William Ian Grubman has a fascinating background. He doesn’t quite touch on it enough in his
answers, but I think you’ll find the author of The Storm Over Paris is an interesting person. Here’s our interview.
– William, you have so many aspects to your life, it’s hard to know where to
start. Would you introduce yourself to readers?
aspects to my life – – – frankly, I’m a work in progress. I spent the greater
part of my life in corporate America. From board rooms to factories to
construction sites, I’ve worn many hats. Additionally, I’ve done a great deal
of volunteer work and fundraising for those in need. When I decided to retire,
I began a new journey, one that would include performing and writing. I’m
pretty much a Renaissance man.
Mori Rothstein.
smart. He knows his craft. Unfortunately, he’s missed the signs of impending
destruction and finds himself and his family, whom he loves dearly, in the
center of a Nazi occupied city, and at the mercy of Hitler’s highest ranking
officer. He quickly learns how to balance on the fine line he walks.
us about The Storm over Paris, without Spoilers?
Rothstein—an art dealer and expert in master paintings from the Renaissance to
Realism—has been sought after by every major museum in the world. Also hunting
him down is Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering.
this Jew’s knowledge in service to the Fuhrer. Reluctantly, Mori cooperates to
keep his family safe and begins the task of appraising stolen French art. As
his friends and fellow Jews disappear, he forges a questionable relationship
with one of the most notorious Nazis in Europe—his fidelity and morals tested
daily.
that shows up in Mori’s workspace is a painting Mori himself procured for a
client. As more and more of his clients’ paintings appear, Mori’s sense of
duty, and his ire, change the course of his work for Goering. With the help of
his son Emile, Mori sets in motion a plan, walking himself and his family into
a web of intrigue, kidnapping, and murder.
of art history influence this book?
knowledge of art history influenced this book, but certainly it made the task
of research much easier.
different story about their publishing journey. Would you tell us about yours?
much longer than I imagined. Because this is my first book, I naively thought I
would just send my manuscript to an assortment of agents and presto, they would
be begging for my story. I learned very quickly the meaning
of rejection. I even found in a few instances, I received rejections within
five minutes of submitting my work. Some of those agents must be really fast
readers.
comes from my own interest, and that of some readers, in theater. Would you
tell us about Act Three?
Several
years ago, I joined with two friends to begin a new journey. All three of
us had dreamed of a life in musical theater, but real-life responsibilities
moved us along different paths. At a time when most people would be planning
for retirement, we made a bold decision to resurrect our faded dreams. Our
trio, ACT THREE, performs standards from Broadway, Jazz, and The Great
American Song Book. We have performed at UC Irvine, The Samueli Theater at the
Orange County Performing Arts Center, The Metropolitan Room in New York,
Vitello’s Supper Club, The City of Beverly Hills Concerts In The Park series,
and New York’s Carnegie Hall.
ACT
THREE is also the subject of the award-winning documentary film, ONCE UPON A
DREAM, directed by Carl Borack and narrated by Richard Dreyfuss, which
chronicles the group’s journey to Carnegie Hall. Our debut CD was recently
released.
Q –
What has been the highlight of your writing career?
Well,
this is it. Finally my novel is being published. Now on to the next book. The
Storm over Paris is the first installment of three books based on the same
family.
Q –
what Authors influenced your work?
I can’t
say for sure that I was influenced in writing The Storm over Paris, however,
Hector Feliciano’s “The Lost Museum,” gave me a great deal of insight regarding
the art world of Paris and the Nazi looting of art during WWII.
Q –
What author or book do you think is underappreciated?
My
taste for reading material tends to lean toward thrillers and mysteries. I also
like historical fiction. As far as works or authors being underappreciated, I
enjoy all the books I read and I appreciate the time and effort the authors put
into creating something that entertains me.
Q – I’m
a librarian, so I always end with this question. Would you share a story about
a library or librarian?
When I
was a child, around five or six, I recall my mother taking me to the library. I
loved stories and a trip to the library was like being taken to a candy store.
The choices were endless and I was only allowed to check out five books at a
time. I would search through every book until I found the perfect one with the
best pictures.
Thank you, William. William Ian Grubman’s website is https://www.williamgrubman.com/
Fascinating interview, Lesa. Thanks for sharing insight into this debut author.
You're welcome, Nancy. Thanks!
Such a fun interview! I've heard the same from others about the five minute rejection — I'm in the process of submitting to agents. A scary place to be ;/
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