Pam Lecky's Blog, page 32

A Conversation with Author CJ Harter

This evening in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­CJ Harter, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, CJ, please introduce yourself:

[image error]I’ve dissected human bodies in Sheffield (legitimately), shushed library-users in Wigan, shared poetry with people living with dementia in Liverpool, and organised bedbaths in Salford. More recently, I’ve dipped my toe into local TV interviewing. In 2013 I self-published a psychological suspense “Rowan’s Well”. This is an ongoing adventure. I’m learning so much about publishing and marketing, and picking up great reviews all the time. This year I won second prize in Liverpool’s Writing On The Wall Pulp Idol First Chapter contest with my work-in-progress Fitful Head, a ghost story, attracting interest from an agent and an indie publisher. I have a degree in Literature and Philosophy. I’m mother to two adults, wife to one and slave to two tiny dogs.

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 feel I was born reading. I’m reader first, writer second. The first book I ever read for myself was “Clifford The Big Red Dog”. I hid under coats in the school cloakroom when I should have been playing out, aged four. I read all sorts from Dickens to Dostoyevsky in the classics, to contemporary women like Sarah Waters and Margaret Atwood, to the glorious Stephen King or, in crime, Irish writer Tana French. Right now, I’m reading lots of ghost stories as I’m writing one. Michelle Paver’s “Dark Matter” and Paul Tremblay’s “A Head Full Of Ghosts” stand out of my recent reads.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

So far, self-published, although I recently attended the launch of “Firsts”, an anthology of the finalists’ first chapters from the Writing On The Wall’s Pulp Idol contest. I’m so excited!

Which genre do you write in and why?

My first novel is a psychological suspense. I don’t write to a genre. I write the story I need to write and decide what genre it is when I’m done.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Stylistically, probably the late great Iain Banks. I love his clarity and humour while telling the darkest tales. And I adore his family stories full of intrigue and human complexities. But really every author I’ve ever read has influenced me in some way. For instance, I realised only recently that the names of my two main protagonists are straight out of the Flambards novels by KM Peyton!

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

How can it not? I wouldn’t dare write beyond my culture. Although, in “Rowan’s Well”, the central character is a man. Is that writing outside my culture as a woman? Interesting…

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

For me, it’s the simple discipline of sitting down to write every day. I’m so easily distracted. I try to be strict and when I do get down to it I marvel at why I procrastinated, I love it so much.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Mornings, the earlier the better. Sadly, I have two dogs who beg to differ on that.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

The best thing is hearing readers talk about my characters as if they are real people... because, of course, to me they are. I love going to book groups to meet my readers.

The worst thing? Writing synopses, no question.  I loathe and detest that. It’s just too hard. Why can’t agents and publishers sit down with a cuppa and read the book? Is that too much to ask?

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

Enjoyment isn’t the word. Sad to confess I’m addicted to social media – facebook and twitter being my main vices. I should try to cut down on my social media time. Every author knows it’s anathema to writing and creativity.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

I’ve had a long career in community work, working with volunteers and vulnerable people. Eventually, I’ll get back to that but I’ve got to finish this next novel first…

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

“Anne Of Green Gables” by LM Montgomery. Anne Shirley was and still is my hero and role-model. I’d like to spend my final hours with her.

Please tell us about your latest published work.

Rowan’s Well

[image error]Who is your best friend? What wouldn’t you do for them? Lie? Betray? Or worse…? When Will Cooper meets strange, tormented Mark Strachan at university he soon has cause to be thankful as they are caught up in a fatal accident. And when they marry sisters Olivia and Eloise Brooke, their fates are tied. But Will could never have imagined how strong Mark’s influence will become and that one day he will have to pay a price for their friendship. Because Mark has a secret flaw that goes to the very core of him. A secret so deep, he will wreck lives to protect it.  Amazon Buy Link

If you would like to know more about CJ and her work please check out the links below:

 Website         Facebook         Twitter

 

 

A Conversation with Author Suzy Henderson

This evening in the Library I am delighted to have my friend and fellow historical fiction author, Suzy Henderson, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

It’s lovely to meet you again, Suzy, please introduce yourself to our audience:

I live with my husband and two sons in Cumbria, England, on the edge of the beautiful Lake District. I never set out to be a writer, although I have always had an insatiable appetite for books.

