You would think that I should have posted an announcement before I published Postwar Survivor.
Well, yes, this would have been the normal thing to do. However, I knew that my trusted V.A. Chris Haas, would send an announcement to my loyal readers, to offer them the opportunity to obtain the book at a discounted price. I wasn’t worried that anyone would be forgotten. Whoever had subscribed to my newsletter, would be notified.
However, what did worry me, was the fact that I wrote this particular book in response to my reader’s request, to follow up on Karl’s life, after the war. As I mentioned many times before, I didn’t think that there was much to write about, and I wondered how this uneventful book would be received.
Now, after numerous emails, and questions, from many of my new found readers, and loyal friends, I feel a lot easier. A whole lot, matter of fact.
Let me get right to some of the questions: “Do you still eat sugar filled rolls in the morning?” Yes, of course I do. The only thing that could possible stop me, would be my wife, Jennifer. However, now, after nearly forty five years of marriage she has either gotten used to it, or, she has given up to educate me. Don’t really know what it is. I suspect, that the fact that my weight never changed, might have something to do with it.
“Do you still eat mostly potatoes and noodles? “ Yes, as long as they make potatoes and noodles, I will not even try to stick something else in my mouth. The problem is mostly, that I don’t know how to get rid of it. Once it is in your mouth, what are you going to do with it? Swallowing is not an option. No way!
“Just like to tell you, that vinegar and salt works, to clean copper. I tried it on my old copper watering can. It looks now like new.” Right, but it does not last forever. You have to clean it on a weekly basis.
“You touched on the topic of declining family and moral values. Was there more to it than you mentioned?” Yes, a lot more. Plus the incompetence of the newly elected officials. However, there were exceptions, If they were indeed, competent, they were corrupt beyond imagination. Maybe this was a job requirement, I don’t know. But, I do know that it went hand in hand. Had something to do with human nature, I guess.
Did it changed during the past seventy years? (I am sometimes asked when I am a guest speaker.) I don’t know. Your call. It is also your choice, how you wish to look at things. Sometimes I am told that the present climate is the price of freedom.
No, I shake my head. Wrong terminology. It is the burden of freedom.
I tried to write a balanced account, about times which were not only difficult within themselves, but also difficult to understand. Based upon the comments I received, I know now that I came pretty close. Close enough to encourage me to continue writing about Karl as he came to this great country of ours. In the meantime I also started to write the second book of the Kellner Chronicles.
Thank you for all your comments, and please feel free to ask questions about these forgotten times. If I can, I will answer. And, thank you, for your loyalty and reading my books.
Horst
My husband was delighted with this particular book of yours. His one wish was more details about your apprenticeship experiences. He has read all your books.
I’m saving the last two for a rainy day when I need to read a really special book or two.
I have read all but “Children to a Degree” of the others. I knew what was happening in Germany at the time and can’t quite face it in print now. We are of your generation but not your age.
Please publish “War Time Survivor” in a printed trade like your other books.
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for your loyalty and for saving two of my books for a rainy day.
What a wonderful compliment. Thank You!
Yes, the book will be published in paperback, like the other. It just takes a little longer. It should be available within another week. If you check this website, you will see the announcement.
Please tell your husband, that I appreciate his comment. I am glad that he found the book interesting. He asked for more details of my apprenticeship? Hmm, in this case, I’m not too sure that he would have liked it.
Thanks again, Margaret, and all the best to you, and yours,
Horst
Hello Mr. Horst .
Once again , I have very much enjoyed your new book,”Postwar Survivor”. And yes I have completed it , and was not disappointed in my friend “Karl” at all. Sad times , hard times but, “Karl” did what I have came to expect of him, take it and go with it. Keep up the good work , and looking forward to the up coming books . Have a great Easter,and enjoy the Spring ,and eat what you love !!!!
P.S. Marie Antoinette quote : “Eat More Cake “…. myth or not ? Enjoy your sweets .Lol
Hello Jeannie,
Thanks for your continued interest in my books, and for taking the time to leave me your encouraging comment.
Spring? Honestly, what spring? I am afraid that we will miss it. If the present weather is any indication, it seems that we will go from 60 direct to to 100.
In the meantime it’s raining. But, it could be worse, it could be snowing.
I wish you too a great Easter, and plenty Bunny eggs.
And, thank you, for encouraging me to eat what I love. Will do. I hope that you do the same.
Due to my age, I eat now always the dessert before the meal. Just to be sure. (Well, actually, I have been doing this for a long time)
Take good care, Jeannie,
Horst
I really have enjoyed your books. You are really a wonderful writer. Each book I read, I have found it almost impossible to put down. Your books give the reader a wonderful insight into the reality of Germany during the war years and after. It is a view I have seen from no other. Being of German descent, I am really interested to experience this reality. Your latest book gave me one insight into the fact that my grandfather came to the U.S. alone at 15. I always thought he must have run away from home or something, but since you wrote that leaving home at 15 was not unusual, I see that, perhaps, that was just normal. He maintained relationship with his family in Germany and eventually brought over here his brother’s children. Thanks for the sights. I am looking forward to you next book.
