's angle would sound - his time in Rwanda was almost indetical to the time this journalist character will record in Iraq. He's an unbiased professional journalist and he of all people would endorse this piece, so I'm working on contacting him.

Now, despite the potential for his assistance in this venture, I obviously need more outside input - guess where I'm going with this, kids? That's right! I DO want the opinions of the ED's best! So - opinions, thoughts, ideas, relevant information, whatever else you can think of throwing my way, do it. It would be most appreciated.

This seems like a good idea. It certaintly has the potential to be a great piece, and there is no shortage of antagonists in Iraq. Erradicating your bias will be exceptionally hard, remember that your bias can be revealed through your tone, os be very carfeful when picking adjectives to use. Also, try reading terry Pratchet's "THUD!". Its a good book, and an excellent (I think. not totally sure on this though, I could be wrong) extended metaphor on the Iraq war (hint: pay attention to the deep-delvers structure). But all-in-all, best of luck, sound slike it'll be a good read!

The idea would be very engaging. I'm sure that a reader would be hooked, especially now since the war is still a very hot topic. You could do a number of expanded plot lines from this simple idea.

The real good novels don't try to be movies. They tell it as it is while directors blow em out of proportion. See Jurassic Park.

Well, aiming for one particular person, of course not. However it's more likely to happen in a local crossfire. And don't forget those crazy IED's! (Maybe an RPG thrown in for good measure, too.)

Preliminary judging aside, constructing a novel under such parameters gets as fun as it is challenging. There's nothing fun like fighting with a proverbial handicap.

Et tu Enemy at the Gates?

Feinting weakness is also good too, but not as satisfying.