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The mountains we climb...

3/8/2021

32 Comments

 
Hello friends! Today I write to share some wonderful news.

As you know, I've written a few military thrillers. Though many in my family have served or are currently serving in the military, they rarely speak about their experience no matter where it might have been -- Vietnam, the Middle East, or the South China Sea. So when I began writing about those areas, I surprised them as much as I surprised myself. 

My last book, The Culmination, a new beginning, was particularly demanding to write, because it required enormous research. When it was finally published in late November, I wondered if it would be received well by the military community. I did a Google search and discovered a group entitled the Military Writers Society of America and decided to submit my book for review. Last week, I heard back from them. I am elated by the evaluation and want to share it with you today.

Writers work alone and depending upon the topic, they may climb mountains to find just the right word. With The Culmination, I struggled up and down peaks I never knew existed. But I'm ever so glad to have made the journey, for I have learned so much. ​Thank you all for accompanying me and a special thank you to all who offered a review. There is nothing more cherished by a writer than a review. 💗

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MWSA Review
The Culmination: a new beginning is the third book in The Contract thriller trilogy by Gwen M. Plano. Despite being written in the present tense, it is a gripping, engaging mystery that fares well as a stand-alone book. From the first chapter surrounding an assassination attempt on an Air Force base in California, this story grabbed my attention. The Culmination has everything: interesting characters, romantic love stories, international intrigue, and politics. Ms. Plano details the interplay among the leaders of countries facing off against each other during negotiations to craft a denuclearization agreement. The actions, reactions, and apparent motivations of each foreign leader are fascinating to read as the events unfold resulting in a murderous turn. In the midst of personal and international struggles, an unlikely but captivating, romance blossoms.
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The President of the United States becomes physically incapacitated and Vice-President Margaret Adler is sworn in as the new leader. With the advice of the former president, Adler has to determine who she can trust within the cabinet and staff during a difficult world situation while establishing credibility and trustworthiness among fellow world leaders. It’s up to President Adler to form alliances and avoid massive destruction during what appears to be the beginning of World War III. Adler and the Joint Chiefs, along with other freedom-loving nations, work together to save the world from absolute biological and nuclear destruction at the hands of the Chinese and their evil allies. 
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Although the author seems to lack a clear understanding of weapons systems and military authority, she weaves a compelling white-knuckle tale from beginning to end climaxing in a nefarious attack in the Middle East. The Culmination is an exciting read.
Review by Nancy Panko (March 2021)

32 Comments
Harmony Kent link
3/8/2021 03:00:56

This is so fantastic, Gwen. Congratulations! :)

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 05:01:47

Thank you so much, Harmony. This was the validation I needed to write the final book of the series. 😊

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Staci Troilo link
3/8/2021 04:20:31

That's wonderful news, Gwen. Congratulations.

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 05:03:36

Thank you, Staci. This review was a deep relief for me. 😊

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CS Boyack
3/8/2021 05:11:08

What a wonderful group to get a review from. Congratulations.

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 06:44:16

Thank you so much, Craig. 😊

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Jill Weatherholt link
3/8/2021 05:15:29

This is wonderful news, Gwen! Congratulations on the fantastic review!

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 06:44:46

Thank you, dear Jill. 💗

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Marcia Meara link
3/8/2021 06:51:03

What a wonderful review, and from a group of people you respect and especially hope will enjoy what you've created. I'm SO impressed, Gwen! Huge congratulations! 🤗♥

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 06:58:30

Thank you, dear Marcia. It was intimidating to submit my book to them, but I needed to know if they'd receive it well. I'm overjoyed. 💗

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Mae Clair link
3/8/2021 06:59:14

This is a fabulous review, Gwen. It must feel amazing to receive such words of praise from such a respected group. Congratulations!

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 08:21:29

Thank you, Mae. I soared when I read your review, and with this one I felt immense relief. As you know so well, it's a challenge to write about that which we know little. 😊

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john Howell link
3/8/2021 07:04:22

Great news, Gwen. Congratulations.

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 08:21:50

Thanks so much, John.

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Pete Springer link
3/8/2021 07:40:35

I'm guessing that this review carries a little more weight for you than others, considering the source. It's natural to feel great by any positive review, but to win the approval of a prestigious group has to feel amazing. Congratulations, Gwen!

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 08:25:41

Thank you, Pete. Since I've never served in the military, I depended on research and explanations from family. This review validated my efforts in terms of military. Thank you again.

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NATALIE DUCEY link
3/8/2021 08:03:23

Congratulations, Gwen! This is awesome news! :)

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 08:51:23

Thank you, Natalie. 😊

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D.L. Finn
3/8/2021 10:18:16

What a wonderful review, Gwen. To receive praise from the very people you write about is something we all hope for, congrats! Xo

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 11:05:10

You are so right, Denise. I'm very humbled and ever so happy. 💗

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Diana Peach link
3/8/2021 11:03:23

You were so brave to submit your book, and what a wonderful review!!! I know several vets who don't read military-based books because they have "issues" with them. It sounds like you pulled it off, Gwen. Kudos to you for all the research (I can only imagine). Congrats!

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 11:08:07

Thank you, Diana, you are so right. I submitted it with trepidation, and I'm ever so grateful I did. 💗

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Miriam Hurdle link
3/8/2021 15:22:30

I can see you're jumping up and down for joy with this validation and wonderful review from this specialized group. This is an excellent news and deserves celebration. Congratulations, Gwen!

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Gwen M Plano
3/8/2021 16:43:18

Thank you so much, dear Miriam. It made me very happy to receive this critique. 🤗

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Joan Hall link
3/8/2021 17:29:57

That's wonderful news, Gwen! Congratulations.

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Gwen M Plano
3/9/2021 04:06:30

Thanks so much, Joan. 😊

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Robbie Cheadle
3/8/2021 21:54:19

Hi Gwen, this is a wonderful review. It is difficult to write about the military's and you have obviously done a splendid job. I have been grappling with USA military authority myself, for my book about America in the First World War. It is quite a challenge.

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Gwen M Plano
3/9/2021 04:09:19

Thank you, Robbie. It took immense research for me , and I'm still learning. It must be especially demanding to research and write about WWI. All the best to you! 💗

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Pat Garcia link
3/10/2021 05:04:07

Hi,

I am sorry, Gwen, for responding late. I am playing catch up.
My heartfelt congratulations on this review of The Culmination. I purchased your book some time ago, and it has been sitting on my TBR list. This review catapulted your book up my list. I'm more than anxious to read it. I am moving it up to the top and will read it through within the next two weeks.
Take care.
Shalom aleichem

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Gwen M Plano
3/11/2021 04:19:31

Thank you so much, Pat. Like you, I have many on my TBR list. Whenever you read my book, I hope you enjoy it. Blessings to you. 💗

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Jan Sikes
3/10/2021 08:08:39

Congratulations on such positive feedback! That is awesome and I love that it inspires you to finish the next book!

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Gwen M Plano
3/11/2021 04:20:59

Thank you so much, Jan. I'm writing freely now and looking forward to concluding the series in the months ahead. 💗

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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