Sandy Brehl's Blog, page 2

Happy Holidays… God Jul!

 

 

If you’re looking for some light reading to relax amid the stressess of the season, take a look at my new tab, FROM THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR. It offers some “discarded” passages and chapters that I’ve written in the various stages leading up to publishing the ODIN Trilogy. 

Think of it as the island of misfit toys! 

 

Celebrating the Trilogy: A Gift from the Cutting Room Floor!

This year marked the release of the third and final title in my Norway trilogy, one that I never intended to write. My original goal was to share with readers some of the surprising and inspiring history of Norway’s German occupation during World War Two. My writing journey from that original inspiration through to the release of Odin’s Promise spanned decades of research, writing, revision, and repeated restarts. I celebrated launching that debut novel in 2014, satisfied to have met my goal and expecting to resume other writing. 

I was thrilled (and more than a bit intimidated) by the many readers who insisted there would be a sequel. Of course, I was deeply flattered. It’s no small thing for a writer to produce characters and story lines that connect deeply with readers, so I was determined to give a sequel my best effort. I dug into research, gathered more anecdotes from survivors, and began writing more of Mari’s life story as I imagined her in the context of four increasingly difficult years of occupation. That attempted sequel became two books, which allowed Mari to grow into her teens and face a free world when the war finally ended Norway’s occupation.

Reaching that unintended landmark in 2017 and having the additional books warmly received by readers and reviewers is something I never could have imagined. It deserves a celebration, don’t you agree?

So, I offered a giveaway of the full trilogy in a previous post. Eva Apelqvist nominated Spooner Memorial Library, which was the randomly selected winner.

Congratulations to Spooner Library and thank you to all who participated. It was wonderful to read about the many libraries and schools that meet the needs of readers and inspire enthusiasm for literacy. If you missed them, I urge you to read some of the wonderful post comments HERE.

In that same spirit of celebration, I took time to work on another project that had been shuffled aside for far too long. I added a tab to this website labeled: FROM THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR. During decades of writing this trilogy, there are bits and passages of writing that never made it through to the final books. Check out the new page by clicking HERE to learn more about this new tab. If the excerpts interest you, click and download to read some of the chapters and passages I was writing along the journey to a complete trilogy. I chose some that I enjoyed too much to simply hit the delete key. 

Happy holidays to one and all, with TUSEN TAKK (a thousand thanks) for making the last few years such exciting and happy ones for me. Hope you enjoy the unused passages and realize I was always working toward the best possible books I could write for you.

 

Thanks, and Giving!

The season for giving thanks is upon us and I’m here with an overflowing heart. It’s been quite a year (or three). My pride in completing the Norway resistance trilogy (the one that was never meant to be) is balanced by how humbling it has been to read so many generous words and receive kind acts of support.

As MARI’S HOPE neared its September release, we lined up old friends and new to post reviews on their blogs. Readers familiar with the first two titles were eager to join the virtual book tour, but I was anxious to get opinions from those who could read it as a stand-alone, a book unconnected to prior investments in characters or story. I’m grateful that some were willing to take a chance, and happy to report that opinions were strongly positive. I can’t begin to find words that will adequately thank those who took time to read and  to prepare a post. The glowing support in their posts was beyond my wildest hopes. THANK YOU, to each and every one.

In case you’re interested, here are links to the current line-up of reviews and interviews:

Rochelle Melander, WRITE NOW COACH  (interview)

Rosemary Kiladitis, MOM READ IT

Trisha Perry MINDJACKED

Jenni Enzor Review for MMGM

Stephanie Lowden GOLOWD

Suzanne Warr, TALES FROM THE RAVEN

Alex Bough, THE CHILDREN’S WAR

Olivia, KID BOOK REVIEWER

Erik, THIS KID REVIEWS BOOKS

Patricia Tilton, CHILDREN’S BOOKS HEAL

Norwegian American Weekly,

I was honored to be interviewed by Kathleen Quirk for UWM Alumni Magazine at the Boswell Book Company launch in September, linked HERE.

A most surprising bit of news reached me via several librarian/author friends. ODIN’S PROMISE is pictured in a commercial catalog (Demco) in an ad for kindness bookmarks. It’s an unexpected and random gift from the universe!

Which leads me to this holiday season announcement:

THREE BOOK SET GIVEAWAY!

Here’s how you can make it happen and experience the fun of a giveaway. 

