I write historical fiction for a living. I find a real thing in history and make a good plot around it.
Dang.. I wish I could be you. I like writing, or at least think I could be good at it, if I didn't have complete lack of self-esteem. Too scared to do it for a living. Anyway, how does it work, exactly?
Don't be so down on yourself. Think of a historical novel.  Like something set to the background of WWII.  It's writings like that.