The J. Burden Show

The J. Burden Show Ep. 320: Karl Dahl

7 snips
Aug 1, 2025
Karl Dahl, author of 'Faction' and 'Faction with the Crusaders,' dives into the world of historical fiction and espionage. He shares insights from his books, particularly on Joseph Shea’s espionage during the Spanish Civil War. The conversation explores the challenges of writing accessible historical narratives while maintaining depth. Dahl discusses the evolution of military training before WWII and character development in war settings, critiquing modern fiction's lack of inspiration, urging a return to meaningful storytelling.
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INSIGHT

Rare Nationalist Viewpoint

  • The book "Faction with the Crusaders" explores the Spanish Civil War from a rare nationalist sympathetic angle.
  • It focuses on the Carlist Requetes and their fight against atheistic materialism and Bolshevism, providing a fresh historical perspective.
INSIGHT

Accessible and Engaging Novel

  • Karl Dahl's novel is polished and avoids didacticism, making it an entertaining read rather than a political tract.
  • The book can serve as an excellent introduction to complex historical topics for younger readers, similar to "Dune."
ADVICE

Start Strong and Research Well

  • Start your story with a strong hook and maintain pacing to keep readers engaged from the first page.
  • Use historical research carefully and revise ruthlessly, including placeholders for uncertain facts to ensure accuracy and flow.
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