You'll probably want to use the dynamic array strategy: keep track of how many items are in it and the current capacity, then any time it fills up, double the capacity. You get amortized linear time and the random access of an array.
You can start with a NULL pointer (Thing *thingarray = NULL;) since there is nothing in the array.
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.