Once a Soldier, Now a Ghost

On By ResaIn Interviews, Outside the Box Book Reviews

by: MIKE STEEDEN

Mike Steeden’s adult historical romance embraces an idea of civilized existence via art, passion, love and peace. Set primarily in post WWII Montmartre, France, the story stakes a solid background in the horror of World War II’s Pacific War, and post WWII England.

Resa –   In your books, and in prose on your blog, you often write of war, in particular WWII. I appreciate this, as I feel many have become indifferent to Nazis and white supremacy. Of course there was also the Pacific War aspect to WWII. To what do you owe this interest? 

Mike Steeden – When it comes to WWII in my books, it’s all about my dad, a person who lives in my heart for no other reason than being my father. Jim, a tall good-looking man with wavy hair, who at 18 years was likely to become the centre forward for Brentford Football Club. Then ‘bang’, England was at war with the Huns.

Resa – Ahh, I had no idea. Please continue!

Mike – At just nineteen years, dad was captured by the Germans just outside Dunkirk whilst trying to retreat back to the beaches and possible sanctuary. The truck he was driving ran out of fuel just a few miles short of the beachhead. He and his mates were armed, amazingly, with only useless wooden rifles.

(that’s been validated, by the way…as there were not enough real ones to go round, and the Army wanted to make it look like all conscripts were armed.)

In the event, he and his comrades were herded up with the other POWs and, over several months, were marched across Europe to a camp right next door to the Krakow Concentration Camp in Poland, which would be his home for the next five years. His camp was named Stalag V1118 for what that may be worth.

Resa –A fascinating story, and we’ll end the post wth the rest of it.

Back to the book – Mike takes the protagonist, Green Eyes, famed French artist Zerach and the post war horror from England to France. It’s a mess in both countries, but France has Paris; specifically Montmartre. Once in Montmartre, Green Eyes, becomes an artists’ model.

Resa – Another topic you like to write about is Montmartre, the art scene and lifestyle therein. Tell me about this?

Mike – Whereas most modern nations are those thought of as ‘science led,’ in France it is ‘art’. It is for that reason I love Paris, the home of creative activity of all artistic kinds. To me, art is everything.

For the sake of it, think of June 1924 in the magical period of the ‘Années folles’. I often dream that I am in ‘The City of Love’, Paris by any other name.

"Overnight, spring has turned to summer, and it is as if the tantalizing romantic May dance of titillation has been fully consumed beneath the clear blue skies of the summer equinox. 
There are no shadows under the high sun of noon this day as Shirley, my wife, and I walk the Luxembourg Gardens. 

Ever the actress she has adopted for this trip her very best mid-Atlantic accent in order that she will fit in when we meet up with the ‘others’, mostly arty-farty American writers of the ‘Lost Generation’ on the ‘left bank’ a little later on. 
For now though, we just take our time, hand in hand, thinking of last night’s wanton frolics."       © Mike Steeden

Mike – That, you see, is Paris.

Resa – So, Montmartre is part of Paris?

Mike – The region of Montmartre is the home of this planet’s art of all kind. It is there we find Ezra Pound, T S Elliot, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, all chatting about Gertrude Stein’s party in Montmartre last evening.

Resa – Why Montmartre? Did you live there at one time?

Mike – Well, it is impressive with wonderful views overlooking Paris itself. Moreover, the town square is busy with a mass of wild street artists and cafés galore where one can grab a cup, take a seat, and linger like a local. Then there is the beauty of the buildings, old but magical. Give us another life and we’ll live there for ever.

When Green Eyes new friend, Charlotte, showed up at her Montmartre home wearing a lilac lace opera coat, I was fascinated by the coat. Green Eyes had to have it. I had to draw it.

Resa – Is this a coat you saw somewhere or did you make it up?

Mike – An odd one is this. I went over the top picturing Charlotte, as I desperately wanted the poor girl to be dressed in style even though that was all she was wearing. Why, I don’t really know; it was just a feeling for humble gratitude, albeit that she’d soon be happily naked thereafter.

