|I’ve had several people ask me about the novel I’m writing, wanting to know more about the true story behind the story. Future posts will reveal more, but for today I’ll share some basics.
The story is about a fictional young woman, but the setting is anything but fiction. It involves the WASPs of World War II, the Women Airforce Service Pilots. In the early/mid 1940s, more than 1,000 ladies trained in Sweetwater, Texas. After graduation, they performed varied miltary piloting duties across the country–and some overseas, freeing up more men for combat.
They served as ferrying pilots, flight instructors, objects of target practice, and test pilots for experimental or newly-repaired aircraft. Thirty-eight of them died in the line of duty. The WASPs were disbanded in 1944; thirty-three years later Congress granted them veteran status.
I get so excited talking about this project that I have to restrain myself from sharing more now. You’ll find future posts about these courageous women. In the meantime, follow this link to the WASP Museum if you want to read more: National WASP World War II Museum.
…And with Veterans’ Day right around the corner, please take time to thank each veteran you know. I’m so grateful for their sacrifices on behalf of all of us.
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November 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
So, could we get a little tease-part of chapter two or something?
November 5th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Yay! I am so excited to hear that you are writing this as a novel!
) smiles…
November 5th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Hey!
That sounds wonderful – what a great subject.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
How much of this novel have you written?
I miss the old Hmmm site. I feel like I’m alone and that I’ve been abandoned by the one person who encouraged me to start a blog.
Other than that, I like the new home!
November 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Alison, this sounds so exciting! It’s hard to believe that the veterans of this war are in their 80s now — will you be doing any in-person interviews? Can’t wait to hear more!
November 11th, 2008 at 8:52 am
How can I help you to finish your book? What kind of help do you need?
November 14th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Hi Alison,
I love the look of your new digs.
What a fascinating topic for your novel. Keep us posted as you make progress, and have a wonderful Friday!
November 14th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Thanks to each of you for the responses. It helps as I write to know that there are people interested in the premise–it makes this feel a little more real, if that makes sense!
November 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
Wow- that looks so cool! I’ve never even heard of them before!
Go WASPS!
And I’m suddenly intrigued to know more about your book…
November 22nd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Me, too, Avily! ha ha I need to be farther along than I am, so I’m anxious to flesh it out more. Thanks for the interest.
Now, off to write some more!