Writing a novel requires a great deal of research on occasions. Such was the case in Code Name Lily. The historical fiction required the most research I have ever needed to bring a story based on true facts and events to my readers. There were no less than twenty or more sources of information on the Comet Line and/or where Lily is described in some fashion. But since I found no one who put all of her years of involvement together chronologically, I was only too pleased to do so.
People and specific organizations who contributed dearly in Code Name Lily’s completion need to be recognized. The Ocean State Libraries’ access to several books on World War II evasion networks, and the National Archives’ declassified files on Michou Dumon were invaluable. The many websites in Europe with information about the Comet Line also aided me greatly, as did first-hand knowledge from Brigitte d’Oultremont and the Comet Line website, www.cometeline.org.
Once the information was gathered, it was left to me to create a novel to honor the brave people of Belgium who risked and gave their lives to save downed airmen parachuting in a land they knew nothing about. I hope I was able to convey this tribute in Code Name Lily.
Writing the book is one thing, getting it ready for publication is quite another. For this task, I continue to count on my biggest critics and supporters, my wife Pauline and my three children, Barbara, David, and Julie. Their combined input, in various fashions, is absolutely necessary for a grammatically correct and error-free novel. And to Glenn Ruga, founder of Social Documentary Network and Zeke Magazine, who keeps my website buzzing with information, to his unflinching assistance in my newsletters and in critiquing the cover design, I am forever in your debt.
Last, but certainly not least, to Jennifer Givner of Acapella Book Designs, your cover designs have not failed me yet!