‘Panash’ I call it, yet to give such a classic coat (I’m not very clever when thinking these things. I simply see them in my mind!) with captivating sequins, to Green Eyes who she hardly knew at the time, ensured a brand-new friendship, hence the story went on its romantic way.  

Charlotte also shows up in an Avant-Garde kimono. As there is no further description, I came up with this, and shot in the morning light’s shadows.

Fascinated by the saga of Mike’s father? Here is the rest, as told by Mike.

Mike – As a prisoner he was, as I understand it, used effectively as slave labour down the coal mines of Silesia. The prisoners were regularly manacled…also validated…and that awful fact came back to haunt him in the nightmares of the dementia of his dotage, the poor sod. Nevertheless, post war and safely home, Jim, a six footer plus and the youngest of ten made it back to England five stone lighter than when he left these shores weighing in at a mere eight stone, yet picked up where he left off and eventually, after his apprenticeship, became an accomplished bricklayer. Sadly with frosted feet due to having no shoes during the war his dream to play for Brentford Football Club never happened.

Another thing, when back in England, Jim discovered his family had spent every last penny of his away…not a kind thing for a young man to take in and not go mad.

There you have, Miss Resa, a true tale that is glued to my heart and books. He wasn’t a bad old boy. He made me a fast bowler at cricket as well as teaching me how to throw darts pretty well. But basically, it was him and him alone who filled my brain with his WW2 torture…hence my stories.”

Meet Mike Steeden

Check out Mike’s About Page &/or Visit Mike on his blog!

About

Mike is a prolific writer. Click on the book cover below to go to his Amazon page!

“To me, art is everything.”

– Mike Steeden

116 thoughts on “Once a Soldier, Now a Ghost”

  1. Oh, Resa, that was a wonderful conversation with Mike. What a rich legacy his father left him and how inspiring too. Thank you for sharing his work. Needless to say, I love his last quote about art!
    Dahlin, your drawings are so damn good! 😉
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    2. Thank you, dahling!

      Yes, The story of Mike’s dad is more than a touching reminder of what we should not forget. I’m honoured that he shared it with me. His art quote is so fab, I just had to end with it. After reading 3 of his books and blog posts, I just had to ask why war is a reoccurring topic.

      Thanks about my drawings…still trying to improve.

      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  2. Some things in life make dreams come through, and this Miss Resa is one of those dreams. ‘Tis stupendous, as are you. Sometimes ‘thank you’ is not enough, hence I shall place this blog into picture frames and place them on the walls. In fact, I’ll get Shirl to do so this very day. Time for yet another read, Mike

    1. Dear TOF,

      I’m thrilled you like this post.

      You know, I’m not a book reviewer, per se, but I do like to celebrate an author’s work, and more, I become curious about them.

      The tale of your father is a wonderful gift. I see how he has inspired you.

      Thank you for letting me use the pic of you and Shirl, it added up all you were saying about your love of Montmartre!

      On the wall…wow! I am honoured.

      Have the best time, my regards to Shirl, a pet for Rosie and a cheer for George!

      Resa

        1. Art lust? YES!
          I’m thrilled with that description. AND on that note, I take leave shortly, to venture to a mural that the artist has been painting for over a year.
          As long as the darn scaffolding is gone, I’m taking pics, finished or not!

          I will return to answer more comments after my crazy adventure.
          In the meantime, TOF, my blog is your blog!

  3. Resa, thank you for this fascinating interview with Mike.

    Mike, no wonder your father’s experiences form so much of your writing about WWII. What a horrifying horrendous time for him and for it haunt him so much in later life is heartbreaking. Was he and you ever close to the rest of his family after the disappearance of all his money? That is a lot to forgive.

    I love the photo of you and your wife and you write with passion about Paris and the wonderful Montmartre. I’ve visited a few times, sat at the outside cafes in the narrow streets absorbing the atmosphere. One can almost sense the creativity, right in the midst of so much history!

    2. Annika,

      Thank you for taking the time to read this post! The tale of Mike’s father is compelling. Your question about the disappearance of the money was intriguing.

