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History and Classic Cinema
Janszoon follows Hollywood icon Humphrey Bogart through his tumultuous personal and professional life who longs for adventure and a lasting legacy while learning about his ancestor, pirate Jan Janszoon van Salee. What inspired you to write this story?
At the heart of all of my historical fiction writing is my soon-to-be-published series about German immigration in the early Eighteenth Century. As the family historian, my wife and I undertook a journey tracing the path of my German ancestor, Hans Heinrich Gruber (no relation to the Die Hard Hans), from Basel, Switzerland, up the Rhine River to Rotterdam. From there, Hans embarked on a ship to New York City. While researching the New Netherlands, specifically the island of Manhattan, I stumbled upon the story of the infamously famous, fabulously wealthy Dutch Barbary pirate Jan Janszoon Van Salee. His sons were among the earliest settlers, and their descendants now number in the millions. Among these descendants is believed to be the Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart.
As I traveled through the Northeast, from Philadelphia to Canada to Boston, gathering facts for my series, the idea for this book struck me. I envisioned Bogart, amid his career, exploring his connection to Jan Janszoon Van Salee. The story became a journey of self-discovery, legacy, and adventure as Bogart delves into his heritage to understand what it means to leave a lasting mark on the world.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Bibliography
Widing, Roy. Sluggy: Bogie’s Other Baby. Mayo Methot – Star of Stage, Screen & Wife of Humphrey Bogart. Orlando, Florida: Copyright 2019 Roy Widing. (pgs 131, 142-4)
Thompson, Verita, and Donald Shepherd. A Love Story: Bogie and Me. Pinnacle Books, Inc., 1982. (pgs. 10-14, 17-25, 27-33, 45-49, 53-56)
Hyams, Joe. The Humphrey Bogart Story: BOGIE. The New American Library, Inc., 1966. 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. (pgs. 63, 72, 79-80, 87)
Sperber, A.M., and Eric Lax. Bogart. HarperCollins Publishers, 1997. 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007. (pgs. 227, 235)
Meyers, Jeffrey. BOGART: A Life in Hollywood. A Peter Davison Book, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York, 1997. (pgs. 138, 160-163)
Bogart, Stephen Humphrey, and Gary Provost. Bogart: In Search of My Father. Penguin Books USA Inc., 1995. 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Humphrey Bogart and the rest of the gang.
…and of course, lots of old movies.
What draws you to the Golden Age of Hollywood and makes it ripe for you to write such a great biographical fiction story in it?
My draw to the Golden Age of Hollywood stems from a deep love for the silver screen and history. As a longtime fan of classic films, I’ve always been captivated by the larger-than-life personalities and stories that shaped that era. The glitz, glamor, and drama of Hollywood’s golden years offer a rich world for storytelling, where real-life legends like Humphrey Bogart navigated personal and professional challenges while leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
Retired from dentistry, I now have the luxury of immersing myself in history and letting my imagination run wild. Daydreaming about the lives of iconic figures allows me to blend factual history with fictional narratives, creating stories that entertain and explore the human side of these legends. Writing biographical fiction set in this era is my way of paying tribute to the stars who shaped our cultural landscape while indulging my passion for history and classic cinema.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
There are several thrilling historical fiction projects in the works, each offering a unique dive into the past and beyond. First up is an ambitious eight-book series that will take you on a journey through German immigration from 1700 to 1780, capturing the trials, triumphs, and enduring spirit of those who shaped the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Spinning off from this series is an intriguing standalone novel set around 1715, centered on a girls’ school that spurred the transfer of none other than Yale College to New Haven—a story rich with secrets, ambition, and early American history.
But that’s not all! There’s also the first installment of a gripping murder mystery series, promising twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And if that weren’t enough, a mind-blowing multi-book sci-fi saga is in the works, ready to transport readers to worlds and dimensions that defy imagination.
The funny thing about crafting a long series is that by the time you’re knee-deep in books, new revelations or ideas often pop up, prompting rewrites and tweaks to earlier volumes. It’s a creative journey that truly only ends once everything falls perfectly in place. One day, these stories will be polished, perfected, and released as a complete set, and I hope readers will enjoy them as much as I’ve loved bringing them to life.
Author Links: Amazon
It’s 1942 and Humphrey Bogart seems to have it all. By day, he’s reading lines for Casablanca with Ingrid Bergman; by night, he’s drinking bourbon on the Sunset Strip with friends like Peter Lorre and Leslie Howard.
