Does this explain your drive to write about the war? Older parents, their wartime memorabilia and the sense that “World War II era seemed so heroic and exotic, so larger than life”
I don't remember you running around in the yard but I do remember reading your Under False Flags recently and it's a searing rendition of what it was really like to be fighting a war. It's frankly surprising more foot soldiers don't walk away from battle when they realize wars are started only by men who don't have to fight.
Amen to that, Eric. Reminds me of another finalist for my epigraph, this one from a pretty smart guy named Albert Einstein: “War can only be prevented one way: when people refuse to go to war.” Thanks again for reading.
It was fun wandering down through the memories Steve. I remember you and Dave running around the yard, you dressed in dad's old Army gear. I even remember that picture of you in Germany 🇩🇪. I am happy you have, through long hours and frustration, realized your dream. I am proud of you, and I know mom & dad are too.
Thanks for this. I'm guessing we do have a lot in common. My parents were a lot older than most, but that only increased the interest in their era for me. I only wished I would've asked more questions! Sounds like you got a lot of great stories from your family. I like your take on crafting characters. For me, there's a lot of heroism in simply surviving. See you around here!
I’m guessing you and I have a lot in common. I’m probably a little older than you but experienced much the same glorification of war, especially WWII, growing up. All that ended with Vietnam but, in comparison, WWII was always seen as war done right and for the right reasons. My dad was a polio survivor so he didn’t serve. His older brother fought in the battle of the Atlantic. As part of a large ethnic family, I was surrounded by older second and third cousins who served and all would only tell the funny stories from the war, even seeing the humor of getting blown out of Sherman. I’m still exploring and the learning the craft of historical fiction, but like you, I want my characters to be as real as possible, facing the uncertainty, chaos, and randomness of war. I appreciate your writing, not just the topic but your motivations and focus.
Does this explain your drive to write about the war? Older parents, their wartime memorabilia and the sense that “World War II era seemed so heroic and exotic, so larger than life”
Yep, that's how it started — but definitely not how it ended.
I don't remember you running around in the yard but I do remember reading your Under False Flags recently and it's a searing rendition of what it was really like to be fighting a war. It's frankly surprising more foot soldiers don't walk away from battle when they realize wars are started only by men who don't have to fight.
Amen to that, Eric. Reminds me of another finalist for my epigraph, this one from a pretty smart guy named Albert Einstein: “War can only be prevented one way: when people refuse to go to war.” Thanks again for reading.
It was fun wandering down through the memories Steve. I remember you and Dave running around the yard, you dressed in dad's old Army gear. I even remember that picture of you in Germany 🇩🇪. I am happy you have, through long hours and frustration, realized your dream. I am proud of you, and I know mom & dad are too.
Thank you! And for sharing your memories.
Thanks for this. I'm guessing we do have a lot in common. My parents were a lot older than most, but that only increased the interest in their era for me. I only wished I would've asked more questions! Sounds like you got a lot of great stories from your family. I like your take on crafting characters. For me, there's a lot of heroism in simply surviving. See you around here!
I’m guessing you and I have a lot in common. I’m probably a little older than you but experienced much the same glorification of war, especially WWII, growing up. All that ended with Vietnam but, in comparison, WWII was always seen as war done right and for the right reasons. My dad was a polio survivor so he didn’t serve. His older brother fought in the battle of the Atlantic. As part of a large ethnic family, I was surrounded by older second and third cousins who served and all would only tell the funny stories from the war, even seeing the humor of getting blown out of Sherman. I’m still exploring and the learning the craft of historical fiction, but like you, I want my characters to be as real as possible, facing the uncertainty, chaos, and randomness of war. I appreciate your writing, not just the topic but your motivations and focus.