Pam Lecky's Blog, page 30
August 26, 2017
The Lighthouse Keeper
Thanks to Michael for a lovely review – nothing like scaring a book reviewer!!
Synopsis
It’s Sally and Alex’s first weekend away together and romance is definitely on Sally’s mind. But why is Alex acting so out of character? When strange things begin to happen, Sally wonders if they are truely alone in their coastal getaway …
__________
Review by Michael Connery
Pam Lecky’s The Lighthouse Keeper is a modern day ghost story in the vein of the Victorian classics such as Gaskell, Dickens, and Riddell: eery and haunting with tragic foreboding.
Atmospheric and vivid, the tale is well-written and tautly plotted. Within the brief twenty-six pages, Lecky unfolds a story steeped in past tragedy, unsettling encounters, and devastating consequences. Though short in length, the protagonist is well-rounded, the plot is driving, and the lighthouse is as much a character as it is the setting. Lecky does a stellar job in building the tension from the first page to the last.
Chilling and gripping,
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July 30, 2017
Historical Fiction Cover Winner July 2017
Do you love historical fiction? What makes you choose one book over another? For most of us, the cover is the first thing that attracts our attention.
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 image to learn more about the book and buy if you wish.
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!
My July winner is:
Deadly Engagement by Lucinda Brant
What a great cover this is! You know exactly what this book is about and would instantly go to the blurb to find out more (which is what I did!. This promises to be a good’ shut out the world and escape book’. Now on the reading list for my hols.
Spring 1763. Career diplomat Alec Halsey returns to London to the shocking news his estranged brother, the Earl of Delvin, has not only killed his friend in a duel but is engaged to the woman Alec hoped to marry. The dead man’s mother wants Alec to investigate, so he reluctantly attends a weekend house party celebrating the engagement. Houseguests get more than they bargained for when a lady’s maid is murdered, the bride-to-be is attacked, and a guest is shot dead. Uncovering a connection between these sinister acts and his brother’s duel, Alec confronts a cruel twist of fate and why his brother will go to any lengths to ruin him in Polite Society.
As ever, there was stiff competition this month for the top spot. Here are the runners up in no particular order.
Including this children’s book by S.P. McArdle
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The Red-Letter Day by SP McArdle
The Red-Letter Day is a magic history adventure for children.
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Out of Time – Loretta Livingstone
1191: Giles de Soutenay has never liked or trusted John, Count of Mortain, but when John is taken seriously ill, it falls to Giles to ensure his survival.
2006: Marion Hart, visiting the ruined Abbey of Sparnstow, could never have imagined she would be called upon to help save one of the most dangerous men of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Falling through a gap in time, she finds herself administering first aid to John, inadvertently endangering both herself and Giles.
Book #1 of the Out of Time series – a time travel story, set in medieval England
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The Christmas Cure by Dianne Ascroft
During the Second World War, one song familiar to American servicemen and women around the world conjured warm, comforting memories like no other. But, for some “White Christmas” unbearably deepened their longing for home.
December 1942: Lieutenant Marjorie Baxter is an intelligent, competent U.S. army nurse newly posted to the 160th Station Hospital at Necarne Castle, Irvinestown, Northern Ireland. Preparing to spend her first ever Christmas away from home, she appears aloof as she struggles to hide her homesickness. And everywhere she goes, she hears “White Christmas”.
Reverend Herbert Lindsay, the widowed rector of a nearby village church and a keen herbalist, is rebuilding his life after his beloved wife’s unexpected death two years ago. Exempt from military service after a childhood accident left him blind in one eye, he is dedicated to serving his parishioners as well as the Allied military personnel he encounters in his community.
The pair cross paths when Reverend Lindsay brings a civilian woman, injured by a U.S. army vehicle, to the U.S. military hospital. Although they intrigue each other, the nurse’s determined reserve stymies the minister’s friendly overtures.
As they continue to be thrown together during the Christmas season, can Marjorie open her heart to Herbert’s friendship, homespun remedies and advice, and maybe more?
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.
June 25, 2017
Historical Fiction Cover Winner June 2017
Do you love historical fiction? What makes you choose one book over another? For most of us, the cover is the first thing that attracts our attention.
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 image to learn more about the book and buy if you wish.
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!
My June winner is:
Mr Monfort’s Marriage by Vonnie Hughes
This cover instantly said romance and mystery (two of my favourite things).
