YOU WRITE WHAT!?
B-24 bombers over Ploesti, Romania, August 1, 1943.
That’s because of an email I recently received from a reader, Jim Harris, about WHEN HEROES FLEW, my first WWII historical fiction book. Jim identified himself as “a retired book sales/marketing rep” for several major publishers. He also said he’d owned a bookstore in New Jersey. Now he’s a board member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA). (I’m a PNWA member, but have never met Jim.)
He went on to say, “I read a lot. I write reviews . . . . Some of what I read is pure fiction; a few books are straight history; a third category is what I call ‘faction,’ fiction based on fact.” He said for him WHEN HEROES FLEW falls into the “faction” category.
He explained in his review of the novel: “Author H. W. ‘Buzz’ Bernard has taken one event, the saturation bombing of the German/Romanian oil fields located at Ploesti as seen through the eyes of two opposing pilots.” One is American, the other, German.
Note: you can read the entire review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads or various book sellers’ websites.
Jim’s review concludes: “Mr. Bernard did extensive research before writing the book, including taking a ride in one of two remaining flight-worthy B-24s [see photo; the bomber is WITCHCRAFT]. If you are a fan of this category of books, by all means read this book. You will not be disappointed. Go! Buy! Read!”
Thank you, Jim. But I wonder if I’ll draw anything other than blank stares when I tell folks I write “faction.”
Buzz, this account is right on. Faction gives an exact definition of the activity you portray in your writings. Can’t wait for February.
Edd
Just finished reading When Heroes Flew. Thank you for your service and for researching and writing well.
My father was a POW in Romania as a result of later high altitude missions against Ploesti. He never talked much about his war years, so I’ve read a bit to help me understand better what he experienced. Always interested in learning more.
I see you and I live in the same town. I’d be honored to meet you if you’re so inclined.
Sorry for the delay in responding to you, Joe. Got kinda busy over the holidays. Anyhow, I’d love to meet you, too. Might I suggest at the launch of my next novel, WHEN HEROES FLEW: WHERE THE DAWN COMES UP LIKE THUNDER, at Barnes & Noble, Columbia Point, on February 15. (At noon, I think.). We aren’t limited to that, but it would be a good starting point.
I’ve put it in my calendar. Looking forward to meeting you.