Monica Granlove's Frequently Asked Questions

My primary goal is to offer readers a respite from the chaos and stress of today's world. Through storytelling, I love the thought of transporting readers into immersive narratives, providing a temporary escape for even just an hour. Beyond entertainment, I aspire to impart valuable lessons learned from history. By weaving historical contexts into our stories, I hope to engage readers in a journey of discovery, encouraging reflection on the past and its relevance to our present lives. Ultimately, I strive to create a meaningful and enriching experience that combines the joy of escapism with the wisdom embedded in historical narratives.

Absolutely. Travel has been an integral part of my life, providing me with firsthand experiences that enrich the authenticity of my writing. For instance, I've spent considerable time in Kiel, visiting family, exploring the city's history, and even attending Kieler Woche with my children. A poignant moment was when my uncle took me to the same bomb shelter my grandparents often took refuge. It shed light on the wartime experiences that Bruno and Karla (from "The Electrician and the Seamstress" novel) endured during Allied bombings.

My travels extend across Germany, from Frankfurt to Berlin where I stood at the iconic Checkpoint Charlie. My travels in Germany took me to Munich for Oktoberfest and through the Black Forest.

Beyond Germany, I've explored various European countries, including Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and even ventured beyond Europe into South Korea. While my journeys didn't lead me to Axel's (from the novel "The Spy and the Homemaker publication date TBD) stationed city in Italy, we did marvel at the beauty of the Amalfi coast. Scandinavia and the British Isles have also been part of my exploration, with visits to Spain, Portufal, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, and England. These experiences form the foundation of my writing, allowing me to infuse authenticity and genuine insights into the diverse settings of my stories.

Choosing a favorite country is a challenge for me because each holds its own unique beauty and charm. I've had the privilege of extensive travel in Germany, Denmark, Ireland, and Sweden, and each of these nations tells a captivating story with its rich history and culture. Germany, with its diverse cities and landscapes, Denmark's picturesque charm, Ireland's enchanting greenery, and Sweden's blend of modernity and tradition—all have left a lasting impression. While these hold special places in my heart, I'm eager to spend more time in Spain, drawn by its vibrant culture and diverse regions. Additionally, I look forward to exploring new countries, each with its own tales to uncover and experiences to savor. In essence, the beauty lies in the diversity of our world, making it difficult to pinpoint a single favorite.

There are three books that are part of the series "Timeless Legacy" and are in the queue to be published.

"The Electrician and the Seamstress" is about my grandparents' experience during WWII. Forced to fight a war for the Nazi regime that my grandfather, Bruno, didn't believe in, he was captured by the Russians and sent to prison in Siberia. My grandmother, Karla, was evacuated out of Kiel with her two young children and was also forced to support the Nazi regime against her will. (Release date 10/1/2024)

"The Spy and the Homemaker" is the story of my husband's grandparents. His grandfather, Axel, was a spy for the Americans during WWII and flew over Kiel, Germany. Axel went undercover several times across Nazi occupied territories. Meanwhile, grandmother, Virginia, was at home raising three boys. It wasn't until after the war that she found out about her husband's parallel life.

A third novel has been written but is untitled. It is set during the timeframe leading up to WWI and partially into WWII about a Jewish family that Axel and Bruno helped escape Germany.

For me, it all begins with the characters. The core question is whether they have a story or lesson that demands to be shared. When crafting narratives around real people like Karla, Bruno, Axel, and Virginia, extensive research and brainstorming become essential. I delve into their lives, spending time in the places they lived or visited, virtually or in person, and understanding the historical backdrop that shaped their experiences. Creating a detailed timeline is crucial. I turn my dining room walls into a mosaic of sticky notes.

I allow the stories to evolve organically. If the words aren't flowing, I move on to another project until the right moment presents itself. Inspiration often strikes during walks, hikes, or drives. My husband has graciously adapted to leaving me undisturbed for an hour post-walk, allowing me to transcribe the flood of ideas.

One vivid example is the creation of scenes depicting Bruno's journey back to Kiel from the Siberian prison camp in the novel "The Electrician and The Seamstress". I composed these scenes while hiking or riding in the car while my husband drove us through the Apalachin Mountains. My husband took the wheel as my mind wove the story, and I captured the narrative on my phone. This process often led to late-night writing sessions, where the stories unfolded with a rhythm of their own.

