Rob Currie's Blog
September 14, 2020
WWII Insights for Covid-19
What can we learn from WWII that can help us fight Covid-19? It's a natural comparison. Both events were worldwide in their effects and required the cooperation of multiple nations to achieve victory.
One lesson from WWII that applies to Covid-19 is that when victory seems near, there can be delays. In September of 1944, wild rumors tore through the Netherlands that the Allies were about to liberate the Dutch. The Dutch were euphoric and the Germans panicked. Many Nazi sympathizers fled on that date, September 5, 1944, which the Dutch refer to as "Mad Tuesday." But the war didn't end until early May of 1945, a full eight months later.
In terms of our current war against the virus, we too could experience delays in testing the vaccine or in manufacturing enough doses.
One lesson from WWII that applies to Covid-19 is that when victory seems near, there can be delays. In September of 1944, wild rumors tore through the Netherlands that the Allies were about to liberate the Dutch. The Dutch were euphoric and the Germans panicked. Many Nazi sympathizers fled on that date, September 5, 1944, which the Dutch refer to as "Mad Tuesday." But the war didn't end until early May of 1945, a full eight months later.
In terms of our current war against the virus, we too could experience delays in testing the vaccine or in manufacturing enough doses.
July 3, 2020
My Favorite
My favorite figure from WWII is Winston Churchill, who was England's prime minister. In addition to his courage in the face of the Nazi onslaught, I admire his quick wit. During a long and boring speech in the House of Commons, Churchill dozed off, "Must you sleep," shouted the offended speaker. "No," Churchill replied. "It's purely voluntary." On another occasion someone asked him "If reincarnation is true, who would you like to be in your next life?" Without hesitation, he replied, "My wife's next husband."
June 23, 2020
How Much?
I devour historical fiction but I always wonder how much of the story actually happened. I want you to know that Hunger Winter is has many historical facts and incidents. Visualize a baked potato loaded with ten of your favorite toppings.
How did I get all those historical facts into the recipe for writing this book? I read dozens of books, toured the Netherlands for three weeks, and interviewed WW2 survivors.
The historical nuggets in the book aren't immediately apparent, but they are there. For example, the first thirty nine pages of Hunger Winter contain thirty seven historical facts or incidents woven into the story line.
How much history is in Hunger Winter? There is plenty enough to go back for seconds.
How did I get all those historical facts into the recipe for writing this book? I read dozens of books, toured the Netherlands for three weeks, and interviewed WW2 survivors.
The historical nuggets in the book aren't immediately apparent, but they are there. For example, the first thirty nine pages of Hunger Winter contain thirty seven historical facts or incidents woven into the story line.
How much history is in Hunger Winter? There is plenty enough to go back for seconds.
June 4, 2020
Where Do I Get Ideas?
A novel is only as good as its ideas. So where do I get mine? Since I write historical fiction I read a lot and select the juiciest true stories for my fruit salad of a novel.
For example, one of the worst Nazi interrogators was Klaus Barbie. I read a cold blooded incident where he took a cat into the interrogation room, where a terrified citizen waited. Barbie stroked the cat with soothing words, seeming nothing like his reputation. He handed the cat to a guard in the hall and gave the prisoner a glass of water with a sympathetic word. As the thirsty prisoner raised the glass to her thirsty lips, Barbie swung his meaty hand at her face, propelling the drinking glass to the other side of the cell where it shattered. He stood and screamed, towering over the citizen, demanding answers to his questions.
That story was so compelling I adapted it and included it in my story.
For example, one of the worst Nazi interrogators was Klaus Barbie. I read a cold blooded incident where he took a cat into the interrogation room, where a terrified citizen waited. Barbie stroked the cat with soothing words, seeming nothing like his reputation. He handed the cat to a guard in the hall and gave the prisoner a glass of water with a sympathetic word. As the thirsty prisoner raised the glass to her thirsty lips, Barbie swung his meaty hand at her face, propelling the drinking glass to the other side of the cell where it shattered. He stood and screamed, towering over the citizen, demanding answers to his questions.
That story was so compelling I adapted it and included it in my story.
June 1, 2020
A Surprising Start
My book, Hunger Winter, got started in a surprising way. My son, who was then in 7th grade, came home with a story he'd dashed off during study hall. I thought his story was pretty good and since I was already a published author, I asked him if the two of us could write it together, just for fun. I didn't intend to publish it.
I should have known that life was snickering at me when I said I wouldn't publish it.. Eight years later it's published with some great endorsements. You live and you learn.
I should have known that life was snickering at me when I said I wouldn't publish it.. Eight years later it's published with some great endorsements. You live and you learn.
May 21, 2020
Hunger Winter Could Be a Movie
Hunger Winter was released in early March yet I have already received an offer to turn it into a movie. My agent and I received an inquiry about screen rights. We'll see what happens.
