Wandering Wednesday | Researching The Songbird and the Spy

by J’nell Ciesielski

You know it when you read it. That certain something that you can’t quite put your finger on, but there it is, sparkling off the page to dazzle you into another realm. A whisk across a sun swept beach, a medieval castle filled with crumbling stone, or bouncing along the front lines in the back of an ambulance. You close the book and realize with a start that you’ve been sitting on your couch in sweat pants the whole time.

That, my friends, is research done right.

Research is my absolute favorite part of the writing process. I love reading all the details I can and finding ways to incorporate them into a story. For The Songbird and the Spy I stepped back in time when fear ran rampant under Nazi terror and ordinary (and not so ordinary) people fought back.

France was a natural choice because it was central to much of the fighting and occupation, and having lived in Europe for several years I was fairly familiar with the land and cityscapes. I’ve walked the cobblestone streets of tiny villages and seen the remnants of bullet holes in the garden walls. I’ve smelled Paris in the springtime while walking along the Seine, and strolled across Trafalgar Square with the big lions.

My American ideals of convenience have been stopped short when shops close down for people to enjoy long lunches at the local café. Taking all of these experiences with a dash of imagination thrown in, I was able to create the most realistic world I could for Claire and Michael to inhabit.

(I love Paris in the springtime)

Remember I mentioned living in Europe? 

I was stationed in Germany while a member of the Air Force. The military is a world in and of itself with its own language, dress, and code of behavior. Having left the service only months prior to writing Songbird, the lessons of four years were still heavily ingrained in me and were put to good use in Captain Michael Reichner, epitome of the dutiful soldier.

I’ve worn a service jacket with a hidden clasp rubbing against my neck while standing in open ranks. I’ve low crawled through mud under barbed wire, and stayed up late polishing boots to a high shine. And who but a fellow military member understands the significance of using baking soda to rub sweat stains from the inner rim of a cap (or in military speak a cover)?

(Yep, that’s me)

Now, before you think I’m only here to brag about my own experiences, know that I would be desolate without books, online articles, and movies. Movies offer a visual consumption of the times gone by and allows for a writer to see all the details of clothing, hairstyles, living conditions, etc.

It’s a total immersion that I do my utmost to relay to readers. 

When it comes to books and articles I try to read everything I can get my hands on. Firsthand accounts, battle plans, ration card descriptions, musical preferences, and even the weather patterns for that year.

These are what give insight to characters. Who they are at their core because of what is going on around them. It was terrifying to step inside the head of a Nazi like Ilsa, but as a writer I had to understand why she thought the way she did so that my hero and heroine would understand why it was so important to defeat her, and by her the ideology of the Nazis.

(Site of the book burnings in Berlin)

No detail is too small because those are what make a story and the characters who inhabit it come alive. Is it difficult to read about occupied lands under Nazi rule? Yes. I can’t tell you the number of times my heart broke over what was done to the citizens and any person who stood against the tyranny.

But in the ashes of sorrow rose the spark of hope. 

One flash of light sprang to ignite another, and then another until the fire of resistance set the world aflame and good triumphed. That is the essence of what I hoped to capture.

If I can but relate any of these details, even if I’m the only one who notices them, then I consider the story a success. Hopefully, readers will learn something they didn’t know before while wrapped in the delights of fiction.

About J’nell Ciesielski

Believing she was born in the wrong era, J’nell Ciesielski spends her days writing heart-stopping heroes, brave heroines, and adventurous exploits in times gone by. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages contest and Maggie Award, J’nell can often be found dreaming of a second home in Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Born a Florida girl, she now calls Virginia home, along with her very understanding husband, young daughter, and one lazy beagle.

You can find J'nell online at:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Twitter

About The Songbird and the Spy

As shells explode over Nazi-occupied France, American music student Claire Baudin is trapped behind enemy lines, struggling to protect her identity. Singing as a barmaid while she plans her escape, a handsome Third Reich captain threatens everything she knows to be true about the enemy.