Some years ago after leaving an established career in healthcare, I began to research family history, soon becoming fascinated with both World War periods. After completing a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, I took a walk along a new path, writing from the heart. I write historical fiction and have an obsession with military and aviation history.

My other interests include music, old movies, and photography – especially if WW2 aircraft are on the radar. I am a member of the Historical Novel Society and my debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was released yesterday, 28th November 2016.

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?

As a child, I was an avid reader and can remember at the age of eight, having to go to bed early because of school the next day, and all I wanted to do was read. So, out came the torch and under the duvet I went – I was terrible, but the thing is, it fed my imagination, and I can remember almost as vividly today just how fantastic that felt. Books can give us such a buzz, and I love how you’re so easily transported to another time and place.

I have always been a reader although there were times when work encroached on that, but well before I wandered into writing, I began to read frequently and now it’s a daily routine.

As for genres, well I can quite happily cross those boundaries. It’s quite revelatory as I’m discovering books I wouldn’t have looked at twice years ago. I read contemporary romances, historical fiction, fantasy, thrillers, and crime. I haven’t attempted horror as yet, but then I don’t like watching horror films either so maybe that’s one area that will remain out of bounds.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

I’m self-published, and it’s been quite a journey. Before I made the decision to do this, I had what I thought was a good grasp on the self-publishing process, but boy was I wrong. What I hadn’t realised was just how much work was involved. It’s relentless and increases the pressure on writing time.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I write historical fiction, which in itself covers all historical periods, but I’m particularly focussed on both World Wars. “The Beauty Shop” is set during the Second World War and I seem to have a natural affinity with this period, although I’m not sure why. About ten years ago I decided to look into my family history which led to some military research, and I subsequently came across so many people, and stories I’d never heard of before, and I was entranced. It became an obsession, and I simply couldn’t walk away. I remember thinking, “Why do I not know about this?” However, the fact is, there is so much information out there and it’s almost impossible to know everything unless of course, you are a historian. My passion for history and for the brave men and women I had encountered led me to write as it seemed sad to leave their stories buried and dishonourable.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Well, this is always tricky because there are so many, but I’d probably cite Pat Barker, who has written a number of novels, but is perhaps very well known for the Regeneration trilogy, set during the First World War. These books are brilliant, and when I read Ghost Road, I was quite literally ‘blown away.’ The writing is so simple, yet masterful, and I love how Barker weaves fiction seamlessly with real and fictional characters.

I always cite a second author because while Pat Barker had a significant influence, Hilary Mantel had an equally important influence at the very beginning of my writing journey. In her autobiography, “Bringing Up the Bodies” she mentions how she fell into writing. She states how she knew she could write well, but had never written fiction and had to learn. Well, this was revelatory because of the age-old debate about writers and creative writing courses. Can fiction writing be taught? Well, Hilary helped me to see that if you can write then you already have some of the tools to work with. You simply need to embark on the apprenticeship and learn on the job to polish your craft.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I suppose from one perspective it must have. Having been raised in Britain, I’m used to our culture and our historical past and so yes, I feel it does influence and shape the writing. That said, having done an enormous amount of military research, I’m also drawn to other countries, such as America, France, and Germany in pursuit of stories from both World Wars.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

I don’t think I can name one thing. Most of the time I just get on and write and it’s great, even if the writing isn’t! However, sometimes I get stuck, and I hit the wall running, and it might just be a bad writing day or it might be a particular character, and I’m uncertain how to advance with him or her. First of all, I listen to music which is therapeutic and helps me create. If that doesn’t work, a little time out and then putting pen to paper and making notes or re-planning usually does the trick. It’s a case of finding something that helps so it’s trial and error. Either way, I’m not usually stuck for long.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Oh yes, absolutely. The best time for me is early morning and late evening, even going beyond midnight. I love it, probably because these are the most peaceful times. During the day it’s disrupting with phone calls, life in general and trying to keep up with marketing and social media.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

The best thing is living the dream through the stories you write. I’m writing the books I want to read, and it’s incredible.

The worst thing is spending so much time away from family because of writing pressures and also the fear of failure.

