historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
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”
When I last wrote about my War Sonnets characters, I had no idea I'd be adding a bunch more. Major changes took place in my most recent draft (Draft Three), the largest of which is the expansion of Tadashi's story to include more depth, more chapters and more characters. Let me introduce Tadashi's latest comrades: … Continue reading Meet the Men of “War Sonnets,” Part Three
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
Leo Baldwin and Tadashi Abukara, soldiers fighting on opposite sides in the Pacific Theater of World War II have more in common that one might think. They are both farmers and poets. And they are both fighting for a cause they firmly believe in. Leo loves the sonnet. "The challenge of the sonnet intrigued him, … Continue reading The poetry of “War Sonnets”
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
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
United State Army—112th RCT As a writer, it’s important to know everything you can about each of your characters. Most of what you learn will never make it to your story, but digging deep into their personalities may reveal things you hadn’t thought of. Suddenly, that person is more than a name. They feel real, … Continue reading Meet the Men of “War Sonnets”, Part One
What do you think of when you see the word “sonnet?” Love poems, right? So imagine my surprise when I first read my uncle’s sonnets about his war experience. Who writes sonnets about fighting? And yet, he did. And they are awesome—one might say beautiful. When I was trying to come up with a list … Continue reading Origins: War Sonnets
Susannah Willey Writes 