In many cultures dragons, even the flying ones, have 4 legs and 2 wings. You can than use that fact to make a link to the real dragons, like Komodo. Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komodo_dra... Also, a 4 legged lizard like Komodo would be best to ride.
Like horses are today. As far as the spines are concerned, I have no idea how that would be a problem. I know what you are talking about.
Our legs are attached to our hipbone. And the arm to our shoulder, so you could have those wings be attached to the shoulder too.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.