Pam Lecky's Blog, page 28
May 27, 2018
Historical Fiction Cover Winner May 2018
What draws you to a historical fiction book cover?
Each month I will be choosing my ‘Pam’s Pick’. Hopefully, you will be intrigued enough to look beyond the covers I feature and find your next favourite author. If a cover interests you just click on the link to learn more about the book.
My May winner is:
The Abandoned by Sharon Thompson
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I love a good crime thriller and this cover is perfect. The red cradle hints at drama and high emotion. This cover is intriguing yet dark and the story, set in 1950s Ireland, sounds like a cracking read. Congrats to Sharon (who I interviewed recently Sharon’s Interview).
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Peggy Bowden has not had an easy life. As a teenager, her mother was committed to an asylum and then a local priest forced her into an abusive marriage. But when her husband dies in an accident Peggy sees an opportunity to start again and trains as a midwife.
In 1950s Dublin it is not easy for a woman to make a living and Peggy sees a chance to start a business and soon a lucrative maternity home is up and running.
But when Peggy realizes that the lack of birth control is an issue for women, she uses their plight as a way to make more money. Very soon Peggy is on the wrong side of the law.
What makes a woman decide to walk down a dark path? Can Peggy ever get back on the straight and narrow? Or will she have to pay for her crimes?
Set against the backdrop of Ireland in the 1950’s The Abandoned tells the story of one woman’s fight for survival and her journey into the underbelly of a dangerous criminal world.
To find out more, please click here
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As ever, there was stiff competition for the top spot. Take a look at these wonderful covers.
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When Alexandra Tallis discovers that her witless sister has imprisoned their father’s nemesis, Theo Crombie, in their attic, she quickly frees him, fighting an unladylike impulse to keep him as her own special captive. Despite the brutal beating she receives from her father for her actions, Alexandra continues to yearn for the delicious Mr. Crombie even though she knows that nothing will ever come of her dreams.
Injured and shackled in a stranger’s attic, Theo unexpectedly discovers the woman of his dreams. But how can he pursue those dreams when her bizarre family’s complex relationships threaten the very foundation of his existence? Somehow Theo must find a way through this maze to claim his lady
To find out more, please click here
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Two stories, two heartbreaks: one past, one present…
Leaving her native France and arriving in North Wales as a postgraduate student of History and Folklore, Mel is cautiously optimistic that she can escape from her troubled past and begin a new and happier life.
She settles into her student accommodation and begins work on her thesis, concentrating particularly on one fascinating manuscript: a compelling and tragic tale of a cursed medieval princess.
Then she meets Ray – charming, down-to-earth and devastatingly handsome. Within days, Mel’s entire world has transformed from lonely and frustrated to loving and fulfilled. Despite her failure with previous relationships, she allows herself to hope that this time, at last, she can make it work.
But Mel’s dreams of happiness are under constant threat. She is hiding a dark and terrible secret, which Ray – or indeed anybody else – must never ever discover…
To find out more, please click here
And the not so small print: the judge’s decision is final (that would be me!) and is highly subjective.
Please note this is a cover competition only and does not constitute a review of any of the books featured. It’s up to you to explore. Happy Reading!
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Watch out every month for the next featured selection of great covers, and don’t forget, if you read a book and love it, post a review and make an author happy.
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May 18, 2018
A Conversation with Author Kevin McManus
This evening in the Library we have Kevin McManus, creator of the Ray Logue Mysteries, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into his life as an author.
You are very welcome, Kevin, please introduce yourself:[image error]
I am a crime fiction writer from Leitrim in Western Ireland. I graduated from Maynooth university in 1998 with an MA in History and a Higher Diploma in Education. I have worked as a secondary school teacher since then.
In 2016 I was awarded the Leonard Trophy for my writing and in 2017, my third novel: Under the Red Winter Sky was voted the best Crime Novel of the year and 5th best Indie published novel of the year out of 2000 nominated books.
I support Aston Villa FC and I love Classic Rock music from the 70s. I played Bass guitar in Rock Bands for over 20 years.
Did you read much as a child? Are you an avid reader now? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?
I started out as a kid reading comics, I had my head permanently stuck in Marvel and Sci-Fi magazines. Later as a teenager I graduated to fantasy and horror books by Robert E. Howard, Harry Harrison, Michael Moorcock and James Herbert. From there on to literary and crime fiction.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
I am traditionally published with Sharpe Book.
Which genre do you write in and why?