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Mr Monfort’s Marriage by Vonnie Hughes
A marriage of convenience is not always convenient.
The woman needs saving, so he’ll save her. A marriage of convenience should suit them both. But don’t expect him to trust her or love her in spite of those knee-trembling smiles and bright intelligence. Women of the ton are not to be trusted. But Verity certainly is enticing…
As ever, there was stiff competition this month for the top spot. Here are the runners up in no particular order.
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The Fencing Master’s Daughter by Giselle Marks
Edward, Earl of Chalcombe, walking home, is attacked. He attempts to defend himself but is bludgeoned to the ground. Death seems inevitable when a fat ugly man carrying a stick and a beautiful slender young lady appear and rescue him. The rescuers bundle Edward home and the young lady, Madelaine, summons the Bow Street runners. Refusing reward she provides no address. But Edward, fascinated by both Madelaine’s beauty and swordsmanship, intends to pursue the acquaintance. Edward seeks his rescuers and the culprits who wish to terminate his life. He offers the elusive Madelaine marriage but she repeatedly declines. Madelaine’s father accepts an invitation to visit Edward’s estate with her over Christmas as he takes a liking to Edward. As Edward pursues Madelaine, the attempts on his life continue. The mystery intertwines as their romance progresses and Madelaine eventually reveals the secret making her refuse to marry him.
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Looking for Jamie by Angela Rigley
The first book in the saga of Jamie.
Set in the late nineteenth century this is the story of a young boy who is found bedraggled and starving, having lost his memory. All he knows is his name, Jamie. He is taken in by the household of The Grange on the Brightmoor Estate who soon come to love him as one of their own, especially the master David Dalton whose own son had been killed in an accident two years before. Some months later Tillie Raven is released from prison where she had been sent for stealing a loaf after holing up in a barn to escape a fire. Now she has to find her son, she does not even know if he is still alive, but where should she look first?
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Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Broken Window
Sherlock Holmes shows a rare side to his humanity when he and Watson search for a missing fifteen year old girl who has been abducted from her home. The only clue: her window had been smashed through by a rock thrown by an unknown person the night before. With little to go on and no help from the local police, the great detective seems sure of only one thing: if he and Watson cannot find her before dawn, she will be lost forever.
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.
May 28, 2017
Historical Fiction Cover Winner May 2017
Do you love historical fiction? What makes you choose one book over another? For most of us, the cover is the first thing that attracts our attention.
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 image to learn more about the book and buy if you wish.
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!
My May winner is:
Perception & Illusion by Catherine Kullmann
One of the joys of my teenage years was the discovery of the novels of Georgette Heyer (yes I’m a bit of a fan!!). So, when a cover is submitted that takes me back to all of those happy hours, it had to be a winner. So few Regency covers are contemporary images which is such a shame. Images from the time ring far truer than modern models photoshopped over stately homes. Lovely choice, Catherine, and looking forward to reading the book soon.
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Perception & Illusion by Catherine Kullmann
Cast out by her father for refusing the suitor of his choice, Lallie Grey accepts Hugo Tamrisk’s proposal, confident that he loves her as she loves him. But Hugo’s past throws long shadows as does his recent liaison with Sabina Albright. All too soon, Lallie must question Hugo’s reasons for marriage and wonder what he really wants of his bride.
Perception & Illusion charts Lallie’s and Hugo’s voyage through a sea of confusion and misunderstanding. Can they successfully negotiate the Rocks of Jealousy and the Shoals of Perplexity to arrive at the Bay of Delight or will they drift inexorably towards Cat & Dog Harbour or the Dead Lake of Indifference?
As ever, there was stiff competition this month for the top spot. Here are the runners up in no particular order.
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Stolen by marauding Danes, Helena’s desperate to escape their camp. Her unlikely savior comes, a fierce Viking chieftain named Hakan, who takes her to the frozen north. Hakan wants to lay down his sword and live a peaceful farmer’s life. Past betrayal left him cold to love, yet the Frankish woman who keeps his longhouse thaws his icy heart.
Helena wasn’t born a slave. She wants nothing more than to return home, yet her stoic master fascinates her .. he’s as bold as the wild northlands. But war is brewing – a kingdom’s in the balance and Hakan must take up his sword. Can the Viking warrior defend his homeland and keep the woman he loves?
