Beautiful Books--2016

Hey all! Happy Friday! I love Fridays, don't you? Today I have a little bit of a different kind of a post for you.
Today I'm participating in the Beautiful Books link up that is hosted by Cait and Sky at the two wonderful blogs you can find in the post graphic below. And . . . you can see the introduction post done by Cait at Paper fury here. 
It's basically a post where those of us crazy writers who are doing NaNo (national novel writing month) introduce you to our November writing project. Which in my case is . . . A Question of Loyalty!

So, without any further ado, let's get started, shall we?

What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

 Well, what inspired the idea for this book is the book that comes directly before it, A Question of Honor. While things were wrapped up fairly well in that book, I wanted to go more in depth into the lives of two minor-main characters in the book--Micah and Erich. How long have I had it. Ummm. . . I have no idea. xD I actually planned out the ideas for a 3 books series before I wrote A Question of Honor sooo . . . a little over a year?

 
Describe what your novel is about!

Here ya go. ;) 
 
1943
 
The war in Europe rages on, Micah Wilson finds himself caught in the crossfires. With parents who firmly believe in the allied side, Micah takes it for granted that both him and his brother would take up England's cause. However, he soon learns his brother's loyalties lie on the opposite side . . . with the axis powers. 
Not willing to let his his brother tear their family apart, Micah volunteers for service in the red cross, hoping to be able to find his brother, who disappeared from their life nearly four years before. 
Yet, while on the battlefield, Micah suddenly finds his own loyalties tested. And when a fateful decision takes him to Switzerland, Micah comes face to face with a man who he had sworn to never see again. 
With the fate of his family resting upon his shoulders, Micah  realizes that not only will his loyalty to his country be tested, but that of his faith in God as well.
 
Erich Essler never expected to be involved in espionage. Yet, he has proven himself time and time again and has been placed undercover in Switzerland. The moment he lays eyes on Micah, he realizes the potential the man could have to get information for the Fatherland. But the possibilities go far beyond that. Erich is well aware that Micah has a brother in the Third Reich, and he plans to use that information to his benefit. 
But why do that questions Micah asks disturb him so? Why is he suddenly doubting his loyalty to the country he loves? And what of this God Micah speaks about? Could he truly have the power to redeem one as wicked as he? 

Sorry, that was long. :P 


What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!

And . . .

Introduce us to each of your characters!
Umm, how 'bout not? ;P That would take wayyyy too long. I'll introduce you to the main three who share POVs. ;) 

Erich: Erich is the villain of the story.(Some of you already know him from A Question of Honor.)  He's a part of the German Wehrmacht,  but more then that's he's a part of the espionage department. 

Micah: Micah is a Doctor in the Red Cross. He's kind, caring, and has a sense of humour, but he can be deadly serious and take a stand when he needs to. 

Arnold: He's also a semi-villain. Micah's pretty much the only good guy with a POV. ;P Anyway, Arnold can be very kind and polite when he wants to be, but don't get on his bad side! He's being polite only to get something from you. 

How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)
I normally just grab a cup of iced tea and sit down to write. If I'm editing I'll grab some chocolate, because editing is hard. ;P I do research a lot before I start any story, since I write mainly historical fiction. I like to have a research notebook that I'll compile all the notes and facts about the time period/geographical area into that so I always have it on hand. :) And yeah, I outline pretty much everything before I start writing. I generally tie it into the research notebook somehow 

What are you most looking forward to about this novel?
Getting it written. Just getting it all down on paper so I can get it out of my head. And getting back into the WWII era with my characters. That will be awesome!

List 3 things about your novel’s setting.
Betrayal.
Brothers.
War.
Oh, and decisions. That makes it an even four. ;)

What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?
I'm going to assume you mean my protagonist. And his goal is finding his brother, ending the war, and becoming a respected doctor. What stands in his way? Europe. Or the war in Europe. And his brother. And Erich. Minor problems. ;P 

How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?
 He learns that it isn't always possible to change someone. Only God can do that work. Also, he learns that God, above all, is worthy to be trusted with our lives, not matter how broken they may be.

What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?
Hurt. Hope. The sanctity of life. And above all, the cost of loyalty.  


Well, that's it for today! What do you think? Does it sounds interesting enough to read someday? ;) I hope it's caught your interest! 
Have a blessed weekend, friends!