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Karen Rose Smith | Writing About Veterans

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Veterans are close to my heart. My father-in-law served in World War II and was a soldier in Patton's army. We miss him and I dedicated my December release to him to honor what he meant to our lives.

My dad was also a soldier in World War II. In addition, my college years were impacted by the Vietnam War and many of my high school and college classmates served. I wrote to a serviceman in Vietnam for two years and still have his letters with the details of his service there. A few years ago I wrote about a veteran hero in THE BRACELET and beforehand read diaries that one of our community colleges had collected—oral transcripts of servicemen's lives in Vietnam.

In all my research, one thing was clear. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was ignored for years, although these men and their families recognized the symptoms all too well. I wanted to bring it to the forefront now because it's important to remember what our soldiers face after they come home.

When I began my research for my hero in TWINS UNDER HIS TREE, I was interested in learning more about the National Guard...about men who didn't realize they'd be called to war and multiple tours of duty. The public information officer at a nearby Guard headquarters was instrumental in helping me develop my hero—from his career to his discharge. As the months went by, he was deployed to Iraq and answered many of my questions from there. In TWINS UNDER HIS TREE I wanted to deal with the scars that are deeper than physical wounds and the power of love that can help heal them. My family members, classmates and servicemen I interviewed were honorable men, brave and quiet about what they'd experienced.

This holiday season I want to give tribute to all who serve and pray that they are uplifted by the power of love.

Karen Rose Smith's 71st published romance, TWINS UNDER HIS TREE, is the sixth book in her Baby Experts series for Silhouette Special Edition and is available now. About TWINS UNDER HIS TREE

She'd just gone in to labor...

...seven weeks early! Now Dr. Lily Wescott was the proud mother of twin baby girls. But she couldn't have done it without Mitch Cortega. The decorated combat surgeon was with her every step of the way. And the young widow was finding it awfully hard to resist Mitch's overpowering masculinity...

Spending time with Lily and her infant daughters was making Mitch yearn for something he'd never known was missing. The wounded combat surgeon knew they both needed time to heal.

But how much longer could they fight their attraction? With Christmas just around the corner, it was time to move on and trust in a love that could transform the past into a future filled with the true joy of giving!

If you'd like to win a copy of TWINS UNDER HIS TREE and a Gorham crystal Christmas tree ornament, leave a comment and we'll pick a winner. You can email Karen or visit her at www.karenrosesmith.com. You can also find her on Facebook where she is posting weekly photos from her recent research trip for her new series that begins in February.

 

 

Comments

43 comments posted.

Re: Karen Rose Smith | Writing About Veterans

Looking forward to reading your book. I haven't read any stories with the hero as a veteran, so this will be a change of pace for me. Sounds great.
(Pam Howell 8:33am December 2, 2010)

Pam--Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like it.
(Karen Rose Smith 10:28am December 2, 2010)

When I saw this, I knew I just had to read the post because it hit so close to home. My husband and I are both USMC veterans, but what makes it even more so: My daughter is due to give birth (December 21) to twin boys. She is married to a National Guard war veteran who has served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Their other son was born Dec. 23, 2006, and my SIL was deployed two weeks later.

Yep, this one will be a must read for me.
(Cynthia Netherton 12:05pm December 2, 2010)

You have come up with a very compelling storyline. Our society tends to neglect our veterans. How sad. I am looking forward to reading 'Twins Under His Tree'.
(Rosemary Krejsa 12:06pm December 2, 2010)

I wrote this book because we do forget what our servicemen have done for us. My father-in-law never talked about his service until his later years and then he described what he'd done and seen. The same with my classmates who say little but I know they were affected greatly by Vietnam. Now we're in a different kind of war and we need to appreciate our veterans and what they and their families are going through.
Cynthia and Rosemary--thanks for your comments. This book is filled with a lot of honest feeling and I hope you like it.
(Karen Rose Smith 12:48pm December 2, 2010)

My Father was a WWII veteran who served under Patton as well. He never talks about what happened, although I do get bits and pieces about what happened there from his army buddies, who are still alive. He earned a Silver Star for his service there, along with other awards, and I always wondered what they were for. Now I have a rough idea why. I'm sure your research was interesting and painful at the same time, but it's important to keep History alive. They were instrumental in keeping our freedom to where it is today!! Thank you for writing your book. God bless them, and may everyone have a Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 1:10pm December 2, 2010)

When I read about this new book of yours, I couldn't help but thik of our local national guard personnel--they had the longest deployment of any unit in Iraq---I just can't imagine what some of their families have gone through to support our country. Thank you for writing this book.
(Sue Farrell 1:11pm December 2, 2010)

It's hard to imagine what the soldiers overseas are going through even when they do stories about them on the news. It must be a tough time of the year for them and their families.
(Maureen Emmons 1:33pm December 2, 2010)

