Bertram Motayne

I am a historical fiction writer. I also write novels in the mystery / adventure genre set in the 1980 to 2011 period - primarily international in scope and  combat based - each with a hint of romance.
 
I am experimenting with lesser known histories in South America, Africa and Asia instead of the more traditional Roman, Greek, European (post Roman)  and Egyptian periods. nut also more current historical periods

I offer multiple perspectives of ANY conflict or historical period. I do NOT write the 'dumbed down' perspective of history where the 'good guys' always win. I'm not sure if there is a GOOD guy in any conflict.

I learnt a long time ago to understand my enemy's motivation and capabilities. Having the biggest gun or the most modern technology does NOT ensure that I will come out of combat uninjured or  alive (as General Custer and others have learnt to their dismay). 

The SIMPLISTIC perspective offered in most current novels do not offer a real insight into combat or history. 

For example, the Aztec capital was bigger than most European cities in 1491 (a year before Columbus landed) and had running water - something most European cities did not achieve until the 1860s - and yet we view them as backward savages. LMAO. We conquered them with Guns, Germs and Steel as Gerald Diamond wrote in his epoch - and we are not the brightest candles in the every candelabra. 

I write based on validated fact - and I use a minimum of THREE independent sources - at least one of which must conflict with the other two - that provides a balanced perspective.

I learnt a long time ago that FACT + INTERPRETATION = OPINION.