Local author Erin Meyer-Charneux finds inspiration for her writings in everyday experience.
She took a moment during the April 26 book signing at The Boerne Bookshop, to explain the motivation behind her popular self-help book, “D-Day, Lessons for Today,” a reflection of true-life war experience and lessons to be learned along the way.
Meyer-Charneux found inspiration for her book from her early career working with veterans and earning an undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin in World War II studies. History fascinated her so much that she changed her graduate degree to further study World War II and Europe.
Further inspiration for her book came when her family went on vacation, and her 12-year-old daughter asked about a war tank.
“She didn’t know what it was,” Meyer-Charneux said. “That’s when I realized I wanted my children to know about this moment in history and why it’s important to make a difference in their lives now.” She set to work, using the information she had gathered over the years interviewing World War II veterans, and began interweaving applicable life lessons within them.
“I also considered the people who would ask me where to visit in Normandy,” she said. “Those places are important, but people easily forget about the history come Monday morning when they go back to work.
“I wanted to make something that leaves a lasting impression,” she added.
The premise of the book reads as a mixture of a historical account along with a memoir from a mother passing on life lessons to her children. “D-Day, Lessons for Today” allows the reader to reflect on their own challenges and how they can apply the heroic efforts of D-Day to accomplish what they want in today’s world.
“I also made the book as visual as possible,” she said. “There are historical photos mixed with photos of me and my family.”
Ultimately, the book is to help individuals navigate unpredictable times, prepare for an unknown future, stand up for their beliefs and create their own future history.
“History is full of people doing the impossible,” Meyer-Charneux said. “The sacrifices that these people made in the past got them to where they wanted and needed to be. I wan to equip people to do the same for their lives.”
If you missed the book signing, don’t worry. D-Day, Lessons for Today is available at The Boerne Bookshop on Main Street and online on Amazon.
Meyer-Charneux currently lives in Belgium with her husband and children. You can visit her website at erinmeyercharneux. com to listen to her Ted Talk, view her artistic pieces and learn more about her recent book.
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