But to Bogart, life is not so glamorous. High-profile fights with his wife Mayo and a rigid studio contract committing him to a series of mediocre films have him feeling personally and professionally trapped.
That is, until one day a mysterious note arrives on set.
Heeding the strange invitation, Bogart finds himself in a series of long, secret conversations with his aunt and cousin about the swashbuckling tales of their ancestor, the pirate Jan Janszoon van Salee. These tales of the high seas ignite a fire within Bogart to carve out a path that is uniquely his own—even if it means shedding the roles and people who made him famous.
Janszoon is more than a Hollywood fantasy; it’s a journey into the heart of a man wrestling with ambitions and desires, an actor who yearns to balance his on-screen personas with his off-screen reality. From his tumultuous marriage and infamous USO tour, through his affairs with Verita Patterson and Lauren Bacall, Janszoon imagines a life in which the enigmatic Humphrey Bogart seeks a legacy that transcends the ephemeral glow of stardom.
Changing Your Destiny
Depression follows siblings during the Great Depression who leave home and move to New York City in hopes of a better future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from my fascination with history. Ever since I was 12 years old, I have been a history fanatic because it has always been an interesting subject to me. To me, it is nice to learn about how past events can affect our current moment in life. In terms of the Great Depression, I felt that it was always a major stepping stone in American history because of its global impact (Ex: World War 2).
What many people tend to forget or leave unnoticed is how the Great Depression impacted those in the southern states. Agriculture was failing so badly for farmers that they needed help from the government but it still wasn’t enough to save their agriculture business. I’ve been wanting to write a story around this idea for 12 years now, but never got around to it until now.
Wade and Ruby both take different paths once they reach the city, struggling in their own ways to figure out themselves and how to get by. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I believe the idea for Ruby and Wade was to show everyone how even though we want to achieve the same goal in life, we will still go on a different journey to get there. Sometimes it can be a good path or a dark path.
For Ruby, she was always the tough, strong-minded country girl who never wavered from anything and always protected her little brother. Getting to New York City was her way of finally realizing that there was more to life than farming and Wade. Her main thing was finally growing up and stepping out of her Mississippi bubble.
For Wade, even being the ambitious one and wanting a better life for himself and his sister, he quickly learns that dreaming about something is very different than experiencing something. His dreams meet reality which caused a huge character shift for him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important thing that I want readers to take away from this book is hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. We as humans and society have our troubling, depressing moments in life, so sometimes hope is all we need. Overall, If there is anything you can learn from Wade and Ruby’s journey is that you have the power to take a step towards changing your destiny.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. We can expect a sequel to Depression. Ruby’s story is not finished just yet. I won’t spoil too much of the next book, but I will say that Ruby will now learn the true meaning of love, loss, and healing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Set in the rustic backdrop of rural Mississippi, our story follows Wade and Ruby, two siblings
who must grapple with a life of impoverishment. Wade and Ruby are introduced to the harsh
realities of life at a tender age, as they toil on their barren land, trying to salvage their father’s
dream agriculture business.
Their parents, trapped in dead-end jobs, paint a bleak picture of their future.
However, their narratives take a turn when the siblings decide to break free from the chains of
their circumstances. They aspire to redefine their destinies and escape the shackles of their
poverty-stricken existence by moving to the bustling, promise-filled streets of New York City:
“The City of Dreams.”
Their journey to New York City will be a transformative one for the siblings, as they will be
forced to step out of their comfort zone and experience a new life beyond the confines of their
old rural lifestyle.
Once Wade and Ruby reach the promised land, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in
their lives, but it won’t be easy.
To survive, Wade and Ruby must quickly learn to navigate through NYC’s cutthroat environment
while also facing the darkness of their family’s past mistakes in a place that can either catapult
them to their dreams or shatter them entirely.
Immerse yourself in a narrative that pushes the limits of emotion and suspense, as “Depression”
peels back the curtain on the darkness of life itself.
The Smiths’ journey will be filled with a whirlwind of emotions while offering you a compelling
narrative that will linger in your mind long after the final page is turned.
