historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
Bullets flew, cannon roared, but there was something much more insidious that stalked the battlefield and Jim had no idea how to treat it. ~Nostalgia, by Susannah Willey It took awhile to figure out what came next once I published War Sonnets. I wondered if I had another novel in me. I wondered if it … Continue reading Sneak Preview: Nostalgia–A Civil War Novel
I remember the first time I heard it: Your first novel will never see the light of day. No matter how good you think it is, it’s probably not ready for prime time and it probably never will be. “Not my novel!” I thought. I was indignant. Downright upset. Crushed. How could this—my best work, … Continue reading Shelved: When your “best” just isn’t good enough
A lot has been happening since War Sonnets was launched on July 5th. In July I was honored to be a guest on the local TV show, Bridge Street. And in August I was a guest of the Cato, NY Rotary Club where I shared my writing journey. Would your group (library, rotary, etc) be … Continue reading “War Sonnets” Update
愛し国 親、妻、子供 いざ帰国 Itoshi kuni Oya tsuma kodomo Iza kikoku Beloved homeland Parents, dear wife, and children, I return to you! Home! Going home! I’m going home today. War’s brutal horrors past, I’ve lived to see The happy faces of my family; But I am not the boy you sent away. I am a well-trained … Continue reading The Poetry of War Sonnets: Going Home
If you haven't already heard (what, you couldn't hear me shouting from the rooftop?) the e-book version of War Sonnets is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Apple, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble. Paperback and hardcover copies will also be avaible soon. In the meantime, here's a little teaser: the opening chapter of War Sonnets: … Continue reading War Sonnets Teaser
Yes, you read that right. The fifth of July. Do you know its significance? On July 5, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur declared the Philippines liberated. And on July 5, 2023? War Sonnets will be released! After five years and a ton of hard work, War Sonnets is going public. Copies will be available for sale … Continue reading The Fifth of July
HIROSHIMA --August 6, 1945 The awesome power of death, this day uncaged, Will, like the weak Pandora’s box of woes, Be with the world wherever war is waged, And dog man’s footsteps everywhere he goes. That it, this day, has claimed ten thousand lives, And saved, perhaps, a hundred thousand more Who poise in waiting … Continue reading The Poetry of War Sonnets: The Bomb That Changed the World
May/June 1945 枝広げ 追手惑わす マンゴの木 Eda hiroge Oite madowasu Mango no kiThe great mango tree Hides me from my searching foes Under wide branches. NIGHT PATROL Luzon, 1945 Outside the closed perimeter, we wait Until full dark; then , at a word, we go Like green-clad ghosts to stalk the distant foe. Still harbingers of … Continue reading The Poetry of War Sonnets: Hunter and Hunted
Congratulations, your book "War Sonnets" is the bronze category winner for "Historical General" in the 2022 HFC Book of the Year contest. Attached is the award badge and if you need physical stickers for your books, please let us know and we can send you the private link and password for ordering. What a way … Continue reading We Interrupt Your New Year’s Eve Celebration…
April 1945. Leo and his men and the rest of the 112th RCT are embedded at Hot Corner, not far from the Japanese-held Ipo Dam and the Bigti Caves, in what's being called a "reconnaissance in force." All those Japanese troops hiding in the caves are up to something, and it's the 112th's job to … Continue reading The Poetry of War Sonnets: Engaging the Enemy
Susannah Willey Writes 