Nazi Captain Michael Reiner isn’t who he claims to be. A British language expert turned spy, he discovers the truth about Claire, but he knows the importance of a secret. Struggling to resist his attraction to the songbird, he’s determined to complete his assignment, no matter the cost. His cover is threatened when a ruthless female Gestapo officer arrives hunting Resistance fighters. The raid forces Michael's hand: complete the mission or save Claire.

As the war threatens to tear them apart, they must rely on each other for survival. Is there hope—and a future—for an American songbird and a British spy?

You can buy The Songbird and the Spy at Amazon.

Introducing Tracy Traynor and Grace in Mombasa

By Tracy Tranory @tracy_traynor

Hello, my name is Tracy Traynor. I’m an indie-author and I love to write stories.

From a very early age I used to spend immeasurable amounts of time day dreaming; now I spend every minute I can at the computer putting day dreams to paper and creating stories, which I hope people will enjoy reading.

Grace in Mombasa is fictional, but was inspired by a woman I met in Kenya called Moira Smith. I met Moira twice in 1991, and she made such an impact on me I have not been able to forget her, and over the years I began to imagine what her life might have been like. I would be driving to work and suddenly she would appear in my mind and I started to create a fictional life for her.

I did a lot of research and the book is filled with facts, at the end of the book I mention the things that happen in Grace’s life that were the real things that happened to Moira.

This is a life – and therefore a story in two halves. The first half of her life was spent in England, and so the book’s first part is her life during World War 2 in England. The second half of the book is set in Mombasa.

Moira was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to helping the Kenyan people who came into the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa, a place where people believed they only went to die. She inspired me, and I hope I have done her story justice so that it might inspire others.

To continue with Moira’s good works for the people of Mombasa, I have hooked up with Barnabas Trust Outreach Mombasa, and I am donating 50% of all sales to them.

Sean McIntyre Missionary to Kenya with Barnabas, and minister at AOG Colchester, gave me this endorsement:

The story of Grace captures the experience of many others who, though quite ordinary by themselves, find that the love of God propels them towards quite extraordinary endeavours. Tracy is the author of Grace's story but the inspiration was Moira Smith and the author of her story was none other than God himself, described in the Bible as the 'author and finisher of our faith'. I commend Tracy's book "Grace in Mombasa" to you in the hope that, inspired by the story of Grace and Moira, you will become hungry for a story of your own and that you will turn to the great author of all our lives. He already has a story prepared for you!

The first person to read the book, besides the editors, is Wendy H Jones, Author and member/webmaster of the ACW Scotland – Association of Christian Writers. Here is her endorsement:

Tracy Traynor’s writing transports you from World War 1 and 2 England to the courts of heaven, via Mombasa. With characters which pop off the page and straight into your heart, this is a book you will remember for a long time.

To tempt you to buy the book, please find the blurb below.

Inspired by true events. Grace in Mombasa is an intriguing historical saga of betrayal and loss, romance and heartbreak, and one woman’s journey in faith.

From the day she was born, Grace Clifton has navigated a life of loss and heartbreak, without a mother to guide her and through the ravages of two World Wars. With England in the midst of a Second World War, Grace, experiences the excitement of love and romance, but all too soon it turns to heartbreak. Through it all, Grace is sustained by her unwavering faith in God, but when all she holds dear is ripped away from her, Grace is left devastated and doubting everything she’s ever believed in.

As the world slowly recovers from war, Grace too begins the process of healing from bitterness and the deep wounds inflicted by life. However, her steadfastness to God is lost and she determines never to pray again. When an unexpected opportunity comes up in Kenya, Grace seizes the chance to escape the memories, hoping to find a purpose and build a new life for herself. In the city of Mombasa, Grace soon begins to realise she can’t ever distance herself from life’s complications, but if she’s prepared to open her heart, maybe her shattered faith will once more bring her hope, love and the healing that she desperately needs.

