Brazzaville: A Sequel to Casablanca picks up where the iconic film ends with the memorable main characters fighting for their lives in the midst of Nazi-occupied Europe. What was the inspiration that drove you to share your vision of this sequel with readers?

First of all, I have loved Casablanca ever since I first saw it, and I never tire seeing it again and again. My curiosity finally got the better of me, and I decided to explore what happens after the movie ends with Rick Blaine saying to Louis Renault, as they walk into the fog, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Where does such an unlikely friendship lead these two men? I wanted to see what the war might do to them and how they face life and death challenges.

Sure, Ilsa and her husband escape to Portugal, but Lisbon is an open city where English and Nazi spies work the streets. A big catch like Victor Laszlo might escape spies in Morocco but not so in Lisbon. Rick’s obligation to the people who helped him in Casablanca drives him to forge alliances with the French Resistance and free his friend Sam, Mister Ferrari, and others. Through their efforts in North Africa, we witness as this dedicated group of fighters keeps the Straits of Hercules open and helps to turn the tide of the war in North Africa and beyond. The concerted efforts of this close-knit family of friends help to thwart the advance of the Third Reich.   

I imagine the research for this novel was extensive. Can you share with us a little about your process? 

I research as I write, wherever the story takes me. I can do this primarily through many historical sites online which corroborate facts and offer insights into war, geography, and war-time situations that further my story. Writing a historical fiction novel gives me the opportunity at times to adjust facts that don’t exactly fit the dynamics of my story, but I try to be as historically accurate as possible. 

Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?

Yes. I think so. We see how the lives of two ordinary people make a tremendous difference in the conduct and the prosecution of the war. We begin to see how a few individuals in a concerted effort make sacrifices that matter and step up to the challenges that confront them.

Will there be a third installment? 

We could continue with the Algerian push for independence from France after the war. The idea that intrigues me is how Rick, Lisa, and Louis deal with this revolutionary movement and if they do or do not support the will of the Algerian people.

Right now, I’m working on a dystopian novel with themes that are more current and poignant.

If not, what can readers expect to see from you next?

We have several books already published that might interest readers:

Animal Court allows animals to put an African prince on trial for his crimes against nature. The judges, jurors, and attorneys are all animals. Even the news reporter for ANN (Animal News Network) is an animal. This modern fable reads like trial proceedings in a courtroom, and it is both educational and amusing. A story for all ages.

The Lilium is about the children of Lilith, the mother of demons, and how a few of her offspring reject their demonic impulses to try to find redemption and attain their humanity.

Also, The Apocryphal of Lazarus. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is raised from the dead, but he cannot die. What happens to him as he never ages and outlives one family after another? Where does he go? What does he do? We follow him until he finally starts seeing signs of aging in himself. 

Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website