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Pattern of Shadows by Judith Barrow
Mary is a nursing sister at Lancashire prison camp for the housing and treatment of German POWs. Life at work is difficult but fulfilling, life at home a constant round of arguments, until Frank Shuttleworth, a guard at the camp turns up. Frank is difficult to love but persistent and won’t leave until Mary agrees to walk out with him.
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Children of the Chieftain: Banished by Michael E Wills
When one of their freinds is captured and sold into slavery in the land of the Rus, the children of the old chieftain and their comrades decide to risk everthing to rescue him. Little do they know what awaits them when they embark on the Viking ship, the ‘Eagle’. In addition to the dangers of the sea voyage, they must face the villainy of a traitor, marauding pirates and robbers, before they end up in a seemingly hopeless situation as slaves in a quarry. To add to their problems, they learn that they have provoked the anger of the new chieftain of thier island home and have been banished.
The Women Friends: Selina by Emma Rose Millar & Miriam Drori
**FINALIST: The Chanticleer Goethe Awards for Late Historical Fiction**
Who is the young woman with the haunting gaze in Gustav Klimt’s 1917 masterpiece, The Women Friends?
Selina Brunner is running from the demons of her past, cut off from her family in a sleepy Tyrolean village, and lost in the soulless city of Vienna, where everything – even one’s very existence – is a lie.
When, amidst growing fear of sinister developments in Vienna, an exotic stranger comes to town, Selina finds old passions reignited and her whole world turned upside down.
The Women Friends: Selina is the first in a series of fictional tales about the women who inspired this great artist.
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.
May 15, 2017
A Conversation with Author Suzan Collins
[image error]This evening in the Library we have Suzan Collins, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.
You are very welcome, Suzan, please introduce yourself:
Hi Pam, thanks for having me along. You want a short bio? I write and I eat cake. I do other things too. I also run two companies.
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?
Gosh that’s a long time ago. Yes I did read but was more into sport. Sport was my love and represented school and college. It is important to read and I try to but finding the time when you’re writing and running two businesses can be quite difficult.
I enjoy reading romance. I will one day try crime/detective fiction as it will make me think whilst I read. At the moment I have two piles of books to be read. All fiction of course. Oh and some on the Kindle. I recently read Keep Smiling Through: Second World War – Letters from Prisoner of War Camps by Sandra Delf. Really thought provoking.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
Both.
Which genre do you write in and why?
I write in various genres-non-fiction, fiction and children.
Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
[image error]Can I say my cat, #chattycat? Chatty Cat is a rescue cat and has not only influenced me but also some young children who have written stories for the back of the Chatty Cat book series.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
Writing non-fiction is fine and I can be very focused, unfortunately I cannot say the same for my adult fiction, I like to write about everything, some of which is not necessary.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
Depends on the genre. Non-fiction is best during the night and fiction early morning. Having said this I host #writerscorner at The Coconut Loft Art Gallery a wonderful and inspiring place, food is superb as too are the staff and I get a lot done within the two hours of being there. Check it out it’s just across the road from the beach www.coconutloft.co.uk
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?
The best thing about my non-fiction writing is that I can share my work and inform others. With the fiction I can ‘switch off’ for a while and use my imagination.
The worst thing – let me have a think. Eating too much cake and putting on weight. Ha ha. Sometimes when you have an idea in your head or the characters talk to you and it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and you have to be up at 6am!
Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?
[image error]I do enjoy social media as it enables me to engage with readers, friends and fellow authors. Of course I need it for the promotional side as well and can spend quite a lot of time on social media.
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
As a child I always wanted to be a bus conductor and have a ticket machine or work in a pub.
It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?
Oooh don’t want to think about that.
I hear one of your books is in a FINALIST in The People’s Book prize. Tell us more.
[image error]CHATTY CAT: My Purr-fect Friends (book three in the Chatty Cat series) is a FINALIST in The People’s Book Prize.
Purr-lease vote for me and my shehooman to win!
http://www.peoplesbookprize.com/book.php?id=1474
Buy links: Amazon UK / Amazon US
If you would like to know more about Suzan and Chatty Cat, see the links below:
Suzan: Facebook / Blog / Twitter: @suzancollins
Chatty Cat: Facebook / Chatty Cat Blog / Twitter: @chattycatsuzi
Thank you for having me along. Chatty Cat sends a few head bumps.
