Date of interview: 23 September 2024
Kathy Kasunich, originally hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, now calls Williamsburg, Virginia, home. Her debut novel, Always Remembering, is a heartfelt historical fiction romance set against the backdrop of World War II. This captivating work, inspired by her father's service as a medic during the war, seeks to honor the everyday heroes of the Greatest Generation and has earned acclaim, including a finalist nomination for a medal from the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA).
Kathy's short fiction is featured in the recently released anthology Christmas on the Bay. She was also honored as a finalist in the 2023 Golden Nib Awards for her poetry. Currently, she is crafting a new novel set in 18th-century Williamsburg, fueled by her love for historical contexts and the vibrant history of her surroundings.
As a dedicated member of the Chesapeake Bay Writers and the Writers Guild of Virginia, Kathy actively engages with the literary community to promote creativity and collaboration. In her spare time, she finds inspiration in photography, nature, and music, weaving these elements into her creative endeavors. To discover more about Kathy and her work, visit her website at kathykasunich.us2.authorhomepage.com.
MWSA: How did you find out about MWSA?
Kathy Kasunich: At a World War II event where I was selling my book, a patron praised the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) and encouraged me to join the organization.
MWSA: What was your inspiration for Always Remembering?
Kathy Kasunich: The inspiration for my book comes from my parents, particularly my father, who served as a medic during the war. After they passed, I found myself surrounded by a war diary, letters, and cherished memorabilia—precious pieces of their history and love. These items, coupled with the stories they shared, motivated and inspired me to tell their story, not just to honor them, but to pay tribute to all who served during that time. Their courage, along with the sacrifices of thousands, deeply moved me.
In today’s world, it’s almost unimaginable to think of being in a war, separated from your loved ones, with only letters to bridge the gap—letters that took days, sometimes weeks, to arrive. The waiting, the uncertainty, the longing—it’s a pain most of us can hardly fathom. Yet, these men and women endured it all, facing unimaginable challenges both on the front lines and at home.
I wanted to capture that experience, the heartache and the resilience, to ensure that the sacrifices they made are never forgotten. My hope is that through their story, we can all remember the profound cost of freedom and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
MWSA: How did you decide on the title of the book?
Kathy Kasunich: In my book, Always Remembering, I included letters my father wrote to my mother during the war. He often signed them, "Always Remembering, Never Forgetting, Loving you forever." The phrase "Always Remembering" struck me deeply, inspiring the book's title. These words are more than a touching sentiment, it’s a testament to the strength of their love. In a time of unimaginable uncertainty, they had to always hold on to the memory of the person they fell in love with, clinging to that hope as a lifeline, believing they would see each other again.
MWSA: Is your book a love story or a war story?
Kathy Kasunich: My book is both a love and war story. It tells the tale of love during war and the enduring consequences. But it is also about the war, following the trials and tribulations of the 42nd Rainbow division as they battle through France and Germany, ultimately liberating Dachau Concentration Camp. The novel is told through both of their perspectives. It chronicles my father’s experience as a medic during this time, giving his assessment of the events. The narrative also reflects my mother’s struggles on the home front.
The book is much deeper than a love story, it explores the sacrifices, brutal realities of war, the life of a medic, and the challenges faced back home and overseas. Extensive research went into capturing the battles and historical context, blending these with deeply personal stories. Although classified as historical romance fiction—due to the need to fill in gaps and create dialogue—the book is rooted in the true story of an ordinary couple facing the extraordinary trials of war.
MWSA: Have you received any comments from your readers?
Kathy Kasunich: Yes. Some of the comments I have received state that the story transported them back in time and gave them a glimpse into what life may have been like for their great-grandfather, grandfather or father who served during World War II. It often prompts them to tell me the stories they know about their family and I encourage them to tell their story because we need to keep these stories alive, especially since most of the World War II veterans are gone. Others say their family member never talked about the war and they enjoyed learning about life during WWII. One young woman commented she didn't know much about World War II and through the book she learned a lot about the era and World War II. "It was like learning about history without reading a boring textbook with fact after fact. It was more personable." If the book educates someone, encourages dialogue or causes one to contemplate about the times, than I know the veterans and their families are honored and remembered.
MWSA: Do you plan to write more World War II related stories?
Kathy Kasunich: I would love to tell more stories from that era, but I am currently working on a historical fiction book that is set during the 18th century in Williamsburg. Hopefully after I finish this book that was inspired by my surroundings, living right outside colonial Williamsburg, I will revisit this time period.