Choosing Sides
Choosing Sides, by David K. Wesel, is a compelling coming-of-age novel set against the tumultuous backdrop of pre-World War II America and the early 1930s rise of Nazi Germany. The story centers on Karl-Heinz, a young man caught between two worlds: born in Germany but raised in the United States, He returns to his homeland just as it is being reshaped by the burgeoning Nazi regime. The novel delves deeply into his inner conflict as he struggles to balance his loyalty to Germany with his appreciation for the peace and democratic values of his American upbringing. Ultimately, Karl-Heinz faces the daunting task of choosing a side in a world fraught with ideological extremes.
Set during one of humanity’s darkest periods, Choosing Sides takes a domestic approach to explore the devastating impact of the Nazi era on a single family. Wesel adeptly portrays Karl-Heinz’s ideological struggle, depicting his exposure to the Hitler Youth and the influence of prominent Nazi figures within his family, including his uncle and cousin, who are ardent nationalists. This fervent nationalism starkly contrasts with the democratic ideals cherished by Karl-Heinz’s parents, who have firsthand experience with the horrors of war. These conflicting influences anchor Karl-Heinz to a vision of a more democratic world, creating a profound tension within his character.
Wesel’s novel is both deeply moving and insightful, enriched by its foundation in the author’s partially fictitious family history. This personal touch lends the narrative a unique authenticity, making it resonate across different generations and social backgrounds. Choosing Sides provides a vital perspective on how the war affected ordinary German citizens, offering a nuanced view that differentiates between the ideologies of Hitler and the realities faced by everyday people.
For enthusiasts of historical fiction, this book is a must-read, sparking intriguing conversations about the complexities of reconciling national and personal identity. Wesel presents a thought-provoking exploration of how one’s beliefs are shaped by their surroundings, making Choosing Sides a significant contribution to the literature of this era.
Pages: 274 | ISBN : 978-1952439773
How We Value Service
Through Her Lens follows a woman working as a photographer and British Intelligence agent who struggles for personal autonomy during a period of history where women are often overlooked. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have long loved history, but it doesn’t take much looking to realize that much of what has been kept and written about is men. One evening I was watching an episode of NOVA, a PBS program, called “3D Spies of World War II.” They talked about the V1 and V2 bombs and the pilots who took the images, but they also spoke about the women who worked at RAF Medmenham. Many of them outranked men because the creator of the 3D approach thought women would be better at analysis than men. A woman is credited for finding the V1, Constance Babington Smith. I had a short story with a character named Millie, who was being evacuated from London at the start of the war. My writing group had been encouraging me to explore a longer story for Millie and with this nugget of information about RAF Medmenham, I had my path and one that I wouldn’t have to work to fill in too many gaps. Women did the important analysis work. I only had to learn about them to create a more well-rounded Millie and the world that she would inhabit. It was a chance to tell a true and little-known story about one of the many important things women did to help the Allies’ efforts in defeating the Axis powers.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?
For a single woman working in the time, the trials were many. It was important to me not to gloss over that fact. For that reason, I made her family rich. Money wasn’t something I wanted her to struggle with. I did want to highlight the limited choices women had. The British government wasn’t going to give her a gun or let her take her camera into the fight for that matter, but they expected her to contribute all the same and with little or no credit. Every day Millie was going to open her beloved newspaper to see honor bestowed on the men of her day. She was going to have to risk everything, remember Britain was regularly being bombed, and get no credit at all. How was an ambitious person to manage something like this? How this would shape Millie interested me. It was also critical that her father not treat her like his sons. He could want things for and from her, but only within what his peers would find acceptable. William may have had progressive ways, due to the influences of his wife—Millie’s mother, Margaret—but they didn’t naturally flow to Millie. They would both need to bend and the conflict between them would need to shape them. Finally, I couldn’t create a world without grave personal loss. No one escaped the war without pain of some sort. Millie couldn’t be an exception.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The thought I kept coming back to was this: There are things we want to do and things we should do, but unfortunately they are rarely the same things. Every character in Through Her Lens struggled with this fact. I believe most of my readers do as well. In this way I was able to take an old story and pull it into the present.