Hi Emily,
Thank you, for your very kind comment.
Yes, Emily, you can be pretty sure that your grandfather didn’t run away from home. As a boy, you were expected to leave home after you completed your eight school year. So, unless your parents had the funds to pay for a higher education, it was the normal way of life. As a girl, you tried to get a position as a ‘house daughter”.= “Maid”.
Meaning that you left home when you were 14 years old , and worked in the household of a wealthy family where you learned cooking and all the household chores. Another option was that you could learn a trade such as a beautician, or cook. But, unless the Master teacher, lived next door to your parents, you still had to leave home. And, just like the boys, during your apprentice ship you worked for room and board. (and some pocket change, but no wages) Naturally, there was a constant over reach from the Masters. It was very seldom that these cases went to a court. Why? Because it would automatically bring shame to the parents of the girl, and therefore shame to the whole family. You simply can’t compare these times with today. I can talk about it, until my last hairs are gone, but, I still wouldn’t be able to convey the “whole” picture.
Very often I receive a comment from a reader, that their grandmother, or great grandmother came from Germany, But she NEVER TALKED about these times. Well, really now . . . . . who would?
By the time the grandmother would be finished explaining . . . . the damage would be done.
Much, much easier to keep quiet.
However, in my next book, about coming to this great country, I will do my best, to explain some of the generational, and cultural differences. In all honesty, I really don’t know why I am doing this.
Maybe I write about it, in the hope that someone, like you, finds it easier to connect some dots.
Thanks, again, Emily.
Take good care,
Horst
Have read every book, masterpieces!!!! Live long and Wright many more.
Craig
Hello Craig,
Thank you very much for your enthusiastic comment. I am glad that you enjoyed the books.
I will also take your advise and write some more.
Take good care,
Horst
Horst, it is a pleasure to meet you through your books! I echo all the positive comments you have received here and on Goodreads. One comment/request: Kindle versions are the only way I can read your books. I’m in my mid-60s, a cancer survivor, down to only one functioning eye all the usual old man complaints. Unfortunately I simply cannot read a BOOK. You know the many advantages of Kindles, especially the older versions which are true book readers with e-ink instead of blinding backlights, and adjustable font sizes.
Like others I’ve searched for first-person works on the German POV on the 20th Century but there isn’t much out there.
Please keep writing! Or consider dictating and using software to render your words into text, if you don’t do that already. You have much to say Horst and many of us would like to hear you speak while you can.
Sincere thank you!
Hello Tealeaf,
Sorry about the salutation, but you didn’t sign your note, and I have no other way to address you.
Yes, I have been playing with the idea to use some speech to text software, I even bought some, but so far I have not used it.
Maybe I should, because it would probably be faster than to hunt and peck.
Thank you for your interest in my books, and I hope that you are able to read the Kindle versions.
I have to smile when you mentioned “The usual old man complaints”. That’s a very benign way of putting it.
Have some of my own, and know what you mean.
As a friend of mine once noted: ” Getting old is not for sissies.”
Well, yes, but it is doable, and comments like yours encourage me to keep writing.
All the best to you, my unknown friend,
Horst
Hello Horst, I hope you are in good health. You’re a busy man and I hope hope you are able to find the time and energy to KEEP WRITING. Oops, sorry, but please treat us to more of Karl and Harold. Beyond the characters, who are likeable and fascinating, your eye for details and ability to create vivid word pictures is astonishing. I’ve re-read your books up to five times each, focusing on different aspects or themes. (Hey, we all have our own idea of a good time. 🙂 Be well.
Hello Tealeaf,
Thank you for your enthusiastic and kind remarks.
The present year (2017) was a bit strenuous. First I contacted somehow an infection in my leg, and I still reel from the side effects of the medication.
Then we had wildfires all over the place, and the fire prevention work took a lot of time and effort. But now, with the rainy season coming up, it will get easier.
I am happy to read that you find my books interesting enough to entertain yourself by rereading them.
As to more books about Karl and Harold, yes, they are in the works. Just give me a bit time to recover from the past summer.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful Christmas season, and please take good care,
Horst
It might be more time saving to use a voice recorder rather than using voice to text software which must be “trained” for each user. ESPECIALLY for anyone that has any kind of accent. I, for example, have a Southern accent – a plain old Georgia accent, and the software couldn’t understand a lot of what I was saying. Actually, we got quite a laugh at some of what it assumed I said, and at other times we got quite frustrated. I gave up on “training” the software and just typed everything!
