historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
In the fall of 1944, Tadashi is a guard at the infamous Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp northeast of Manila. He has been here for two years, and learned much about the Americans held captive there, as well as the cruelty of the Japanese brass. He yearns for home, for the wife he loves and … Continue reading The Poetry of “War Sonnets:” Strange Surroundings
I first met Erin Litteken as a member of a small critique group of women's fiction writers. I was working on what I now call my "practice novel," Hope, and Erin was working on the as yet untitled story of a young woman who survived the Holodomor, Stalin's veiled attempt to eradicate the Ukranian people … Continue reading “The Memory Keeper of Kyiv” by Erin Litteken
Writing a novel is the easy part of being an aspiring author. When I finished War Sonnets, sent it through the last batch of beta readers and critiques, and polished it until it shined, I felt like I was on the home stretch. I'd written a good story, felt validated by the work I'd put … Continue reading Slogging Through the Query Trenches
There are two things you have to know about the protagonist of Stephen King’s latest novel: 1. Billy Summers is an assassin for hire. 2. Billy Summers only kills bad people. It started with the man who beat to death Billy’s little sister. Billy was eleven years old; they ruled it self-defense. At seventeen he … Continue reading Book Review: “Billy Summers,” by Stephen King
With spring approaching, my reading has slowed a bit. In March and April, I've latched on to a couple of series and discovered a new "favorite" author: G. Lawrence. Ms. Lawrence writes historical fiction, specifically focusing on royal families in the British Isles. What I enjoy most about her books is that, unlike much history … Continue reading March-April Book Recap
Although they are from opposite sides of the world, Leo and Tadashi, the main characters in War Sonnets have a lot in common. They are both from families who have farmed the land for generations., a land they love. In those early days, before they are called to war, Tadashi's haikus and Leo's sonnets reflect … Continue reading The Poetry of “War Sonnets”: Before They Were Soldiers
It's been a crazy, mixed-up week which means I've had little time to craft a proper post. The following is a list of the books I read in the month of February, with my rating and, unfortunately no description. I have, however, linked each title to its Goodreads page so if you are interested you … Continue reading February Book Recap
There is little room for women in a World War II novel. But to Tadashi, there is only one woman who matters anyway: his wife, Sachiko. Most marriages in early twentieth-century Japan were "arranged"; Tadashi's was no exception, and he feels honored by the gods when he realizes how much he loves her. Sachiko is … Continue reading The Woman of “War Sonnets”
It's all about perspective.
Susannah Willey Writes 