Writing the Second Book in a Trilogy - "Cold War"

 Writing the second book in a series of novels is inherently different from writing a stand-alone novel or the first book in a series. The challenges are unique.

The second book in a trilogy is inherently inhibited by what has been laid out in the first book -- and by what must come in the final book. The characters have largely been introduced, the scene has been set, and the conflicts that drive the book established. Yet the final resolution of conflicts and the completion of character arcs must be left to the final book. So what is going on in the second book?

Actually, quite a lot. 

In the Bridge to Tomorrow trilogy, the historical framework provided three distinct phases of confrontation and with them three different thematic vocal points. 

• The first book, Cold Peace, depicted the rising tensions between the former wartime allies and the step-by-step descent into crisis. Thematically, the issues were the lingering hostilities of the war and the political and psychological difficulties in breaking with wartime stereotypes and recognizing new realities. 
• The second book Cold War, opens after the Soviets have ended the wartime era of cooperation by taking the offensive and laying siege to the Western Sectors of Berlin. The Western response is logistical and technical: an Airlift. The book, therefore, explores the mechanisms, achievements and challenges associated with that response. Yet gradually -- just as happened in real life -- the purely logistical tasks develop additional layers of meaning and -- almost imperceptibly -- understanding and respect begins to develop between the former enemies. By the time the Airlift begins to falter and stands on the brink of collapse, the characters no longer view it as a job but rather as a mission.
  
• The third book, Cold Victory, will describe how the Allies together with their former enemies the Berliners triumph over the cynical contempt for humanity exhibited by the Soviet state. Yet like all victories, this one comes at a price. In this case: the division of Europe and a premature amnesty for the foot-soldiers of Hitler's tyranny.

In literary terms, Cold Peace introduces the characters and their inner doubts and dreams, Cold War opens opportunities, and Cold Victory puts them to the test.

 Watch a Video Teaser Here!

 Winning a war with milk, coal and candy!

Berlin is under siege. More than two million civilians must be supplied by air -- or surrender to Stalin's oppression.

USAF Captain J.B. Baronowsky and RAF Flight Lieutenant Kit Moran once risked their lives to drop high explosives on Berlin. They are about to deliver milk, flour and children’s shoes instead. Meanwhile, two women pilots are flying an air ambulance that carries malnourished and abandoned children to freedom in the West. Until General Winter deploys on the side of Russia. Buy now!

 Based on historical events, award-winning and best-selling novelist Helena P. Schrader delivers an insightful, exciting and moving tale about how former enemies became friends in the face of Russian aggression — and how close the Berlin Airlift came to failing.