      Montmartre sounds like art, history & love heaven; at least from where I sit now. Still, at the very least I’m keen for a visit to the Art Gallery, and a coffee in the cafe.

      All my best to you!

  5. A completely compelling conversation with Mike, Resa. The experience of Mike’s father during World War II…there are no words. 😦 And your art is amazing as always, Resa.

    1. Yes…there are no words.
      Still, Mike uses the impetus to try and explain his view on life in his writing.
      I suppose many writers tap into that energy.

      Thanks about my drawings Dave! I do try, doesn’t always work, but I try!
      Meow to Misty!

      1. You’re welcome, Resa.

        Yes, huge personal or family challenges are material for writing — important material that helps the writers “process” things, and for the reading public to know about.

        Misty meow returned!

        1. Writing is so important. A book, a letter, a letter we never send, poems… yes ..
          Can AI ever replace that?

          Thanks Misty! I still haven’t found a cat. I’m living vicariously through everyone else’s cats.

  7. Thank you for this fascinating conversation with Mike. His father must have been very strong and smart to survive five years in a slave labor camp, and how horrible that he relived those experiences later in his mind.

    As always, your drawings are exquisite, Resa!

    1. Yes, what a crazy and horrid thing to happen to a person.
      It’s terrifying. One day life is going great, then a short time later, you’re in hell.
      I’m quite honoured Mike shared this story with me!
      Thanks about my drawings! (exquisite oh my!) 💙

  8. Wow, what a fantastic conversation with Mike! Resa — your artwork takes my breath away; it’s so arresting and thoughtful. The dreamy pastel colors and flowing lines are captivating and really draw in the eye. The awful experiences of Mike’s father had sound harrowing and was moving to read. Thanks for sharing! 💙💛💖

    1. Thank you for this lovely comment, Ada!
      I’m so honoured Mike shared his dad’s experience with me. I always wonder where/how the author came up with the ideas for their books, are they saying something we don’t hear?

      Aww.. my art.. well thank you! I do try, and I love drawing old school fashion illustration style and portraits. Working on it! 💙💙💛💖

    1. Robbie,

      I thought of you and A Ghost and His Gold when I was writing this post.

      Mike draws on impetus from his dad’s experience in many of the things he writes. There is a point made for peaceful, fruitful existence via art and freedom, in Once a Soldier.

      You have come close to the horror of war through your research, and use that to make your points in AG&HG.

      Both books couldn’t be more different, but it’s important to learn from the past. I always wonder, how many times must we learn the same lessons about war?

      1. Hi Resa, I wrote about my mom’s experiences as a little girl growing up on a farm in Suffolk, UK during WW2. I grew up hearing tales of my mom’s childhood which included WW2 and the aftermath. My maternal grandparents lived through WW1 and WW2. The people who make the decisions about war just move troops about on a map. They are not in the trenches.

          1. Ahh… That sounds like a very interesting book.
            Was it one of your first books?
            I just checked KOBO. It’s not there.
            I’ve got 2 more books to read, then I’m in the market for some new books.

            1. Hi Resa, yes, this was my first attempt at a longer book and was published in 2018. It was aimed at teenagers as I was trying to educate them about the hardships and deprivations of war in an entertaining and interesting way. It is sort of along the lines of Little House in the Big Woods. It’s not a long book but, strangely, my most successful book by far. If you would like a copy, I would be delighted to send it to you 🌈

              1. Thank you! I’d love to read it.
                I’ll put it in my next reading batch. I usually have 4. So now I’ll get to pick 3 more, but not until January.
                I will be done my last 2 in this batch by then! It was crazy! I had 6 in my TBR pile.
                Lol! Fastest reader …not!

                1. I’ll send you a copy. I’m pleased this story interests you. Reading is not a speed test and you certainly do the books you read justice with your extraordinary insights and reviews. My review of Flatland goes out today. A perfect post for an important Election Day …

        2. That’s true!
          The proletariat are the pawns. The expendables for the “greater good”.
          During the Vietnam war, many pop culture musicians wrote protest songs. “Creedence Clearwater” wrote a song addressing exactly what you/we are talking about. During that time the USA had conscription and young men were forced to go fight.

