An Interview with Kathryn Lee Moss

I am pleased to welcome author Kathryn Lee Moss to the blog today to discuss her new book, This is a Chain Letter... Thank you for your time today, Kathryn. Tell me all about your novel.

What inspired you to write your most recent book?

I first learned of this story through a friend who lived in Germany. When I heard it, I was stunned. We often hear of resistance fighters who were adults or participated in large groups, but these three boys took on Hitler by themselves at the ages of 15, 16 & 17!

It just felt so applicable to today’s youth. I have three teenage daughters myself and I wanted them to know that they are not too young to make a difference, and that standing up for what they think is right is not only possible–it’s essential!

How much of the book is true and how much is fictionalized? What kind of research did you do? 

I wanted the book to be as accurate as possible, so all the events I write about in the book happened in real life. A couple little experiences happened in different order or to a different one of the boys, but they all happened. They actually did have the guts to stick their anti-Nazi leaflets in the pockets of the Gestapo’s coats!

Two of the boys involved wrote books and gave interviews about their experiences, so I, of course, read and listened to those to try and get as many details as I could. They also helped me get a sense of their personalities. I never got to meet any of the boys because they had all passed away by the time I became aware of their story, but I had the privilege of meeting their families and one of their friends from Germany. The Wobbe family really embraced me as an adopted family member and were very generous in sharing their memories and photographs with me.

I also was lucky enough to travel to Germany and visit some of the places involved, like the prison where Helmuth was held. It was an incredible experience!

Who is your favourite character in this book and why?

Honestly, I can’t pick just one favorite! All three of the boys in this book were so courageous and I relate to each one in different ways. Some days I feel like I have Rudi’s never-ending enthusiasm and naïve optimism. Other days I hold to Helmuth’s determination and faith. And then some days I am beset by Karl’s honest fear and doubt. 

What was the first piece you had published?

My first published work was my non-fiction book, The Spiritual Resistance Agent Field Manual. It follows the format of the training manual for resistance agents in WWII, and draws on history, the Bible and personal stories to help families resist the negative influences in the world and become a positive force for good.

Do you have another story planned or in progress? When can we expect to see that? Currently I’m finishing up a non-fiction work entitled Flunking Motherhood, which should be out in 2027. I’ve also begun work on my next YA Historical Fiction novel about Abbie Burgess, who, at 17 years old kept the lights burning in the Matinicus Rock Lighthouse all by herself for four weeks during a huge storm, while also caring for her sick mother and younger sisters.

Who is your favourite author?

It’s hard to name only one because there are so many, depending on the genre, but I love Charlotte Brontë! She wrote with such passion and emotional honesty. And she dared to share her intellect and passionate soul with the world in a time when women were supposed to be submissive and quiet. I love that about her!

What do you like to do when you’re not planning or writing your next book? 

I love reading, of course, but I also love playing the ukulele, making tiny food and accessories for my dollhouse, baking, and watching old movies and musicals.

When did you know you wanted to write novels? 

I have always been a huge reader, but I never actually thought of writing a novel until this one. I love sharing and creating stories, but my degree is in theater, so I began by writing stage plays. In fact, the story of This Is a Chain Letter began life as the stage play, Resistance Movement.

Do you write in other genres?

Yes! I write inspirational non-fiction, as well as stage plays, radio dramas, and a podcast where I create fictional interviews with people from throughout history. I just love sharing stories in any genre and medium I can!

What do you like most about being an author? 

I love sharing stories that inspire and uplift people. I love helping important stories live on and be remembered. I love the way writing helps me learn about history and human nature. I love when the perfect word or phrase comes to mind. I love when someone tells me something I’ve written has changed the way they think or feel.

Is there anything you don’t like about being an author?

For sure! I really struggle with the first draft. It’s so uncomfortable for me to have anything I’m working on be so bad! All kinds of doubts creep in, telling me that it’s destined to be the worst thing I’ve ever written! I really have to force myself to keep writing until it begins to improve and not just chuck the whole thing in the trash because it’s so awful.

Do you have a specific routine for writing?  Is there a special place or particular tool you use? 

I have my writing room which I’ve decorated in a way that brings me joy and sparks creativity. I get comfy with a mug of something hot in the fall/winter or a large cup of something refreshing and cool in the summer. I turn the sign on my door to Do Not Disturb, turn on some music that helps invoke the mood of whatever I’m writing, flip over my hourglass and then write until the sand runs out. Then I stretch, refill my beverage, pet the cats, flip the hourglass again and repeat.

What advice do you have for other writers?

My first piece of advice would be to never quit! No matter how bad you think your writing is! Just keep writing, keep learning and keep trying.

My second piece of advice is always to believe that you have the desire to create because you have something worth sharing with the world. Hold onto this belief with everything in you and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise!

The Blurb

16-year-old Helmuth Hübener wasn't planning on committing treason.

Helmuth has a coveted apprenticeship, a new girlfriend and big plans for his life. But when he discovers an illegal short-wave radio and learns that Hitler has been lying to the German people, his conscience won't let him alone until he shares the truth.

Enlisting the aid of his two best friends, the eternally optimistic Rudi, and the older more cynical Karl, the three teenagers embark on a dangerous mission to distribute anti-Nazi leaflets throughout Hamburg. They stuff them into mailboxes, slide them into stranger's coat pockets, and even post some on official Nazi party bulletin boards, certain they will soon be heroes. But when they are arrested and sent before the infamous "Blood Tribunal", their faith and friendship are pushed to the limits.

The Author

Kathryn Lee Moss is an author, speaker and EMMY-nominated director who dreams of changing the world one inspiring story at a time.  She holds a master’s degree in theater from the University of London, and has written plays, screenplays, radio dramas, podcasts, and books. Her work includes the history based My World My Time podcast, the award-winning feature film, Resistance Movement, and The Spiritual Resistance Agent Field Manual, a non-fiction work to help families overcome the negative influences in the world.

This is a Chain Letter is her first novel. As a speaker, Kathryn has been invited to share messages of hope and courage at schools, churches, prisons and conferences throughout the United States.

A two-time black belt and mother of three, Kathryn lives in Virginia with her very supportive husband, happily surrounded by trees, birds and the ocean.  When she’s not playing the ukulele or researching historical facts for her next book, Kathryn can be found curled up on the porch with a stack of books, some dark chocolate, and the cats.

Visit her at www.kathrynleemoss.com to check out Kathryn’s other work, follow her on social media or invite her to speak at your next event!

The Links

WEBSITE: www.kathrynleemoss.com 

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram

CONTACT INFO: Email- kathrynl.moss@gmail.com 

PURCHASING: Amazon.com, Cedarfort.com, KathrynLeeMoss.com