There is a story about Winston Churchill and a deadly incident from World War II that most people have never heard. This is an account of how I learned to research and write about this unlikely clash between the British and French Navies while working a full-time job as a software salesman.

My research included deep dives into the archives of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as the archives of other statesmen, diplomats, and admirals who played key roles in my story. I accessed the papers of a historian who knew many of the key players, and I made a special pilgrimage to a historic rail car in Compiegne (near Paris) to enrich my research.

You will find chapters about used books, old words, how I taught myself to read French, and how I applied lessons from my business career to organize my research and writing. You will me 11 men who so fascinated me, I wish I could have met them across a pint of beer.

“Everybody Knows …” is for fans of history, as well as anyone who dreams of turning a creative idea into commercial reality.

This is not a how-to-guide. Instead, it’s a here’s-why-you-should source of enlightenment and inspiration.

Everybody Knows a Salesman Can’t Write a Book is available on all the major online sites.

If you like the idea of supporting a great independent bookseller, my local bookstore is the official world headquarters for signed (and unsigned) copies:

Aaron’s Books
35 East Main St.
Lititz, PA 17543
717-627-1990
www.aaronsbooks.com

If you would like a personalized signature, just let them know. I’m always happy to head over to Aaron’s.

Thanks to the incredible thoughtfulness of my daughter Brittany and son Billy, you might be able to find a copy in a Little Free Library (if you happen to live near Pittsburgh or Lancaster, Pennsylvania.