          Chorus from “Fortunate Son”

          “It ain’t me, it ain’t me
          I ain’t no senator’s son, son
          It ain’t me, it ain’t me
          I ain’t no fortunate one, no”

          The words are pretty good. Incase you want to hear it (the words are at the bottom of the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWijx_AgPiA

          1. Thanks for sharing this song. It is spot on and very compelling. I read a lot of books about war in my quest for understanding of the human psyche. I always over identify with the young male soldier characters because I have two sons.

  11. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    Fantastic interview, Resa and Mike. I have “Once a Soldier, Now A Ghost,” but I have not had time to read it. It’s high on my list. I love your drawings. My dad was in England during WWII.

    1. Thanks Tim!

      Mike was very generous with his answers. I learned a lot more than I asked for. It’s wonderful thing.

      Oh wow, your dad was in England during the war. That would have been quite the the experience.

      My grandfather died in WWII, twice. Crazy story.

      Enjoy the book!

  12. Once again, you have brought to life a book thanks to your thoughtful interview and outstanding drawings. Thank you to Mike for sharing his father’s life with us, as well.

    I love how you do this, Sorceress. xoxoxo

    1. Thunder, thank you!
      Well, I just like to celebrate the book and it’s author. What makes the author write what they write?
      I’m not a real reviewer with star ratings and all.

      I thank you about my drawings! Still, I need to get better. So, I will continue drawing….as soon as I get a bit more sewing done.
      The gowns don’t build themselves…LOLOL!
      xoxoxoxoxo

      1. You are most welcome.

        I love how you do that. You are better than that sort of reviewer, in my opinion.

        I love that you keep on practicing and getting better and better. You are wonderfully creative.

        Between photography, sewing and drawing you are a triple threat (probably more that I don’t even know about).

        xoxoxoxo

        1. Aww, thank you for the compliment, Thunder!

          I have to stay busy. Being creative is what I know. If I’m not beaver busy, I think about those things that drive a person mad.

          I tried being a couch potato, but my potato head started over thinking. Then I grew potato head eyes. Not a good look, and they’re poisonous.

          Don’t know about?…… I have an honours degree in Knit Design and Technology. I can hand knit beautifully and could program knit designs & textures for knitting machines.
          Although, I’m sure I’d have to relearn that on more modern computers.

          xoxoxoxo

          1. You know me. I tell it like it is.

            I understand. I am so not like that!

            I can couch potato as much as I can be super productive.

            You do? Why am I not surprised. The only thing I’ve knit is washcloths, a few scarves and a tuque that I am very sad to say I cannot find. I don’t doubt you would learn in a snap.

            xoxoxoxo

              1. Thank you, Sorceress.

                Honestly, I have to find the pattern I used to do. These washcloths, made of cotton, were 100% better than the crap you buy, I had gifted one to a friend who scoffed at me, then told me she loved it. Goes to show.

                Hah! Why would that be crass? Potatoes are delish.

                xoxoxo
                I do love that song. While I no longer love Heart for some weird reason I cannot explain, this song, though, yes!

                1. You know, now that I’ve been thinking on it, I seem to remember cotton knit washcloths.
                  My aunties all made things like that, and rag rugs and old nylon stocking rugs.

                  Crass? Well we were talking couch potatoes, which are humans. Then suddenly I want to eat potatoes.
                  I completely sidelined the human, and the couch.
                  My mind works in ridiculous ways.

                  My N does not like Heart, but he likes their version of that song.

                  xoxo⚡️💥xoxo

                  1. Haha! I’m an auntie!

                    Well… That’s kinda pushing it. Call it ironic instead.
                    Not ridiculous, creative.

                    I understand your N 😊

                    xoxo 🧚🏻‍♀️🌟 oxox

  13. A wonderful interview, Resa! You have the best questions that draw us all in. Mike – I am with you on Montmartre. I would love to travel back in time and attend a Gertrude Stein soirée. I am enjoying following your blog!! I agree with Marina about the last quote “To me, art is everything.”

