Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Rolf Margenau
Book Title: War Story
Released: 07/31/21
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “War Story”?
Margenau: I grew up in a German-American community and became upset with the Trump administration's disrespect for immigrants, especially ones with dark skins. We continue to be a nation of immigrants, and their contributions should be lauded, not denigrated. I created four characters with a "german background" set during World War II. I wrote about their contributions during a difficult time, which were made despite conflicts in allegiance to their home and ancestral countries.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Margenau: The names just arrive when I visualize what my characters look like and their cultural backgrounds.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Margenau: War Story is my sixth novel and the first one without a main character called Wylie Cypher, and it took longer to write than any other — about three years, if you include the research. I usually begin writing mid-afternoon for three to four hours, maybe four days a week. Not a rigorous schedule, but it suits me. That time doesn't count whatever my brain is doing to push the novel along.
If "War Story” were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Margenau: Were I but much younger, I'd play Paul. I don't know where you'd find a precocious 9-year-old like Achim, and a young Jennifer Lawrence would be Liesel. A young German actor who looks like Hardy Kruger would be a perfect Horst.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Margenau: Write all the time and find a top-notch editor.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Margenau: What's writer's block?
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Margenau: Biographies of historical figures and satire. Shakespeare is my literary hero. Once you understand his characters and plot lines, he's covered all of literature. The only thing he didn't invent was the novel.
What are you working on next?
Margenau: I'm considering following characters who joined a life care community, who select where they will die. But it won't be grim.
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