In September 1939, Germany invaded his homeland, Poland. With limited options, Michał set off on a dangerous journey over land and sea - evading Nazi fire and capture, escaping interment and braving the harsh winter of Eastern Europe.

Many months and close calls later, Michał reached Britain, where he was selected for rear gunner training – the most perilous role in Bomber Command.

However, before his training was complete, he was called up for a mission unlike any that had gone before. For Michał, it was not only a night that would go down in history but one that would change his life forever.

About the book

At its centre, the book follows Michał’s remarkable journey from occupied Poland to join the regrouped Polish armed forces in France, and his experience as a rear gunner for the RAF’s Bomber Command. Using extracts from Michał’s personal account, original WW2 documents and secondary research sources, it weaves the untold story of one brave man into the historical context of thousands.

Underappreciated and misrepresented, Poland’s contribution in the Second World War is often ignored by mainstream accounts of the conflict. This book seeks to help add some balance to the Western-centric narratives we are so familiar with, and shares a side to the story you may not have heard before.

Can you help?

Currently in its research and first draft phase, this book is still very much under development. I’m quickly learning that a project like this takes a village and so I’m looking to connect with WW2/Polish history enthusiasts/researchers and anyone with insights into this pocket of history who would be happy to help me fill in some of the gaps. I’d particularly love to hear from people who have family members of those who left Poland and travelled to France in 1939/1940 and/or who served in the Polish arm of the RAF’s Bomber Command. If you’re happy to share your loved ones’ stories and what you know of their experiences, please do get in touch: jessica@jessicakatebrown.com.

It’s been a while… Time for an intro update!

Little and often is literally my only strategy at the moment. And recently it’s been more of the little without the often! My feed seems to be full of authors going on rural writing retreats or holing up in coffee shops for entire days, which sounds absolutely glorious but so far out of reach right now. Being a mummy is the greatest privilege but it’s times like this I can’t help feeling maybe I’m insane for attempting to write a book in this season of my life. I can offer no advice, just solidarity to the other writer mums holding it together and trying their best!

We all have our reasons. Here are some of mine. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 📕 First and foremost, I have been gifted a story to share and, honestly, I think if I don’t do it, no one will. The book is a legacy for my children and my humble attempt to save a story before it is lost to history. 📕 Misinformation and misrepresentation get my goat. This book is my way of helping to bring balance to mistold narratives and tell a side to a well-known story you might not have heard before. 📕It’s just a bit cool, isn’t it? Anyone who writes a book, especially if they’re a full-time working mother, is a legend in my eyes. Public recognition has always made me feel super awkward but the feeling of achievement must be next level, and that’s something exciting to strive for. Follow along to see if I make it! #authorcommunity #writinginspiration

Oh blimey, there is nothing like a bit of public accountability to instil the fear of God, I mean motivation! 😉 But seriously, thank you for the words of support for my book project. It means the world - I just hope I do a good enough job! One recurring theme I noticed was people congratulating me on almost hitting 10,000 words. I had never really thought of this as a significant milestone in writing. But it made me think that maybe I should start acknowledging these smaller steps on the road to destination publication! And actually why the heck not! I’m all for celebrating the little wins and actively finding little pockets of joy in these, quite frankly, terrifying times. So this was me about to enjoy my Bounty straight from the fridge. (It is the only way to have them and I won’t hear otherwise!) Serious question of the day: What’s your treat of choice? #mondaymotivation #authorgram #bookjourney #aspiringauthor #amwriting

In honour of World Book Day, here is a selection of some of my all-time favourites. Let’s share recommendations! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 #worldbookday #bookrecommendations #bookstagram

Writing a book is so much more than, well, just writing – who knew! I could have written about 10 things here; maybe I’ll do a part two, but these three things are helping me stay motivated and move the dial forward on my work in progress! #authorjourney #writingtips #authorcommunity #bookstagram

