I’m pleased to welcome Diane Kalas this week. She has a fascinating story behind her book, Patriot Heart, and is giving away a copy. Read her post and scroll down to find out how to enter.
Welcome, Diane. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book?
“Back in 1990-91, a US military operation called Desert Storm took place in the Middle East. Not long afterward, the veterans involved returned home with invisible scars that later became known as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. The heartbreaking stories about the men and women who couldn’t keep jobs or relationships soon became a regular feature on the nightly news. The shocking numbers of veteran suicides have increased over the years.
I write historical fiction and wanted to know how Civil War veterans who suffered with the same symptoms of PTSD were treated. Nineteenth century doctors diagnosed those afflicted with the condition as soldier’s fatigue. They offered bed rest in a soldier’s convalescent home, or recommended a discharge and a train ticket home. Often, the soldier had a note pinned to his uniform, giving his name and destination, because he was incapable of communicating. Let the veteran’s family deal with the troubled man. If the family couldn’t handle their loved one, suffering acute mania, for instance, then the Government Hospital for the Insane in Washington, D.C. (St. Elizabeth’s) was the destination. Two cemeteries on the grounds of St. Elizabeth’s hold hundreds of Civil War soldier’s remains today.
As my story idea came together, I especially wanted to write my hero, Dan Goodman, as a strong Christian and show how he dealt with the horrors of Andersonville Prison for Union soldiers. Perhaps a 21st century veteran’s spouse, mother, sister, or girlfriend will read Patriot Heart and see there is hope for their loved one. Hope for the future in God, the Father, and salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son.”
Thank you so much for sharing, Diane. What a wonderful testimony this book is sure to be.
Diane collects antique books written by men and women who lived through the American Civil War, and/or who pioneered out west. With a degree in interior design, she enjoys touring historical sites, especially Federal-era homes with period furniture. Diane is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Published writers Pamela Griffin and Gina Welborn have been critique partners and mentors. Diane’s biggest challenge is writing inspirational historical romance. Her biggest distraction is her fascination with historical research.
You can connect with Diane through any of these means:
www.facebook.com/dianekalasauthor
www.forgetmenotromances.com/authors/dianekalas
http://dianekalas.blogspot.com
http://pinterest.com/dianedreams
http://twitter.com/dianekalas
Thank you, Liz, for the opportunity to be on your fascinating blog. May God bless you as you write for Him.
Enjoyed the post, love the story line, and would love to read “Patriot Heart” – thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
Re: collections – I have several, books are my largest but compete with my music. I also have collections of dolls, angels, and decorative candles/lights.
Ah, collections – I also collect pewter, white ironstone pitchers, and antique linens. Just love those representatives of a bygone era! Thank you for commenting.
Can’t wait to read it
According to my husband I collect craft supplies
Craft supplies – hmm. I assisted a girlfriend with an estate sale last fall and she had craft projects and supplies galore. All heavy to carry. We’re still friends! Thank you for commenting.
I guess I’ve been collecting books lately. And cookbooks.