Just like a woman’s work is never done, being an author is a lifestyle. While I maintain a regular writing schedule made easy by my 30-second commute to my office, I constantly brainstorm about plot points, how to get my guy or girl out of the sticky situation s/he is in, and new story ideas. I think about it in the shower, while driving and walking the dog. So you could say I’m a workaholic. Except it doesn’t feel like work. I really enjoy it. Below are the next few manuscripts I’m currently working on.
New Novel WHEN THE SKIES RAINED FREEDOM
Currently, the new historical novel about the Berlin Airlift (1948/1949) is at the editor with an estimated publishing date of October 20, 2023. This exciting novel takes readers onto the ground, first in 1945, shortly after WWII ends in Germany and in a second timeline to the summer of 1948, when Stalin decides to cut off West Berlin from trade, power, water and all travel. Read more about the novel on my blog or the introductory book page.
Surviving the Gulag (Working Title)
Based on the story of my grandfather, Wilhelm Kronen
Courland, May 8, 1945: Five years have passed since Willi Kronen left his family in Germany. Five years he fought for the German Army, the last eight months wedged in by the Russian Red Army in the East and the East Sea in the West. He knows the war is lost and it is just a matter of time before Germany must capitulate.
Then he hears the fateful words across the wire. Germany is defeated. Hand your weapons to the Red Army.
At last he can go home to his wife, son and daughter. But warning bells sound in Willi’s gut, a skill which has helped him survive so far. In horror he watches as Russian soldiers are shooting surrendering German soldiers, play Russian roulette or take them prisoner. On a whim Willi and his men decide to make a run for it. They head for Libau, a port city on the west coast of the East Sea. There they hope to catch a boat home.
It takes them three days to reach the port, always hiding, always dodging spying eyes. They’re in luck. A German boat is about to leave. But then disaster strikes. The Red Army reaches them just as Willi’s men are embarking. Willi hesitates and with that makes the biggest mistake of his life. He is taken prisoner and soon finds himself heading east, away from everything he knows, away from freedom.
More to come…