Grace in Mombasa is a story about a woman with amazing faith that is shattered when her life falls apart, but will God simply let her go? If you like heartfelt dialogue, stories seeped in fact and history, and memorable characters, then you’ll love Tracy Traynor’s moving and inspirational novel.

You can find Grace in Mombasa online at:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Australia | Amazon India

About Moira Smith ... the inspiration behind Grace

Moira Smith was born in 1912, in England. On 25th July 1953, aged 41, she boarded the ship SS Uganda and set sail for Mombasa, Kenya.

She spent her years on the island helping people who came to the Mombasa Coast General Hospital, in any way that she could - and by taking every opportunity to spread the gospel. She never got to retire in the convent. She died in the hospital in the mid 1990s, where her last action was to give away the medicine that people brought in for her to the other patients.

Moira's ashes are buried in the compound of St Peter's Church, Nyali, Kenya.

Find Tracy Traynor online at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Author Interview with Johnnie Alexander Donley

It is my pleasure to welcome author Johnnie Alexander Donley. Johnnie writes stories of suspense, intrigue, and romance set in World War II. She’s a history enthusiast and has also edited non-fiction manuscripts and textbooks.

A longtime Florida resident, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, shelves full of books, and her papillon*, Rugby.

Marion:  It’s such a pleasure to have you join International Christian Fiction Writers today, Johnnie, and thank you for offering a free copy of Where Treasure Hides on the book review yesterday. One of my regrets in life is not having made it to Florida Christian Writer’s Conference in 2010. I had so looked forward to meeting you there as we had planned. But, I’m grateful for cyber space where we’ve been able to keep in contact.

Johnnie:  Marion, I remember that conference, and I was disappointed for you. We’re also NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) buddies.

Marion:  That we are, and it’s been good to run some races beside you. Johnnie, the publication date of your debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, was January 1, 2013 … just two weeks ago. How are you feeling? Have you come back down to earth yet?

Johnnie:  This is a dream come true, a dream I’ve held in my heart for a very long time. I spent the first couple of days after the release tearing up at odd moments with joy and gratitude for God’s blessing. The response has been so gratifying, and as I read reviews and readers’ comments, I tear up all over again. (You’ve made me do that, too, Marion!)

Marion:  Why a digital publication and are there plans for a hard copy in the future?

Johnnie:  When Tyndale said they were interested, I was ecstatic. Their digital program allows more opportunities for new authors, and the time it takes from acquiring the manuscript to publication is much shorter than for print publications. Where Treasure Hides was already finished when I received the offer in July. Less than six months later, after receiving the same editorial attention as a print book, it’s available for purchase. Printing of hard copies depends on sales.

Marion:  Well, I’m certain those hard copies will be rolling off the press in the not too distant future. What do you hope the reader will take away after reading Where Treasure Hides?

Johnnie:  I’ve written in other interviews about Alison’s go-to verse, Proverbs 31:25. So today, I’ll write about the verse that became important to Ian as he planned his escape from the POW camp and made his way through Germany to safety. Psalm 32:7 reads: “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”

Our troubles and difficulties are much different that the ones Ian experienced. But we can still hide within the safety of God’s loving embrace. I am grateful for His protection and His deliverance when I’m trying to escape my own prisons. I pray readers will also take this Scripture to heart.

Marion:  That ending (and you’ll know what I mean)… Is there a sequel planned for Where Treasure Hides?

Johnnie:  That ending . . . I love it! Writing the epilogue was one of those magic moments when the words simply flowed.

Last November I wrote the sequel during NaNoWriMo, and now I’m involved in massive rewriting.

Marion:  I can’t wait!

You have won several awards, Johnnie:

• Winner, American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest 2011, Historical Fiction category;
• Bronze Medal Finalist in the 2012 My Book Therapy Frasier contest for a contemporary romance;
• Writer of the Year and Best Novel Awards at the Florida Christian Writers Conference.

Were these awards all for Where Treasure Hides?

