Interview with Soren Paul Petrek, author of ‘Cold Lonely Courage’

By admin, on July 22nd, 2010

About Soren Paul Petrek

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 http://coldlonelycourage.blogspot.com. Cold Lonely Courage is Soren’s debut novel.

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

An assassin born of death and violation is the most dangerous of all. Cold Lonely Courage tells her story.

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.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

I had completed my first novel, The Patience County War and wanted to continue writing about Madeleine and her adventures in World War Two. I thought about her character more and more and finally had to tell her story.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My family is my biggest supporter and my mother my biggest fan.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently engaged in the rewrite of, The Patience County War my first novel.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Tenacity is important to getting your work published. It would be such a waste for gifted writers to give up on their dream. Moving forward, even slowly is progress towards achieving any goal.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

Hemingway and many others. I enjoy living history through the eyes of writers who’ve captured the essence of the times in which they lived and wrote. Pictures and non-fiction explain in a manner that lacks meaningful dimension. Readers understand emotions through their own experiences and therefore fiction is personal to the reader and is therefore much more powerful.

What are some of your long term goals?

I would like to be able to write, full time. That may only happen after I retire from practicing law, but someday I will have that luxury. I can’t imagine what that will be like. I’m confident that I’ll get that chance.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Cold Lonely Courage won first palce in the 15th Annual Writers Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition in the Fiction category. Fade In Magazine coordinates the competition. Recently, Fade In was named ‘best movie magazine’ by the Washington Post.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Anything worthwhile having or achieving requires a great deal of hard work and perseverance.

Is there anything you regret doing/not doing?

Being a front man in a rock band when I was younger.

What is your favorite past-time?

Cooking. My tastes are eclectic, but center around French cuisine.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I encourage anyone regardless of your tastes in fiction to read, Cold Lonely Courage. It has a universal appeal and a little bit of everything that make a good story, love, hatred, camaraderie, determination, hope and desire. You won’t be disappointed.

Please visit my blog at: http://coldlonelycourage.blogspot.com.

About Cold Lonely Courage

An assassin born of death and violation is the most dangerous of all. Cold Lonely Courage tells her story. 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.