Nominate your favorite PUBLIC LIBRARY, SCHOOL LIBRARY, or CLASSROOM in the comments below. Provide one REALLY good reason (or more) why your nominee should win the books.  (It will be a random selection, but I love reading about great book folks!) DEADLINE is DECEMBER 6, midnight, Central Time. 

The winner (comment maker) will be selected and announced on December 7, at which time I’ll contact you for the correct address to send the books. And here’s a little bonus… the comment-maker selected will also win a signed set of books. All books, to keep or give as gifts, will be mailed no later than December 10.

Meanwhile, if you’d like to see some photos from my busy fall, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, right over there is the margin. > > > Thanks!

 

 

 

 

Sharing the Love… and an Invitation to Join Me!

It’s been barely a week since MARI’S HOPE released, and I can’t resist sharing some of what people are saying about it (and thanking those lovely folks!) 

For links to the full blog posts and interviews, so far, you can check out links on my post on the book birthday, here.

I’m genuinely grateful to those who read an advance copy and chose to review it at all, but even more thrilled at the wonderful welcome they’ve given to this book. Some specific lines that relieved my deepest worries about this final book include: 

From Stephanie Lowden, at GoLowd.com: “In Mari’s Hope… author Sandy Brehl has deftly managed to add mystery and suspense into a story whose historical conclusion we all know.”

From Jenni Enzor, at JennieEnzor.blogspot.com: “In the vein of those beloved classics is a modern series that has the same effect on me. In the Odin’s Promise series, Mari, a girl resisting the Nazis during the Norwegian occupation, is a valiant successor to my favorite characters of old.”

From Rosemary Kiladitis, at MomReadIt.wordpress.com: “The Odin’s Promise trilogy is a gorgeously written series of books that take us into a part of World War II history we don’t often hear about.”

From Olivia at KidBookReviewer.com: “Overall, one of my favorite World War II books, and an incredible ending to this series.”

The official Launch event for Mari’s Hope will be Thursday evening, Sept. 14, at 7:00 at the amazing BOSWELL BOOK COMPANY in Milwaukee. I hope to see old friends there, make news ones, and share the story behind the creation of this trilogy.  If you’re not able to come, will you pass the news on to others? There will be refreshments and a raffle, too!

 

 

 

 

Book and Swag Giveaway: And the Winner Is…

Thank you to everyone who added a comment to my book-birthday announcement. A simple “Hello” would have entered you in the contest,  but I was touched by the support, encouragement, and kind words offered in the comments. I wish I could send each of you a copy of MARI’S HOPE, but… (See note at the end of this post about second chances!)

I often remind folks that they can support this book (or ANY book) by asking your local library service to stock it. Libraries always struggle with limited budgets, but if they know patrons who want to read a book, they find a way to get it and add it to circulation.

But enough suspense. By midnight Thursday there were seven comments. Here is my highly scientific and totally objective method for selection:

1) Write each name on an index card:

2) Shuffle the cards face-down, then place on the floor before waking up my dog and inviting him to join the fun.

3) The first card he touched was the winner.

Congratulations, AMY! Here’s a photo of the book and swag heading your way in the mail later today!

It’s a “Mari” pack- Moleskine journal, writing pens, a book to read, and a “discretely hidden” flag on a small coin bag. If you’re wondering WHERE I was able to find such a clever little bag, all credit goes to my talented sister, Cheri, who made them for me. Her sewing skills would have come in handy during wartime, but I’m happy she can use them for such joyful reasons instead.

So, tusen takk to all who added comments, to my loyal dog, and to my creative sister. And…

CONGRATULATIONS, AMY!

If you’re on GOODREADS, you can still win a free copy (of the BOOK, not just an advance copy). My editor, Philip Martin, has sponsored a weekly giveaway through the end of September. Here’s a link: MARI’S HOPE

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the World, MARI’S HOPE!

Grab your  party hats and noisemakers! I’m not wound up from excessive sugar consumption.

No, but I AM experiencing a wild buzz from the reality of completing a trilogy- one that began with my hopes of writing a simple picture book based on stories that I heard while in Norway, decades ago. I could never have imagined arriving at today’s book release of MARI’S HOPE. If my journey from then to now is new to you, read back through previous blogs for the full scoop.