Johnnie:  Only the Genesis was for Where Treasure Hides. The Florida Christian Writers’ awards were for an earlier project – one where Ian plays a major role as a secondary character. The Bronze Medalist award was for a contemporary story that shares similar themes of treasuring family memories and legacies. I hope to complete both these manuscripts within the next couple of years.

Marion:  Are there any other possible book contracts on the horizon?

Johnnie:  Not yet, but I hope enough readers will be intrigued by the ending of Treasure, and I write such a compelling proposal, that the sequel will be contracted.

Marion:  Not only do you love to write, you love reading (but then the two do go hand in hand). Over 100 books read in 2011, and 86 in 2012 … and you still find time, amongst other things, to write! What’s your secret?

Johnnie:  Oh, wow! I didn’t know you knew that! If I have a secret, I suppose it’s reading more than one book at a time. Plus I don’t watch much television. Right now, inspired by epic movies, I’m reading both Les Miserables and The Hobbit. Because I’m focusing on reading more classics this year, I don’t expect to read more than fifty or sixty books this year.

Marion: That’s still a whole lot of books, Johnnie!

You’re an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as a founding member of their Central Florida chapter. However, you’re a lot more than that. Tell us a little about your involvement with ACFW.

Johnnie:  After winning the Genesis, I was asked to be a judge in 2012. When I was asked to be the historical category coordinator, I immediately said yes. Then I also had the privilege of serving as a first round judge for the First Impressions contest where I read some amazing stories.

As of January 1^st, I am now President of the Central Florida Chapter. Our board has worked hard on the programs for this year. We’re going to have some amazing speakers, a synopsis-writing panel, field trips, and a mini-conference on preparing for conferences. We just completed a contest in partnership with the Florida Christian Writers Conference. Later this year, we’ll sponsor a synopsis-writing contest.

Marion:  You are a busy lady! Being a part of two talented critique groups, Imagine That! Writers and Kindred Heart Writers, how have these groups helped you on your road to publication?

Johnnie:  I would not be where I am on my writing journey if I hadn’t had my critique groups walking beside me. I met the other Kindred Heart members at my first major writers conference. These ladies are now among my closest friends.

Imagine That! Writers began as an ACFW critique group (before Scribes). I thank God that I was placed in what used to be known as the Crit89 group. My critique partners are immensely talented and have helped me grow tremendously as a writer.

They read my chapters and provide helpful feedback on the characters and the storyline. They never let me get away with lazy writing and push me to dig deeper when I’m writing difficult scenes. I owe them all a great deal of thanks and appreciation.

Marion:  What advice can you give to unpublished authors seeking publication?

Johnnie:  The three Cs: conferences, critique groups, and contests. At conferences, writers learn about the publishing industry and network with both professionals and other writers. Critique groups provide invaluable critiques (of course), accountability, and, when needed, a shoulder to cry on. Contests, the good ones anyway, give important feedback and constructive editorial criticism.

Marion:  Johnnie, thank you for your time today. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you better and we wish you every success for the future. I, personally, cannot wait to see more of your work available.

Johnnie:  Marion, thank you so much for your gracious review of Where Treasure Hides. I’m so glad to be your guest and can’t wait to email my story to one of your readers.

* Before the interview, I had asked Johnnie another question on a personal note, and I’m going to post her answer here for your interest. A wise lady recently told me that a day is not wasted when you have learnt something new (thanks Judith for your pearls of wisdom). This made my day worthwhile ...

Marion:  So, I have to ask ... and I quote from your bio: "her papillon, Rugby". Is that a toy spaniel (according to my dictionary) named Rugby? If so, how did you decide on that name? (Have to ask coming from the land of sunshine and Rugby.)

Johnnie:  I'm sending you two photos of Rugby, too, because he's just so cute. The American Kennel Club has papillons in the toy group. As you may know, papillon is French for butterfly, and they have butterfly ears. http://www.akc.org/breeds/papillon/index.cfm.

We got him last January and I'm not sure how I came up with the name. I wanted something a little manly and our son loves sports—though he's never played rugby—so just trying out different things, that's what I came up with and everyone liked it so it stuck. His official name is Dazzlin Rugby Dancer.