My problem in typing these days is the loss of feeling in my fingertips so I can no longer feel the little dots on the F and J keys which helps in getting the hands back on the keys properly once they’ve been moved off the keyboard!
If a voice recorder is used, then once you’ve recorded your thoughts, someone who can type faster can type it for you if necessary, or the recording can help you in keeping your book on track.
Looking forward to your next book. Any idea when you may be finished? (and is it Karl’s or Harold’s you think you will complete next?)
Hi Judi,
thanks for your software advise.
I never learned how to type. I hunt and peck, and every day the gremlins steal all kind of letters.
So, I know that I should use the Dragon software I purchased some time ago.
Presently I am writing the next book about Harold, but I am also fighting some kind of an infection and the medication is slowing me down.
It will be at least another 6 to 8 weeks until I am able to predict a publication date.
Take good care,
Horst
I’m so delighted to hear more of Karl’s story! I am eager to continue following Harold’s journey and part 2 of Karl’s journey to America.
Your writing continue to touch my soul and I will be saddened when the books guiding us through these journeys end; however, I will always remain your loyal reader.
You continue to be an inspiration and I think of Karl and Harold’s friendship and steadfast resolve quite frequently when the burden of freedom is so clearly evidenced in our current political climate.
Best and warmest regards, loaded with love and admiration,
-Jillian
Hello Jillian,
Thank you so very much for your very kind comments, which render me kind of speechless.
You truly hit the bulls eye, when you refer to the “burden of freedom.”
Some people talk about the price of freedom but, history proves that you cannot buy freedom.
It is undeniable that true freedom carries (like everything else), a benefit and a burden.
Let’s not forget that in spite of our technological advances, we are still evolving as a human being,
and so far human nature has not changed . . . . . .
Take good care of yourself, Jillian, we are facing difficult times.
Horst
Have you and your home been affected by the Napa and Modesta fires? I know things in the northern part of the state are in crisis. My sister in law was born and raised in Napa Valley and she stated many times she wished I could have seen the beautiful place!
Hi Judi,
Thanks for asking.
Our little ranch is about 100 miles NE from Napa valley.
The nearest fire was about 60 miles away, but our only discomfort was the intense smoke.
However, our fire prevention work was pretty labor intensive, with the result that I am far behind in my writing schedule.
Trying right now to catch up.
Hope you are doing well,
Horst
I am glad you are safe from this horrible event for now! I’ve heard they are having some success in slowing or stopping the ever growing fire! I haven’t heard how it started, but all property owners and the forestry services should look seriously at removing ALL dead trees and plants that only add fuel to flames and endanger so very many people, animals and homes! Too many think debris must stay in place as part of “the eco system”.
As far as the smoke goes, I’d have to leave but do not know where I’d go. I cannot be near any smoke, cologne, many flowers, dust…horrible way to live, but can’t change that so have to do what’s necessary! The 2011 Okefenokee swamp fires covered Georgia in smoke so thick I couldn’t go outside, and family had to go in and out QUICKLY, since opening/closing a door fans smoke inside the house! The animals living outdoors, though, may suffer some health problems and distress from so much smoke.
Take care, first, catch up writing after more important stuff has been dealt with! You can carry a voice recorder to note your thoughts for the book, then listen back as necessary. These days, I’d forget what I had planned, or had wanted to include. Back in computer programming days, the code needed to complete a project mostly came when showering and couldn’t stop to jot it down! 🙂
Hi Judi,
You are right with your fire prevention advise.
I can only comment that it is hard work when you are not eighty anymore.
Plus, the heat was taking it’s toll.
Last week some clouds decided to show up, and we even had about 1/2 inch of rain. It’s not much, but we are thankful for every drop.
Thanks for suggesting to use a voice recorder. Will do.
Take good care,
Horst
Dear Horst,
I have devoured all of your books as fast as I could and now anxiously await your next book. My husband’s family survived the war in Germany and my father-in-law was young (26) officer in Berlin when it fell. His stories of survival and escape as a POW for the Russians and then his ability to get his young family out of East Germany to the West were fascinating. He immigrated to CA in 1959. My husband’s family spoke only German at home and so they lived in the US in a very German home frozen in the German culture of the 50s. Reading your books has been very enlightening, and has helped me understand the family dynamics. Please keep writing!
Heidi (Heitmiller) Winter
Hi Heidi,
Thank you for your interesting comments about your family.
I most certainly understand why they were “frozen” in the German culture. Old habits don’t die easily.
(I am still working on it).
The end of the past year, as well as the beginning of this year presented me with some personal challenges which seriously delayed my writing.
However, things are looking brighter now, and I am back at the desk.
