I have an idea for a story taking place in ancient Gaul, during Julius Caesar's campaigns there, but was wondering if that time/place would really draw any interest in a YA audience? Whenever I look for ancient Roman YA, it looks like I get a lot more mythological stuff, but this would definitely be historical rather than mythical. (I'm thinking it will be YA because the MC is necessarily a teenager, being a hostage adopted into a Roman family).
I haven't outlined the whole thing yet, but have started some research (translating Caesar's conquest was a kind of starting point), and am getting a good idea of the conflict (choice between new family and protecting old, not getting killed, finding his place, etc.), love interest(s), and some of the side characters. So before I go any further: is this something anybody would be interested in reading, or am I better off trying to stick with my other wips? (Which all, admittedly, are more complicated, but at least I'm already working on them).
If it does sound fair, is there anything else I should keep in mind for writing historical YA? (Not all that long ago that I've read some with varying degrees of enjoyment, but I've never really kept up with new releases in the genre).
I haven't outlined the whole thing yet, but have started some research (translating Caesar's conquest was a kind of starting point), and am getting a good idea of the conflict (choice between new family and protecting old, not getting killed, finding his place, etc.), love interest(s), and some of the side characters. So before I go any further: is this something anybody would be interested in reading, or am I better off trying to stick with my other wips? (Which all, admittedly, are more complicated, but at least I'm already working on them).
If it does sound fair, is there anything else I should keep in mind for writing historical YA? (Not all that long ago that I've read some with varying degrees of enjoyment, but I've never really kept up with new releases in the genre).