May 8, 2017
Jenny Kane Blog Tour
Today in the Library we have Jenny Kane, who has dropped by as part of her blog tour to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.
Jenny’s Bio:
[image error]Jenny Kane is the author of the full length romance novels Abi’s Neighbour, (Accent Press, 2017), Another Glass of Champagne (Accent Press, 2016), Abi’s House (Accent Press, 2015), the contemporary romance/medieval crime time slip novel Romancing Robin Hood (Accent Press, 2014), the best selling contemporary romance novel Another Cup of Coffee (Accent Press, 2013), and its novella length sequels Another Cup of Christmas (Accent Press, 2013), Christmas in the Cotswolds (Accent, 2014), and Christmas at the Castle (Accent Press, 2015).
Keep your eye on Jenny’s blog at www.jennykane.co.uk for more details.
Jenny also writes erotica as Kay Jaybee and historical crime as Jennifer Ash.
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?
From almost as soon as I could read I was rarely seen without a book in my hand. I was an incredibly shy child and reading was my way to escape from the world. I had firm favourites, such as The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson. I couldn’t get enough of the story of Plop the Owl. I knew the book word for word and could recite chunks of it at will.
In my teens I fell in love with the television series, Robin of Sherwood. As a result I started to read anything and everything to do with Robin Hood, medieval England, and outlaws in general. I don’t think there was a novel or factual book on the subject that I didn’t read in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
I remain an avid reader, and very much enjoy reading detective fiction, Victorian crime and contemporary fiction. I like to read a book that makes me think as well as entertain me. I will read any genre except for horror – I scare far too easily!
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
As both Jenny Kane (contemporary fiction) and Jennifer Ash (medieval crime) I have a traditional publisher (Accent Press). I started my writing career prior to self publishing being an option, so for those two genres I haven’t considered self publishing so far.
As Kay Jaybee, however, (erotica), I am a freelance author, and have a mixture of traditional publishers and self published volumes. Since Fifty Shades crashed the erotica market, many traditional erotica publishers have fallen by the wayside. There are very few quality publishers left who are willing to embrace the genre in a form in which it is well written.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
For me, the most challenging part of the writing process is getting my novel manuscripts (which are usually between 85-110,000 words in length), from the 10,000 word mark to the 25,000 word mark. I don’t know what it is about that particular part of a novel that makes it so hard to get the words down on paper. Perhaps it’s because the initial idea is mapped out, but the end of the story is so far away.
To get through this I don’t add page numbers to my work until I’m a long way through my story. I also write each chapter as a separate document; only compiling them into one complete working draft once the book is written. This way the word count seems to climb much faster, and I don’t get bogged down only a tenth of a way into my manuscript.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
My most creative time is first thing in the morning. I am always at my desk in the corner of a local coffee shop at 7.45 in the morning.
I’m hopeless at writing at home. There are just too many household tasks that need my attention, so I have to go out. As soon as I have a black coffee and a pile of toast and marmalade at my side, I’m away! I’ll write until about 11am. After that I edit, write promotional blogs, and work on any writing courses I might be due to teach that week.
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?
The very best thing about being a writer is being able to play with your imagination all day. You can literally make up anything about anything and it’s OK. It is so much fun! I love it – but like with anything wonderful- there’s a price.
That price is the flipside – the writing process and making up stories is only a small part of an author’s job. A great percentage of time is taken up with book promotion, social media, and taking on lots of freelance work to pay the bills (very few writers earn more than 6k a year).
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
If I wasn’t an author I would either have gone back to tutoring Medieval History or being an archaeologist. I was lucky enough to do both jobs before I had my children. In fact, the only reason I am not doing one or other of those things now, is that not long after I gained my PhD and began to teach at the University of Leicester, my husband was offered a job in Aberdeen. I took a career break so we could go to Scotland; then my family came along, writing found me, and somehow I never went back.
It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?
The Hooded Man by Anthony Horowitz
(Once a Robin of Sherwood fan, always a Robin of Sherwood fan!)
I was delighted to see the setting for your new book, Jenny – I spent a day at Sennan Cove, many years ago and I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I’d ever seen. Please tell us about Abi’s Neighbour.
My latest novel, Abi’s Neighbour was published on 4th May 2017. Set in the stunning Penwith area of Cornwall, it is the sequel to the bestselling Abi’s House (although it can be read as a standalone story).
