Award-Winning Historical Fiction
NEWS & Media
My forthcoming WWII novel, Everything the Sea Brings, has been named a 2026 Shortlist Finalist in ProWritingAid's Novel Beginnings Award, selected as one of only 10 manuscripts from more than 14,500 submissions worldwide.
To say I'm honored is an understatement. I'm more motivated than ever to get this new story out.
Keep an eye out here for more news when I have it.
From the Newsletter
JULY 2026
A Book's Life
A book’s life doesn’t end when it’s published. This month’s newsletter reflects on the many ways stories continue to evolve, from the developing audiobook edition and potential new cover for The French Girl’s War to ambitious audio plans for Jingle Boys. Meanwhile, work continues on Everything the Sea Brings ahead of a July writing retreat and an August research trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
JUNE 2026
Resonance and Gratitude
Everything the Sea Brings has been named a Shortlist Finalist for ProWritingAid’s Novel Beginnings Award, one of only ten manuscripts recognized from nearly 15,000 submissions. Meanwhile, the audiobook edition of The French Girl’s War is taking shape, and an August research trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland is drawing closer.
MAY 2026
A time and a place
Summer is calling, and this one promises to be something special. In July, a manuscript retreat in Palm Springs. In August, the Historical Novel Society conference at Maynooth University, followed by time in Northern Ireland — including a stay in the keeper's house of the lighthouse that inspired Everything the Sea Brings, now an award-winning novel!
APR 2026
The most important part no one talks about
Everyone talks about beginnings. Nobody talks about the middle — which is exactly where the real work happens, and exactly where I am with Everything the Sea Brings. Research from Northern Ireland, Germany, coastal lighthouses, and scuttled U-boats has given me everything I need. Now I just have to do it justice.
That quote about the duck
Be like a duck: calm on the surface, paddling furiously underneath. That's been life lately — a full-time job, family adventures, tax season, and a manuscript that won't write itself. The audiobook for The French Girl's War is in progress, Jingle Boys isn't far behind, and Everything the Sea Brings continues to take shape.
FEB 2026
When words are heard
Are audiobooks really reading? Herb makes the case — and it's a good one. Homer's tales were spoken aloud. Shakespeare's plays were performed before they were read. A story doesn't care how it enters your mind. Also: a French narrator with the right accent has been found for The French Girl's War audiobook.
JAN 2026
A fresh, newsy start
Big news to kick off the year: The French Girl's War is now published under Fancy Raven Books and available wherever books are sold. Both novels are now on a wide range of eBook platforms, from Apple Books and Kobo to Everand and OverDrive. And the audiobooks are coming — with something extra special planned for the songs in Jingle Boys.
DEC 2025
Ends and beginnings
December brought loss — twelve years with a beloved dog named Dexter came to a quiet end. It also brought perspective: life turns at these inflection points, and it's where stories take root. Also in this issue: a new podcast appearance on History Through Fiction with Colin Mustful.
Media & Appearances
PODCAST
Art in Fiction — How music won the war in Jingle Boys
Host Carol Cram explores the role of art in historical fiction. Herb discusses music's place in Jingle Boys, wartime culture, and where the series is headed next.
PODCAST
History Through Fiction — Jingle Boys and the human stories behind WWII
Host Colin Mustful interviews authors who bring history to life. Herb talks about his motivations, the research behind Jingle Boys, and what draws him back to WWII.
PODCAST
KXFM Radio — "Everybody's Got a Story" with John Tynan
Herb joined KXFM for a conversation about his work, his writing process, and his WWII historical fiction series.
VIDEO INTERVIEW
SCWA Hump Day Book Tour — Live author interview with Maddie Margarita
A wide-ranging conversation about Herb's books, his writing life, and the stories behind the stories.
BLOG INTERVIEW
Words with a Wordsmith — Paper Lantern Writers
Interviewed by author Alina Rubin, Herb discusses his travels, his joys as a writer, the way he invests in his craft, and the greatest compliments his writing has ever received.