I also wanted the reader to grapple with how we value service. Why is a surgeon more valuable than a garbage man? Why is a man’s work, in the case of my novel, more noteworthy than a woman’s? Why have there been countless stories told of Winston Churchill, the men who stormed the beaches at Normandy, the men who endured the Battle of the Bulge, but few if any of the intelligence work the women did on Churchill’s behalf, the women who worked alongside him in his bunker in London, or the nurses and other women who followed the men into France, or of those who worked without a gun in the Ardennes? I do not mean to diminish the work and sacrifices of the men, only to ask why not the women too.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I found writing flirtatious banter quite fun. I have an idea swimming in my imagination of a group of female whiskey trippers, the folks who hauled booze during prohibition, and have written a few short stories to unearth my heroine. As you might imagine women were overlooked at the time and the 1920s were pretty bad for women. So perhaps an alternate reality of the time or maybe a more modern setting like revamped Smokey and the Bandit, populated by women, of course. I’d like to spend my time with a lighter topic and give my sense of humor a bit of a workout. I’ve visited a few spots in Appalachia to start getting a feel for possible characters and see who I can unearth for more inspiration. And I am constructing a cast with short stories and essays which is my second favorite part of the writing process. As to when it will be ready, who can say—soon, I hope! But research is my favorite part of the process, and it can take some time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Three years ago, Millie dutifully packed away her cameras and began her career in Secret Intelligence after discovering her surrogate mother’s flat leveled during the Blitz. Her commander has reassigned her to help verify and destroy the Nazis’ long-range vengeance weapons program before D-Day. Amidst the urgent demands of her work, a Royal Air Force pilot named Callum won’t let her forget who she is. He is always there – sneaking her a camera and tempting her with a life spent with him instead of her fiancé, Elliot.
Melissa Bacon masterfully captures Millie’s struggle to choose between her dreams and her duty to family and country. Through Her Lens chronicles a piece of history based on actual events surrounding Operation Crossbow, a top-secret intelligence investigation tasked with stopping the V1 flying bomb and V2 rocket program. This exploration of women’s empowerment is a must-read for those interested in untold stories of the heroes of World War II.
The Keak Anthology
Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis’ anthology, The KEAK Anthology, presents an intriguing collection that showcases her narrative versatility alongside select works co-authored with Artemios Korkidis. The anthology is organized into three distinct sections, beginning with a compilation of sixteen short stories spanning a diverse range of genres. These narratives explore various themes, from the thrill and peril of space exploration to political intrigue, technological advancements, dystopian visions, reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic, and historical vignettes.
The second part of the collection delves into the world of flash fiction, offering succinct yet impactful stories. These brief narratives navigate the complexities of human relationships and emotions, touching on topics such as strained love, musical passion, and the nuances of parenthood. The final segment of the anthology provides readers with excerpts from five of Korkidis’ previously published novels. These selections delve into various human experiences, including overcoming challenges, rekindling romance, and the consequences of infidelity, engaging readers with their rich characters and compelling plots.
Korkidis’ short stories are notable for their creativity and genre diversity, encompassing mystery, thriller, romance, and dystopian themes. One particularly memorable tale, “Patient Zero,” addresses the unintended consequences of technological advancements, resonating with contemporary concerns about environmental issues and social isolation. In contrast, the flash fiction section stands out for its brevity and clarity, demonstrating Korkidis’ ability to convey profound ideas and emotions in a condensed format. For instance, “The Hug,” a story of just 360 words, encapsulates the complexities and possibilities of human attraction in a single, meaningful gesture. The anthology’s final excerpts leave readers yearning for more, skillfully blending sophisticated character development with absorbing storylines. The character of Daniel, for example, is a compelling figure who, despite battling alcohol addiction, strives to assist others in need. This narrative personally resonated with me due to my own experiences with a family member’s struggles with substance abuse.
The KEAK Anthology is a captivating and diverse collection that appeals to a broad spectrum of readers, particularly those who appreciate anthologies and short fiction. Each story, rich in depth and intrigue, seamlessly leads into the next, affirming Korkidis’ prowess in crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives.
Pages: 630 | ASIN : B0CHGVWFFJ
Through Her Lens
Through Her Lens, the debut novel by Melissa Clark Bacon, introduces readers to the intriguing world of Millicent (Millie) Trayford, a photographer turned British Intelligence operative during World War II. Millie’s journey begins with her profound commitment to documenting the critical role of women in society through her photography. However, the transformative impact of the Blitz propels her into a new role in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, a decision influenced by her father.
