I think the problem is that you have specified attr_accessor for the paperclip attributes. That is not needed. I actually got the same problem as you when I added those lines to my model.
So it should be enough to remove those lines.
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.