I write in the crime fiction genre, it wasn’t a conscious decision. My first novel The Whole of the Moon, started out as standard literary fiction but it morphed into crime fiction. I continued that trend for my next three books.
Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
Jo Nebo, Dennis Lehane, Ken Bruen, Ian Rankin and George V. Higgins.
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
Absolutely, all of my novels are set in Western Ireland. The storylines are shaped by the culture, music, weather, landscape, dialect and particular sense of black humour.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
Finding time to write. I am a full time school teacher. So I only really get time to write during school holidays. It can be difficult then just to turn on the tap and get yourself into writing mode.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
Evenings are best for me generally.
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?
Writing is really enjoyable when you get in the zone and everything starts to flow but getting started is difficult. The first four chapters are a chore after that it sort of takes off. Editing and rewrites get tedious after a while. You can only rewrite so many times but you eventually have to just let it go.
Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?
I only realised after I published my first book that you end up spending more time on social media trying to market yourself than you do writing. But It’s a necessary evil.
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
A Rock Star. LOL.
It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?
The instructions of how to build a nuclear fall out shelter.
Please tell us what you are working on at the moment:
My latest published book is New Blood. The second Detective Ray Logue book and the follow up to Death Rains Down. They are both published by Sharpe Books. At present I am working on the very early stage of a third Ray Logue Book which I hope to publish late 2018 or early 2019.
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If you’d like to know more about Kevin and his work, please check out his links below:
Website: https://kevinmcmanusbooks.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bassbreeze
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Books-by-Kevin-McManus-1075444599167606/
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kevin-McManus/e/B01E4GF0GY/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
April 29, 2018
Historical Fiction Cover Winner April 2018
What draws you to a historical fiction book cover?
Each month I will be choosing my ‘Pam’s Pick’. Hopefully, you will be intrigued enough to look beyond the covers I feature and find your next favourite author. If a cover interests you just click on the link to learn more about the book.
My April winner is:
The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas
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This cover jumped out; the colours and images are intriguing and I love the pop of red. I would click on it if scrolling or pick it up in a bookshop, for sure. Who doesn’t love a good mystery and this looks like it could be a cracking story.
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Would you sell your secrets?
Catherine Carlisle is trapped in a loveless marriage and the threat of World War Two is looming. She sees no way out… that is until a trusted friend asks her to switch her husband’s papers in a desperate bid to confuse the Germans.
Soon Catherine finds herself caught up in a deadly mixture of espionage and murder. Someone is selling secrets to the other side, and the evidence seems to point right at her.
Can she clear her name before it’s too late?
To find out more, please click here
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As ever, there was stiff competition for the top spot. Take a look at these wonderful covers.
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In seventh-century England, a vicious attack sets in motion a war of attrition which will last for generations. Four kings, connected by blood and marriage, vie for the mantle of overlord. Three affect to rule with divine assistance. The fourth, whose cousin and sister have been mistreated and whose friend has been slaughtered, watches, and waits. He is a pagan, he is a Mercian, and his name is Penda.
By his side is a woman determined to escape her brutal past. She aids his struggle against his treacherous brother and their alliance founds a dynasty with the potential to end injustice and suppression, if only they can continue to stand together…
A story that spans generations, and travels from Sutton Hoo to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and back to the buried treasure of Staffordshire, this is the first volume of the tales of the Iclingas, the family who ruled Mercia, fighting to avenge their kin and to keep their people free
To find out more, please click here
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Lady Isobella Rothbury believes herself to be on the shelf at 21 having suffered the humiliation of being cast aside in her coming out season. Now needing to help her cousin she seeks assistance from the Duke of Carlisle.
Richard Duke of Carlisle was intending to take a new mistress but is intrigued by Isobella’s approach and finds himself developing a growing interest in her. How he moved from considering a mistress to contemplating matrimony comes as some surprise.
Harry Duke of Exmouth was duped into marriage and plots to capture the virgin he let go. He will bed and breed from the un-named lady he boasts to his friends.
Overhearing the plan Richard realises that the lady is question is Isobella and he has no intention of allowing the lady he desires to end up as mistress to a scoundrel.
If he saves Isobella will he discover the passion she can bring to his bed? And will Isobella find out that to prevent the man you love from seeking a mistress, you should take on that role yourself?
To find out more, please click here
And the not so small print: the judge’s decision is final (that would be me!) and is highly subjective.
Please note this is a cover competition only and does not constitute a review of any of the books featured. It’s up to you to explore. Happy Reading!
