As March is Women’s History Month, I’m delighted to present the story of a woman I met to interview for my latest book, It Was Our War Too: Youth in the Shadows of WWII. Shortly after graduating from college in Paris during World War II, Marie Vance volunteered to join the French Resistance fighters. She... Continue Reading →
The Young Suffered Mental Illness During WWII
A recent post by Joan Stewart, a book marketing expert who titles herself ‘Publicity Hound’ because she also loves dogs and includes a vid about them in her newsletters, prompted this post about the topic of mental illness. Caption: Bombed-out homes confronted civilians everywhere in Europe during WWII. Photo by WWII vet Keith McComb. A... Continue Reading →
Choosing a Book’s Cover, Part 1
Readers ask about how I decide what goes on the covers of my books. As I feel the veterans who I write about should be showcased, I’ve chosen to place their photos on front back covers. At the top of the front cover of D-Day: Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Tell about Normandy, you see two... Continue Reading →
New Book About D-Day Is Available!
D-Day: Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Tell about Normandy is the first book in my new World War II Insider series. Its publication has been timed to coincide with the upcoming 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. ** D-Day: Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen Tell About Normandy is a compilation of stories from veterans... Continue Reading →
Remembering Notre Dame
The news about the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was and still is staggering. We toured this lovely facility in 2017 during our World War II tour of Europe. It was a Sunday and Mass was being held. Our Parisian guide told us we were allowed to take photos inside the cathedral... Continue Reading →
Stories for WWII Book Include Challenges, Death-Defying Danger
I collect stories as some people collect rare books or stamps. Stories fascinate me. As a newspaper reporter and magazine writer, I had the (paid) opportunity to listen to people tell stories. I’ve literally heard 1,000s of oral histories, often from people who didn't believe they were interesting enough to have a story. I believe... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year’s Eve!
I know Christmas is over, but I hope you will take 3 minutes to enjoy this gift of video of veterans featured in my books who wish you Christmas greetings. I completed it days before Christmas and sent it in my free email newsletter. Let me know if you'd like to receive it. My friend,... Continue Reading →
Wounded Army Soldier Fought at D-Day
Last week I announced the release of my new book, We Gave Our Best: American WWII Veterans Tell Their Stories. In future posts I will introduce veterans from the book whose stories may inspire you as they have done to me. Gene Cogan was a veteran recommended to me by a friend and am I... Continue Reading →
Historic Ceremony Witnessed at Pegasus Bridge –Part 1
Tomorrow is our nation's birthday. I'm so proud to be part of America and it's glorious history and fantastic citizens. We're not perfect but I'd still rather live here than anywhere else. Celebrate by thanking a vet for his/her service! This photo was taken of a young girl awaiting arrival of Honor Flight of Northeast... Continue Reading →