My father who turns 84 on 1-8-2011 served in WWII and the Korean War. The war stories he tells are heart wrenching. I am so proud of him. Because of the brave men and women out there, we are staying safe because of all of their sacrifices in life. Bless them All.
(Cheryl English 1:42pm December 2, 2010)

I enjoy books that make us feel things... TWINS UNDER HIS TREE sounds like that kind of read!
(Colleen Conklin 1:56pm December 2, 2010)

I would love to win your book. Thank you for writing your stories.
(Susie Kerner 1:58pm December 2, 2010)

Peggy--My father-in-law was hard of hearing before he passed but the Christmas before he really opened up about the trek through Europe under Patton. He told humorous stories as well. I have a scrapbook now of letters he sent home, etc. I haven't gone through it yet. It's always hard to let go and hold on at the same time.

Sue--The deployments are wrenching. I try to send boxes this time of year but sometimes it's hard to get addresses if you don't have someone close deployed.

Maureen--I didn't realize the USO was still as active as it is. I bought a belt from a leather good store and found a USO flyer for donations. They are probably giving some of these soldiers something to make the holidays a little brighter.

Cheryl--Especially every time I fly--our son lives across the country--I think about our soldiers and how they're protecting what we hold dear.
(Karen Rose Smith 2:01pm December 2, 2010)

We owe so much to so many!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 2:19pm December 2, 2010)

Both my father and father-in-law were WWII veterans. My husband is a Vietnam veteran. Veterans are my heroes. They serve unselfishly for what they believe in. I can only imagine how hard it is for them to be far from home and missing their loved ones -- especially during the holidays. I love to read stories about war heroes, and your book sounds wonderful. God bless!
(Cathy Phillips 2:24pm December 2, 2010)

What an awesome concept. I don't think the PTSD was talked about because the generation was a quiet and stoic generation. Sad. And I think the Vets of the Vietnam was were just forgotten about. Sad too. I am thankful everyday for the ones serving to make this world a better and safer place for all of us. I can't imagine what they and their families go through. God Bless them all!!!
(Vicki Hancock 2:40pm December 2, 2010)

I got a choked up feeling when I read your comments. My husband was a World War II veteran and also served under Patton. So many of that generation served their country during war and then came home and contributed in many other ways.
(Anna Speed 2:52pm December 2, 2010)

My great-uncle was a true hero. He had to leave school to earn money for his widowed mother when he was in the 3rd grade so he taught himself to read and write. He joined the Merchant Marines at 15 and after being honored for his courage during an air attach went into the Coast Guard. He served in World War I and II and was sent to Germany several times to decommission ships and ended up retiring a Lieutenant Commander. He was not only a hero but a gentleman - my Aunt was several years older than he was but even after she died would never tell anyone her actual birthdate.

Because of my wonderful Uncle I knew I would someday marry a military man. My husband proudly served on aircraft carriers during VietNam and later on helicopters and P-3's in the Navy Reserve. Someone once asked me if it was difficult during the times he was deployed and I had to honestly answer no because he wasn't there just for me and our family but also for our friends, our neighbors, our community and our country and in return they were their to support me and our family.
(Jeanne Miro 4:07pm December 2, 2010)

My father-in-law was in WWII. My kids grew up hearing many
stories of his 666 days in combat, from Africa to England.
He drove commanders to prison camps and laid communication
wires all over Europe. My daughter, a senior in college,
plans to teach high school history, was influenced a lot by
his war stories. He passed this summer shortly after his 92
BD and not a day goes by that he or his stories are
remembered.
(Lisa Richards 4:16pm December 2, 2010)

Karen, I wonder if my Dad served along side your father-in-law. Dad also was in WWII under Patton, first in North Africa. I miss him. These WWII guys gave so much for us. Thanks for bringing back the memories.
(G S Moch 4:18pm December 2, 2010)

Colleen--I always try to write an emotional story but this one was especially so for me. The holiday element in this one added even more feeling.

Susie--Thanks for reading my blog.

Marjorie--Amen!

Cathy--I use many emotions when I write. Our son lives miles away. I miss him a lot especially when we can't be together for holidays. I can only imagine how I'd feel if he was in the war.
(Karen Rose Smith 5:14pm December 2, 2010)

My father served in WWII. His memories have faded over time, but some things he never forgets.
(Mary Preston 5:15pm December 2, 2010)

Vicki--PTSD is more common than we think. Once in a while it finally gets to the mainstream news, but not often enough. I'd like to see our veterans get the treatment they need for it.

Anna--These men knew the meaning of hard work and family.

Jeanne--What a wonderful way to think about his service.

Lisa--It's good to know there are grand children who listen and learn from each generation's stories and history.

