As my first guest writer, I’m very happy to present, J.L. Salter, who is writing today about one of my favorite topics: World War II. As an editor of two volumes of women’s autobiographies about their experiences during this devastating war, I became even more interested in this period of world history than when my mother told me her story.
Welcome, Jeff!
Very much appreciate Leigh’s gracious invitation to appear here today. Leigh and I actually go way back — she was one of my earliest contacts after I began consciously networking. After she very graciously welcomed me to RWA’s PRO group, we began corresponding. Eventually she read the first 100 pages of one of my manuscripts and provided helpful feedback.
We’ve followed each other’s progress and I believe her first Avalon novel came out around the time of my first Astraea book.
Plus, she was once a Guest Fox at my group blog, Four Foxes One Hound, and here is the link to her April 28, 2011, appearance:
http://fourfoxesonehound.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/the-hounds-guest-fox-leigh-verrill-rhys/
Important and timely
Have you ever read a novel which seemed so important and timely that you could hardly contain your enthusiasm about it? Have you ever WRITTEN such a story?
Well I have. At least it seems that important and timely to me. No, not FOR me — because this novel is my tribute to the Greatest Generation … and those still living are leaving us all too quickly. I’m a “baby boomer” — my parents, aunts, uncles, and teachers (and practically every adult I knew) were among that generation which struggled through the Great Depression and sacrificed during World War II.
About the story
Called to Arms Again was released on May 30 from Astraea Press. Of the eight novels I’ve completed so far, this was my third written and my third fiction book published.
It’s the story of a young newspaper reporter looking for a new angle for her Veterans Day special section. Who better to give her a fresh perspective than a bunch of old war dogs who’d been there and back. Not only does Kelly Randall learn what the Greatest Generation was made of, but she soon discovers a great deal about her own mettle.
My story has action, comedy, romance, plenty of the ‘can-do’ spirit, and an unashamedly healthy dose of patriotism. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll cheer.
I need your help
I haven’t gone ‘all-out’ with promotion of my first two novels – romantic suspense and romantic comedy – because they’re mostly enjoyed by readers of those genres. But the sky’s the limit on promoting C2AA — this story appeals to readers of both genders … from ages 19 to 90!
If you were born before about 1930, you ARE part of the Greatest Generation and you’ll find yourself (and your siblings and friends) in my story!
If you’re a Boomer (born after WW2) — your parents, aunts, uncles, and teachers were members of the greatest generation. Buy this book and read it, because you’ll recognize these characters. And if you have living parents or other relatives, tell them about my story. Please remember, the WW2 generation – both those who served in the military and those who sacrificed on the homefront – are dying at a rate of about 2000 per day … so there is an urgency to let them know about this story which honors them!
If you’re the child of a Boomer Generation parent, you need to read this so you’ll understand what your grand-parents (and their siblings) went through and how they prevailed.
Read it! Pass the word! Get this story into the hands of everyone who loves Freedom!
Don’t you agree that artist Elaina Lee did an outstanding job on my cover for Called to Arms Again?
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Called to Arms Again
By J. L. Salter
Grit doesn’t fade away … it just becomes crusty. With harrowing elements right out of today’s headlines, this story reaches back into the sturdy heartbeat of people raised during the Depression and tested during World War II. Though the old uniforms haven’t fit in many decades, their resilient spirits still have that same intensity which helped save democracy.
Needing only a fresh angle to write her Veteran’s Day special, Kelly discovers first-hand that the Greatest Generation still has enough grit to fight back. While all the authorities are occupied during a massive Homeland Security drill, an urban gang of thieves targets an isolated retirement subdivision … figuring the crippled geriatrics would offer no resistance.
Though Kelly’s widowed boyfriend came along only for a post-funeral luncheon, Mitch soon finds himself leading a mis-matched flanking team. Kelly’s good friend Wade has his own assignment, with a home-made mortar and lots of illegal gunpowder.
Maybe it’s difficult to remember everyday things like taking pills, but these octogenarians have never forgotten it was up to them to defend family, home, community, and country. The outcome of their courageous stand depends on the resolve and resourcefulness of an unlikely ensemble of eccentric elderly neighbors, several American Legion members, and others spanning four generations.
——
Called to Arms Again is available here:
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/called-to-arms-again-jl-salter/1115454541?ean=2940016705842
11 Comments
Got a late start this morning. Thanks for having me here, Leigh. Didn’t realize I was your FIRST guest author at this blog. Cool.
Hope we see a lot of visitors today.
Welcome to my place, Jeff, and good morning!
And good morning to you, on Pacific time. When you were posting at nearly 10 a.m. I guess it was nearly 1 p.m. way over here.
But not as much time difference as when you lived in Wales.
That is certainly true, Jeff. At that time, I was 5 hours ahead. Now I’m 3 hours behind. Can’t seem to get beyond the time lag!
I’ve lived mostly in Central zone, though I was stationed (for some 18 months) on the eastern edge of Mountain time. That was odd because the TV stations we received were on CENTRAL.
And then I’ve been here in Eastern for 7 yrs.
Don’t recall what Thule AB in Greenland was, but I suspect eastern.
Greenland has its own Time Zone – I just looked it up! It is a full two hours ahead of Eastern Time, Jeff. At Thule AB you were three hours behind the time in Wales and Ireland.
thanks for checking on that. Isn’t it funny that I had no sense of the time being diff.
For you the time wasn’t that different. When I went to the Czech Republic, the difference for me was about two hours also, but it was minimal in terms of body clocks.
Elaina Lee always does beautiful work and she truly captured the spirit of your story with this one, Jeff. Let’s get those stories before it is too late from those who experienced it all first hand,or from those of us who grew up hearing the tales! Good job.
I absolutely agree on both counts, Tonette.
Elaina is the best.
And these folks need to be reminded how much we VALUE and appreciate them… before they all pass away.
Thank you, Jeff and everyone who has commented on this post so far. I will be bringing other Guest Writers to this blog to share their work and ideas in the near future. Have a great weekend and thank you again for visiting.