Official Interview: Robert John Gardner

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Robert John Gardner author of Circumstances of War.

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1. What made you decide to write?

I think I always had writing inside of me. But like most people, I had a life. Married for over 40 years, three kids and bills to pay. I worked hard and was successful in my chosen career. Probably like other writers, I had a folder full of ideas. But never the time. Life can be full of good things. And life can bring us many heartbreaks. I've had my share of both. After losing my wife and one son to cancer, and losing a daughter to a fentanyl overdose, and my other son, married and living with his wife in a different state, it was time to write. I've always been a person of faith and hope. This is my choice. I believe that if we don't have hope, we have nothing. I've never let the arrow through my heart beat me. Positivity and resiliency are attributes I give to myself. Writing, for me, is a very cathartic, exercise, and it permits me to see things in the world from many perspectives, especially from the characters that I create.

2. How do your family and friends feel about your writing?

I have received great support from those around me. They know my story and where I'm coming from and it interests them greatly to read what I put on paper.

3. Let's discuss your book Circumstances of War. Can you give us a quick synopsis?

I've created four main protagonists. Two twin brothers, the son of a prominent senator, and a young Jewish man put into a concentration camp with his parents. Set in a historically correct timeline, each of these characters is thrust into situations that they would never have in a normal life. And, as with many stories in life, I wanted to create and relate a heartfelt love story. Through it all, it's a novel that spans the entire globe and includes inside looks at the decisions of world leaders at the time.

4. How did you come up with the idea for the story?

The twins were based on my father and his twin brother. They both served in the military during the Second World War. Dad told me many stories about his years in Burma. My uncle, at the same time, served in the European theater. Having the son of an influential senator go through the war with one of the twins in Europe enabled me to incorporate the decision-makers in the White House. And no novel about the Second World War would be complete without acknowledging the Holocaust. Not only did I want to acknowledge it, but I wanted the reader to walk in the shoes of someone being held captive by ruthless murderers.

5. Which of the characters do you most relate to and why?

I believe through all of this, the strongest character is the young girl who falls in love with Mo, one of the main characters. Her strength and character which carry her through unbelievable hardships early in her young life are very noble to me. She exhibits an unrelenting will to not only carry on but to care more for everyone else around her than she does for herself. This is what makes her so special.

6. What's your favorite part of the book?

While in Europe, Max and TR are in a convoy on their way to Paris. During an intense rainstorm, they get separated from the rest of the convoy. I won't say what happens, because that would be a spoiler, but it's my favorite. Can I incorporate something lighthearted, even humorous, in a war story? Yes, it can be done.

7. Is there anything you want readers to take away from the story?

Yes, there are a few things. First, we all experience times in our lives when we might think that things are going to hell. We should all remember that every period of history has had these times. We should never get discouraged, and always look for a better day. Second, I think it's important for people to remember and be aware of what a fantastic generation of people it was during this time. Too many heroes to name. Third, remember the holocaust. There are people these days who try to rewrite history. People who try to say that this never happened. That is a grave mistake. Those who don't know history, or refuse to acknowledge it, are doomed to repeat the worst mistakes.

8. What's next for you? Any future books?

I will be publishing a new political military thriller set in modern times in the next couple of months. I also have a gentle romance novel mingled with wild mustangs coming up. I guess I just can't get past the romance. Finally, there will be a second novel in the Circumstances trilogy. It will follow the characters from the first novel as they embark on life after the war.

I like to end with fun questions.

9. Do you have any odd writing habits?

I don't think I have any particularly odd writing habits unless sitting next to the swimming pool in my backyard and writing is odd. Kind of nice, actually.

10. Would you rather be hot or cold?

Definitely hot. I sweat really good. When I get cold, I tend to shut down.

11. Who's your favorite author?

That would definitely be Herman Wouk. The man was an absolute genius, and I love everything that he's done.

12. What was your first job?

My absolute first would've been as a busboy in a small family restaurant. My best job was seven summers as an ocean lifeguard in Laguna Beach, California. You can't beat that.

[Carole Kendall]

I’m sorry that you have had so many losses in your family, but pleased to see that you have maintained your optimism and hope. Your comments about not getting discouraged during a difficult period in history is very timely. While it may have taken you awhile to embark on your writing career, it sounds like you are making up for that delay now. Congratulations on your first book.

[Patience Reign]

sorry for the losses you had. Fentanyl overdose is a very controversial topic in the States. President Trump is trying to use tarrifs to pressure China and Mexico to tackle the supply chain around this. What is your opinion on the best way to tackle fentanyl overdose in the USA?

[Patience Reign]

You have radiated a lot of wisdom on the seventh question. Those who don't care about the past are bound to repeat it Holocaust was a very very very bad episode in recent human history. Around 6 million innocent souls lost their lives due to their race . We should always be tolerant towards people of other shades of opinion. Sadly, the world doesn't seems to have learnt any lesson. The world is becoming more authoritarian, nativist and less tolerant to people of other cultures

[Patience Reign]

A busboy? Your first job! Truly a journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step