    1. I’d love to travel back, too! I got enchanted when I designed costumes for a movie about the last year of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life.

      Jeremy Irons played F. Scott and bought me a gift of a book ‘The Romantic Egoists”
      It’s mostly the reprinting of F. Scott and Zelda’s scrapbooks. It’s easy to fall in love with that era, in that place.

      Mike was most generous with his answers to my questions. I too am drawn in.

      “To me, art is everything.” —I love it!

  16. I loved this interview with Mike about Once a Soldier, Now a Ghost and the story of his dad. Your artwork complements the interview beautifully and takes it to another level.

  17. Wonderful interview, Resa! Thanks for introducing me to Mike Steeden’s book, love the title btw, there’s something so poetic and romantic about it. Love the gorgeous sketches too, Resa, it goes with Mike’s sentiment that art is everything. Indeed it is!

    I love Montmartre and I’d love to be back to visit Paris again one day. Since Mike mentioned Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, it made me think of the fantastical scene in Midnight in Paris, that film is really enchanting!

    1. Hello Ruth,

      Thanks for coming by and reading the post! The book title is poetic, yes.

      I was compelled to draw those sketches. I don’t know if Mike saw them exactly like that, but when I read I do make up my own images, like a movie running though my brain.

      I have never visited Paris, but I am quite romanticized by the stories of Paris in the Jazz Age. I am 100% with Mike’s “art is everything”. Movies are art, or at least can be.

      Thanks for the tip on the movie, Midnight in Paris! I have not seen it, I think.

      Chat soon!

  20. What an incredible meeting this was! My dear friend Resa interviewed my esteemed writer and friend, Mike Steeden. I have read most of Mike’s books and have been immersed in the art of literature.
    Thank you both for this worthwhile conversation.🙏💖

    PS: Resa, you perfectly caught those images of Mike’s views. Bravo!👏👍💖

    1. You’re welcome and thank you, Aladin!

      I’ve read 3 of Mike’s books. This is my fave.
      Thank you about my images! 🕊💖🙏💖🤍

  21. Hi Resa, this is a most touching conversation with Mike, and it’s unimaginable the horror that his father experienced. And of course, your artwork is stunning as always. Thank you for sharing Mike’s story with us. ❤️🤗

  22. Hi, Resa! These days it’s all too common for me to skim through a post because there’s not enough time and I should be somewhere else, imminently (poor organisation skills, almost certainly!) But not in this case! The background to the story, and my own Dad’s experiences with the Nazi regime, drew me in and I read every word. I will almost certainly look for this book. Thanks for interviewing Mike.

    1. You’re welcome, Jo!

      I skim, too. Unless something really catches my interest.

      When I asked Mike the question, I was not expecting the heartfelt answer I got.

      Many of us who were affected by WWII are still around. My paternal grandfather died in WWII overseas.

      It felt good to tell Mike’s story. So many young people barely know what was sacrificed for us, for them.

      Okay, have a fab weekend, and thank you for your visit and reading!

  23. A fascinating collaboration Resa and Mike. A great interview..
    I can see why the stories of War are so imprinted into Mike… That must have been a horrid ordeal…
    My Dad’s Father, my Granddad, was in the same war… He got his toes shot off on one foot. He said he was one of the lucky ones..

    Lots of Lads from our Derbyshire Village were not so lucky.. and never returned home..

    Your art gown designs brilliant as always Resa…
    Thank you…
    Sending love and warm wishes to you both, .. And Good luck with your book publication Mike..

    Much love xx ❤

    1. Hello Sue!

      Thank you for taking the time to read Mike’s story about his father.

      I fear many of the young only know WWII as an entry in history books, that they don’t read. The whole nazi thing has become a sad fad to some.

      I was honoured to post Mike’s tale.

      Thanks about my drawings, Sue! Even better, the new actual Art Gown is about 80% now!

      It’s made from linens and lace sent to me by a blogger pal. They belonged to her great grandmother. I’ve really put myself into this one!

