Local writer and teacher Stephen Dittmer’s new book, The Brewster Boys & the Eve of Infamy, is out now on paperback and kindle. The story, which was inspired by his students and close friends, follows Peter, Jonathan and Abigail as they stumble upon a malfunctioning time machine that leads them through a historical adventure. They could possibly change one of the biggest moments in history, preventing the attack on Pearl Harbor and doing so ensuring victory for Nazi Germany.
Stephen says he wanted to write “an exciting adventure but also have historical facts incorporated. As a high school history teacher, I love history with a passion but many students think it is the most boring [subject] in the world.” Slang is another tool he has used to relate to his students. “Some of the characters use modern day slang. Slang that I, as a 35 year old, would not typically use.” Eventually, Stephen looks forward to expanding the series with books to come.
What other aspects of Dittmer’s life can be found in the series? A wiener dog makes a cameo (he grew up with a dachshund). “Another example would be how the mom in the story wakes up the main character, Jon; she bangs on the ceiling until Jon bangs back with his foot. This is taken directly from my life as a teenager.”
At the end of the day Stephen is also living out his childhood dreams of not just being a published writer but living vicariously through the story. “Our childhood and teenage years come and go so quickly. I always wanted to have a Goonies-type adventure of my own but it never happened” he laughs. “The Brewster Boys lets me live out those childhood dreams. And I can have as many adventures as I like.”
You can buy the book via Amazon.com. To learn more about the author, read below.
Full name: Stephen J Dittmer
Nickname: Ditty
Height: 6'3"
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Tattoos: None
Piercings: None
Favorite color: Blue
If you were not human, you would be: Alien?
Person responsible for driving you into writing: The list is huge. But my Mom and Dad get the credit for all of my inspiration and endeavors.
Best thing about being a writer: The ability to create your own world.
Sum up yourself in ONE word: Life
Read more interviews: Stephan Nance, Mark David Gerson, Eric Himan, Kevin J Thornton, and Sammy Crawford.
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