I was so honored to be interviewed by Kristina Stanley, the CEO of a wonderful writing software called Fictionary, about my WWII book, At First Light.

I used Fictionary’s software early in my writing of At First Light. As an untrained author, I mostly learned writing by “doing” instead of formal “training.” Therefore, the Fictionary software was incredibly helpful to me. It’s a really fun interview, and you can watch it here.

I highly recommend Fictionary, which was helpful in teaching me much more about the importance of:

• Story Arc
• POV Goal Related to Plot
• Characters in Motion
• Scene Opening and Closing Types
• Chapter Entry and Exit Hooks
• Tension versus Conflict
• Backstory versus Flashback
• The Classical Three-Act Scene
• How to Use Sight, Smell, Sound, Taste, and Touch
• How to Use Weather as a Character

Of course, At First Light was a non-fiction book; nevertheless, my co-author, Mike Yorkey, and I, were convinced Dad’s “story” and the “stories” of the men with whom he fought, would be what would attract readers instead of just the “history.”

In point of fact, the review of the book on HistoryNet.com proved our strategy right when the review wrote:

“At First Light” shows evidence of thorough research, and Phil Larimore’s voice comes through with authenticity in frequent snippets from his letters home. The downside … is that the bulk of the book is built of recreated scenes and dialogue. … Larimore’s story nonetheless gains power as it proceeds to a moving conclusion. Readers not put off by the authors’ novelistic approach will be glad they were along for the ride. (emphasis mine)

As of July 15, 2022, I’m delighted that of the 155 ratings the book has received, 100% of them are 5-star ratings:

• Amazon (56 ratings),
• Barnes & Noble (28),
• GoodReads (28),
• Walmart (21), and
• Target (22).

Mission accomplished. Thanks, Kristina and Fictionary.

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