Anyone who has spent any short amount of time talking with me will know that I love to read. I'm always in the middle of a book! Writing has always seemed to come naturally as well. However, greater than both my love of reading and talent at writing is that I am a storyteller. I believe many of us are, that it is an essential piece of many characteristics to be able to pass on stories that inspire, encourage, and emotionally grip the hearts of others. I have always been drawn to a good storyteller - speakers who inspire through life experiences, teachers who grab the attention of their students, and novelists who pull the reader along a journey. It is no surprise that some of my favorite Bible stories are Jesus's parables. As a storyteller, Jesus used his talent to make his message clearer for the audience. I always knew the gift of storytelling was from God, and have often used it when teaching, speaking, and sharing in the various settings in my ministry.
If you looked through my bookshelf, you would notice that in between the missionary biographies and the Christian Living books, the remaining books are all historic-based. It has always been that way. Even as a child, I was drawn to historical fiction, and I truly believe that concepts of history repeat and can greatly teach us.
After reading many novels, I believe I have a high standard when it comes to historical fiction. I applaud an author who introduces plot twists and who can end the book leaving something for the reader to hang onto - essentially a book that causes the reader to keep thinking about the conclusion after turning the last page. In April of 2019, my mom gave me three such books that she had researched carefully to make sure each had reviews for incredible twists and surprise endings. After finishing all three, I had mentioned to my mom that I guessed the ending halfway through each book, though the books were still excellent. My mom replied with, "You'll just need to write your own story!" That got me thinking... is that even possible?
You see, that same week, I had an idea for a story that seemed to piece together in my thoughts overnight. I went to a friend and asked, "Do you know anyone who can write a book? I have this great idea, and I need someone to write it. I think it could be good." This friend looked at me and said, "Yes, you! I can think of no one better." That night, I wrote the first chapter. I sent it to this friend who said, "Keep writing! But don't show me anymore. I want to wait for the whole book." That seemed ambitious to me, but I decided if nothing less, I enjoyed writing that first chapter and would write simply for fun - a challenge for myself.
While others spend their free-time watching movies or gaming or scrolling through social media, I dove into research. I'd get home from the youth center after a day filled with action (teaching English, supervising youth club, planning, prepping, meetings, Bible studies) and my fingers would itch to feel the keyboard click as the words began to weave back and forth over the blank page. It was my recharge.
When lockdown for Covid hit this past spring, I was glad I had a project to make the days alone at home a bit more productive. It helped to fill up the time that I wasn't out hiking, biking, or calling with all the students. During that time, I quickly finished the book. Only a few people knew I was even writing. A few friends and family I sent it to for review gave lots of positive feedback and encouraged me to look at publishing options. When I arrived back to the states for my 6-month furlough, I spent my 2-week required quarantine looking into self-publishing options and used some personal funds to send my manuscript to an editor. Here is the "back cover" description:
Three teenagers
each growing up in different eras.
Three struggles
Nazis, the Iron Curtain, and a search to uncover past secrets.
Three stories
intertwined in Lazinov - a little village tucked into the valleys of southern Czechoslovakia.
1938, WES
Wes wondered if the spies were following him as well. Though it was Englishman Nicholas Winton they were after, not the farmer's son who got mixed up in the crowd on his extended stay in Prague. He had grown a deep trust for the simple stockbroker who risked his life for the Jewish children. Now, Wes felt is was his turn to take a little risk.
1972, NIKY
Tomorrow morning, I leave this place for good. Either that or I'll be in eternal handcuffs at a prisoner work camp. Or, I'll be dead. Only one outcome appeals to me, and for that to come true the other two remain a frightening high possibility.
1994, KRISTA
Krista often wondered why her parents hadn't encouraged learning their native tongue sooner, but believed they wanted more than anything to fit into thier new American lifestyle... "Maybe I'll learn more about thier past this summer."
There are essentially three reasons why I decided to publish this book.
- As I read this theme in historical fiction novels, I regularly found myself struggling to find the perfect fit. I felt that adult novels became too explicit and young-adult novels in this genre were generally without mystery. I was further disappointed with Christian historical fiction novels as they focused primarily on the romance and "happily ever after". I wanted to create something that adults/young adults would enjoy and, at the same time, parents felt comfortable letting their middle schoolers read. I further didn't want the book to get lost in "Christian Historical Fiction" (a hard place to gain reader audience), though the book does include Christian concepts (selflessness, forgiveness, and friendship), parallels to the prodigal son and the samaritan man stories (parables of Jesus), and Christian characters.
- The story of Lazinov, a little village near Letovice, was one that I knew someone had to tell. The village has an interesting history that I couldn't shake once I'd heard it. (You'll have to read the book to figure out what happens there!)
- Lastly, the story of Sir Nicholas Winton is one that is close to my heart. He was a man, not yet 30 years old, at the start of WWII who saved 669 Jewish children from Prague. When asked why, Nicholas responded with, "No one else was doing it." I first heard the story of Nicholas Winton at LetFest (our city-wide outreach in Letovice) in 2012 when a representative from the Nicholas Winton foundation came to share the documentary with us. After watching the impactful documentary, I tried to thank the representative with my broken Czech. The representative later found me, placed a kiss on my cheek, handed me the DVD, and said, "Keep this story alive." For years, I wondered how to share this story with a wider audience. I've finally found a way to keep my promise.
But you don't have to take my word for it:
"It had everything a good book needs. It had a good flowing story, strong characters, everything. I think it was a brilliant thing writing this story from three points-of-view. The connections, the twists... the emotions created were so powerful and touching. All the characters felt unique. I could tell who was who just by reading their replies. Overall, the book is easy to read, fast to devour because of the great story and how nice it flows." ~ Vlad, Editor
"As someone who grew up in the area where the plot of the story takes place, reading this book was like going back to my childhood (and my parents childhood), and visiting all the familiar places. The book captures the reality of the communist and post-communist Czech Republic so vividly, it's easy to fall in love with it and get emotionally attached. Every turn, every tree, every detail in this book seems very familiar and still refreshingly new with the gripping, multi-layered story, surprising twists, and lovable characters." ~ Marek, Cultural Advisor
"I'm amazed at your writing ability, and how you could come up with these ideas. I'd honestly have to say it may very well be my favorite book of all time." ~ Dad, reads mainly tractor manuals