[image error]Blurb: Abi Carter has finally found happiness. Living in her perfect tin miner’s cottage, she has good friends and a gorgeous boyfriend, Max. Life is good. But all that’s about to change when a new neighbour moves in next door.
Cassandra Henley-Pinkerton represents everything Abi thought she’d escaped when she left London. Obnoxious and stuck-up, Cassandra hates living in Cornwall. Worst of all, it looks like she has her sights set on Max.
But Cassandra has problems of her own. Not only is her wealthy married lawyer putting off joining her in their Cornish love nest, but now someone seems intent on sabotaging her business.
Will Cassandra mellow enough to turn to Abi for help or are they destined never to get along?
Complete with sun, sea and a gorgeous Cornwall setting, Abi’s Neighbour is the PERFECT summer escape.
Buy links
If you would like to know more about Jenny and her work check out the links below:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Amazon Author Page / Goodreads
April 30, 2017
Historical Fiction Cover Winner April 2017
Do you love historical fiction? What makes you choose one book over another? For most of us, the cover is the first thing that attracts our attention. For me, the cover has to look professional and must convey genre and a hint of what the story is about.
Each month I will be taking a look at historical fiction covers and choosing my ‘Pam’s Pick’ for the month. 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 image to learn more about the book and buy if you wish.
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!
My April winner is: The Finish by Angela Elliott
I was drawn to this cover by both the individual images and the way they were beautifully combined and the rich and vibrant colours. If I saw this in a book shop I would definitely investigate it. And it’s the first in a series – congratulations to Angela.
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The Finish by Angela Elliott
It is 1769 and these are violent times. London’s Covent Garden has long been a centre of hedonistic pleasure. Kitty Ives, an alluring whore, takes a man to her bed and wakes to find him dead. Scared she will end up on the gallows, Kitty decides to uncover the identity of the murderer. The Finish is the first terrifying and mysterious episode in the Venus Squared series, comprising The Finish, The Surety, The Debt, and The Trade.
As ever, there was stiff competition this month for the top spot. Here are the runners up.
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The Yankee Years by Dianne Ascroft
The Yankee Years Series: During the Second World War Northern Ireland hosted American, British and Canadian troops. County Fermanagh welcomed Air Force squadrons hunting U-boats and defending shipping convoys in the Atlantic Ocean and Army battalions training and preparing for deployment to Europe’s Western Front. After the Allied troops arrived, life would never be the same again. The Yankee Years novels and Short Reads weave thrilling and romantic tales of the people and the era.
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Fire & Steel by C.R. May
Britannia 523A.D.
Chaos sweeps the land as rival warlords fight for control of its riches. Into this toxic brew a small tribe clings to its new colony of Anglia as war rages along the frontier. But Britannia is not the only land in flux and powerful enemies covet the homeland of Engeln itself. As Danish raids increase in daring and ferocity, a momentous decision is reached as the English king prepares to lead his people on the greatest campaign in their nation’s history. A hero, Eofer king’s bane lands the first blow. Leading a lightning-fast raid he burns Heorot, the heart of the Danish kingdom. Before the Danes can recover Eofer leads an army north, laying waste the lands of the Jutes as the war of fire and steel begins. Fire & Steel is the first in a major new series which chronicles the migration and settlement of the first English people, the Angles.
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Scars from the Past by Derek Birks
An unwelcome legacy. An impossible love. A relentless enemy.
By 1481, England has been free from civil war for ten years. The Elder family have found a fragile peace after their part in the bloody struggle for the throne, yet scars from the past remain with them all. Given time, they might heal, but when did the Elders ever have enough time? Close to home, in Ludlow, trouble is stirring.
Born out of the carnage of the Wars of the Roses, young John Elder is now the heir to his father’s legacy, but he finds it a poisonous one. Driven from the woman he loves, John abandons his legacy and flees the country to become a mercenary in Flanders.
In his absence, the other members of the Elder family must face a ruthless outlaw family. When the young heir to the throne, Edward, Prince of Wales, is caught up in their bitter struggle, his very life hangs in the balance. To save a prince, all other lives must be put at risk, but only if the Elders can leave the scars of the past behind them, is there any hope of survival.
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A Duke’s Wicked Kiss by Kathleen Bittner Roth
While on a secret mission for the Crown, a proper duke falls for an improper daughter of an Indian royal and British noble.
