Hello --
I apologize for problems with the e-book edition of PURE GRIT. Lindy at Abrams has promised me she is looking into it. Meantime, if you're having trouble reading it on Kindle or Nook try reading the e-book on your computer screen. I'm sorry, I know this negates the reason for having a Kindle or Nook. I hope they resolve the problem soon.
This week I visited with a book
group of people who had read PURE GRIT. It was loads of fun. I was afraid I talked too much, but I guess that is what I was invited there to do. People had really thoughtful questions and comments.
If you'd like me to visit your book group, ask the members to sign up
for my newsletter before April 1st. That's when I do the drawing to give away an author visit to a book group, classroom or club. Winner's choice. If it's too far for me to drive, I'll set up a Skype visit. I've got the Skype thing down because several news outlets have interviewed me via Skype. Here's where you sign
up.
Wrapping up Women's History Month |
Little-Known World War II Fly-Girls |
"Here I was, a girl of 22, given a million-dollar airplane and told, "Go fly!" It was 1942 and America's pilots were
desperately needed in combat zones. Who would transport planes and materials for the war effort here at home?
Thousands of American women volunteered to join the Woman Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Each gal, like Elizabeth L. Gardner shown here at left at the controls of a B-26 Marauder, needed a pilot's license to apply.
They were not trained for combat, but had the same instruction course as male aviation cadets, and flew fighter planes, bombers and every other kind of aircraft the U.S. Army had in World War II.
The daring young WASPs not only flew planes from the factories to training bases and points of embarkation. They transported cargo, towed
targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice and simulated strafing missions.
Their story is told in the newly re-issued YANKEE DOODLE GALS, by Amy Nathan. She explains: Some were teenagers, right out of high school or just starting college. Others were teachers, librarians, flight instructors, or offices
workers. They stopped what they were doing for the chance to fly fantastic planes and help their country win the war. These 1,102 women weren't allowed to fly in combat, but for two glorious years they put their lives on the line every day flying important, and often risky, stateside missions. They flew well and proved that a woman's place could very well be inside a military cockpit. In 1944 the war was going better for the U.S. and the Army decided it didn't need the women anymore and disbanded the program. Though the women flew dangerous stateside missions for two years, 38 of the pilots died in accidents,
they were never considered official members of the military. All records of their service were classified and sealed for 35-years. Like the POW nurses, most of the women pilots were not recognized for their contributions to the war effort in their lifetimes.
In 2009, President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress awarded the WASPs the Congressional
Gold Medal. Three of the roughly 300 surviving pilots were on hand to witness the event.
During
the ceremony President Obama said, "The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve."
The Crocus Bloomed this Week |
I tend to think the year begins April 1st instead of January 1st. Nature is all about new starts this time of year. Everything feels fresh and full of possibility. It's easier now than
in the dead of winter to have renewed energy and enthusiasm. I got back to my writing after six weeks of focusing my work hours and energy on promoting my new book, which I do enjoy, but the writing--I love. It feels great to be back in the groove. Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for reading! Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends who might enjoy it.
If you'd like a signed copy and I'm not coming to your neighborhood soon, e-mail me and I will send you a personally signed bookplate. |
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