Today, we have Robert here for an interview with "Books Are Magic". But, before his interview, let's see about the sci-fi book that he wrote.
In Apple Blossom Time is a story about love, regrets, destiny and redemption, based on the true life and research of Dr. Willem Jacob van Stockum. Dr. van Stockum, a brilliant University of Maryland mathematics professor, becomes frustrated with American indifference about the war in Europe before Pearl Harbor, and abandons his promising academic career to become a bomber pilot in the British Royal Air Force. While flying a mission in support of the D-Day invasion of Europe, his plane is shot down behind the lines over Normandy and he is rescued by stranded American paratroopers. While they fight for survival in the French countryside, they meet up with ruthless French Resistance fighters and two strangers who are not what they appear to be. Willem’s pioneering academic work on time travel and Einstein's Theory of Relativity pose intriguing “what if?” questions compelling him to face the implications of his work and the consequences of choices in a universe of infinite possibilities.
1. Tell us something about your book that is not part of the book description (blurb)..
It started out as a project driven by curiosity and turned into a labor of love as I came to identify more and more with Willem and got to know his family. I grew up very near where Willem stayed in Washington D.C. during the pre-war years, and spend time often in his old neighborhood. My daughter also attends the University of Maryland, and it gives me chills to walk through the same halls and along the same paths he strolled when he was a professor there.
2. Who is your book cover designer and what do YOU think about the cover?
An independent graphic designer named Emily White did the cover, and I absolutely love it. She perfectly captured the blend of imagery we juggled to communicate what the story is about.
3. What are your current literary works? Any sneak peaks?
I'm working on a new novel about evolution, genetic engineering, and the evolution of mind. It's a real challenge blending the big ideas with a character driven story, but I'm excited about how well it's coming along.
4. What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
My "To Be Read" stack is so big, I'm just hoping to make a dent in that.
5. If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
Alive or Dead? Let's stick with alive:
6. What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
There's no such thing as a crazy writing idea.
7. Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
It's a great story about following a dream no matter where it leads.
8. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Seeing the completed book. It's like giving birth, and holding the baby for the first time.
9. What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Just. Don't. Stop.
10. If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?
Frank Herbert's Dune.
11. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Wait, what?
12. What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?
When Willem and the paratroopers are hiding out in the basement of the chateau, and one of the French orphans is touching the paratroopers mohawk, brushing her fingers along the bristles, while he sleeps. It captures the curiosity of children and the vulnerability of the soldiers, highly trained killing machines who really were just American boys far away from home.
13. What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
The Voice. This past season I got hooked, probably mostly because I have a huge crush on Shakira.
14. What is one book everyone should read (apart from yours)?
Confederacy of Dunces, by Walker Percy.
15. What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Reading. Duh.
Thanks for the interview, Robert! And good luck on your latest release.
Original Title: In Apple Blossom Time
Author: Robert Wack
Release Date: June 8th, 2013
Genre: Science Fiction
In Apple Blossom Time is a story about love, regrets, destiny and redemption, based on the true life and research of Dr. Willem Jacob van Stockum. Dr. van Stockum, a brilliant University of Maryland mathematics professor, becomes frustrated with American indifference about the war in Europe before Pearl Harbor, and abandons his promising academic career to become a bomber pilot in the British Royal Air Force. While flying a mission in support of the D-Day invasion of Europe, his plane is shot down behind the lines over Normandy and he is rescued by stranded American paratroopers. While they fight for survival in the French countryside, they meet up with ruthless French Resistance fighters and two strangers who are not what they appear to be. Willem’s pioneering academic work on time travel and Einstein's Theory of Relativity pose intriguing “what if?” questions compelling him to face the implications of his work and the consequences of choices in a universe of infinite possibilities.
INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT WACK
1. Tell us something about your book that is not part of the book description (blurb)..
It started out as a project driven by curiosity and turned into a labor of love as I came to identify more and more with Willem and got to know his family. I grew up very near where Willem stayed in Washington D.C. during the pre-war years, and spend time often in his old neighborhood. My daughter also attends the University of Maryland, and it gives me chills to walk through the same halls and along the same paths he strolled when he was a professor there.
2. Who is your book cover designer and what do YOU think about the cover?
An independent graphic designer named Emily White did the cover, and I absolutely love it. She perfectly captured the blend of imagery we juggled to communicate what the story is about.
3. What are your current literary works? Any sneak peaks?
I'm working on a new novel about evolution, genetic engineering, and the evolution of mind. It's a real challenge blending the big ideas with a character driven story, but I'm excited about how well it's coming along.
4. What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
My "To Be Read" stack is so big, I'm just hoping to make a dent in that.
5. If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
Alive or Dead? Let's stick with alive:
- Stephen Hawking
- Fiona Apple
- Pete Townshend
- Leonard Susskind (Brian Greene if he wasn't free)
- Catherine Deneuve
6. What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
There's no such thing as a crazy writing idea.
7. Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
It's a great story about following a dream no matter where it leads.
8. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Seeing the completed book. It's like giving birth, and holding the baby for the first time.
9. What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Just. Don't. Stop.
10. If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?
Frank Herbert's Dune.
11. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Wait, what?
12. What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?
When Willem and the paratroopers are hiding out in the basement of the chateau, and one of the French orphans is touching the paratroopers mohawk, brushing her fingers along the bristles, while he sleeps. It captures the curiosity of children and the vulnerability of the soldiers, highly trained killing machines who really were just American boys far away from home.
13. What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
The Voice. This past season I got hooked, probably mostly because I have a huge crush on Shakira.
14. What is one book everyone should read (apart from yours)?
Confederacy of Dunces, by Walker Percy.
15. What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Reading. Duh.
QUICK ANSWERS
Favorite place?
The North Shore of Oahu
Best christmas present?
Godzilla
Favorite book?
The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell
Favorite author?
Elmore Leonard
Favorite smell?
Chocolate chip cookies
Favorite series?
Walking Dead
Nickname?
"Dad"
Favorite writing spot?
Attic
Favorite movie?
Too many to name
Favorite dish?
BBQ ribs
Favorite color?
red
Favorite quote?
In the end, everything is a gag - Charlie Chaplin
A bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?
small
Your best trait?
sense of humor
Your worst trait?
lack of patience
Thanks for the interview, Robert! And good luck on your latest release.
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