***
Watch out every month for the next featured selection of great covers, and don’t forget, if you read a book and love it, post a review and make an author happy.
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April 13, 2018
A Conversation with Author Sharon Thompson
[image error]This evening in the Library, I am delighted to welcome fellow Irish author, Sharon Thompson, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Sharon Thompson here, Irish author who is living in Donegal. I write anything I can but my debut crime novel just launched in January 2018 with leading digital publishers, Bloodhound Books UK. It was a #1 Best-seller on Kindle.
Did you read much as a child? Are you an avid reader now? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?
I loved to read but possibly wasn’t an avid reader. Enid Blyton and The Famous Five were firm favourites. The Secret Garden and Black Beauty stick in my memory. Recently someone mentioned the Thorn Birds and I read this in my teenage years and it brought me back to that book. English was my favourite subject at school.
Now, I love to read all sorts of books. I adore crime fiction writers like Louise Phillips, Andrea Mara and Liz Nugent, contemporary women’s fiction by Carmel Harrington, historical fiction from Hazel Gaynor and I’m throughly enjoying Prime Time by Jane Wenham-Jones. Short-stories by Kelly Creighton and yourself Pam Lecky are great to find. I love to write and read short stories. Oh memoir too! Lorna Sixsmith novel ‘Till the Cows Come Home’ is out soon and I was lucky to read an advance copy. It is a must-read in May. Alana Kirk is also fabulous in this genre. I love blogs and follow the likes of The S Mum/Maria Rushe and ‘Thoughts on a page’ by Tric Kearney. I like writers to make me smile as well as cry.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
My debut novel The Abandoned launched in Jan 2018 with Bloodhound Books at #1 on Irish kindle crime fiction. It is doing well in sales and reviews and I’m delighted.
Which genre do you write in and why?
I skip around with genres. I write anything I can. However, my manuscripts are mostly historical crime fiction. But ….. I also write short stories, contemporary fiction and non-fiction pieces. I love to write and therefore write everything and anything to continue in this ‘writing life’.
Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
This is a tough one. If I say that I feel John McGathern influenced me, it feels wrong, as he is such a great writer, who I never will even touch in terms of ability – but I love his work. Louise Phillips’ books were huge for me when I stumbled across them on a shelf when wanting a female, Irish crime-writer. Carmel Harrington, is like my writing fairy-godmother. We found each other on twitter and she suggested I write for fun and changed my life. Vanessa O’ Loughlin encouraged me to believe in myself. My writing group gave me confidence and are thriving as writers themselves and are leading lights in my writing life.
There’s also a magic that inspires me to write and I dedicate my books to this magic.
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
My novel is based in Dublin, Ireland. Most of my work is Irish based. Therefore, it is hugely influential on me. The Abandoned has a definite ‘Irish style’ and I’m told it has a rhythm or flow which is possibly unique to Irish writers? Others could let me know if this is accurate please.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
Editing for me is the most difficult. I never know if and when a manuscript is ready to go to submissions or back to the publisher. I tend to over-think, over-write and worry about trivial details. I tried to overcome it this time by writing with ‘abandon’. I’m not sure I mastered it and am awaiting my edits on my book 2 from Bloodhound Books with trepidation.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
Anytime really suits me but possibly the morning is when I get the flow of words best. I am lucky to be a full-time writer with no children, an elderly, sleepy dog and an understanding husband. I write when I want to. Lucky me!
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?
Being published is nice but there’s such fear about sales, reviews and future books. I think writers are their own worst critics. It is a brave thing to call yourself a writer.
The up-side though is that I can spend time coming up with ways of meeting others and sharing my work. The best thing is the writing process itself. I can get lost in my worlds and enjoy what I do everyday. Hearing from readers who loved the words I enjoyed putting down, is fabulous too. Most things are great while I’m at a keyboard. It’s the world outside that’s scary.
Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?
I adore social media. It takes up a large part of my time. Twitter and Facebook are my homes. Thankfully (touch wood) my experiences have been positive on both. I run a writing tweet chat and have found it excellent for net-working with writers and readers. #WritersWise is a fun forum anyone can dip into on Thursdays 9-10pm. http://www.writerswise1.wordpress.com
I find it a chore when I spend too much time on it and use it as a way of getting out of editing! writing.ie and my website http://www.sharontwriter.com have posts of mine, which are resources for writers and information on getting published.
