Night of Flames: A Conversation with Historical Fiction Author Douglas W. Jacobson

Douglas W. Jacobson is an engineer, business owner and World War Two history enthusiast. Doug has traveled extensively in Europe researching stories of the courage of common people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. His debut novel, Night of Flames: A Novel of World War Two was published in 2007 by McBooks Press, and was released in paperback in 2008. Night of Flames won the "2007 Outstanding Achievement Award" from the Wisconsin Library association. Doug has also published articles on Belgium´s WW2 escape organization, the Comet Line and other European resistance organizations. Doug is finishing up his second historical novel set in Europe during WW2, focusing on one of history´s most notorious war crimes. Doug can be visited on the web at www.douglaswjacobson.blogspot.com.

Thank you for this interview, Doug. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, Night of Flames, is all about?

Night of Flames is a historical novel set in Europe during WW2 that tells a story of the courage of common people caught up in the greatest catastrophe of the twentieth century. The main characters are a university professor in Krakow, Poland and her husband, a cavalry officer, who become separated on the first day of the war. For the next five years they try to survive and preserve their humanity while searching for each other across war-torn Europe.

Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your book?

I have always been interested in WW2 history but my primary inspiration came when I got to know my Belgian son-in-law´s parents who were children during the German occupation of Belgium.

Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?

Yes, it is my first published book and it came about after many rejection letters from literary agents and other publishers. I finally contacted this publisher directly (I do not have an agent) because they specialize in action-oriented historical fiction.

How has McBooks Press been to work with?

They have been terrific. They are a medium size publisher and they took a genuine interest in me and my story. There senior editor, Jackie Swift was marvelous. She zeroed in right away on the essence of my story and was invaluable in helping me polish it into the finished product.

Do you have an agent?

No

Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book and also how long it took from the time McBooks Press sent the contract and the time it was released?

It took almost six years to write the book, including the research. It was approximately one and a half years from the time I signed the publishing contract until the book was released.

Do you have any words of inspiration from other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?

Persevere. Do not get discourage by rejection. It is just part of the process. And most of all, seek help and encouragement from other writers through writing groups and round tables.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in September and October via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

I am a member of the Historical Novel Society and at our most recent conference in Chicago many authors discussed their positive experience with virtual book tours. Especially during these difficult times in the publishing industry the message was that authors have to promote themselves and the best way to do that is through on-line marketing and virtual book tours.

What´s next for you?

I am finishing up my second historical novel set in WW2. This story focuses on one of history´s most notorious war crimes.

Thank you for this interview, Doug. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?

You can visit me on-line through Facebook and also at my blog site, www.douglaswjacobson.blogspot.com.