I tried this twenty-plus years ago. For stuff like set building you actually have to have some kind of background in carpentry or construction. Same with stuff like lighting, you have to have some kind of electrical background.
If you don't have that, try looking into other branches. Good luck in your pursuits.
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.