Miss Suri Thurston knows the pain of abandonment. Intent on confronting the grandmother who tossed her to the lions, she travels from England to her birthplace in India. Her plans run afoul when she encounters the man who, ten years prior, left a mark on her soul with one stolen kiss. But he is a duke, and far beyond the reach of even her dreams.
The Duke of Ravenswood, secret head of the British Foreign Service, has no time for relationships. His one goal is to locate and eliminate key insurgents involved in an uprising against the British East India Company before it’s too late. But when Suri appears in Delhi, his resolve is tested as he finds his heart forever bound to her by the one haunting kiss they shared once upon a time.
With Suri’s vengeful Indian family looking for her death, and insurgents intent on mutiny tearing their world apart, can their love rise above the scandal of the marriage they both desperately want?
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 very happy.
April 22, 2017
A Conversation with Author Nancy Jardine
Today in the Library we have Nancy Jardine, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.
Hello Nancy, you are very welcome. Please introduce yourself:
[image error]Hello! I’m Nancy Jardine. I live in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, a fabulous place for anyone who adores history as much as I do. My week vanishes in a blur of reading, writing, marketing, blogging, news and politics. I’m a fair weather gardener and like thousands of retired people across the UK, I officially (unpaid for government statistics) look after my grandchildren about two and a half days a week. Since they stay next door to me, the rest of the week can be ad hoc minding or just happy interruptions from the 3 and 5 year olds. Any time left during the week is for general living, breathing and sleeping. Many Saturdays, and some Sundays, from April to December I can be found at Craft Fair venues around Aberdeenshire. I sell paperback versions of my novels at these events and get bookings for doing local author talks to various types of groups. I’m a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the Scottish Association of Writers and the Federation of Writers Scotland.
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 a copious reader from the moment I could read at five years old. I devoured everything I could lay my hands on and particularly loved Enid Blyton, the Chalet School Series and my weekly comics like the Bunty, Judy, Beano and Dandy. I’m still an avid reader and need my fix of fiction every day. During my career as a primary school teacher, I tended towards historical fiction and easy-read romantic fiction, mainly due to being brain dead by 9 p.m. However, since being published by Crooked Cat Books in 201,2 who publish across many different genres, my reading is much more eclectic.
Are you self-published or traditionally published?
[image error]I’m both. I’ve six novels published by small independent publisher Crooked Cat Books. In 2016, The Taexali Game was self published. This is a time travel historical adventure for age 10 and above. The whole process of getting my self-published novel onto Amazon Kindle, and Createspace for the paperback version, made me realise how excellent Crooked Cat Books are at organising the editing and formatting of the work they publish. The formatting process for The Taexali Game took me a month, given my other domestic commitments, but it was eminently worth it since The Taexali Game was placed second in Barbara Hammond Award for Best Self Published Book (March 2017).
Which genre do you write in and why?
I write across different genres.
[image error]The three novels in my Celtic Fervour Series are historical romantic adventures set in first century Roman Britain. This is essentially a pre-historic era and for the greatest accuracy in my writing, I have to delve deeply into the archaeological record.
I also have three stand-alone contemporary romantic mysteries published. The contemporary work was intended to give me a break from heavy historical research. I cheated, though, because two out of three of the mysteries have strong ancestral themes binding the plot. My love of history sneaked its way in!
I’ve mixed the genres even more in my Rubidium Time Travel Series for early teens because my contemporary kids time travel back to third century Roman Scotland in Book 1.
Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
I’m not consciously aware of any one particular overriding influence. During most of my teaching career I was only interested in writing for teaching purposes and never aspired to be a fiction writer. However, in 1999 and later in 2005, I was nominated by teacher friends to voluntarily write two non-fiction historical books (arm twisted behind back). The first was a teaching pack for Aberdeenshire Primary schools; and the second was a complete History of Kintore School, Aberdeenshire, dating from c. 1500 to 2005. I thoroughly enjoyed the research and the whole writing processes. This made me believe I could write fiction and get it published – though it only happened after I stopped teaching in 2011.
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
Definitely. Whenever appropriate I’ve included some aspect of Scotland in many of my novels.