I write for two online women’s magazines. #WomansWords on DonegalWoman.ie and #Indulgeinbooks on indulgem.ie, so a presence on social media is not a chore for me. I’ve started my own small digital magazine for subscribers to my website.
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
I used to be primary school principal. If I wasn’t writing, I’d probably have to do a ‘proper’ job. I like to think I’d be an artist of some kind.
It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?
I probably would be feverishly reading the Bible!
Please tell us about your latest published work.
[image error]Thanks Pam for your support and sharing my novel ‘The Abandoned’.
What makes a woman decide to walk down a dark path? Can Peggy ever get back on the straight and narrow? Or will she have to pay for her crimes? Set against the backdrop of Ireland in the 1950’s The Abandoned tells the story of one woman’s fight for survival and her journey into the underbelly of a dangerous criminal world.
Bloodhound Books have signed me for a further two novels and my next one will hopefully be out later this year.
If you’d like to know more about Sharon and her work,
please check out her links below:
April 7, 2018
The Foundling Hospital
UCD LIBRARY CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTIONS
This blog post is about a grim institution of 18th century Dublin and contains details that some readers may find upsetting.
The many commuters who use the Luas St. James’s stop everyday are almost certainly aware that they are very near to the site of the proposed new National Children’s Hospital. It is unlikely though, that they know their proximity to the site of a very different ‘hospital’ for children;.one of Dublin’s most appalling asylums which lasted from early in the eighteenth century to the opening decades of the 19th.
An artists impression of the new National Children’s Hospital
A brief history of The Ancient Foundling Hospital (UCD Special Collections 35.F.2/11) by William Dudley Wodsworth, is more than long enough to outline the full horror of the story despite the restraint of the author, a Victorian era civil servant.
A foundling is an infant that…
View original post 754 more words
April 5, 2018
An Interview with … Pam Lecky
Thank you Emma for hosting me today
Today’s guest is Pam Lecky, author of The Bowes Inheritance. 
Her latest novel, No Stone Unturned, is published later this year. Pam has recently been signed by literary agents Herdman & Swainson, and her anthology of short stories, Past Imperfect, will be published on the 6th April. These stories feature settings as diverse as WW1-era Dublin, the sinking of the Luisitania, and a lonely haunted lighthouse.
Hi Pam. Tell us a little about your writing to date.
My father bought me the complete works of Jane Austen when I was eleven, which sparked a lifetime love of period literature. When the urge to write more than angst-ridden teenage poetry (yep – it was bad!), it’s not surprising that I plumbed for historical fiction. My debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was published in 2015. It is a Victorian romance and mystery.
The original premise was a…
View original post 1,065 more words
March 29, 2018
Cover Reveal – Past Imperfect: A Collection of Short Stories by Pam Lecky – (@pamlecky )
A huge thank you to David for getting the word out on my new release.
Today I bring to you a cover reveal for Past Imperfect a series of short stories by author Pam Lecky.
You should know the name if you follow my blog as she Is the author of The Bowes Inheritance and In Three-Quarter Time both of which earned 5* ratings from me.
Whats the new book about I hear you ask..here’s the blurb –
You can never escape the past …
Included in this anthology, by Irish historical fiction author, Pam Lecky, are short stories, a childhood memoir and a Victorian novelette.
With settings as diverse as WW1 era Dublin, the sinking of the Luisitania, and a lonely haunted lighthouse, romance, tragedy and the supernatural await you.
Now to the cover…
My thoughts.. I like it. I feel it fits Pam’s style of writing and gives the reader an easy indication of the type of story you will be reading.
I’d love…
View original post 31 more words
March 25, 2018
Historical Fiction Cover Winner March 2018
What draws you to a historical fiction book cover?
Each month I will be choosing my ‘Pam’s Pick’. Hopefully, you will be intrigued enough to look beyond the covers I feature and find your next favourite author. If a cover interests you just click on the link to learn more about the book.
My March winner is:
Lamplight by Olga Swan
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I love the moodiness of this cover and the subtle way it draws you into the atmosphere of a pre WW2 story. Congratulations Olga!
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1912. David Klein is eighteen when he runs away from the poverty and orthodoxy of his Jewish home in Birmingham, England, for the bright lights and opportunities of New York. But trouble is in store. From the anguish and terror of nearly drowning at sea, the story moves between New York, Birmingham and eventually to Breslau in Germany where, when working as a war reporter, he meets Karin. Together, they live through the burgeoning terror of Nazi Germany in 1938. Book #1 of the David Klein War Reporter series.
