Hey there everyone.

The weekend is upon us once more, doesn’t time fly when you are having fun!

Come to think of it, where has most of 2017 gone too? Pretty much down the plughole if I am honest with you! 🙂 I feel like I’ve blinked and missed most of it.

OK, let’s get serious for a minute, even if it hurts.

Just a quick note before we get started properly. I link to a lot of other articles in my posts, so WordPress users please check your Spam folders in your Setting Menus and approve any links/pingbacks that you find from me to improve the visibility of your own blog posts, as well as mine, it’s a win win for us both 😉

As you may have seen in my videos and posts of the past few days, I am currently in the midst of poetry madness all throughout this month but still very keen to promote authors and other artistic types as part of my regular posts.

For the Author Interview series, I am very happy to share with you an interview that I have conducted with the very talented author Cecelia Wilson, as we chat about her debut book “Back to Bremen” and she shares with us her writing experiences.

Thanks for reading and as always enjoy the show 🙂

 

Hi there Cecelia, thank you for joining us here today to discuss your writing endeavours further.

Let’s start with your WWII Non-Fiction novel “Back to Bremen”, based on an inspiring true story of one mother’s journey to save her children through the war-torn ruins of the Third Reich. Please tell us more about the plot and setting of your book, along with the themes that are explored and the characters that we are focused on throughout the course of the novel.

Set in Nazi Germany, Back to Bremen tells the true story of Marta Röpke, who struggles to see that her eight children survive the war that has come to their doorstep. Told through her daughter Edith’s eyes as a child, the book details the family’s life from the invasion of Poland in 1939 past the end of World War II to 1948. From constant bombing raids in Bremen, to escaping the Soviet Red Army near Dresden, Marta becomes a heroine simply by being a mother. Back to Bremen is not a story of the Holocaust, but that of a typical German family and is a reminder that war is no respecter of persons.

Regarding your choice to write a Non-Fiction novel, can you tell us what attracts you to the medium of Non-Fiction over fiction and why you chose to tell this particular tale in this manner?

I began writing fiction many years ago, but after I became a Feature Writer for Searcy Living magazine over a decade ago, I quickly found that interviewing people from all walks of life and hearing their stories was fascinating. Many times my subjects’ stories had more twists and turns than a movie script. Edith, my friend and “voice” in Back to Bremen, had one such story. Her childhood read like a fiction novel. I knew I had to write a book about it!

If your novel was to be made into a film (or even a TV series), who would you cast in the lead roles?

For years I have firmly believed this story should be a movie! However, I’m not sure I would cast famous actors or actresses in the lead roles. Marta was a common woman who had no aspirations of becoming famous or being a hero. She simply wanted to raise her children to be happy, productive adults. I wonder if it wouldn’t be better to have a lesser-known actress play the role of Marta so there are no pre-conceived ideas by audiences on how she would be portrayed. It might make the characterization of this inspiring mother that much more surprising and real. I’m happy, though, if Spielberg disagrees with me!!

What do you find the most difficult thing about writing? And what do you find the easiest?

In writing Back to Bremen, I found the most difficult decision was in what voice I would write. After many starts and stops, I finally realized Edith’s voice would be best. She could tell it as a child as she lived it, but also reflect on the time as an adult.
After I finally settle on how I will begin a story, the easy part is in the middle of the project — a flow of words ensues. Of course, the ending always takes careful consideration as well. Though every section of writing must be engaging, there is probably no more important sections than the beginning and the end.

Who are some of the authors, poets and/or historical figures that inspire you?

One reason I love this book so much is that I love history and, particularly, World War II. I think that is because we see common people placed in extraordinary circumstances and excelling in ways even they thought might not be possible. So, I love biographies and find numerous historical figures intriguing. My favorite author is an interesting combination of writer and historical figure: Jane Austen. In reading her works, I not only like her fictional stories, but I get intriguing insight into what daily life in the 18th and 19th centuries was really like.

What sort of research did you do to write this book?

I did a lot of research on the cities of Bremen, Dresden, and other pertinent areas in Germany, bombing raids during the war, and dates of invasions, etc. so I could help the reader understand what was happening in Germany during the family’s ordeals. I also did research on a plane crash intertwined in the story, and a Nazi officer who lived in East Germany where the family was evacuated at one point during the war. Work? Yes. Fun! Yes! It was like digging for diamonds, but I believe it helps make the story come alive knowing the peripheral stories.

Why do you write? What inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, so I’m not sure what first inspired me to become a writer. But, I love writing now because I can take someone’s story (one they can’t articulate on their own), I can mold it, and I can make it come alive for readers. That is very rewarding.

What keeps you motivated during creative slumps? How do you deal with Writers Block?

