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/