To find out more, please click here
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As ever, there was stiff competition for the top spot. Take a look at these wonderful covers.
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From country girl to actress of the stage, one woman dares to live her dreams—but is she brave enough to open her heart. . .?
Monica Danes always wanted more than the village of Biddlestone had to offer. After a failed courtship to a man of her parents’ choosing, she fled for the city of Bath and never looked back. Today, Monica is the undisputed queen of the theater—a wealthy, independent woman. But when she is called home in the wake of tragedy, Monica returns—intending to leave again as soon as possible.
Thomas Ashby has been a groom at the Danes estate since he was a boy—and has been enamored with Monica for almost as long. He knows he isn’t a suitable match for his master’s daughter, despite the special bond he and Monica have always shared—and their undeniable attraction. But now that she’s returned, Thomas has one last chance to prove himself worthy—and to sh
To find out more, please click here
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South Boston-native Ned Tobin has all the luck. Alive after the Somme, now an officer, he meets, beds and falls in love with the alluring Adèle Chéreaux, a half-English lycée teacher who gives herself fully to Ned. Their love affair is suddenly upended in 1917 when Ned is called home and Adèle flees the last German advance of the First World War.
Harlem lawyer Chester Dawkins is a fine young man and a devoted brother. He dutifully joins a new regiment anxious to fight for their chance at valor in the face of deep-rooted racism. Meanwhile, his sister, Lena, is left at home to shoulder a crippling legacy of family debt.
Ned finds himself back in France with Chester’s regiment. Can these soldiers from very different backgrounds overcome long-held prejudices and find common cause in the bloody trenches? Will Ned ever find Adèle again? And what will become of Lena?
Journey through avant-garde Paris, Prohibition-era Harlem and newly independent Ireland in this heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of love and loss. Has Ned’s luck finally run out?
To find out more, please click here
And the not so small print: the judge’s decision is final (that would be me!) and is highly subjective.
Please note this is a cover competition only and does not constitute a review of any of the books featured. It’s up to you to explore. Happy Reading!
***
Watch out every month for the next featured selection of great covers, and don’t forget, if you read a book and love it, post a review and make an author happy.
Advertisements
February 25, 2018
Historical Fiction Cover Winner February 2018
What draws you to a historical fiction book cover?
Each month I will be choosing my ‘Pam’s Pick’. Hopefully, you will be intrigued enough to look beyond the covers I feature and find your next favourite author. If a cover interests you just click on the link to learn more about the book.
My February winner is:
Tuscan Roots by Anglea Petch
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This cover caught my eye, not least because it features a Tuscan landscape, and I love Italy, but it also intrigued me. Reading the book’s description has intrigued me more. I recently watched some documentaries on this very topic. Congratulations to Angela. Note to Angela – if you ever need some research done in Italy, I’m available!
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1943, Occupied Italy
Ines Santini lived an idyllic and sheltered existence in the Tuscan hills until WWII reached her quiet town. She meets Norman, an escaped British POW, and their lives become entangled in a struggle against the larger forces of the war.
Years later, Anna, their daughter, sets out to unravel the mystery of her parents’ fate. All she has to go on are a handful of old letters and photographs left to her after her mother’s death. Anna travels to the beautiful Tuscan Apennines, where the story unfolds. In researching her parents’ past, she will discover secrets about them, the war, and herself, which will change her life forever…
To find out more, please click here.
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As ever, there was stiff competition for the top spot. Take a look at these wonderful covers.
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While visiting his friend Mr. Charles Bingley, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy makes the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a lively and intelligent young lady sitting in the corner at a local assembly. Darcy discovers that Elizabeth has a secret. Will this secret drive them apart, or will Darcy be able to overcome Elizabeth’s secret and find the love he’s dreamed of.
To find out more, please click here.
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*For Readers 10 and above*
How well do you know the story of King Richard III? Not as well as Matthew Wansford.
Matthew, a 12-year-old merchant’s son, has always longed to be a knight. And his chance comes in the golden summer of 1482 when he arrives at Middleham Castle, home of King Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester – valiant warrior, loyal brother, loving father, good master.
Soon Matt encounters a dangerous enemy. Hugh, a fellow page, is a better swordsman, horseman, more skilled in all the knightly arts – and the son of an executed traitor. A vicious bully, he aims to make Matt’s life hell.
