Monday, June 7, 2010

Robert Elmer's "Wildflowers of Terezin"


We're happy to have Robert Elmer with us today talking about his book, Wildflowers of Terezin. To learn more about Robert and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It’s been decades in coming, ever since my parents lived through the occupation of Denmark during World War 2. That was way before my time, but eventually I knew I had to tell some of their stories, in fiction. For me, Wildflowers of Terezin is the result of growing up in a Danish family.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
After my first series for kids was published (“The Young Underground”) my author friend Bill Myers suggested that I write a “grown up” version of the World War 2 stories. It took years before that happened, and dozens of books in between, but here it is. I’m grateful my friends at Abingdon Press shared the vision and excitement for this story.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
That I’m a grandpa. (Our first grandchild just turned one.) That I learned English on the street and from TV. (My folks only spoke Danish to me.) And that I used to live in Puerto Rico?

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Working full-time as a writer/editor at a university in the Pacific Northwest, glued to the keyboard, working on idea file. Stay tuned!

5) Parting comments?
Sometimes authors will tell you they’ve written a book from their heart, or “this was the book I just had to write.” Well, this was the book from my heart that I just had to write. I’ve put everything I know into this story, and it’s deeply meaningful to me. So far, all the comments I’m hearing are telling me that readers are connecting. I’m thankful!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.robertelmerbooks.com/

16 comments:

  1. My 92 year old dad is a WWII survivor and
    this book sounds fabulous...
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  2. This is a 'Must-have' book! WWII novels are my favorites. Please enter me. Thank you.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  3. Thanks for the interview I love learning about new books. Please put my name in the hat for this one.

    Blessings

    Nora St.Laurent
    The Book Club Network
    norafindinghope(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds very good.
    skstiles612[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  5. I love fiction based on real life! Please enter me in the drawing for the book.

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  6. I always appreciate war-time stories like this; it makes me appreciate what I have and helps me empathize with people who live in countries that are at war. I'll blog about it if I win!

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  7. Your book sounds like a wonderful story to read and I can't wait to read it. Please enter me....
    I love stories based on true stories......
    Heidi

    heidijohnjeffATverizonDOTnet

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  8. I love stories based around WWII. Would love to read this.

    Emma Bedford
    elbedford@comcast.net

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  9. My grandmother was Danish (Christiansen). My father's parents are Scandinavian. I would love to read this fiction story about about real people. Enter my name please!

    walkinfaith4him(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  10. thanks for the opportunity to read this fabulous novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  11. Wonderful interview and the book sounds fascinating. Would love a chance to win it.

    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net bgrider2[at]cox[dot]net

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  12. Please sign me up. Thanks, gahome2mom(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Please include me in this giveaway!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  14. I really enjoyed traveling in Denmark, and would love to win your book.
    Kaye Whitney
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

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  15. would love to win!
    tiffanyniekro at hotmail dot com

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  16. I'm a history buff and would love to win this one! Sounds excellent. I'm subbed.

    SeekingHim@ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

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