For me, I simply have to take a break when words don’t seem to come. Like anything, you sometimes need to clear your mind, rest, and come back to it. It’s amazing what a fresh start and a new day will do for your mind!

You have access to a time machine. What advice would you give to your younger self?

That’s actually something I’ve thought about often: I would have asked my grandparents more questions about their lives. How many stories did I miss because I didn’t realize there was such a wealth of history sitting across from me at the Christmas dinner table? Everyone has a story and writing it down for the next generation is the only way to preserve those stories.

How do you spend your free time when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing, I love to sing and act. I’m doing a television commercial in just a couple of days!

Tell us more about your upcoming projects. Are you working on anything specific or have plans in the pipeline?

Though I’m staying busying promoting Back to Bremen right now and loving every minute of it, there are a couple of projects I’m considering. Both are based on true stories — one from the fifties and the other from WWII. Follow me on my website Facebook Author page or my website and I’ll keep you posted!

Finally, are there any nuggets of wisdom that you can impart to other aspiring writers?

1. Keep writing: practice makes perfect.
2. Chances are, if you find a story interesting (and you write it well), others will find it just as interesting.
3. Don’t take “no” too personally: persistence means at some point when you’re writing is improved and your story is compelling, it make take some time, but you’ll finally find that publisher who will say, “Yes.”

And that’s a wrap! Thank you for joining us Cecelia, we can’t wait to tuck into your gripping tale of your book soon and appreciate the inspiring tenacity of your heroine doing her best to protect her family from harm.

Bio:-

For more than a decade, Cecelia Wilson has been the Feature Writer for Searcy Living magazine. Over the years, she has penned articles introducing readers to governors, senators, Grammy Award-winning musicians, and individuals from all walks of life. In addition to writing articles, books, and youth plays, Cecelia is a singer, pastor’s wife, play director, and acts in community theaters, commercials, film, and television.

Born and raised in Batesville, Cecelia graduated from Batesville High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Cecelia lives in central Arkansas with her husband, Dennis, but manages to check in often with her grown son and daughter, Cody and Cheyenne.

You can connect with her via the following social media channels:-

Facebook:- Cecelia Wilson – Author (FB)
Website:- The Website of Author Cecelia Wilson

You can buy her books here:-

Buy Cecelia Wilson’s books in the UK/Europe

Buy Cecelia Wilson’s books in the US/Rest of the World

If you too would like to be interviewed on my blog at TooFullToWrite and you have a book or a series of books that you would like us to chat about then fill out the Contact Me form here with your details and we can arrange a future interview slot.

Still want more? Well, since this is the debut novel release by Cecelia then let’s link up with other articles of a similar nature. For more posts on the theme of ‘Release’ then check out the links below:-