Meanwhile, I’m more than ready to celebrate. I’ll begin by thanking my friend, Rochelle Melander, for inviting me to respond to her interview questions on this special launch day. Rochelle is an award-winning blogger, a  published author, and a generous coach and supporter of other writers. It’s an honor to participate in her blog, and I hope you’ll take a peek at her post. (Here)

Next, I’m offering a giveaway to celebrate the publication of MARI’S HOPE and the conclusion of the trilogy. All you need to do to enter is to post a comment below. At midnight Thursday I’ll randomly select one name from among all those who comment between now and then. The winner will be contacted directly to receive a copy of Mari’s Hope (and a handful of related goodies!) 

I’m so grateful for the support of Rochelle and other kidlit bloggers. In coming days and weeks there will be more posts for my virtual “book tour”. I hope you’ll follow along. When you stop by these blog sites I encourage you to subscribe to their blogs, too. Here’s the schedule of posts, so far, with more to come:

9/5 Rochelle Melander- Author interview   http://writenowcoach.com/blog/

9/6/Rosemary Kiladitis https://momreadit.wordpress.com

9/7 Trisha Perry http://trishap00.blogspot.com

9/11 Jenni Enzor   jennienzor.blogspot.com   MMGM

9/12 Stephanie Lowden     https://golowd.com

9/18 Suzanne Warr  http://suzannewarr.com

9/20 Alex Baugh  https://thechildrenswar.blogspot.com

Feel free to share the news about the giveaway!

 

Counting Down the Hours: Mari’s Hope Releases 9/5/17!

As I write this I’m also shuffling various last minute details, working to assure a successful launch and “book birthday” celebration   for MARI’S HOPE. That’s only hours away, on September 5, 2017. I hope you’ll check back to this page tomorrow (or any day from the 5th onward) to celebrate with me. 

It’s exciting to share the fun of releasing a book I never expected to write, concluding a trilogy I never expected to write. There will be giveaways and news  about my fall line-up of appearances and other events. If you haven’t subscribed to this news tab, there’s an easy email sign-up in the right sidebar. (It’s equally easy to unsubscribe, if you give it a try and then change your mind.)

I’m thrilled (and relieved) to report that early readers of advance copies of MARI’S HOPE have been enthusiastic. Several are bloggers who will take part in a “virtual”  tour of interviews and reviews, beginning on September 5. 

Here’s the list (with links) for the posts that are scheduled, so far:

9/5 Rochelle Melander- Author interview   http://writenowcoach.com/blog/

9/6/Rosemary Kiladitis https://momreadit.wordpress.com

9/7 Trisha Perry http://trishap00.blogspot.com

9/11 Jenni Enzor   jennienzor.blogspot.com   MMGM

9/12 Stephanie Lowden     https://golowd.com

9/18 Suzanne Warr  http://suzannewarr.com

9/20 Alex Baugh  https://thechildrenswar.blogspot.com

I’m so very grateful to these friends, in real life and virtually. I appreciate their support of my work, of course, and the many recommendations and insights they share about wonderful books for young readers. 

After you have a chance to read MARI’S HOPE I invite you to share your thoughts, too, at Amazon (you don’t have to buy the book there), on Goodreads, or on your social media outlets.

Now, it’s back to work for me. Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

It’s a Book Birthday Party… No, TWO Parties!

What could possibly be better than a birthday party?

Hmmm … TWO book birthday parties?Since the publication of MARI’S HOPE marks the conclusion of a trilogy I never expected to write, I couldn’t resist celebrating in unexpected ways.

That means TWO parties instead of ONE!

I’ll be at Boswell Book Company ( a stone’s throw from my alma mater, UW-M) and, two weeks later, at Hales Corners Library/Ben Hunt Meeting Room (an arm’s reach from my Whitnall school friends of all ages).

I’m hoping to spend time with old friends and make new ones at both events, and I’d love to have you share the news with your own circle of friends and family, ones who love books and parties! There will be refreshments, raffles, and signings at both events. Mark your calendars and join me, won’t you?

Party number ONE:

Thursday evening, September 14, 2017

7:00 Meet author SANDY BREHL

The Story of a Story (or three) plus Q & A

followed by refreshments, book sales, and signing.BOSWELL BOOK COMPANY

2559 North Downer Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53211

Party number TWO:

Sunday afternoon, October 1, 2017

2:00 Meet & greet with author SANDY BREHL

2:30 Brief book talk and Q & A

followed by refreshments, book sales,

raffle, and signing.