If you’ve emailed me recently about working together, you’ll know I’m not currently taking on new editing jobs, because … I’m writing a book! 📖 After two failed attempts at trying to start anything meaningful last year, I decided to clear my calendar for the next 12 months to focus on completing my passion project. (When I say ‘clear my calendar’, I still have my 8–5 day job – if only I could be a lady of leisure and dedicate all my days to filling my creative cup! Alas, a girl has to eat etc. etc.) So here we are, one month in. And the scores on the board are: ⭐️ Draft: first ⭐️ Word count: 9,921 ⭐️ Coffee: oodles! Stick with me as I navigate a whole new book writing world and share updates on writing, research and (deep breath)… publication! #aspiringauthor #publishing #writingabook #authorcommunity authorsofinstagram

When I was at school, history lessons were all about crop rotations and the Industrial Revolution. I couldn’t have been less interested. Out of all the fascinating historical periods, I don’t know which secondary school curriculum gods chose those subjects to inspire the next generation but I happily scratched history off my GCSE options list. It was only as an adult that I discovered I actually love history! Professionally, I’ve been lucky to work on numerous book about my favourite era: WWII (the Tudors is a close second). I can include my current project in that list – a fascinating book about Coco Chanel during the Second World War. Writers and editors, what are you working on at the moment? Share your WIPs below! I’d love to know! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Want to improve the impact of your words? Writing that packs a punch has to be clear and concise. As an editor, it’s my job to bring out the best in your writing – to make sure it’s accessible and as easy to read as possible – reading your book shouldn’t be a chore! However, I’m going to share an easy fix you can use to when you’re self-editing – a quick win to smooth out your sentences! When reviewing your writing, look out for unnecessary filler words… and delete! Here are some common examples of words that might be clunking up your sentences: That – can often be deleted (e.g. I know that it’s true ➡️ I know it’s true). In order to – ‘to’ is usually sufficient (e.g. in order to improve ➡️ to improve). Of – can often be deleted (e.g. all of the ➡️ all the). Deleting those surplus-to-requirement words only takes a couple of seconds but will elevate your writing instantly!

The publishing landscape is changing… and it’s time to take note! For a long time, self-publishing suffered from a stigma associated with books riddled with typos and DIY front covers. Getting a traditional publishing deal was seen as the only way to be a “proper” author. But we can cut the old-school snobbery because times have changed. Independent authors are raising the bar, big time! Today, being self-published does NOT mean… ❌ You can’t sell your book in book shops (yes, even Waterstones!). ❌ Your book won’t have the same editorial standards as its traditionally published contemporaries. ❌ You won’t make money from your book. ❌ You’re any less of an author than someone who has taken the traditional route. It does mean… ✔️You have full creative control over your book. ✔️ You receive all the profits from your book sales. ✔️ You get to set your own timelines and publishing schedule. ✔️ You get to choose your own book team to help make your book the best it can be. Traditional publishing is still a valid route for many authors but it’s not the be-all and end-all. If you have a message that needs to be shared, you don’t have to wait for a gatekeeper’s permission anymore. It’s my mission to keep independent publishing standards high, and helping authors to self-publish quality books is what I do. My ‘book package’ process is very similar to what a publication would go through with a traditional publishing house, to make sure your book is in the best shape possible before it goes public. If you have a manuscript in progress (non-fiction only – sorry, my fiction lovelies!) and want to work with someone who cares about the quality of your book as much as you do, let’s talk!

Little and often is literally my only strategy at the moment. And recently it’s been more of the little without the often!

My feed seems to be full of authors going on rural writing retreats or holing up in coffee shops for entire days, which

Want to improve the impact of your words?

Writing that packs a punch has to be clear and concise.

As an editor, it’s my job to bring out the best in your writing – to make sure it’s accessible and as easy to read as possible &nda

Follow along for updates!

Connect with me @jessica.kate.brown.

The Book (in progress!)

The true story of a Polish airman’s journey to freedom and flight

About the book

Can you help?

Follow along for updates!

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The Book
(in progress!)