[image error]Books 2 & 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series of historical adventures are set in Roman ‘Scotland’ in the first century AD. The Taexali Game is set in AD 210 when the Ancient Roman Emperor Severus descended on the Taexali tribes of ‘Aberdeenshire’. In Take Me Now, a humorous contemporary mystery, my hero Nairn Malcolm is at the outset a ‘slightly battered’ highland laird. The settings are his island castle near Oban on the west coast of Scotland and various other world-wide cities, including his London work base.
The Scottish connection in Topaz Eyes, a contemporary mystery which was a Finalist in The People’s Book Prize 2014, is my heroine Keira Drummond from Edinburgh. Some of the action takes place in her home city; the rest is set in fabulous world-wide locations.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
I started off as essentially a ‘pantser’ who initially created a very short outline plan and then plotted more as the story developed. That worked for my first couple of manuscripts but as my stories became more complex I found I had to make much more extensive initial plots. My time lines are laid earlier in the creative process now and my planning folders get thicker for each new story. Creating the ‘middle section’ can be a slow process. However, since I’m presently becalmed in the doldrums, I guess I’ve not yet overcome my current problem which is finding enough time to write continuously! Being disciplined about setting aside time for new writing has been a problem during the last few years, my grandkid minding duties a continuous interruption. I’m pragmatic enough to know that I wrote a lot more before they were born, and I’m sure I’ll have more writing time after both enter official schooling. It’s a matter of patience since I’m not willing to miss being part of their growing up.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
Not really. Sometimes I find I work better in the late evening but not when it’s been a hectic day! When I’m really tuned in any time of day can be productive.
What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?
The best is probably the feeling that I’ve accomplished something worth doing when I look at the little row of paperback copies of my own novels on my bookshelf. It’s also a huge buzz when I have a return customer for my novels at one of my Craft Fair venues. That face to face endorsement of my work is as uplifting as a 5 Star review on Amazon. The worst part of being an author is common to most (I believe) and that’s the time sucking and often repetitive marketing aspects.
Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?
I’m on Facebook far too much so I must enjoy it! I’ve never got the hang of using Twitter properly so that tends to be more of a chore. I love putting images on to Pinterest but that’s often another massive time waste if I digress. I really enjoy blogging: writing for my own blog, and for others as a guest author or interviewee.
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
A Great question! I’d read a lot more novels and I’d be a much more successful gardener. Money permitting I’d maybe travel more, though I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of travelling over the last five decades. When my daughters were young I did a lot of embroidery and wool tapestries so I’d maybe go back to that. I’d definitely have to find something engrossing since I rarely watch TV except for news and watching historical series.
It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (one volume) or a Complete Shakespeare with his poetry included.
Please tell us about your latest published work.
I’ve been working on three different projects since mid 2015: Book 4 of my Celtic Fervour Series; Book 2 of my Rubidium Time Travel Series; and the first book of a family saga which begins in Victorian Scotland. By the end of this year I’m determined to have something completed!
Thank you for inviting me today, it was a pleasure being here.
If you would like to know more about Nancy and her work, please check out the links below:
Blog Website Author Facebook Page The Taexali Game Facebook Page Email Nancy Twitter Amazon Author Page
March 30, 2017
Fireballs & Lighthouses!
Uncle Billy
I have very happy memories of visiting my mother’s family in County Mayo when I was a child. My Uncle Billy was a great character, famous for his singing and playing the saxaphone. But he was also a terrific storyteller. Unfortunately, he was rather fond of telling ghost stories of an evening. As a young child, unused to country ways and the absolute darkness of a country night, whenever he told one of his eerie tales, I was absolutely terrified. I’d go to bed shaking with fear and would lie there for hours trying to convince myself there was nothing to be afraid of and jumping at the slightest noise in the old house. He probably never realised the effect his stories had on me, and, although at the time I wasn’t too happy about it all, those stories still resonate with me to this day.
One of his tales was about James Knight’s field and the mysterious light that was seen to float just above the reeds and move around, as though propelled by an evil force. Now, I don’t know if Billy made this up, or if indeed methane gas from the wet and boggy Mayo field was to blame, but the story stuck in my head. It thrilled and scared me and probably was the basis for my life-long interest in the paranormal and the Gothic (reading Jane Eyre at a young age may have contributed to this as well!).
