Site: http://www.topcatpress.com
Title: Through the Eyes of a Survivor
1. What prompted you to write this book? How did you come up with the idea?
When Nina and I decided to write her story I set about the task in the traditional manner of conducting interviews and gathering research to use as a way of framing up her personal history. Sitting with Nina all those hours, and being exposed to her story affected me in many unexpected ways. I begin to ask myself how I might react if met with some of the same harrowing experiences she described. I felt compelled to include portions of this inner dialogue in my manuscript, and my editor liked the way this dialogue served as a way to guide readers through Nina’s story. She asked me to provide more, and we feel this style of writing helps to reveal the relationship that developed between Nina and me. More importantly it brings the reader closer to Nina and the message she brings in guarding against racism and promoting tolerance.
2. Does this book have a special link to something that happened to you in your life?
I could never equate any experience in my life to that which Nina endured. However, she and I do seem to have a lot in common in how we look at things. We both had strong mother figures, and we both share a certain tenacity as well as an ability to laugh, and these qualities have served us well over time. Even our husbands’ personalities are similar! I cannot say for certain what initially drew me to Nina. I do know that I always had an interest in World War II history, particularly the event of the Holocaust. I have been studying that period of time for as long as I can remember. Even as a girl I recall watching a television program called “The World at War” with my father, another history buff. I suppose my interest in the Holocaust propelled me to seek out answers as to the how and why of it, and Nina provided at least some of those answers.
3. If you could pick out anyone to read and comment on your book, whom would you pick and why?
Both Nina and I would love Oprah Winfrey to look it over. We would like to arrange for her to somehow receive a copy, not only because Ms. Winfrey’s comments might bring more exposure to the book, but because we feel she has the ability to reach more young people about the value of learning about the Holocaust. This is so important to Nina. In a way it soothes her soul and allows the pain of losing her family to somewhat subside.
4. What would you like to have your readers get from this book?
I would like for readers to gain a sense of how much inner strength lies within all of us. Although Nina’s world was constantly falling apart, she persevered and listened to her instincts in order to survive. There were many instances in which she would have preferred giving up on life, and she contemplated suicide on more than one occasion. What is it that causes us to protect our family no matter the cost? Why is it some people stand up for what is right and object to the violence brought about by racism, while others turn away in ambivalence or fear? These are the questions we would like our readers to ask themselves while reading the book. I believe that, by exploring Nina’s reactions and emotions as she struggled to survive, a reader can come away from this book a better person. Certainly they would be more appreciative of family and the freedom we enjoy in our country.
5. What is your favorite part of the book?
Although it was essential to write of Nina’s encounters with prejudice and racism, it was very difficult to learn of the pain and hardship she experienced at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators. I would say that my favorite portions of the book were those that caused me to laugh, and there are quite a few. I loved hearing about Nina’s childhood, as she was a precocious little adventurer. I also enjoyed her stories of how she adjusted to the many different living situations in which she was placed either by accident or design. It was so interesting to see how she moved with aplomb from a life of luxury, to enforced ghetto and labor camp, on to life on the run, and ultimately as an immigrant to America. As a “Navy Brat” who has moved from one place to another most of my life, I found it easy to empathize with the challenges her constant relocation presented.
6. Where can you buy Through the Eyes of a Survivor?
The most effective way to obtain the book is by going to my website at www.topcatpress.com. Those interested in purchasing a copy may do so there, and there are many interesting facts and photos available as well.
7. Have you received any special comments back from any of your readers and can you share them with us?
Most of the readers I have spoken to have commented on how difficult it is to put the book down once they become immersed in Nina’s story. They feel as if they’re leaving Nina in some precarious situation, and must continue reading in order to discover how she muddles through. A graduate student I spoke with confessed that she read the book pretty much straight through over the course of three days, (with the help of many cups of coffee). She explained that she couldn’t stop wondering what lay beyond the next page. It gives Nina such pleasure and comfort to know that her story is touching people. Of course, this being my first completed project, the positive feedback gives me the confidence I need to finish my next book.