1. emmapalova – Orchards as inspiration
2. Have Faith. Dream. Execute. – Candace A. Jones Ministries
3. The Daily Post Writing Prompt Challenge! – Allison’s Written Words
4. Exploring the World around us – Little Bird
5. Cravings – Little Red Lamb
6. Quote of the Day – Keep On Moving
7. He Is Being Read … – Branching Out
8. Chicken Coops and Change – The Chicken Grandma
09. 😦 – WhiteRiceGirl
10. Diary of A Single Man: Loyalty & Expectations – Harlem Cafe
11. This soft spot. – awesomeloopy
12. Release – Wings Of Poetry
13. AUTUMN SKY – Rainbow
14. Me Too – Positively Un-broken
15. The Urunga Wetlands – Melinda J. Irvine
16. “Expected Release.” – Expedition Overlanding Nomadic Adventures
17. Foolproof ideas to make money online – LIFESTYLE DESIGN
18. Words that Release by Penny Chavers – A Penny for Your Thoughts
19. Stinky Feet – The Pensive Dreamer
20. release the bugs – A Life Retired
21. At Last. – myworldview721
22. It’s Gonna Be A Game Changer! – Branching Out
23. Your Freedom – Debbie Gravett
24. Release the creative beast – In my world
25. The Things That Intrigue …. – Success Strategies
26. Consuming Desires – Kuma House
27. Twilight – surrealspectre
28. Dancing Echoes – Steadfast
29. Release – Shan Bae Art
30. Write that book… – Mum’s the Word Blog
31. Outside the box – The Chaos Within
32. Mourning Dove – The Gate is Open
33. Mourning Dove – RELIEF FOR REFUGEES IN BERLIN
34. Life Less Ordinary – Peacemakers Vs. Cowards
35. Life Goes On – A Beautiful Mess
36. Let go : Release – DeepikasRamblings
37. For Much Deliberation – Release…
38. release – Litterbox Riot
39. Would You Please… – Leigha Robbins
40. The Home Of DJ Sung Mo Koo – U2 and a Pop Music Daffynition
41. Skeletons of Scarsdale – part 7: Tracking a killer – My Corner on the Internet
42. October Poem 41: Set in Ink – therichardbraxton
43. Animals in us – Beauty Mirrors Beast
44. How to release your pain? – Revolving Around Life
45. Cage Dunn: Writer Author Collaborator – Ready to Rumble
46. Liberation – Lakeshore Ponderings
47. The Hockey Mom Fit Life – Staying Sane
48. Walking On Your Hands – By Sarah
49. Release – By Sarah
50. Cloud 9 – Kite Clouds
51. Once a Day Photos – Daily Prompt : Movie “Release” day –
52. Let it go! Let it go! Let it go! – Warrior Soul Rising
53. Notes to Women – The Fashion Shoot
54. Walk with God – No Chains Can Hold Us
55. Sascha Darlington’s Microcosm Explored – Release Time!
56. Life On The Skinny Branches
57. Introducing Uncommonly Bound – Uncommonly Bound
58. The innocent man – My little storybook
59. Writing Didn’t Save Me – The Perfectly Imperfect Bunch
60. Hi. I am an Asshole. Nice to Meet You. – Divorce Guilt
61. Release Me – authoranonblog
62. Release – Rulla Alani
63. Release – The Bag Lady
64. Authentically 50 ~ Embracing Life’s Changes – I Release You
65. Dinner Table – On a mission
66. Letting go of Life – Zombie Ministry
67. Bajezen – Release The Past
68. Musings of a Random Mind – Sometimes I Wonder
69. Vivid Tales – Broken connection
70. Swell Time – Motion sickness?
71. I Shall Be Released – A Unique Title For Me
72. Meant to Belong to a Herd – hannah t.k.
73. How it is the Passerbys Glow – findingenvirons
74. Obsessed – Written Frames
75. Taker – I am a paradox.
76. Release – abbisoul
77. Steps Times Two – Below the Middle
78. …Blow In The Wind… – Love Life Without Fear
79. B*_ live – Fade Away
80. hopeforheather – Daily Prompt [Release]
81. Rainbow sunset sail – Andrea Sails
82. Making it write – Cupboard of Love
83. Musings and My Two Cents – Let It Go!
84. Release – Cast in a Different Mold to the Majority
85. Release – wayward content
86. Release Me – My Fragmented Narrative
87. Na’ama Yehuda – Set Free!
88. How This Over-busy Mom Made Time for Herself – Adventures of a Busy Mom
89. Release-Is It The Key To Happiness? – Vanita Maraj Lifestyle
90. Nocent – memoriter
91. Release me – a poem – The Musing Monkey
92. ~293 Of 365~ – ……….365 Days………..
93. Release – Energy WaveWalker
94. Who is Promoting Your Book Release? – The Long and Short Stories of Life
95. { Release } – My Word Soup
96. Back home again yesterday – The AAAmazing Phoenix
97. Can You Help Me? – Sara Khan
98. Crash and Release – BONSALLES ART
99. Release – cocoa2
100. Flowers and Breezes – Release
101. Release – All About Writing and more
102. Please Release Me – ditzy.com
103. Charmed Chaos – King
104 The [Password] is: “Password” – Power Postures
105. Kite Flight – The Dreaming Lady
106. Released? – afaceinthecrowdblog
107. Curious Hart – A Dab of Dobbin
108. Wolff Poetry – Meltdowns and Random Thoughts for Friday
109. tear drop – Life After Fifty
110. Writing is My Release (with “Blackbird” music lyric video included) – My Loud Bipolar Whispers
111. Cleansed My Soul – Women’s Health and Fitness
112. Tales from a coward – Just Listen to Ezimen
113. the naming – jotNrot
114. Release – wordsareallihavesite
115. The World Outside the Window – The Loki of Folk
116. Crossing Colorado – Announcement: Going to Put More Effort into YouTube Videos
117. Narutomath96 – Kaleidoscope
118. It’s Autumn … – Dream Desire Achieve