      ❦🌹🕊🤍

      1. Oh wow…. I am looking forward to seeing the finished result.. Antique authentic lace, is beautiful … The City near to me, in Nottingham, are famous for the lace making. And working in textiles… for many years working from factory floor up ~
        I used to be in the design room as a sample machinists and create lingerie from scratch… I would make basks, camisoles, suspenders, bra’s and briefs…. Using lots of wonderful lace. and do all the sizing’s samples for fitting and final sales to retail stores, such as Next, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, and many more outlets…
        Working with lace and silk type fabrics is special..

        Yours even more so, as I know you hand sew everything…. 🙂 That in itself is a work of art.. 💖✨💖

        1. It’s been a slow go, but it is coming together!
          I’m on the tail which is all the rest of what is left.
          I think the gown is about 80%.
          🕊🤍🌹

  24. An inspiring legacy and collaboration Resa and Mike.

    Such an excellent interview and the war stories…I can’t imagine the horror. It makes me sad, and I picture everything in my head what one went through during that period.

    Sending Mike a million blessings.

        1. We are nothing but animals, but worse than any other. We have choices. We CHOOSE to kill. The other animals just innocently live their given existence.

          ~Resa

  25. This introduction to Mike’s book was both beautiful and heart-wrenching. His account of his dad’s experience as a POW and how it impacted his life was devastating and moving. I can feel Mike’s deep respect and love for the man in his words. My grandfather was a WWII POW of the Japanese, and what traumatizing experience for those young men.

    Your drawings of Charlotte are gorgeous, Resa. I love her fashion flair – very French, very apropos of the time. And a wonderful glimpse into Montmartre, Paris, and the hub of the art world. This book sounds wonderfully rich with feeling and Mike is a fabulous writer on top of that. Thanks for the fascinating interview and introduction to his book. 🙂

    1. Diana,

      War is so tragic and horrible. Mike’s dad was a prisoner of the Germans’s, my grandfather died overseas in WWII, your grandfather was a prisoner of the Japanese

      and

      My mother-in-law (pre and post puberty) was in a Canadian Prison camp for the Japanese. She was 100%Canadian, born in Canada. On her death bed, in delirium, she spoke to the prison guards.

      Pure hate & fear spreads faster than Covid ever did. No one is safe. No one is immune. No one ever recovers 100%.

      Thanks about my drawings! I actually looked at post war fashion drawings 1947 – 1955, to get a feel, and maybe cop a style. HA! It did affect my drawing a tad, but they still came out looking like what I do.

      Thank you for your considerate comment, Diana! 🕊🤍

      1. Oh Resa, you mother-in-law too. I don’t know what’s wrong with mankind that we choose to be cruel and kill, even children. I’ve been in quite a funk since Tuesday night, and have to keep reminding myself that there are still lots and lots of people who put their faith in kindness… like you.

        1. I understand. I’ve been in a funk, too.
          All I want is to look at and do art, and listen to music.
          “They” say prostitution is the oldest profession. I beg to differ.

          Being a warrior – a killer, a pillager, a rapist is the oldest profession.

          We must move forward! Like you say “there are still lots and lots of people who put their faith in kindness” (thank you for including me)

          The Dems have 4 years to find a leader who can deliver a message that penetrates. I hate to say it, but it has to be a man. America has proven it’s far from wanting a female leader.

          Notwithstanding, it will be a tumultuous 4 years coming. Know you won’t be alone.

          Trumpelstiltskin will wrack his havoc on Canada and Europe.
          We can rant together!
          Sending love and hugs!
          🤍🕊

            1. That is sad. You may or may not be right, but there is a good chance you are. I’m a Canadian, and I am heart broken at the results of your election.
              It bodes ill for humanity.
              I send you my commiseration, hugs and love.
              🤍🕊❦🌹

  27. Congrats to Mike on this fantastic interview. A rarity to see Mike making the blog rounds. I love your art which complemented the interview. Congrats to Mike on your wonderful review. Hugs ❤ xoxo

    1. Yes, Mike is not well, right now. Hard to make the rounds.
      I always love it when I can draw a character.
      You must be back!
      xoxo🕊🤍🌹❦

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