Posts Tagged ‘WWII’
“Birds Fly. Men Drink.” The Man Will Never Fly Memorial Society
My novel Silver Wings, Iron Cross sprang from a lifelong interest in World War II. I grew up hearing my grandfather’s stories from his service with the legendary Eighth Air Force. Without a doubt, he provided the primary inspiration that led me to fly in the military and eventually to write this novel. But I…
Read MoreChurchill’s Writings: Essential Background for a WWII novel.
Winston Churchill’s writings became an important part of the background research for my World War II novel, Silver Wings, Iron Cross. I’ve always admired Churchill, so I was honored to get a chance to share some thoughts in an article for the International Churchill Society. Click here to read the full article.
Read MoreDiving Into the Past for a Historical Novel
Twenty-six miles off Morehead City, NC, the dive boat pitched and rolled. I fought seasickness as I pulled on my scuba gear. Everything gets harder when you’re trying not to lose your lunch; even strapping on fins becomes a struggle. I screwed the regulator onto my air tank. Cracked open the valve and watched the…
Read MoreBe Like Bob, Know Your History
One of the smartest guys I ever knew was an old squadron mate. He was an enlisted man, a loadmaster on the C-130 Hercules. He had no formal education beyond high school and his training in the Air Force and Navy. But his hobby was reading history. Every time you saw him, he had a…
Read MoreSilver Wings, Iron Cross
Dear friends and readers, Near the end of World War II, a downed American pilot and a deserting German officer try to survive as the Third Reich collapses around them. That’s the heart of the action in my upcoming novel, Silver Wings, Iron Cross. I grew up hearing my grandfather’s stories of his service with…
Read MoreThe World War II Book Challenge
The New Year brings the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II–a fitting moment to learn more about the war, its causes, and its legacy. And we seem to need it. Too many people know too little about the most significant event of the 20th century, an event that still shapes our world.…
Read MoreResearching WWII Novels
While researching my World War II novels, I’ve found some great old training films online. Here’s a good example. In this one, Hollywood actor Arthur Kennedy plans a C-47 instructor pilot. I’m sure these films were great training aids, and now they’re a treasure trove for aviation buffs and history lovers.
Read MoreWorld War II novel
Completing a WWII novel that deals in part with the Battle of the Atlantic. Many folks don’t realize how close WWII came to mainland American shores. I first got interested in this subject years ago during my college days. With the UNC-Chapel Hill Scuba Club, I dived on several WWII shipwrecks off the Outer Banks,…
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