8. We'd love to have a 2-minute commercial about yourself so our audience can connect with you.(background - current life)
Oh dear, this is the hard part. It always makes me a little self-conscious to talk about myself. Maybe this is why I always write about other people! Okay, here goes…
As I said before, I grew up as the daughter of a military man. My father was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy and flew fighter jets during the Vietnam War, ultimately volunteering for three tours of duty, (there’s another story there I think). Because we moved to a different state nearly every year I became very good at approaching people and took a great interest in connecting with others. My family spent some time in Europe and the Middle East, (Turkey, and then Iran just before the revolution there), but we eventually settled in Southern California. My high school years were spent in a rather small town where I was essentially miserable and out-of-place. I studied music at the community college with moderate success, but didn’t graduate. I married young, worked as a waitress, housecleaner, factory worker, etc. until my divorce. I played in a rock band at night and did administrative work, and finally became fortunate enough to find a position at Kinko’s Inc. compiling financial data, a job I was completely unsuited for. I loved the culture of this company however, and I benefited from the experience in many ways. Most importantly, I met my husband there, and gained an instant family of four beautiful children. That kept me on my toes until my husband suggested I go back to school. I majored in history and anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara and graduated Summa Cum Laude, basing my honor’s thesis on a Navajo family that ended up adopting me. This will be the subject of my next book, and I’m very excited about completing it. In my spare time I enjoy horse back riding and occasionally teach dance, (I studied the Cechetti method of ballet in my twenties). I am also learning how to rock climb, though I’m not much good at it. We have a little place in Oregon, by the Rogue River, and it’s so nice to fish there when I can get away. I sometimes sing with an acoustic band around town just for fun, but mostly I spend my time writing.
9. What message would you give anyone who may be thinking of buying this book?
I would ask that they act on that urge and obtain a copy straight away. Don’t let the book’s size intimidate you. The information within is actually very accessible as I kept the historical references concise and reader-friendly. This is not so much an academic work as a journey into a fascinating woman’s life. I think any reader would come away from the experience of reading this book inspired by her strength and courage.
10. Our readers love to hear success stories. Would you share you road from inception to publication?
Creating your own publishing business is not for the weak of spirit of light of wallet. I say that with all candor not to deter a fledgling author from attempting it, but to prepare them for what may come. Because of Nina’s age and the psychological benefit of having her story told, I felt that I had no choice but to self-publish, and I don’t regret it in spite of the cost and the icky business part of it all. Finding a literary agent is time consuming, and there is no guarantee they will provide a publisher willing to take on the work of an unknown author. I will say that by self-publishing I was able to protect Nina’s story, and ensure that it was told as accurately as possible. Nina is a dear friend, so this was very important to me.
The first task in creating your own work is to seek out a “publishing consultant.” I found Ellen Reid and her Bookshepherd company to be a valuable source of information with assistance in everything from hiring editors, designers, printers, etc. to providing emotional support during a sometimes frustrating experience. Overall, I encourage every writer to make that first step toward bringing their work to the attention of others. The first step nearly always leads to the next, and I believe it is well worth the effort. You really learn so much about yourself when producing a book.
11. Do you have a daily writing schedule or goal? Thank you for discussing a little about your own writing routine.
I’m actually rather undisciplined in my writing with very little in the way of an actual “schedule.” I’m not usually a procrastinator, but sometimes I just cannot seem to get ass in chair to write. Once I do, however, I’m there for hours. My muse kicks in, and when I finally come up for air an entire day has come and gone. Certain deadlines rear their ugly heads as you prepare to publish. Things really get done when you have paid staff waiting on your work, so that’s always an incentive. You would be surprised how creative you can be when working under the gun like that. I do have a particular routine that I follow when preparing to write, which is generally at night. First, I turn on some music that’s appropriate to my project. For Nina’s story I listened to classical, Edith Piaf, Swing/Big Band and the like. While writing my Navajo story I listen to Native American music and I have quite a large collection of it. When all else fails I turn on some Billie Holliday or Bessie Smith…whatever “dirty blues” I can rummage up. That and a glass of wine usually allows me to settle in and write. It also helps if it’s raining. I don’t know why.
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.
And thank you for giving me the opportunity to reach others with Nina’s story. Both Nina and I truly appreciate your interest, and we hope you enjoy seeing the past “through the eyes of a survivor!”
