Note: This interview discusses historical events related to World War II, including the D-Day landings, which may be sensitive for some readers.

In this conversation, we explore how Carolyn Summer Quinn weaves hope and optimism into her historical narratives. Focusing on her book, “The Mystery from Way Back When,” we discuss how she brings light to the past and offers uplifting messages through her storytelling.

Carolyn, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. Could you start by sharing a bit about your journey as a writer and what motivates you to tell stories?

Hi, it’s so nice to be here! I’m Carolyn Summer Quinn. I first started my hand at creative writing in grammar school and haven’t stopped since. I write because I love it!

“The Mystery from Way Back When” has been honored with the Uplifting Lit Award. What inspired this story, and what central message of hope do you wish to convey to your readers?

My father and his parents and brothers were the initial inspiration for this one. They were from a Catholic neighborhood in Elizabeth, New Jersey. I grew up listening to wonderful stories of what the world was like when my father and uncles were living there during the Depression and the Second World War, and it always sounded like they may not have been rich, but they had a lot of fun and a great sense of community spirit. So I came up with the idea of two of the boys finding an abandoned newborn baby on the steps of their church, and created that as a mystery for this setting. Oh, and I was also born in Elizabeth, too, which helped.

Your work often revisits historical periods. How do you find and highlight elements of hope and optimism within these settings?

I think hope is a universal human quality, isn’t it? In this particular story, I set the action beginning on the Saturday right before the D-Day landings in Normandy, which turned World War II around. The people are used to the war by then, and rather weary of it. It’s 1944. Everyone is hoping the invasion will happen soon, and then it does. People are rejoicing over that, and there’s a new spirit in the air, as a result. There’s still the mystery of who the abandoned baby is but things are looking up.

Can you share an example of a real historical event or detail that you incorporated into your novel to inspire readers?

Whoops, I just did that, in the question above! The D-Day Landings, when the Allies invaded France to begin liberating Europe from the Nazis, brought hope to millions all over the world, not just in Europe. I have a friend who is in her 90s now, and was one of the “hidden Jewish children,” waiting out the war concealed in a farmhouse for nearly three years, waiting to be set free. There’s no more hopeful event during that era than D-Day, also known as Operation Overlord!

How do you balance the portrayal of historical challenges with the infusion of uplifting themes in your narratives?

It’s all about the characters. Optimistic people see everything in terms of hope and being uplifted. Some of the less than stellar characters have a different point of view. They’re more about themselves. That’s as true of people today as it was during World War II. I try to fit the reactions of people to the events of the time period to their characters.

What does receiving the Uplifting Lit Award signify for you and your writing journey?

I was so happy about it! And it was such a surprise to find that award announcement in my email! I’m attaching a little sign I made about it and put all over social media to announce it and celebrate. I love this award! I only wish my late father was still here to know I received this. He’d be flying over the moon to know his tales of growing up inspired this multiple award-winning book!

Have readers shared any personal stories about how your work has inspired them or provided hope?

They tell me they love my books, and then they usually ask how the heck do I come up with so many stories? I’ve written 18 books and counting, and I always say I’m just getting started!

In your opinion, what is the role of historical fiction in offering optimism to contemporary readers?

Sometimes it’s great to see that the people who came before you had to overcome a whole lot more than you ever had to. It’s inspirational! Just imagine how you’d feel if, say, you had to be one of the soldiers who landed in Nazi Occupied France on June 6, 1944. The whole idea is terrifying, but the Allies did it!

Are there other authors or works that have inspired you to incorporate themes of hope into your writing?

One of my all-time favorite books deals with the liberation of France during 1944. It’s IS PARIS BURNING? The authors are Larry Collins and Dominique La Pierre, and it’s an astonishingly good book, very uplifting, and best of all, TRUE! The number of good coincidences that led to the liberation of that beautiful city is amazing!

What future projects are you excited about, and how do they continue your commitment to sharing hopeful and optimistic stories?

I’ve been thinking of writing one about a soldier, maybe one during World War I, for a change. I’ve already set four books during World War II. I have an idea for a World War I mystery, and I promise you, it will be a story that’s hopeful!

Links

• Amazon
• Goodreads

Uplifting Lit Awardee: The Mystery from Way Back When by Carolyn Summer Quinn