Getting to Know Terri Wangard: An Interview w/Giveaway

 

Terri Wangard’s first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. 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 occupied as an associate editor.

 

Welcome to Whispers in Purple, Terri. I’m so pleased to meet you, learn a little bit about you, and talk about your book, Friends and Enemies.

**Note: Terri is giving away a digital copy of Friends and Enemies. See details below**

Okay, are you ready, Terri? Then here we go:

Tell us five random things about you.

• I’ve lived in all four continental time zones, in Wisconsin, Michigan, California, and Utah.
• I love chocolate, but it’s an allergy and a migraine trigger, so I have to be cautious.
• Many years ago, I attended concerts by the Osmonds and the Carpenters.
• I’ve been to 46 of the 50 states. I haven’t been to Delaware, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
• I have a Masters of Library Science degree.

Wow, that’s impressive! And I’m jealous that you’ve been to both Alaska and Hawaii.

List five things you must have in your life—people NOT included.

Books (does this count as one thing or would five books be five things??), apples ( preferably Cortland), Sudoku puzzles (I always do the puzzle in the morning paper while eating breakfast), music CDs, and birdsong.

Although ‘books’ is plural, I think they can be counted as ONE item

What do you do just for you?

I used to do a lot of cross-stitch until all the walls are filled with my “masterpieces.” I watch a lot of NCIS and Castle on the treadmill. My library card gets a regular workout.

Describe your writing process.

My research consists of lots of memoirs. I’m more of a pantster than a plotter, although I try to plan the gist of each chapter. After finishing a chapter, I’ll flesh out the next before writing. Since I work full-time and am highly prone to migraines, my writing is restricted to weekends. (Yes, it takes me a long time to finish a project.)

Fun question: If you were born into the animal kingdom instead of the human race, what would you be, and why?

Probably a small dog—Yorkie or Dachshund—because they’re cuddly.

Now, let’s get to the book we’re featuring today:

• · Title: Friends and Enemies
• · Publisher: HopeSprings, an imprint of Chalfont House
• · Release date: January 5, 2016
• · Genre: Historical. It’s subtitled A World War II Romance, but there’s just a touch of romance.
• · Stand-alone or series: This is Book One of the Promise For Tomorrow series.
• · Target Audience: Women who enjoy history. Some readers feel men would enjoy it because of all the B-17 action.

 

What’s the book about and how did you come to write it?

World War II rages across Europe, particularly in Germany, claiming the life of Heidi Wetzel’s husband. In a bid to escape the frequent bombings of German cities, Heidi and her sister flee Hagen to a farm in the German countryside, where they help care for orphaned children. While there, Heidi comes across an American airman, Paul, whom she knows from living in Milwaukee during her high school years. When Paul’s plane is shot down over Germany, his only thought is survival—until he hears God’s voice guiding him to his late wife’s friend.

Friends and Enemies was inspired by a batch of letters written in 1946-8 from distant cousins in Germany who were receiving care packages from my grandparents. The letters don’t share much about their experiences during the war or what they thought of the Nazis. So I created a story for them.

Give us the back cover blurb.

Widowed seamstress Heidi Wetzel finds new meaning in life by caring for evacuated children on a farm in war-torn western Germany. Never a supporter of National Socialism, she takes pleasure in passive resistance, but must exercise caution around neighbors who delight in reporting to the Gestapo. Having lived in the United States, she wonders about her friend Rachel.

Flying cadet Paul Braedel’s wife dies while he trains for the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following bereavement leave, he joins a navigation class. He’s lost his zest for life and heads to England, not caring if he lives or dies.

When he and his crew are shot down over Germany, he evades capture and, for the first time since Rachel’s death, hears the voice of God whisper guidance. “Find Heidi.”

Heidi meets a man she recognizes from her high school days in America. Aiding a downed airman is punishable by execution, but she agrees to help. Then they’re betrayed.

Where can folks find you on the Internet? (social media links, blog/website, etc)

• My website/blog is at www.terriwangard.com.
• I’m also at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard/
• and https://www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/

 

**About the Giveaway:

Terri is giving away one free eBook of Friends and Enemies. Entering is easy. Just leave a comment below with your name and email address (i.e. you-at-abcxyz-dot-com) so we can contact you if you’re the winner. Giveaway ends on Wednesday, February 10, at Midnight, Central Time. That’s it! But please feel free to ask Terri a question, either about the book, or about herself. She’ll be checking in regularly. Thanks!

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Terri. It’s been fun getting to know you, and a pleasure to be able to help promote your book. Many blessings.