Anna of Green Gables asked Sarah Sundin:

On my old account, I asked what your inspiration for the Paxton brothers was. Now that I'm reading "Wings of Glory" I have the same question. What inspired you to write the Novak brothers? Why pastor's kids? Why are they so musical? I would love to know what went into making those decisions. :)

Sarah Sundin Hi Anna! That's a bit tough, since that was my first series, and I started writing it in 2001. It took a lo-o-o-ong time to get published :) A Distant Melody came to me as a standalone. I gave Walt two brothers - but I can't remember why. As I was developing that story and doing more research into the US Eighth Air Force, I felt sad. I knew Walt's story ended in early 1943, but that was a terrible time for the Eighth with heavy losses and little to show for it. But I knew how strong it was by 1945. Then I had a "what if" moment - what if Walt's two brothers also flew with the Eighth? I could follow the air war through to V-E Day. Then all of a sudden, Ruth and the story of her youth came to me - and I HAD to tell her story. I put her with Ray - he was a true pastor. He'd be good for her. No. Meh. Then I paired her mentally with Jack and sparks flew. Good sparks.

I'm not sure exactly why I made them pastor's kids. I did like the concept of all the boys trying to meet their dad's expectations and not always meeting them - and from a well-intentioned and loving dad.

For the music, that probably came as I started listening to WWII-era music and envisioned Walt's friends dancing and singing around the piano, and shy Walt "hiding" behind the piano - and the scene with him and Allie playing a medley. Having musical brothers was a fun way to work in the Big Band music I was falling in love with.

flag