I’ve been working with a terrific artist named Julio Seisdedos to create a group shot of most of the main characters in the series and I’m pleased to finally be able to unveil it.

At the moment, a portion of this is visible on the banner on the website, but eventually I plan to have the whole drawing up along with details about the characters.

Cheers,

Chris

This is a special day around the world and one that means a lot to me. I always think of my grandfathers, WWII vets, especially on this day. My grandmothers, too. Both worked in munitions plants during the war doing their part. Many years ago when I lived in Ottawa I did volunteer work at a home for veterans. As much as they liked the chance to chat and reminisce I knew that I was the one enjoying something rare and special. I often mention the authors that inspire my novels, but today of all days I wanted to say thanks to the veterans I’ve met over the years, many of whom I’ve had the incredible fortune to work with in getting their stories published. The Iron Elves (and I) owe a lot to these individuals. To all of them I say thank you for inspiring me and for your service.

Sy Altfield (WWII) US Navy
Ted G. Arthurs (Vietnam) US Airborne Infantry
Gordon Bennett (WWII) USAAF B-29 Bomber pilot
Robert Black (Korea and Vietnam) US Army Ranger and Adviser
George Blackburn (WWII) Canadian Army
John Brennan (Vietnam) US Army
Richard B. Burns (Vietnam) US Army Airborne Pathfinder
Dominic Caraccilo (Iraq) US Army Airborne
John T. Carney (Cold War, Grenada, Panama) US Air Force Special Forces
Johnnie Clark (Vietnam) USMC
Dan Cragg (Vietnam) US Army
John Culbertson (Vietnam) USMC Sniper
Dave Danelo (Iraq) USMC
Chrissy DeCaprio (Iraq) USMC
John A. English (Cold War) Canadian Army
Matt Eversmann (Somalia) US Army Ranger
David Fitz-Enz (Vietnam) US Army
William B. Hanford (WWII) US Army
Harry Hardy (WWII) Royal Canadian Air Force Typhoon pilot
Norm Hatch (WWII) USMC Combat Photographer
Bob Hayes (WWII) Royal Canadian Air Force Typhoon pilot
Albert “Bert” Houle (WWII) Royal Canadian Air Force Spitfire pilot
Peter Hunt (Iraq) US Navy A-6 Intruder pilot
Robert Keefe (Cold War) US Air Force Intelligence
James Kirschke (Vietnam) USMC
Michael Lee Lanning (Vietnam) US Army
Gary Linderer (Vietnam) US Army Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol
Owen Lock (Cold War) US Air Force Intelligence
George Loving (WWII and Korea) USAAF and US Air Force P-51 and P-80 pilot
Mike McCarthy (Vietnam) US Air Force F-4 Phantom pilot
Myke Cole (Afghanistan) US Navy
Rosie Noel (Iraq) USMC
Ron Pottinger (WWII) Royal Air Force fighter pilot
Fred Salter (WWII) US Army Recon Scout
Dan Schilling (Somalia) US Air Force Combat Controller
Nat Schoen (WWII) US Army
David Sherman (Vietnam) USMC
Ed Skender (Vietnam) US Army
Ernest “Smokey” Smith (WWII) Canadian Army, recipient of the Victoria Cross
Jay Stout (Iraq) USMC F-4 Phantom and F-18 fighter pilot
Larry Tart (Cold War) US Air Force Intelligence
David Walker (Vietnam) US Army Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol
Steven Waterman (Vietnam) US Navy Diver
Denis Whitaker (WWII) Canadian Army

And to so many others:
The Canadian and British WWII Typhoon pilots I accompanied to France, Holland, and Germany
The women combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan I met through author Kirsten Holmstedt
The Marine generals I met through author Charles Jones
The D-Day survivors I met through author Joseph Balkoski

And finally and always, my grandfather, Robert James Whitson, Canadian Army, WWII. I miss you, grandpa.

Today was one of those amazing fall days I wish could last for weeks. The sky was threatening snow, the wind made you lean just a little, and the cold inspired my first real desire for hot chocolate since last winter. On days like this I love sitting on a bench by the East River or in Central Park with a notepad, a hot chocolate (or coffee), and nosh on a snack while I jot down ideas.

If you’re new to my blog then you haven’t met my parents, Bob and Barb. They’re a lot like Canada geese migrating south for the winter, but in the case of my parents they pose less of a risk to aircraft engines as they typical fly at 0 altitude in their RV rig. If you happen to be in a bookstore parking lot between Toronto and Tampa, however, you might want to keep your eyes open. This year the folks have been popping into stores as they head south dropping of signed bookplates. Obviously, these ones aren’t personalized, but if you happen to get one and would like it personalized just drop me a line. If not, they also work well as bookmarks, coasters, and bandaids in a pinch.

In other news, I’ve had to postpone my trip to London this year. That’s the second time I’ve been thwarted. Choosing to believe the third time is the charm I will try again early next year.

My new website design is now up and running! A huge thanks to Debbie of Little Cottage Design for all her efforts in creating it.

As a way to celebrate the official on sale date today of The Light Of Burning Shadows in premium mass market AND the launch of my new website design I worked with a terrific artist out of New Zealand, n00brevolution, to come up with a special thanks for everyone – free signed bookplates. And when I say free, I mean free. I truly appreciate all the readers who have joined the Iron Elves on their adventures and I’m honored to now have a chance to say thank you.

For anyone who wants one (or two), I will sign and mail bookplates (for free) anywhere in the world. That’s right, it doesn’t matter if you’re stationed at a polar research station, a forward operating base, an institution of learning or correction, or whether you live around the block or over the hills and far away, if you’d like personalized signed bookplates to put in your copies of A Darkness Forged in Fire and The Light of Burning Shadows you got ‘em. As they say in the commercials, here’s how to order: email me direct at chris@ironelves.com and include your complete mailing address. Let me know if you want one or two, and if you want them personalized, for example, To Gertrude, All the best, Chris. The bookplates are 3” x 5” so they’ll fit inside any edition you have although I wouldn’t suggest slapping one on your Kindle. They have an adhesive backing so when you get it you just peel and stick.

More updates and expansions to the website are coming so stay tuned.

Cheers!

Chris