Each book, with its distinct narrative and research requirements, demanded its own dedicated time and effort.

The timeline for each book varied based on its unique complexities. The idea for Bruno's story had been simmering in my mind for years while I balanced a demanding career and family responsibilities. After taking a break from the corporate world, I dedicated about a year to writing full time, translating the narrative from my mind to paper.

The Book "The Spy and the Homemaker" , however, was a more intricate process. Drawing on my husband's extensive research of his ancestry which spanned back to the 17th century, I sifted through a wealth of letters, military records, and other historical artifacts. This meticulous research, conducted over several years, ensured the accuracy of the characters and storyline, making the writing process more involved.

While my main focus is on real characters, I strategically weave in supporting characters to enhance the depth of the narratives. These supporting characters serve as mirrors, reflecting and accentuating the personalities of the main characters I'm portraying. By incorporating these additional layers, I aim to enrich the overall storyline.

While the novels are works of fiction, I have incorporated historical characters and given them imaginary dialogue to enhance the readers’ experience. Historical characters were added to the stories for the purpose of entertainment. I hope I have done so respecting historical accuracy. All other people, places, and names are fictitious and any similarities to real people places, and names are coincidental.

The characters in the families below are real and accurately represent their lives:

The Arnolds and Petersens (main characters: Bruno and Karla)

The Granholms and the Eskesens (main characters: Axel and Virginia)

The details surrounding Heinrich Arnold's death remain unclear, and the exact circumstances are unknown. What we do know is that he lost his life in action during World War I. Heinrich was twenty-seven years old at the time of his death, and young Bruno who was only eight years old. The mysteries surrounding his fate underscore the profound impact of war on individuals and families, a theme explored in the narratives.

Like many other dead soldiers, their uniforms were removed from their bodies, "cleaned" and reassigned to other soldiers. The lack of supplies and the bombings of factories forced the Nazis to do this unthinkable act (among many many other unthinkable acts.)

Karla in "The Electrician and the Seamstress" was forced to work in a clothing factory and had the task of spending the day with the sight and smell of blood everywhere as her and other women attempted to wash wash bloody uniforms from dead soldiers. Like her husband, Bruno, she hated the Nazi ideology but the couple had to constantly tread between their morals and keeping their extended family safe.

Historical fiction, for me, serves as a powerful vehicle for learning from the lessons of the past. In my article "History Repeats Itself” and “Know Your Candidate” I emphasize the crucial importance of understanding history to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to choosing our leaders.

Historical fiction allows us to delve deeper into the lives and experiences of people from different eras, offering valuable insights beyond surface-level rhetoric. By gaining a nuanced understanding of historical figures, we can make more informed choices in our contemporary lives.

The article, “History Repeats Itself” highlights the significance of learning from the mistakes and triumphs of previous generations. History has shown us instances where voting decisions led to significant shifts in governance, from democracy to authoritarian rule or even totalitarian regimes. By studying these historical patterns, we can strive to make better-informed choices for the future.

An essential aspect of the article encourages thorough research when choosing political leaders. Instead of relying solely on campaign promises, I advocate for scrutinizing candidates through reputable media sources that presents facts rather than framing a politician’s or media outlet’s agenda as fact. This approach aims to prevent the unintended consequences of voting in leaders whose agendas might compromise the principles of democracy.

Through the lens of historical fiction, the goal is to prompt readers to reflect on the potential consequences of their choices. By understanding the historical context, we can work collectively to avoid repeating the mistakes that have led societies towards totalitarian rule. Dictators are known for human rights violations, suppression of individual rights, mismanagement of the economy, manipulation, and more. Read about dictators and cult like personality in the article "Understanding Cult-like Dynamics in Politics and History."

Historical fiction has become a tool for empowering individuals to make informed decisions in the present. It serves as a reminder that our actions today have the power to shape the trajectory of our society, either learning from history's wisdom or risking the repetition of its errors.

In essence, historical fiction is not just about reliving the past; it's a means of fostering a thoughtful and informed approach to the present, ensuring that we, as a society, evolve with the lessons of history in mind.

Engaging readers in historical fiction is a multifaceted process that involves a blend of immersive storytelling, meticulous research, and relatable characters. Here's how I approach it:

Compelling Characters: Drawing from our family history, I am fortunate to have compelling characters from my family as inspiration. I hope my readers can connect to them on a personal level, empathizing with their struggles, conflicts, and aspirations. This emotional connection fosters a genuine investment in the characters' journeys.