The narrative meticulously unfolds Millie’s mission to uncover Hitler’s secret vengeance weapons. Amidst this pursuit, she confronts a personal longing for autonomy, challenging the expectations imposed by her father, fiancé, and superiors. As the plot progresses, the stark realities of war and its human cost become increasingly evident, leading to deeply affecting losses for Millie. Bacon masterfully highlights women’s often unheralded yet vital contributions in wartime, drawing attention to their critical roles in achieving victory. Millie’s poignant observation, “Women are always doing interesting and important things that are overlooked,” underscores this theme. Bacon’s narrative prowess is evident in her ability to blend historical authenticity with rich, lesser-known details about the teams tasked with discovering hidden wartime weapons. The novel’s standout feature is its portrayal of Millie as a multifaceted character. Beyond her roles as a photographer and operative, her struggle with the dichotomy of personal goals and societal duties offers a compelling examination of female empowerment during a tumultuous historical era.
Through Her Lens not only presents an engaging story set against the backdrop of World War II but also invites readers to reflect on the complex dynamics of women’s roles in both public and private spheres during a critical period of history.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0CSB77NT3
The Bravest Soldiers
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, Elaine Schroller’s The Bravest Soldiers interlaces the lives of characters hailing from Australia, the USA, and France. The narrative delves into their personal and political struggles amidst the perils and adrenaline of wartime. Central to the story are Sam, an Australian reconnaissance pilot, and Marianne, a French civilian. Their love endures the trials of distance and the chaos of war, sustained through the exchange of poignant letters that echo their hope for a reunion. Meanwhile, Sophie, a nurse skilled in tending to wounded soldiers, faces her own heartaches and challenges.
The evolving relationship between Sam and Marianne forms the crux of the narrative, captivating readers with their emotional journey against the harrowing war backdrop. The contrast between the stark realities of war and their tender romance is effectively portrayed, especially through their endearing exchanges – Sam’s “bright spot in my day” and Marianne’s hopeful “fly safely.” Schroller’s prose vividly transports readers into the heart of the war zone, with its immersive descriptions and dynamic dialogues, vividly bringing to life the terror of an aerial dogfight or the spiral of a falling plane. The book adeptly explores themes of patriotism, hope, resilience, friendship, and familial bonds. While the narrative moves at a brisk pace, focusing primarily on dialogue over internal reflections, this approach adds a dynamic quality to the story. The rapid shifts between characters’ perspectives create a tapestry of experiences, fostering a sense of eagerness and anticipation for the reader to delve deeper into each character’s journey.
The Bravest Soldiers will resonate with enthusiasts of war literature, offering a compelling exploration of love and family during wartime. Its realistic portrayal of historical challenges keeps the reader engaged and anticipating the resolution of its intricate plot.
Pages: 432 | ASIN : B0CDQV5JWV
Exile Music
Orly’s youth is deeply entwined with music, from the serene opera tales of her famous mother to the impassioned strains of her father’s viola. Despite the mounting political unrest in Germany, she finds solace and adventure in the company of her best friend and upstairs neighbor, Annalise, as they create fantastical, eccentric worlds to escape the encroaching challenges of their reality. However, 1938 brings a devastating upheaval when Germany invades, severing Orly from her cherished friend. Fleeing with her parents, they find asylum in the distant mountains of Bolivia. There, Orly faces a dilemma: should she forge a new existence in this unfamiliar land or dare to return to Europe and reunite with Annalise?
Jennifer Steil’s Exile Music: A Novel, set against the backdrop of Vienna during Hitler’s rise, depicts the life of a young Jewish girl. Steil employs historical references effectively, providing readers with a chronological compass through Orly’s journey, and delivering an emotional resonance for those familiar with the Jewish plight during WWII. The novel also weaves in musical motifs, particularly through the tragic operas relayed by Orly’s mother. These references, alongside vivid depictions of the opera house and Orly’s Viennese village, enrich the narrative with a vibrant cultural tapestry, inviting readers into the heart of the characters’ world. The specialized nature of the musical and historical references offers a rewarding opportunity for readers. A deep understanding isn’t essential, but those familiar with these elements will find that their knowledge significantly enriches the emotional depth of the story. The novel’s appeal might vary among readers based on their historical and musical knowledge. The family’s profound connection to music offers a universal touchstone of passion and resilience.
Jennifer Steil has crafted a descriptive and evocative tale that encapsulates the tragedies and perseverance of a Jewish family during WWII. Exile Music is both captivating and eloquent, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a poignant period of history through the eyes of a deeply relatable protagonist.
Pages: 432 | ISBN : 978-0525561835
LITERARY TITAN 