119. Piper’s Adventures – Release: A Morning Meditation
120. Installed Fall Creators Update On My PC. My Experience. – Angelin Veronica
121. Sip of Success – Release
122. The courage to walk your own path admits the uncertainty of the routes ahead. – Individual expressions of a naive mind.
123. How to be more productive? – Sketches By Nitesh
124. Release the Kraken – This, That, and The Other
125. Release The Bullshit – Barely 5’1″
126. Thoughts on Life – Release
127. LadyLebz – Will You Be My Rebound Lover?
128. Telling the Truth – Moments
129. The Art of Happiness
130. Ups, Downs & Deviations – Silence
131. Strange Places: Lizzie Borden House – Everyday Strange
132. Release – The Story Addict
133. With this new moon I wish for release of pain and sufferings. – bohogypsywoman
134. Release – Covert Novelist
135. It’s not the endings which will haunt you.. – A Ray of Sunshine
136. Joyce Kostakis feeling inspired and brave enough to write. – Release & No backseat driving!
137. Quotidian Sloughful Observations #71 – I’m a Writer, Yes, I Am!
138. Cease to Exist – Writer’s block
139. DCMontreal: Blowing the Whistle on Society – Release That Parking Spot
140. A Short Conversation – Ghosts
141. Releasing and Rewarding Myself – ELIZABETH KAY BOOTH
142. Lets do this together – Release and Hiking
143. It Starts With Me – Letters of Forgiveness: To My Colleague 10 Years Ago
144. i know what they did to you, believe me i do – vertical combustion
145. Dobby Is A Free Elf – Akanksha
146. Letters to Old Friends – December Rose
147. release of frustrations and “once more unto the breach” ⋆ Obsolete Childhood
148. 50 By 60 – Friday Five – More Pingback Fun!
149. Release – Samantha
150. Giggles & Tales – The Daily Prompt – Release!
151. Miss Pelican’s Perch – “I’m Just Here for the Shavasana”
152. The Cat Chronicles – Daily Feline Prompt: Release Tabby
153. Dog Above Man – The Pensive Dreamer
154. Success Inspirers World – Release the garbage
155. To the Parents of Pregnant Teenager Daughters – Smudges on my Mirror
156. Live life; make meaning. – Oh, my long, lost cousin!
157. The Root of Forgiveness – Ataraxia
158. The truth about my marriage: Release, rage, raw grief… – Chronicles of an Orange-Haired Woman!
159. Espresso – Scribbled to Paper
160. juantetcts – Daily Post
161. My Writer’s Tale – k a i t
162. On Blogging, Books, Farms, and Rain
163. After Every Release – The Uncensored Gist
164. An Upturned Soul – What Are The Strange Gifts of Children of Narcissists?
165. lifelessons – a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown – Released
166. Town Quarantined After an Apocalyptic Infection is Discovered Part 2 – Paul Cox Writer
167. The Holly Tree Tales – Evening In The Heather Hills
168. copypower – Release
169. Chronicles of an Anglo Swiss – Let me Out
170. my own little corner … by jenni – Dear World,
171. Pluck me from this horrid place – Bird Flight
172. thelonerose – It’s the little things
173. Release – The Secret Letters to Timbo
174. My Own Little Wars – Breathe Deep
175. Release – Love it Now
176. A cloud tailing your heads. – anatomyofeverything
177. To Plant Again – Author Flawed to Perfection
178. Release Me! – sixty, single and surviving
179. liberate your energy – Karyn’s Domain
180. Good Morning :Ignite Your Mind – Kissxd By Me
181. Exhilaration, Energy, Release – Scattered Showers in a Clear Sky
182. Release – A Sawyer’s Daughter
183. Closing Up Shop – The Stars, Moon and You
184. The Mud of Childhood – Unlearning
185. Wonderful – mademoiselle Adielle
186. The one who removes obstacles – Don’t hold your breath
187. Green – Zeckrombryan
188. Balloonatic – Streaming thru America
189. Armed With A Keyboard – Let Go and Forgive
190. Dronstad – Gratnian archers
191. Success Inspirers World – Release
192. A Diary of A Single Man: Love & The Foolish – Harlem Cafe
193. Self-soothing with the five senses – Bird Flight
194. Newsletter: Thinking like a mountain – Wells Baum
195. 6 Million Years Of Human Evolution – Wells Baum
196. Storytelling released humans from the prison of biology – Wells Baum
197. dispensation – Full Frame Images
198. sonja benskin mesher – .prison.
199. Lucius and the Motorbike
200. Scene: Stained Glass Morning – MindEscapes
201. Release – writingiswonderful
202. This Moment – Shall We Dance?
203. Een nieuwe naam? – Peter’s Blog. Is hardlopen jouw passie? Welkom! Hier lees je alles over hardlopen, en over de marathon.
204. Can’t Adult Today – The Pensive Dreamer
205. Trump is a 10, Death Toll in Puerto Rico Rises to 450 – A lot from Lydia
206. KO Rural Mad As Hell Blog – Make a difference
207. The Wandering Poet – Life
208. My Life After Grad – Pink and Ash
209. Endless – This Girl’s Got Curves
210. Release The Past!!! – emotionsoflife2016
211. Cimmerian Sentiment – From Bad To Way Worse – (Part – 21) Verena In Evermont
212. Designer Sophisticate – I’m going old-school.
213. Frank Prem – one way to play
214. y – because everything
215. Frank Prem – sketch
216. A Date at the Library – Jajabor, The Nomad
217. Frank Prem – a call: a dance: here again: gone