Authentic Setting: I strive to transport readers to a different time and place by infusing rich, authentic details. Utilizing descriptive language, I paint a vivid picture that appeals to the senses, allowing readers to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the setting.

Balancing Historical Accuracy: Thorough research is essential to ensure historical accuracy. While readers of historical fiction appreciate authenticity, I recognize that the story's narrative takes precedence. Historical details should enhance the storytelling without overwhelming it.

Multiple Perspectives: To provide a more comprehensive view of the historical period, I tell stories from multiple perspectives. This showcases the diversity of experiences, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the time and making the narrative more engaging.

Connecting Past and Present: Through book manuscripts and supporting articles, I hope I help readers connect the historical setting to contemporary issues or timeless dilemmas. This approach encourages readers to draw parallels between the past and present, fostering a deeper connection to the narrative.

Educational and Entertaining Blend: By combining meticulous research with a captivating narrative and relatable characters, the goal is to create historical fiction that not only educates readers about a specific time but also entertains and resonates on a deeper level. The stories aim to be both informative and emotionally compelling.

In essence, the key to engaging readers in historical fiction lies in creating a well-rounded experience that balances authenticity, relatability, and an immersive narrative.

Writing historical fiction became a way for me to not only connect with my family's personal history but also to explore the collective experiences of those who lived through such tumultuous times. It allowed me to share these poignant stories with a broader audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition during one of the most challenging periods in history.

In essence, my foray into historical fiction was a natural evolution, driven by a deep-seated desire to preserve and share the impactful narratives that shaped the lives of those who navigated the complexities of Nazi Germany and the aftermath of World War II.

Indeed, there's an exciting array of characters with compelling stories on my creative horizon. Currently, I'm diligently working through a list that encompasses various narratives. Some of these may manifest as articles or short stories, while others have the potential to evolve into full-length books.

I conduct interviews of people who wish for me to publish their story in between writing novels. I'm excited about the people who have reached out to tell their story. Do you have a story you want written? Check out MonicaGranlove.com in the "Writing Service" section.

I value the perspectives of my readers, and I'm genuinely interested in hearing what resonates with them in my published books. Your insights are invaluable, and they help shape the direction of my future projects. I invite readers to share their thoughts on what they enjoyed in my existing works and what themes or characters they would like to explore in upcoming stories. The creative process becomes even more enriching when it's a collaborative journey. By opening up a dialogue with my readers, I hope to create content that not only aligns with their interests but also brings a unique and engaging perspective to the narratives.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming releases and projects at MonicaGranlove.com. The process of bringing these stories to life is both exciting and fulfilling, and I look forward to sharing them with readers who have been an integral part of this literary journey. In essence, the journey continues, and I'm eager to embark on new storytelling adventures with the feedback and insights from my readers as valuable guiding lights.

Sadly, yes. That part of the story in the novel "The Electrician and the Seamstress" is true. Nazi law dictated that all 'abnormal' births be registered. The Nazis wanted a pure German society and there was no room for people who we referred to today as having special needs (in addition to Jews, gypsies, or anyone else they deemed as 'different.' My uncle was born with Down's Syndrome and the Nazis murdered him. He was two years old, no threat to them. The experience shaped many things about Bruno and Karla's lives.

Bruno was a gregarious individual who found himself entwined in the complexities of war and ideology. Married to Karla, he steadfastly opposed the Nazi party from the outset, grappling with the delicate equilibrium between personal moral principles and the imperative of self-preservation.

Faced with the tumultuous reality of war, Bruno harnessed his remarkable ability to fix anything as a survival mechanism. Forced to participate in a conflict and support an ideology diametrically opposed to his own beliefs, Bruno's internal struggle reached new heights when his son was murdered by the Nazi regime.

He was captured by the Russians and put into a Siberian prison camp. The arduous journey back to Germany, spanning nearly two years, exposed him to the devastating aftermath of war with his city reduced to ruins. Through Bruno's challenging odyssey, his unwavering opposition to the Nazi party, and his resilience in the face of adversity, his character emerges as a poignant testament to the human spirit navigating the complexities of wartime conflict and the enduring pursuit of personal integrity.