Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Norman W. Holden
Book Title: The Lucky Seven
Released: 06/01/23
Genre: Adult historical/biographical fiction (Based on a true story)
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Lucky Seven”?
Holden: The Lucky Seven is a true wartime story. The main character was my late father-in-law, Second Lieutenant James J. Goebel, Jr., Goebel was a B24 copilot. In summary, Goebel and his fellow crew members were shot down on April 24, 1944 while en route back to England after their inaugural bombing mission over Germany. Forced to jump for their lives, Goebel and his fellow crew members were scattered along the Belgium countryside. Soon to be a downed airmen in a hostile enemy occupied territory, Goebel and the others were at the mercy of strangers.
I learned about Goebel’s story in November of 1999, just a few years before he passed.mGoebel only shared a few details with me and from that point on I spent the next two decades researching his story.
While Goebel (and the allied veterans of WWII) served with honor, for me the true heroes of this story are the men and women of the resistance in Belgium and France that sacrificed to help Goebel and his fellow airmen.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Holden: They are all real people.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Holden: I went to great lengths to pull this book together to ensure that I properly honored this story and the people that lived through it.
If "The Lucky Seven" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Holden: I would like to see young unknown actors/actresses.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Holden: Honestly, walk away and take a break.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Holden: Just write, journal, blog or write a letter to a friend. Like any skill, practice.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Holden: I read / listen to 2 to 3 books a month. I tend to read a lot of non-fiction (i.e., leadership, personal development, business development, self-help, etc.) I tend to enjoy this more as I can apply it to my life and work.
What are you working on next?
Holden: I’m close to publishing my third book entitled, For Love of Country: Common Sense 2.0. In the spirit of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, I’m writing a gritty editorial on what ails America and where we might find a cure.
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here
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