Keeping pet canaries was a lifetime hobby that found its way into his book "Birdy", along with his war-time experiences.
He and his family eventually moved to Paris, where he established his painting career. He signed his artwork with his birth name, but published his books under a pseudonym. He continued painting even after becoming a successful writer.
After the war, he earned an art degree at UCLA, where he also took a doctorate in psychology. He taught art in the Los Angeles public schools.
He enlisted in the Army and was severely wounded during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.