A blog for The Eagle Scout Picture

December 22, 2024 -Jud Suss, the movie that fueled the holocaust

Writing The Eagle Scout Picture was a daunting task. I’m not talking about setting down the words or researching a ton of history. I’m referring to the deep psychological state of having to inhabit the character of an American who must be Nazi. Some scenes haunted my sleep. I’m told I woke up from nightmares shouting in German, a language I do not know.

I was troubled by understanding how a typical German could fall for the Nazi propaganda. On a trip to Germany in 2011, I finally understood.

I had the opportunity to tour the “Topography of Terror” museum at a very famous Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse address – the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS. As I followed along the panels documenting the history of persecution against the Jews, I found a panel that mentioned Goebbel’s propaganda films and their role in catalyzing the holocaust. The section on Jud Suss and Veit Harlan mentioned that he was the only filmmaker charged with crimes against humanity following the war. I was familiar with Leni Riefenstahl and her films Olympia and Triumph of the Will. Both had been shown in my college history classes as examples of Nazi propaganda, but there was no tie to the Holocaust. I thought I knew quite a bit about pre-war Germany, but, obviously, not enough. I had never heard of Jud Suss or Veit Harlan. I felt compelled to watch and learn. Only then did I fully understand how the Holocaust could have happened,

You can read my non-fiction article about what I learned.

December 12, 2024 -The release of the ebook version of The Eagle Scout Picture, a riveting historical spy drama

The historical fiction novel is available for instant download. You can also pre-order the paperback version. Buy The Eagle Scout Picture.

December 12, 2024 -Book Release Celebration for The Eagle Scout Picture, a riveting WWII spy novel

A large crowd greeted the release of the ebook version of The Eagle Scout Picture and took home some print books. The first print run sold out that night. Gary spoke about the inspiration for the gripping WWII drama and the process of writing the fictional tale of Nazi Germany. Before reading a suspenseful section from the opening chapter, he recognized nine early readers and shared the contribution each made in the development of the drama. He autographed purchases while period music from the book played through the social hall.

Thanks to Country Place, the Women’s Discussion Group, Travel Club, and Players for sponsoring the event. What a way to kick off the life of a novel!

Buy the The Eagle Scout Picture.