Interview with Soren Paul Petrek, author of 'Cold Lonely Courage'

Soren Petrek is a practicing trial attorney with a passion for studying World War Two. He lived in England and France listening to people's stories of struggle and sacrifice during the darkest periods of the war. Soren's debut novel, Cold Lonely Courage was inspired by the true story of a young Belgian woman who helped countless Jewish children escape from the terrors of the Nazi regime. Soren lives with his wife, Renee and sons, Max and Riley, in central Minnesota.

You can visit Soren's blog at www.coldlonelycourage.blogspot.com.

Cold Lonely Courage is Soren's debut novel.

Thank you for this interview, Soren. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, Cold Lonely Courage, is all about?

The action begins during the German Blitzkrieg attack on France in the opening days of World War II. The heroine, Madeleine Toche races to the front to find her brother dying after his unit is destroyed as the Germans advance. Crushed, Madeleine returns his body to her parents.

In the months that follow, Madeleine is raped by a Nazi officer. Seeking revenge she kills him and flees to England to volunteer for duty with Britain's shadowy Special Operations Executive. Trained as an assassin she clandestinely returns to France with Captain Jack Teach a veteran of the SOE 'Dirty Tricks Department'. They find themselves in love but are torn apart by duty and the insurmountable odds of survival. Madeleine fights on terrorizing the murderous Nazi elite always only one step ahead of capture and torture.

Madeleine's story is raw and driven. There are no detours. I engage the base emotions of my readers. I want them to live the characters the way I did when I wrote them. This is not an ordinary World War II novel. Cold Lonely Courage tells the brutal truth about the violence people are capable of when called upon to defend themselves and their families. The courage of women in war is marginalized and given subordinate consideration in popular fiction. Many women don't read novels about war because of it. Cold Lonely Courage changes that.

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

My inspiration was the true story of Madeleine Behren, who as a young woman in her late teens and early 20's put her life in danger for years protecting Jewish children from the Nazis. She and so many other women did incredible things in the various resistance movements against the Nazis and their allies, most often with little or no training, counting on nothing but sheer guts and a steadfast knowledge that their faith and moral convictions demanded their actions.

Many of the French Resistance regional groups were led by women, keep in mind that prior to the war French women could not vote. They moved guns, they blew up trains, they killed the enemy face to face, they gathered intelligence, you name it! The women of the Resistance were fierce.

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

I sent out more than 200 query letters attempting to obtain an agent. Once I obtained an agent, I went through several rejections prior to my agent having to withdraw from representation due to serious heath concerns. I then queried small to medium sized independent publishers. Black Rose Writing offered a modest, standard publishing contract that I accepted.

How has Black Rose Writing been to work with?

They have been extremely helpful, answering all my questions in a timely fashion. Black Rose has been helpful with recommendations for promotion and quickly got Cold Lonely Courage on Kindle.

Do you have an agent?

No. I had an agent for a short period. She was part of a small literary agency and had to withdraw from representing me due to serious health concerns.

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

It took me approximately 4 months to complete the first draft. There was a period of several months between the contract and the release date.

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

Never give up and prepare to spend a significant amount of time promoting your work.

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

The internet will be the source for most if not all book sales in the very near future. Establishing a readership will depend largely on internet marketing. The effort expended marketing online has and will reach many more people than traditional marketing can.

What´s next for you?

Redbird Studios in Milwaukee Wisconsin has completed their edit of my first novel, The Patience County War. I am engaged in the rewrite process at this point.

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

Please check out my blog at: coldlonelycourage.blogspot.com and on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Black Rose Books. Thank you for your interest in my novel and future endeavors.