It was a fantastic trip! I’ll wax melodic about the wine, food, and, culture later, for now though, I am still in awe of what was accomplished by the soldiers, airmen, and sailors that were part of the liberation of France in 1944. Much, much more to come!

Beginning in August I will officially be a full-time author! After 11 great years as military history editor at Stackpole Books (and before that, 2 years at Ballantine/Del Rey of Random House), I’m hanging up the editor’s hat (sort of like a fry cook at McDonald’s only with a propeller beanie and a set of wings) and putting most of my time and energy into writing. I say most because some will be devoted to attempting to create what I’ve struggled with thus far, that being a social life.

Will this mean my next novels will appear at something other than a glacial pace? Yup! I have a lot of books I want to write and a lot of places I want to travel to, so it’s time for me to get my butt in gear. First up is finishing the Vietnam War inspired fantasy and jetting off to France.

As the French probably wouldn’t say…Ouiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

Chris

Beginning this afternoon, I am going deep into writing mode and only coming out to run in the park, and maybe catch a movie. Can’t decide between World War Z, Monsters University, or This is the End.

The title saga is on hold at the moment, but one will be announced before too much longer…he says hopefully.

I’d also like to add my voice to those mourning the loss of James Gandolfini who passed away at the age of 51. Like millions of others, I was hooked on The Sopranos and the amazingly complex character studies portrayed on the show.