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Hook Head Lighthouse, Ireland
My other (guilty) pleasure is lighthouses and I have always wanted to live in one. I just think they are fascinating from an architectural point of view, not to mention the dramatic locations they tend to have. The variety of types, shapes, and colours is astounding. The lives of the people who manned them over the centuries interests me too; I’m sure it was often a lonely and thankless job.
I have always wanted to write a story about a lighthouse. I was also very keen to write a ghost story. Somehow the two seemed to fit together beautifully and inspired me to start writing my latest short story. The Lighthouse Keeper is a contemporary ghost story which indulges my interest in both the supernatural and those beautiful buildings which have guided seafaring folk to safety for centuries.
I like to think my story would have sent a shiver down Uncle Billy’s spine.
THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER: Sally and Alex are on their first holiday together and romance is on Sally’s mind. But Alex is acting strangely. When unsettling things start to happen, Sally begins to wonder if they are truely alone in their coastal getaway …
Buy Link
March 26, 2017
New Release from Author Catherine Kullmann
[image error]This evening I have a special guest in the Library. Catherine Kullmann, my good friend and fellow Irish historical fiction author, has settled down for a chat about her new release, Perception & Illusion, which will be available on Amazon (ebook and paperback) on Tuesday.
Firstly, Catherine, can you tell us a little about the story?
Lallie Grey, who has been cast out by her father for refusing the suitor of his choice, accepts Hugo Tamrisk’s proposal, confident that he loves her as she loves him. But Hugo’s past throws long shadows as does his recent liaison with Sabina Albright and soon Lallie begins to question his reasons for marrying her. As she struggles to find her feet in the haut ton, Hugo feels ignored by his new wife and before long they are embroiled in a tangle of jealousy and resentment. Small misunderstandings lead to greater ones as Lallie’s rejected suitor stirs the pot. Hugo’s smouldering resentment finally erupts. Is all lost, or can they find their way to a new beginning?
Perception & Illusion charts Lallie’s and Hugo’s first year of marriage, taking us from country houses to the London Season and the gaiety of Brussels as Europe celebrates the defeat of Napoleon in 1814. Nicola Cornick describes it as “Deliciously romantic with wonderful characters, elegant writing and perfect period detail. Hugely enjoyable.”
Perception & Illusion will be available worldwide on Amazon as e-book and paperback from 28 March 2017and is now available for Pre-Order.
What prompted you to write this book?
[image error]I have spent many hours imagining continuations of my favourite books, wondering what happened next, as if the characters somehow carry on with their lives in secret chapters that vanish when the book is opened. In historical or period novels, the happy end comes very early in a developing relationship. Today a couple starts dating, then commits to an exclusive relationship and frequently live together even before there is a formal engagement and a wedding.
Compare this to previous centuries: Almost all of the young couple’s interactions would have been within a public, chaperoned framework. They had very little opportunity to get to know one another before they were married, to discover their compatibility, not only sexually but also on a practical, everyday basis. There were no pre-marriage courses then and no couples’ counselling. While the Anglican marriage service exhorted husbands ‘to love their wives as their own bodies……he that loveth his wife, loveth himself’, wives were adjured to ‘be in subjection to their own husbands, even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.’ This religious doctrine was reinforced by the legal doctrine of coverture which suspended a wife’s legal existence, incorporating and consolidating it into that of her husband.
Is it any wonder that a new wife might be reluctant to question her husband, preferring to raise her defences and hide her unhappiness? It can only be a rejection in spirit, for she has been taught that she may not deny him her bed, but this makes it even more difficult to combat. Or that her husband might feel and resent her subtle rejection? And this could lead him to become ever more hostile towards her while at the same time longing for an intimacy he cannot be sure is possible.
All of this takes place after the conventional happy end. But, even today, a happy end does not guarantee a happy ever after. Social mores may have changed but the dynamics in many relationships today are the same as they were two centuries ago and communication breakdown is not unknown. However, the gulf between courtship and the intimacies of marriage was much wider then. As so much of public life in regency society was regulated by formal or unspoken rules, and private life was just that—private, young people had few opportunities to observe happy and loving relationships, especially as the concept of marrying for love rather than for position or status was relatively new.
I hope readers will enjoy following the twists and turns of the plot as Hugo and Lallie voyage through a sea of confusion and misunderstanding. Will there be a happy ever after for them? Well, I think that where there is a willing disposition on both sides, Love can conquer all.
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your new book and I wish you all the best with it.
Pam
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