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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Jeff Shaara answers readers' questions about the references he utilized to write THE RISING TIDE and the amount of creative license he applied to them, the elements that separate his work from history books, and the subjects he plans to cover in future novels.

Melissa from Hogansville, GA: What kind of research did this book entail? Did you talk to veterans of World War II for insight on the war?

Jeff Shaara: All my research is from original sources: memoirs, diaries, collections of letters, historical accounts written by people who were THERE. I can't rely on modern biography or modern history to put me into the heads of the characters. Nearly every main character in THE RISING TIDE produced some record of his experiences, plus I have accounts written by a great many more characters, including foot soldiers, tankers and paratroopers. I spoke to only a few veterans. I'm leery about pushing myself into someone's memories unless he contacts me directly. Most of those men who experienced the worst horrors don't want to talk about it.
 
Shannon from Portland, OR: What surprises did you find while doing your research, either about the characters or World War II? And, because you're a storyteller, how much license did you use with your characters?

Jeff Shaara: First, since I'm dealing with significant historical characters, I NEVER use license with anyone who would alter his personality, or change any aspect of his role in the history of the event. That would destroy the credibility of my story completely. The two "grunts," Logan and Adams, are composite characters, drawn from the experiences of several men who were on the ground in their place. I was enormously surprised by Eisenhower. I always thought he was a boring guy who led from the rear, and simply wasn't very dynamic or interesting. But he is responsible in many ways for the Allies winning the war. I was very happy to learn what he was really like, and what his role truly was. I think it adds greatly to the story --- and will surprise the reader as well.

Megan from Austin, TX: The portrayal of Churchill seems almost too jovial, especially the scene in the water. What primary source did you base this on?

Jeff Shaara: The Churchill scene comes from several sources, who all verify the original account in Bernard Montgomery's memoir.

Kathy from Lake Oswego, OR: I always wonder what drives a book along --- the characters or the story? Some authors say their characters write the story, or the story develops the characters. What works for you? Where to next? Will you go to the South Pacific, or will you tread on what was happening at home in America? And what authors do you read? Who are your favorites?

Jeff Shaara: All my stories are driven by the characters, though of course, I'm following an accurate historical timeline. But without the personalities of the characters, I couldn't ever write a story like this --- it would simply become a "history book," which would be pretty boring to me. I do want to go to the Pacific, do a story about the end of the war, the bomb, etc. That will come after the European trilogy. 

I don't read many modern authors, so much of my "work" is reading. I read about 60 to 70 books for each book I've written, so my "favorites" tend to be those who wrote great memoirs: Ulysses Grant, Joshua Chamberlain, The Marquis de Lafayette, Black Jack Pershing, etc., etc.

Ann from Spokane, WA: Are you working on the next book yet?

Jeff Shaara: Yes. Deep into research on the next book. I hope to begin writing by next summer. 

Jeremiah from Ocala, FL: What will your book release schedule be for the remaining two novels? Also, has someone optioned this for broadcast or theatrical exhibition?

Jeff Shaara: The second book covers Normandy and D-Day. The third, afterward, the Battle of the Bulge and the fall of Hitler. I'm hoping to have each one done so they will be released within 18-24 months of each other. In other words, D-Day sometime in the summer/fall 2008. No options have been forthcoming for film rights, though I've gotten some general inquiries.

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