Hales Corners Public Library,

Ben Hunt Room (Lower Level)  5885 South 116th Street

Hales Corners, WI 53130

 

 

Mari’s Hope Is Coming Soon: September Book-Birthday!

Announcing the upcoming release of MARI’S HOPE is both satisfying and exciting. SO exciting! Did I say exciting?

Well, it is, and I’m also excited to share many more details and updates  in the next few days and weeks. For now, before the book is even available, I want to thank multi-talented and very busy Kathleen Spale for creating another gorgeous cover to compete this trilogy:

In addition, HUGE thanks (tusen takk) are due to those very busy authors who took time to thoughtfully read and offer encouraging words about this conclusion to Mari’s story. I’m particularly pleased to say that the following notes came from authors who had not yet read the earlier titles. They endorsed my belief and intent that this book can stand on its own as a worthy read for those  who are new to the series. I hope many readers in that situation who find this title will take a chance on it, even if they are unfamiliar with the earlier titles in the trilogy.

From Ellen Schwartz, author of HEART OF A CHAMPION:

“Mari’s Hope illuminates an important slice of history through a gripping story featuring an intrepid character.”

From Michelle Houts, author of WINTERFROST:

“Mari’s Hope transports readers to the cold, hard landscape of wartime Norway as a brave, young heroine faces the cruel reality of oppression to join the resistance and do whatever it takes it save her family and her country.”

Author and historian Peggy Reiff Miller  is the author of the historical picture book SEAGOING COWBOYS. Peggy read the earlier titles and had this to say:

“MARI’S HOPE provides a satisfying conclusion to the challenges faced by Mari and her family as they work to save their beloved Norway in the final years of World War II. Historical fiction is so important for helping to understand the mistakes of the past so we don’t repeat them.”

That’s about as much excitement as I can handle for the moment. I hope you’ll want to come along for the ride as I share further details here. That will include book parties, blog tour links, and more. If you haven’t already done so, consider subscribing (see right sidebar) to have these posts delivered to your email inbox.

I invite you to sign up for my newsletter, too. I promised I wouldn’t flood your inbox if you subscribed, and I’ve kept that promise. As all of these last minute details came together I’ve resisted creating a new issue for each tidbit. Instead, I’ll be sending out the latest newsletter within a few days and it will be jam-packed with details and a personal message from me. I hope you’ll want to read it.

For now, thank you for being out there as readers, supporters, and willing partners in this exciting release.

Spoiler alert: World War II eventually ends in this final book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

History, Fiction, and World War II

ODIN’S PROMISE was the result of a process that spanned many years. The original urge to write stories of Norway during the German occupation came from visits to Ytre Arna. During those visits I had the joyful privilege of meeting many (eventual friends) who had lived through those experiences. Their stories reflected justifiable pride in standing up for Norway’s true heritage in the face of propaganda, coercion, hardship, and even threats. 

Years of research followed, interspersed with full time teaching and other writing. I had no doubt that the anecdotal stories deserved to be set within the real world as it unfolded, a time before I was born and about which I had never previously learned. With the eventual development of the internet, online  services to access out-of-print books, and a more recent upsurge in interest by researchers/writers, I eventually found an approach that led to ODIN’S PROMISE.

The next two titles, taking fictional Mari and her family through to the end of the war, required another deep dive into research. With such a strong headstart from the first book, I didn’t need to spend 25+ years on that, thank goodness. The several years of writing, reading, and researching that were required included many public appearances for ODIN’S PROMISE, at which I met more people with personal or second-hand stories to tell. Those lent the human side to my historical facts and to my fictional characters’s survival for four more years of occupation. 

One of the highest compliments I receive about these books is that readers are learning about a place and time that was completely unknown to them. The teacher in me delights in those comments, especially when readers pursue recommended titles from the books to learn even more and to discover other authors that are new to them.

Sorting the factual aspects of the book from the fictional ones matters to me all the more, though, knowing that readers are moving into uncharted territory. That’s especially true when the baseline of background knowledge is low and the story reads credibly, weaving personal anecdotes into an entirely fictional plot and characters while historic events are deeply affecting daily life.

That’s why I generated this chart to allow readers to sort fact from fiction and also trace the unfolding of the occupation years. I’m inserting an image of the resource, but the detail is hard to capture in a screen shot. For a pdf of the chart, here’s a link.

BK1-2 timeline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re new to this story, the colored links in my post above will take you to prior posts about research, travels, and other background on writing this trilogy. And thanks for coming!