Author April
Kempler was born in Southern
California and
has now adopted Reno
TradeMark Remark: If April Kempler was on a camping trip, what would her role be?
RESEARCHER OF HISTORY OF THE AREA AND THINGS TO DO IN TOWN
What
inspired you to write The Altered I?
I've always had a
deep interest in the Holocaust, but never thought I would write a book about it
until met my future father-in-law, Joseph Kempler. I was significantly touched
by his story. I had heard him speak publicly about his ordeal, but never delved
into the particulars with him. Then in the early 2000s he was asked to be part
of a PBS sponsored documentary entitled Knocking. That was my true inspiration for wanting to write the book. After
seeing Joe's experiences in the context of the documentary my curiosity about
him was piqued more than ever. I also saw that people were drawn to him and
wanted to know more about him too. I had hoped he would write his memoirs, but
it was clear he needed someone to jump-start him and that ultimately became me.
It was a great honor to be the one to write his story for him.
How is it
different from other books about the Holocaust?
Joseph Kempler's story is
unique in that he was raised Jewish, but as a result of what he saw and
suffered in the camps he became an atheist. However, because of a group of
Christian's also imprisoned in the camps, he later converted to a Christian
faith. This is very unusual behavior, it is also something viewed as betrayal
among the Jewish community. Once the reader experiences Joseph's life in his
own words I believe they will understand why he made certain decisions. He is
very open and honest about the good and bad of his actions. I find that
refreshing and different when compared with the other first-person narratives
out there.
What is
something surprising that readers will find out about the book?
Isn't that a plot
spoiler? Just kidding, seriously though, I think readers will be surprised to
learn that Joseph Kempler isn't the "hero" of his own story. Many
people don't know that there were a group of Christians also imprisoned in the
camps. The book shines light on this aspect of the Holocaust history as well as
Joseph's own tale of endurance under persecution.
How is writing a nonfiction book different than a fiction book? How has if at all changed your relationship with your
father-in-law?
Namely the research involved.
The story had to be impeccable, factually speaking. The Holocaust is a
sensitive subject, open to criticism and naysayers. I did not want to leave any
room for negative reactions as far as the facts go. Of course, everyone has an
opinion and I may get a bad reaction anyway, but the facts need to speak for
themselves. I believe with some fiction there is wiggle room with the facts. An
author can change the locations, or even the time-period. Although some
historical purists react in a negative way to that too! I think fiction is
easier to write than nonfiction just purely from a research point of view.
I feel a lot closer to my
father-in-law as a result of writing his memoir. He jokes that I know his story
better than he does, and it's true in some ways.
Do you have a favorite book written about the Holocaust?
There are so many
great books written on the Holocaust and I like most of them, but if you want
to read only one book, then read Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E.
Frankl. My top three choices would be that, followed by Survival in
Auschwitz by Primo Levi and Night by Elie Wiesel. Those are the
best.
What has
the writing and publishing process been like?
This has been an up and down
process. If I could sum it up in one word it would be, patience. A new writer
needs to learn the art of patience. Once a writer sends off his work it will
take an enormous amount of time before that work is in a publishable state. I
learned that everything took double the time, and sometimes even longer, than
what I thought it would take, or what I was told it would take. So, in the
meantime an author needs to build their platform by blogging, by networking, by
face-to-face interaction if need be. This is a great time to start research on
another project, or develop your marketing skills. The marketing and editing
alone have taken longer than writing the original manuscript. In my opinion,
the writing aspect is fun, the waiting period is not fun, and the marketing and
platform building can be strenuous on a writer's precious time and nervous
system. But I will tell you that it is worth it.
When can
we expect it to be available to buy? Hard copy? E-book?
Soon! It will be
available in an oversize paperback edition very soon. I had an early date of
May, but I believe that is pushed back slightly. I'm in final edits with my
publisher and they tell me "soon!" The e-book will be out some time
after the paperback edition. I'm as excited as everyone else to see the
finished copy!