Thanks for your encouragement, Heidi, it is not only helpful, but also deeply appreciated.
Be safe.
Horst
Hello Mr. Christian — Just a brief note of our deep gratitude and LOVE for everything you have written. Your books, and the sagas of our now beloved Karl and Harold (and of course, Alex!) have become very much a part of my wife Angela’s and my life together (just as “Harry Potter” was — and still is! — very much integral in the raising of our now college-age children, Morgan and Will).
While we are now dragging our heels finishing “Survivor” — not wanting to rush, as I am certain most of your readers understand! — whilst we drive through Tennessee on vacation, we were first introduced to your work in 2016 by our beloved “book buddy” Vicki Mueller, shortly after Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer. Would you believe, while she was prescribed pain medication after her surgeries, my reading aloud* to her — along with over -the-counter meds — was all the comfort she required to fall asleep?! Of course, I would need to go back and reread parts quite a few times (which I did not mind a but!)
Now fully cancer-free ❤️🙏 we have since enjoyed each and every page of every one of your books together (… and fully intend to now go back to read each one to each other again in the coming year!).
Last thought — I cannot remember in exactly which book it was, but Karl tells Harold that Harold is focused on the things that canNOT be done, while HE (Karl) is focused on what CAN be done, and that that was the difference between them …. I cannot tell you how many times I have “channeled” Karl and that thought, particularly at work, but also in my daily life! (THANK YOU for that!)
Praying you are doing well (each time I hear of more fires, I am concerned for you) and many thanks again!
Dale and Angela Bohnert
River Falls, WI
* btw — if you would ever consider “books on CD/tape” (or podcasts) I’d be honored to at least audition! (Note how I am ‘turning hope into ACTION’ à la the advice given to Karl in ‘Survivor’! 😀)
Hello Dale and Angela,
First of all, Congratulations Angela, on your successful recovery from your illness.
It must have been the trusted voice from your husband to help you find the sleep you needed.
Dale’s assumption that my books had anything to do with it, is really nice for my ego, but too much of a stretch to accept.
But, “Thank You Dale”, for your very kind words, and taking the time to post them on this site.
And, yes, you are correct by focusing on “what can be done.” It is always more productive than wasting a thought on the things we are unable to change.
Moreover, you are also correct by assisting “Hope” with “Action”.
Just think back of the times when you supported your silent hope with constructive action. Your memory will have no problem to tell you about the results. (I will contact you, regarding your “audio books” suggestion.}
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas,
Thanks,
Horst
Dear Horst — I can honestly say that hearing from you — and to know that you’re doing well — TODAY, which happens to be my birthday, is truly THE best birthday gift I have ever received! What an honor, and a blessing!
I have already begun to suggest and promote — in-person and social media — your entire series as a wonderful gift for the Holidays, to be shared with (better yet, read to!) one another through the coming Winter months! 🎁🌲🎅❤️
Perhaps our friends and fellow bloggers will consider doing the same!
In fact, if memory serves me correctly — and it usually does! — the past two St. Nicholas’ Eves (which also happens to e tonight!) we’ve exchanged copies of your latest books with our dear friend, Vicki.
Looking forward to staying in touch!
Dale and Angela Bohnert
River Falls, WI
Happy Birthday, Dale,
and thank you for your unexpected offer to introduce my books to your friends.
It isn’t often that a writer receives this kind of assistance from his readers, and believe me, it is truly appreciated.
Please accept my best wishes for Angela’s improved health, and take good care of yourself.
It was a pleasure talking with you.
Yes, let’s stay in touch,
Best,
Horst
Dear Horst,
I have been patiently awaiting your next book. I truly enjoyed the others, and i’m Excited to hear more about Harold and his exploits as well as Karl and his new adventures in the United States.
I have kept an eye out for them.
How is Kiwi doing? Well, I hope.
I also hope this note finds you well, and in good spirits.
Fry some toast in bacon fat for me!
Tom
Hello Tom,
Please forgive me for not answering sooner.
As you know, we moved from Northern California, and the last few weeks were kind of trying.
But, now that the snow and rain eased up a bit, I am back at the desk and writing.
Boy, it is not easy to move when you are in your late eighties. You tend to forget things, but they have the nasty habit of biting you in the rear if you don’t remember them in time.
Kiwi is doing fine and sits in a chair right next to me. She watches every word that I am typing. Sometimes, when I am a bit tired, she notches me in the side to remind me to keep on going.
Yes, fried toast in bacon grease is still my favorite meal, plus potatoes and noodles with plenty of sugar.
If I can hear and feel the sugar between my teeth, then I know that all his well.
Hmm, yes, this might not be a valid food for everyone, but, for me I will never trade it for meat, or vegetables. But, I think that you know that already.
Take good care, my friend,
Horst