Stories from the Writing Journey
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Past Meets Future
by Joanie Schirm on November 27, 2018 PermalinkSo many cool things happen along my writing journey. At the moment I’m seeking educators (high school through college) to be advance of publication readers of MY DEAR BOY and provide a review to the publisher, Potomac Books. Since my father, after he retired from his Melbourne, FL medical practice set up the student health care
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A family tradition of saving the nation. Why truth matters and comes with a duty to speak out.
by Joanie Schirm on July 6, 2018 PermalinkAs I continue to write a series of books about my Czech father’s adventures during WWII during his forced displacement by the Nazis, I marvel how world history ebbs and flows with the same uncomfortable flare-ups of hatred and discrimination. The unique WWII letter collection that my father hid away after the war, often provides
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A sad story of separation
by Joanie Schirm on June 19, 2018 PermalinkWith echoes of today’s turmoil around the world with ruthless separation of families, all trying to find a better and safe life, these letter excerpts from my father’s parents writing to him for his thirtieth birthday, are heartbreaking. By this time, torn apart by the Nazis, Dad and his parents had been separated for over
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A bit of History — Czech Republic / Czechoslovakia remembering and honoring American soldiers
by Joanie Schirm on June 19, 2017 PermalinkMy friend Bob Doubek shared this notice. The writing by an unknown author has circulated for quite awhile but I thought still a message worth sharing. We must never forget those who’ve given their lives to keep us free. WWII changed the lives of many people and families like the family of Virgil Kirkham
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When Father’s Day rolls around…
by Joanie Schirm on June 15, 2017 PermalinkEach year when Father’s Day rolls around, it reminds me that over the ages throughout literature that the relationship between fathers and daughters has been a topic of great interest. My dad, who passed away seventeen years ago was during his life on earth always intriguing. His fun sense of adventure mesmerized me. Swaddled
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La Poste – via a mysterious post card, past meets present
by Joanie Schirm on May 23, 2017 PermalinkAs a storyteller, I know we never are the sole author of anything that happens to us. During my nearly decade old writing journey, I’ve experienced many moments that appear to spring unexpectedly from the universe. Recently, one such jolt arrived at my home via U.S. mail. Stamped “La Poste” on a white envelope with
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TIME TO WRITE…Tales from the Writing Journey
by Joanie Schirm on February 27, 2017 PermalinkTIME TO WRITE…Tales from the Writing Journey Along my now nine-year writing journey, I’ve encountered many incidents that I believe entail a wink from the cosmos. This short story involves a nod from the star character of my books-my dad-prodding me from the great beyond. Let me know if you agree that this sounds like
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Book Clubs provide a way of distinguishing between the things that matter
by Joanie Schirm on February 8, 2017 PermalinkWhenever I’m a guest author at a book club where members have read Adventurers Against Their Will, I’m filled with joy and writer-satisfaction. This week has been particularly special as I found myself among like-minded women who value world history, protecting human rights, American democracy, and our core values. They get the importance of freedom