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
Tag: #historical fiction
“The Memory Keeper of Kyiv” by Erin Litteken
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
The Poetry of “War Sonnets”: Before They Were Soldiers
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
The Poetry of War Sonnets
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the poems in my novel, War Sonnets. Today "The Poetry of War Sonnets" becomes a series. Sonnets and haikus introduce certain scenes in Leo's and Tadashi's stories. Every few weeks I'll post one or two of them with a brief summary of the scene it precedes. You'll get … Continue reading The Poetry of War Sonnets
While I’m waiting…
...for the illustrious JeniChappelle to critique my second draft of War Sonnets, I've turned my attention to another work-in-progress: And Know They Love You. When I started writing this story (in--yikes!--1998), it was a challenge to myself to complete a novella-length work. When finished, it came in at just less than 27,000 words. Mission accomplished. … Continue reading While I’m waiting…
War Sonnets—Draft Two
In April 2020 I thought I had completed a decent first draft of War Sonnets… until I attended a seminar and realized my “draft one” should more appropriately be referred to as “draft zero.” Yes, it had a beginning, a middle, and an end. But the character and story arcs were badly lacking. It wasn’t … Continue reading War Sonnets—Draft Two
Meet the Men of “War Sonnets,” Part Two
The Japanese Imperial Army, 14th Army, Shimbu Group I have just finished sending off a draft of War Sonnets to beta and sensitivity readers. Am I a nervous wreck? You betcha! So to keep myself busy, I hereby introduce you to the Japanese side of the "Men of War Sonnets." Left to right: Corporal/Sergeant Tadashi … Continue reading Meet the Men of “War Sonnets,” Part Two
War Sonnets: A Collage
Today's post: a collage of images I use to represent my characters, Leo, Dooley, Woody, Cal, Sergeant Ryan, Lt. Inoue, Kaito, Tadashi, Sachiko, Harry, Russo, and Johnson, and their surroundings. Can you spot the protagonists? Antagonists? There are two of each.