Tell us about Eyes Behind Belligerence

It’s a story about friendship, family, betrayal, and forgiveness. Eyes Behind Belligerence unravels the challenges between two unlikely Nisei friends, Jim and Russell, into adulthood during the Second World War. As restrictions are imposed, (even in the safe, rural community of Bainbridge Island) as harassments escalate, (including the F.B.I. invading their homes and deporting their fathers to Montana for espionage trials,) the fated day arrives: evacuation of all Japanese civilians.

Rounded up like cattle, tagged, they are hauled to the fringes of Death Valley: Manzanar. Together they must survive racism, gang violence, and the harsh elements of the environment. Together they must prove their loyalty, especially after a tragic riot on the eve of Pearl Harbor’s anniversary. While Russell enlists in a segregated army, becoming part of one the most decorated units in U.S. history, Jim is sent to a different camp for the “No-No” boys: those who are marked disloyal. Removed from their families, they are forced to re-evaluate their identities and discover, most importantly, what it means to forgive.

What genre is it?

Historical fiction.

What kind of readers will it appeal to?

It’s not just meant for lovers of historical fiction, especially during the WWII era, it’s also meant for an adult audience who likes a challenging story with strong character development.

How long did it take to write?

Technically, five years. But prior to that, it began as a short story in high school and I didn’t start writing it into a novel until after I finished college.

What was the most challenging part of your creative process?

Trying to balance the historical and cultural accuracies have been the great challenges. To the best of my ability I want to honor the authenticity as much as possible; although for the sake of telling a story I have permitted some inaccuracies because, after all, it is fiction. The challenge was to determine what to keep and what to embellish.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

As a mother of two daughters, I understand the idiosyncrasies of balancing work, family, and creative endeavors. If life weren’t a bit off kilter then what is the point of crossing that high wire in the sky? In other words, without the strength of passion, creativity, and ambition than we all might as well become nothing more than couch potatoes by the end of the day. It’s all about making our lives productive, interesting, and adding value for the next generation. By the very nature of my existence, I am an artist. And by the very nature of my husband’s insistence, I have adapted to become an entrepreneur. We have ventured a music store, a restaurant, real estate, several internet businesses, and two recording studios. I have worked as a graphic designer and in the publishing market since 1994. Aside from having a graphic arts degree, I also have a history degree to satisfy my other passion. That and writing.

Have you got a blog where readers can keep up with your work?

http://kpkollenborn.blogspot.co.uk/

Twitter: @KPKollernborn.

Where can we buy your book?

Amazon (US, UK) and Barnes and Noble.

What’s next?

I have been trying to revisit another project I began before I had kids! Set in the backdrop during the last years of South Africa’s Apartheid, How the Water Falls unfolds both personal and political histories of the system’s victims, perpetrators, and unlikely heroes. A romance transpires, but not without consequences and tragedy. I’m hoping to have it completed by mid 2014. To keep an eye out for this next project, check out this link: http://www.HowTheWaterFalls.com.

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Enjoyed this interview? Then check out Tragedy and Triumph.