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Step Into The Light Blog Talk Radio

Is where we introduce listeners to people who have found their way out of the dark shadows of life and back to light and those who lead others on their journey from darkness to light.

STEP INTO THE LIGHT

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Step Into the Light Blog Talk Radio Show

Latest Show

2024-03-28
Episode #254 - Featuring Gordon Saunders

Gordon had a previous career in missionary work and Bible teaching in Europe and several Communist countries. Since his retirement, he has published eight books. These include a five book fantasy series, and three out of four books of a YA historical series, with another series in progress. Gordon briefly shares his experiences in Communist countries, talks extensively about his young adult Young America series, and discusses editing and publishing.

Recent Posts

STAYING FOCUSED by TERRI WANGARD
3/26/2024 2:20:00 PM BY Patti Shene

 

 

 

FEATURED BOOK:  Seashells in My Pocket

AUTHOR:  Terri Wangard

PUBLISHER:  Scrivenings Press

GENRE:  historical romance

SERIES OR STAND ALONE:  Book 1 of Unsung Stories of World War II

TARGET AGE:  women from 20s up

 

 

 

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR TERRI WANGARD TO PATTI’S PORCH. TERRI TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FOCUS IN OUR WRITING.

 

 

 

STAYING FOCUSED

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

Terri Wangard

 

 

 

Many World War II books are set in Europe, particularly France and especially Paris. Many feature resistance work or the persecution of Jews. Indeed, the war years were a dreadful time for French civilians.

 

 

 

But what about the rest of the world? What about the countries that didn’t suffer the devastation of war’s weapons?

 

 

 

What about Brazil?

 

 

 

I was familiar with the story of Gail Halvorsen, known as the Candy Bomber of the Berlin Airlift. During the war, he had flown transport planes out of Natal, Brazil. What was that like?

 

 

 

No air raid sirens, no combat missions, no food rationing, right?

 

 

 

I began writing a story and quickly ran into trouble. Very little is written about Brazil in World War II. How could I keep my story based in fact when I didn’t know what the facts were?

 

 

 

Tidbits trickled in. Humphrey Bogart performed in a USO show. Eleanor Roosevelt stopped by. German spies showed up. Window dressing stuff. Interesting stuff, but I needed the substance of life on a huge, busy air base.

 

 

 

Two excellent sources did come to light, both based on pictures, and pictures, you know, are worth thousands of words.

 

 

 

Still, I grew discouraged. Why was I doing this? Who cared about Brazil anyway? There were days I didn’t feel like writing.

 

 

 

Then I read something revolutionary. By writing, I am worshiping. Worship isn’t limited to song. Worship comes through creating in the gift I have been given.

 

 

 

When my focus is on the seeming hopelessness of the task I had undertaken, I become mired down. But when my focus is on Jesus, the words begin to flow.

 

 

 

Martha had the gift of hospitality. But one day, Jesus stopped by and Martha became so focused on her meal preparations, she became frustrated. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, focused on Him. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen wisely.

 

 

 

Taped across my laptop is a proverbial paraphrase. Unless the Lord writes the book, the author labors in vain.

 

 

 

Writing is said to be a solitary endeavor. It’s not, or at least it shouldn’t be. It’s a partnership with our heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to find joy in our joint undertaking.

 

 

 

Blurb for Seashells in My Pocket

German-Brazilian Isabel Neumann delights in creating seashell art, but it’s her mathematical ability that lands her a job at the American air base in Natal, northern Brazil during World War II. She doesn’t need a calculator to determine the correct weights and balances for the Air Transport Command’s cargo planes

Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot based at Natal, endures the taunts of combat pilots that he is “allergic to combat.” His flying skills win him respect, however, and his friendship with Isabel deepens, even as a new source of trouble looms.

Isabel is caught in the crosshairs of a German saboteur who is obsessed with her. He insists that she belongs with him, and demands that she help him sabotage the Allied base. Her growing relationship with Daniel angers the Nazi, who will do anything to get of rid him. What will happen to Isabel if the madman captures her.

 

 

 

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor. She also serves on the Genesis and First Impressions contest teams and as secretary of the Wisconsin Southeast chapter.

Connect with Terri:

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Pinterest

Instagram:  @terriwangard

 

 

 

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