Yet Matt also finds the most steadfast of friends – Alys, Roger and Edward, the Duke’s only son. Together they forge a secret knightly fellowship, the Order of the White Boar, and swear an oath of lifelong loyalty – to each other and to their good lord, Duke Richard.
But these are not times to play at war. Soon Matt and his friends will be plunged into the deadly games of the Wars of the Roses. Will their loyalty be tested as the storm looms on the horizon?
To find out more, please click here.
And the not so small print: the judge’s decision is final (that would be me!) and is highly subjective.
Please note this is a cover competition only and does not constitute a review of any of the books featured. It’s up to you to explore. Happy Reading!
***
Watch out every month for the next featured selection of great covers, and don’t forget, if you read a book and love it, post a review and make an author happy.
Advertisements
February 18, 2018
A Conversation in the Library with Carol Warham
Today in the Library we have Carol Warham, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.
Many thanks for having me along, Pam.
You are very welcome, Carol, please introduce yourself:
[image error]I’m a Manchester girl, born and bred, who moved to Yorkshire over thirty years ago and now you’d have to drag me kicking and screaming to leave here. We live in a lovely village on the edge of the Pennines, close to Holmfirth (Last of the Summer Wine). I’ve always loved writing, and as with so many writers, it’s something I did as a small child. This year I published my first novel. This came after a few years of publishing some short stories, poems and travel articles. My husband and I have two daughters and two grandchildren who live close by and keep us very busy.
Did you read much as a child? Are you an avid reader now? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?
I was brought up in a family of avid readers. My mother, sister and I would often swap around the books we were currently reading. I’m still an avid reader but time isn’t always on my side. I belong to the village book group, and this has opened up my horizons to all sorts of genre, many which I would never have read if left to myself.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
Resolutions is an ebook, published by the independent publisher Tirgearr in Ireland.
Which genre do you write in and why?
Resolutions, my debut novel is a romance/relationship story. I will admit it wasn’t a genre I usually read when I started writing it, so why did I write in this genre? To be honest it was the idea that came to me and it could only have been a romance. I started reading in the genre pretty quickly then!
Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
The biggest influence on my writing has been the wonderful author Paula Martin. She’s been my beta-reader, my editor and my greatest advisor. I doubt that I could have managed without her.
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
It did eventually! I originally wanted to place the story in America. Once I accepted the advice that it wouldn’t work and re-located the plot to England and Yorkshire, it had an huge influence both on the story and the characters.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
I find editing difficult. I know some writers love the process but just now it’s a bit of a deep learning curve for me.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
I just need peace and quiet, so any time during the day will do. However I’ve not much good in an evening, I’m definitely a lark.
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?
Besides seeing your work in print, the most wonderful thing about being an author is the community you join. I have made wonderful friends, some of whom I’ve now met ‘in the flesh’. This community are so generous with their advice, friendship and support. I think the worst thing for me , and I know it’s for others, is self- doubt and lack of confidence in my writing.
Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?
I’ve only come to social media in the last few years and now I’m hooked. It’s mainly facebook I use to connect with my friends and other writers. I try to use twitter but I’ve not really got to grips with it at all. I’ve ‘looked’ at Instagram and pinterest, but that’s as far as I’ve got with them. That’s probably for the best as I’m distracted by facebook enough as it is!
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
I keep very busy with volunteering in the village and belong to several groups, for example the local naturalist (walking) group. If I wasn’t writing I would be reading a lot, lot more.
It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?
I’d probably try to rush through whichever book I was reading so that I could get to the end!
Please tell us about your latest published work.
[image error]A few days before the New Year, Carly Mitchell returns home to the small town on the Yorkshire moors. Her intention for the short visit is to make her apologies and offer an explanation for her action. A year earlier, she fled, leaving her bridegroom and friends bewildered.
She’s met with mixed reactions, ranging from curiosity to open hostility. However, when an emergency arises, Carly agrees to change her plans and stay a little longer. Falling in love with the new local doctor, Ben Thornton, was not part of her original plan either. Especially when it appears his past is shrouded in mystery.
Complications and tensions increase during the town’s New Year celebrations and she begins to doubt whether she has done the right thing by coming home.
Can she find the resolution she needs to overcome the challenges facing her, or will she run away again?
Buy Link for Resolutions: Amazon
If you would like to know more about Carol and her work, please follow the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/carolwarhamauthor/
https://carolwarham.blogspot.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/carol_warham
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Warham_Carol/resolutions.htm