You state
on your blog that you moved from California Reno Reno
I love my
"adopted" city. It is so pretty here. I feel blessed to live in a
part of the world that has become a vacation destination for many people. Not
only because of the casinos and gambling, I don't do that, but for the variety
of outdoor activities that are available. We've got of course skiing, snowboarding,
ice skating, and sledding in the winter, but those who love the outdoors can
camp, hike, backpack, or river and lake (if visiting Lake Tahoe) kayak, and
sail during the summer months. One special event I'm looking forward to this
summer is Artown. This is the time when artists, musicians, and poets, share
their talent and culture throughout the city. It is usually free and open to
the public. Our falls are so gorgeous. The leaves turn astounding colors. Right
now the spring is terrific. The trees are just loaded with blooms. People are
always surprised to learn that we have a full four seasons here: autumn leaves,
snow, warm rain, hot summers (not too often above 100 degrees, so it is more
comfortable than Vegas!). We also get fantastic thunder-storms during August, I
love it!
I've also been
surprised by the history of Reno , Nevada
If you could plan your perfect day, what would you be doing?
A perfect day would be waking
up with my coffee + cream, getting a pedicure, then afterward hiding beneath
the shade and seclusion of a willow tree reading Anna Karenina until dusk.
Do you
have another job besides writing?
Yes I do. My husband and I
have an interior decorating business, Kempler Design. We specialize in window treatments,
soft and hard, such as draperies, blinds, shutters, shades. We also coordinate
bedding with the draperies. We started this business in 1993, the year we got
married. We seem to really work well together, each of us knows what our part
in the business is, in that we excel. For example, I handle the phone calls,
appointments and bookkeeping, while Paul, my husband, does the design work and
installation of the the window treatments. My job actually frees up my time to
write, so I would say it is a perfect arrangement!
What is
some inspirational advice that you can give other Rookie writers?
Something that
would have helped me when I first started down the path of getting a book
published was to know how to hire an editor. I had no idea how to go about this
and the editors I encountered wanted an exorbitant amount of money, which was
something I just could not afford. But I was torn because I knew that an editor
was crucial to the finished product of my book.
True story: coincidentally,
while in a Barnes & Noble book store, I was watching people in the coffee
house part of the store and they were all typing away on their laptops, or
going over what looked like manuscripts to me. So I thought they must all be
authors and perhaps they could help me find an editor. This was a little naive
on my part, but clearly I had no idea how to go about this. The first man I spoke
with said that he wasn't an author but he was a teacher at the college and he
was just correcting papers! But, he knew someone who was an editor for the
college newspaper. He gave me her card, I contacted her and voila! The rest is
history. She actually was familiar with the genre of my book, and she knew
Joseph Kempler, the subject of the story,
personally. She had seen him speak to the students and staff at the college.
She was interested in the genre and interested in the subject matter. These
were two important aspects to consider when I chose an editor. She was thrilled
by the opportunity to work on the edits (I told you this is a small town!) We
agreed on a price and time frame and got to work.
So, the moral of
the story is ask for help, ask for direction. I find it a wonderful surprise
that people in this industry are so helpful to each other. We have a support
system unlike any other. Get on LinkedIn and find the professionals you are
looking for. Surround yourself with these people. Join the various writing
groups available, jump into the conversations, or sit back and learn. I think
it is a great place to start.
What is next on your writing agenda? New books? Ideas?
I am really
concentrating on the marketing aspect for The Altered I.
What part of your writing style or skill are you trying to strengthen?
Right now I'm trying to
discipline myself to write every day. Having a blog with followers encourages
me to write something interesting every week, but I'd also like to tap into my
ability to write something of length. I'd like to focus on the next book and
developing an interesting plot with real, human characters that people can
relate to.
Anything
else you would like to add?
Thank you for
giving me the opportunity to showcase my work on your blog site. I'm really
grateful to be a part of this revolution in book publishing. Now, more than
ever, is a great time to be a new writer. There are many ways to get yourself
known and many ways to share the experience of writing and publishing. I
believe we, as writers, are part of a great, positive community, willing to
take chances on each other and open our minds to new possibilities.
The Altered I Book Blurb:
Joseph Kempler is eleven years
old in 1939, when World War II begins. German soldiers have invaded his
hometown of Krakow , Poland America
Media
Links:
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Contact: authoraprilvoytkokempler@
Pre-order Link: http://www.leruepress.
Author Bio Link: http://www.leruepress.
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