Marion:  Well there you have it! We learn something new every day. Yes Johnnie, Rugby does look like a little butterfly. He’s really cute. And now I also know where your NaNo name comes from.

Remember, if you want to stand a chance to win a free digital copy of Where Treasure Hides, drop a comment with your name and email addy on the Book Review blog of yesterday.

You can follow Johnnie on her Treasured Moments blog/website: http://www.johnniedonley.com

MARION UECKERMANN’s writing passion was sparked in 2001 when she moved to Ireland with her husband and two sons. Since then Marion has has published some devotional articles in Winners (2009) and The One Year Book of Joy and Laughter (published August 2011), as well as inspirational poetry online and in a poetry journal. Marion loves to multitask and you can see her writing projects on her website www.marionueckermann.com. She now lives in Pretoria East, South Africa in an empty nest with her husband and a crazy black ‘Scottie’. Marion is a member of the Christian Writers of South Africa and can be contacted via email on marion(dot)ueckermann(at)gmail(dot)com.

Book Review and Giveaway - Where Treasure Hides

Where Treasure Hides, set during World War II, is a story that will have you holding onto your e-reader long into the night; or, as in my case, at red traffic lights too.

Through the pages of Where Treasure Hides, love, hate, fate, secrets, and a family curse all combine to weave a gripping story filled with the harsh realities of war and the tenderness of finding love. You’ll be immersed in history spanning nearly eleven years, six countries and two continents.

Get a copy of Where Treasure Hides, published by Tyndale Digital First, and join artist Alison Schuyler at Waterloo Station where she meets and falls in love with Lieutenant Ian Devlin, heir to Kenniston Hall. But, because of the Schuyler curse, Alison refuses to become involved with Ian, fearing for his life.

World War II breaks out, and while Ian pits his military prowess against the Germans and his determination to escape POW camps, Alison and her family help Jewish children and priceless artworks find safety from the malevolence of the Nazis.

Separated by distance and a string of wartime events, it seems that Alison and Ian will never be united. And just when they are, they’re torn apart by Major Theodor Scheidemann, a Prussian count and high-ranking Nazi who is determined to have it all—the Aryan dream, Alison, and the priceless art.

You’ll be turning the pages right to the very end to see whether fate will separate Ian and Alison forever.

Author Johnnie Alexander Donley is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with The Steve Laube Agency.

Interested in reading Where Treasure Hides? Johnnie is offering one reader a free digital copy. Post a comment below, with your email, before Thursday, 24th January to be placed in the draw. Winners will be notified by email and on Sunday Edition, 27th January.

Join me tomorrow for an in-depth interview with this amazing new author.

Where Treasure Hides can be purchased at any of the following online outlets: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors, Kobo and Vyrso Christian Books. The links to purchase are:

http://www.amazon.com/Where-Treasure-Hides-ebook/dp/B00AEB3CMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355869566&sr=8-1&keywords=where+treasure+hides

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-treasure-hides-johnnie-alexander-donley/1113498024?ean=9781414380995

http://www.christianbook.com/where-treasure-hides-ebook/johnnie-donley/9781414380995/pd/34191EB?item_code=WW&netp_id=1055368&event=ESRCG&view=details

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=where+treasure+hides

http://vyrso.com/product/27429/where-treasure-hides

"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."

MARION UECKERMANN’s writing passion was sparked in 2001 when she moved to Ireland with her husband and two sons. Since then Marion has has published some devotional articles in Winners (2009) and The One Year Book of Joy and Laughter (published August 2011), as well as inspirational poetry online and in a poetry journal. Marion loves to multitask and you can see her writing projects on her website www.marionueckermann.com. She now lives in Pretoria East, South Africa in an empty nest with her husband and a crazy black ‘Scottie’. Marion is a member of the Christian Writers of South Africa and can be contacted via email on marion(dot)ueckermann(at)gmail(dot)com.