Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Christopher P. Redwine
Book Title: The Legend of Lilia
Released: 02/16/22
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Legend of Lilia”?
Redwine: The Legend of Lilia is based on a true story about Lilia Litvyak who was an ace fighter pilot in WWII. I was inspired to start researching her story when I first learned about her, and was surprised I had never heard of her, or even that there had been a female ace in WWII. Initially, I thought Lilia's story had the elements for a great movie, action/adventure, a love story. What I found through my research, which included a trip to Russia, was that the real story was much larger in scope than I could have guessed. Eventually I came to the conclusion that the only way to put all the details together was to write it as a book.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Redwine: This was easy because they're based on real people.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Redwine: It took me a few years to really figure out how the pieces of this story fit together, which involved a bit of problem solving. I also wanted to be careful as to be respectful with the subject matter in that it's based on a true story, and the characters were real people. While it is a novel and I did take some artistic license, all of the major events in the book and most of the minor ones actually happened. I wanted to keep things as close to the truth as possible so the reader can get a sense of the time and place for the sake of understanding history.
If "The Legend of Lilia" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Redwine: I doubt this story could fit neatly into a feature film, but I could see it as a series perhaps. As far as the lead characters, they were all very young in real life. It would take some up and coming stars if it happens, maybe some we haven't seen or heard of yet.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Redwine: Drink more coffee.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Redwine: The only advice I would give to other writers is just to keep going.
What are you working on next?
Redwine: Old habits die hard. I'm writing another screenplay, this time for a low-budget thriller. The idea just seems too good not to write it, and if I don't get it out the idea will just rattle around in my head forever.
Learn More About the Author and The Legend of Lilia:
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here
Interested in submitting your book for review? Visit my review page for guidelines and submission requirements.
review