Historical Fiction Author & Self-Publishing Coach
I write from an island in Chiloé (north Patagonia, Chile), but my work is rooted in the past — real documents, old maps and nautical charts, forgotten stories I research in depth. I reconstruct stories where the sea, war, conflict, and fate intersect, written to reach readers around the world.
After walking that whole path myself — from research to a published book — I now also offer editorial guidance and in-person coaching in Santiago, for Chilean writers who want to learn how to publish a book and self-publish on Amazon.
A Historical Novel of the Great War, Told From the Sea
Heimkehr (back home) is a historical novel set at the outbreak of World War I, based on true events. It tells the story of the German windjammer Herzogin Cecilie — one of the great training ships of its era — and the group of young sailors and cadets caught between fate, war, and survival at sea.
A true story from 1914, written from southern Chile, for readers of naval historical fiction, real maritime adventures, and transoceanic voyages told with documentary rigor.
B O O K S
NEW VERSION
Digital
Not just a novel.
It's a documented voyage.
-
Based on a true story, reconstructed after years of research
-
Over 400 images, nautical charts, maps, and original historical documents
-
Authentic sailing aboard a legendary tall ship
-
A complete Nautical Glossary to immerse yourself in the language of the sea
-
Available in print and ebook, in Spanish and English
Heimkehr
(back home)
Heimkehr
(back home)
REVIEWS
“
A thoroughly researched, moving and visually striking work. As a history buff, I appreciate the rigour with which it is written, but I was also moved by the human story behind the events. The integration of images and historical context is brilliant: it makes reading the book an entertaining and educational experience.
Fascinating from start to finish!
I discovered Heimkehr by chance and it was like finding a lost fragment of our maritime history. The author achieves something very difficult: to tell a German story from the other side of the world, with respect, detail and emotion. The story of the Herzogin Cecilie is told with soul. It transported me.
If you love the sea and a good story, this book is for you. Not only does it recount a historical odyssey, but it brings it to life with a modern narrative and digital tools that draw you in. I read it on board a sailing boat, anchored off Chiloé… and felt as though the past was sailing alongside me
I read Heimkehr (Back Home) with a particular sense of connection. It is not just a historical novel about a little-known episode of the First World War; it´s also a human account of what it meant to be trapped far from one’s homeland.
For those of us with German roots, Heimkehr strikes a deep chord: the question of origin, belonging and the fate of those who were forced to leave Germany and build a new life in other countries.
Alejandro Cuevas C.
Günther Wenzel
Mercedes Rencoret D.
“
P.Reitze
BIO
Carlos Marsh von der Forst (Santiago, Chile, 1957) is a historical fiction author, sailor, speaker, and self-publishing coach, currently writing from the remote island of Mechuque in the Chiloé Archipelago, in Northern Patagonia.
His work focuses on true stories brought to life through narrative, combining historical research, sailing experience, and deeply human storytelling. His novel Heimkehr (Back Home) is based on the real story of his grandfather, a German naval cadet during World War I aboard the legendary windjammer Herzogin Cecilie.
With more than 35 years of experience in marketing and digital innovation, he was a pioneer of digital marketing in Chile, leading large-scale projects across Latin America and advising major companies. He has also been invited as a speaker in cities such as Santiago, Miami, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Kuala Lumpur, and today gives talks on naval history and sailing to companies and institutions.
A Naval Reserve Officer and experienced offshore sailor, he has extensively navigated the fjords and channels of southern Chile. He is also co-founder of Marina Puduhuapi, a nautical project in the Chiloé Archipelago.
His writing aims to recover forgotten stories, blending historical accuracy with emotional narrative — at the intersection of historical fiction, maritime culture, and memory. Today he shares that same journey — from research to a published book — through editorial guidance and in-person coaching in Santiago for Chilean writers seeking to publish their book in Chile and self-publish on Amazon.
NEWS
CONTACT
For inquiries and collaborations, please contact me at:
Follow me on:
Subscribe to receive news, events, and exclusive content.