G.S.-- It's quite possible. You are most welcome.
(Karen Rose Smith 5:17pm December 2, 2010)

Mary--My FIL wasn't very communicative. But when he began talking about this, he became animated and described his experience in vivid detail. I believe memories attached to strong emotion stay with us.
(Karen Rose Smith 5:21pm December 2, 2010)

I love your books.and i like books about the veterans. they
are the real hero's. thanks!
(Lynn Lanzon 5:24pm December 2, 2010)

We all owe a Debt that can never be repaid. It's so sad that our Veterans cannot get the help they need, especially when we pour money into the countries they are fighting in. So glad you devoted a book to them.
(Pat Wilson 6:01pm December 2, 2010)

Lynn--Thanks so much. The last three books in this series had deeply emotional content--date-rape, a 9-1-1 widow and aftermath of our wars. My new series Reunion Brides beginning in February is emotional but in a different way. The first one is about being a twin and a mother as well as the romance.

Pat--Thanks for stopping by. So many times help for them is either non-existent or months away. I'm hoping awareness can help.
(Karen Rose Smith 6:46pm December 2, 2010)

During World War II our whole nation was involved. There were victory gardens, high schools sold victory bonds and such, women took over jobs in amunition factories, products were rationed, in short the war was on everyone's minds. Today's wars seem to be ignored except for families who have members serving in them. Those fighting today deserve the same appreciation and respect as those who fought during World War II. Thanks for writing a book that reminds us of that fact.
(Gladys Paradowski 6:49pm December 2, 2010)

Some good reading coming our way!
(Diane Sadler 6:58pm December 2, 2010)

I like the idea of your book. My grandfather was in WWII. I remember a lot of the stories he used to tell my siblings and me when we were younger. I wrote a poem in high school for Veteran's Day and dedicated it to my grandfather. People in the military past or present don't seem to get enough respect and I appreciate everything they've done for this country.
(Amy Christian 7:05pm December 2, 2010)

Sounds like a wonderful story. I loved reading the bracelet. My dad served in Vietnam so I could relate to the hero having heard my dad's stories of what it was like over there. My husband also served in the Navy so I have a deep respect for our servicemen and women who sacrifice so much to serve our country.
(Cherie Japp 7:25pm December 2, 2010)

My family has a history of Military service. My Father in law served in Vietnam, and was in the Air Force for 26 years. My husband served for 24 years in the Air Force. My son is currently looking into joining. I am proud of all of them.

Thank you for your books and the military characters you write about.
(Robin McKay 7:28pm December 2, 2010)

Sounds like a good book, We all need to respect the service that our veterans have given to our country and thank them for our freedom.
(Vickie Hightower 7:49pm December 2, 2010)

Would love to win a copy of "Twins under his tree".
(Linda Pillow 8:11pm December 2, 2010)

I would love to win a copy of Twins under his tree!
Thanks for the contest
(Brenda Rupp 8:29pm December 2, 2010)

My father in-law served in WWII (Army) & Korea (Air Force). My father & mother served in the Army in Korea. My sister was in the Marines. I was in the Navy. My husband was in the Army in Viet Nam. My nephew is a West Point grad and served in Iraq.

I would love to win a copy of Twins under his tree!
Thanks for the contest
(Donna Antonio 8:37pm December 2, 2010)

Gladys--I remembered when our soldiers came back from Vietnam and what happened. Our servicemen definitely need a tribute.

Diane--Thanks for stopping in.

Amy--I started writing by writing poetry about subjects I felt strongly about.

Cherie--I'm so glad you found The Bracelet. That one didn't have great distribution and not many readers could find it.

Robin--You're welcome.

Vickie--After Vietnam, I didn't fly a flag. Now I do.

Linda and Brenda--Thank you for reading my blog.

Donna-You have a family history to be proud of!
(Karen Rose Smith 9:00pm December 2, 2010)

sounds good. I'm looking foward to reading it.
(Tracy Brown 11:19pm December 2, 2010)

My dad is 87 and he served in WWII as a communication officer.
(Ginger Hinson 11:22pm December 2, 2010)

Tracy--I hope you enjoy it.

Ginger--Thanks to your dad. I wish him good health and happiness.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.
(Karen Rose Smith 8:13am December 3, 2010)

I have a couple of uncles that served in vietnam. One lost most of a lung, the other recently passed from stomach cancer. He had been sprayed with agent orange and had so many health problems.
I would love to read this book.
(Debbie Penny 12:33pm December 3, 2010)

Debbie--Thanks for reading my blog.
(Karen Rose Smith 4:49pm December 3, 2010)

I'm always fascinated by stories from the front and what's going on back at the homestead. Having a set of twins myself, I know about the roller coaster in their first year of life. Then as they age, the questions get better.
(Alyson Widen 2:55pm December 5, 2010)

Definitely on my TBR list now!!
(Michele Powell 2:23am December 11, 2010)

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