Gerri Hilger

I feel like the Grandma Moses of the writing world. After 50 years dreaming of and pretending to write stories, this book has finally become a reality. A few years ago, while working on my Masters in Education, I became part of an intensive writing program: The National Writing Project. The Writing Project is based on the premise that to teach young people to enjoy reading and writing well, we must show them that behavior.

Since retirement, I have pursued my dream while at the same time helping my husband as we flip houses for extra income. I also play Nana to our 15 grandchildren and organize Nana's Kamp each year for the grandkids so they can know one another since our four children live in four different states. I also enjoy traveling with my husband and will grab my bag at a moment's notice and head for adventures in new places when the circumstances permit.

The first time I was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul I was thrilled. That excitement gave me the confidence to begin another article almost immediately thinking I would submit it to a historical magazine. After almost ten years, lots of interruptions, and many unexpected events, that article is finally finished. Now, it has grown to be a novel based 75% on facts honoring my parents and dear friends for their humble contributions to life during WWII.