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

It’s both. I particularly love Twitter – it’s so easy to reach more people for one thing, and it’s great to meet so many people online all around the world. I love it, even though I’ll admit it’s a struggle to keep up. Facebook is okay, but I’m not as active there simply because I find Twitter easier to navigate and use and it comes down to time. I do use Google Plus and LinkedIn but minimally.

What I have learned is while it might be time-consuming, social media is ideal for advertising you –not just your books, but you as an author and as a person. Speaking from the perspective of a reader, I like to see the person behind the author as it’s interesting and so we can show that side on the various social media platforms. I have conversations on Twitter about lipstick, 1940s fashion, and the Pyramids – it’s such a diverse, interesting and fun arena.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

I used to be a Midwife, so I’d probably still be bringing new life into the world. I had good times and sad times, and while I still miss it occasionally, it was the right decision to leave, and I’m even happier now I’m on this particular path.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

That’s a tough question now. I’m tempted to say Ghost Road, but Colm Toibin’s Brooklyn is beautiful. I’ve seen the film adaptation which I loved, but the book is far superb.”

Please tell us about your latest published work

My novel, The Beauty Shop is set during World War Two and is a blend of fact and fiction, featuring the real Archibald McIndoe, a New Zealand plastic surgeon who ran a burns unit in East Grinstead, Sussex during the war, appointed by the RAF. He cared for severely burned airmen and had many unique ideas and rocked the formal establishment just a little. The men he cared for formed a club, known as the Guinea Pig Club and this brotherhood of veterans has been meeting annually ever since its inception in July 1941. Out of 649 members, only 17 remain. Incidentally, 2016 is the 75th anniversary of the Guinea Pig Club.

The reason this caught my eye around six years ago, was that rather than hide disfigured men away from the public, which was the norm back then, Archie pushed them out into society. He wanted them to live their lives, and to be able to confront the public. Archie felt the public had to get over themselves; they had to learn to see such men if they were ever going to accept them. He was right, and while things are much better today, it’s still not perfect, but I believe the progress that has taken place has its origins rooted in 1939 onwards when Archie’s ‘war work’ began.

In nursing today, students will learn of holistic models of care. Well, Archie’s model of care was perhaps the first holistic model, and it worked. He took severely depressed and sometimes suicidal young men and managed to turn them around. It sounds an exaggeration, but in many cases, he quite literally gave them their lives back, and they lived good lives, thanks to one extraordinary, talented man.

Universal Buy Link for THE BEAUTY SHOP

 

If you would like to know more about Suzy and her work please check out the links below:

http://www.suzyhendersonauthor.com/

suzyhenderson.wordpress.com

http://lowfellwritersplace.blogspot.co.uk/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15954239.Suzy_Henderson

https://www.facebook.com/SuzyHendersonAuthor/

https://twitter.com/Suzy_Henderson

https://plus.google.com/u/0/109057622139171622985

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/suzy-henderson-714a4353

 

The 19th Century Writing Box

What a joy it is when beauty and function are combined!

On a recent research jaunt into the vaults of the interweb, I discovered what a remarkable collection of items were made to facilitate the Victorians’ love of writing. In particular I was fascinated by their equivalent of the laptop – the lap desk/box or portable escritoire.

The precursor to the writing box was the bible box. As these books were very costly, the box provided a safe way to transport them. Some had a slanted or angled top with a lower lip, meant to hold the Bible for reading, when the box was placed on a table; a type of portable lectern.

1718 Bible Box

 

Boxes for holding ink and pens had been in existence for some time but it was during the dying decades of the 18th century that they came into widespread use. Increased travel and war necessitated access to a stable surface to write upon with handy storage for pens, paper and ink. Army officers had their own boxes, using them both for army business and for writing home. Whether you were on a military campaign, writing to your nearest and dearest while on a prolonged sojourn at a country pile, or a young buck off on the Grand Tour, the portable desk became a staple travel accessory. They had to withstand the rough and tumble of strenuous journeys, sometimes strapped to the outside of a coach, exposed to all kinds of weather.

A huge and beautiful selection of all shapes and sizes, have survived and I have to admit to some serious envy.

Captain’s Box c. 1810

 

A Captain’s Writing box was a brass bound box, usually of mahogany. This sample is English, made around 1810. They were made in this shape to make travel easier but when opened contained a sloping writing surface. Compartments for ink, pens and paper where also provided.

 

 

 

Here is a more ornate example of Indian Sandal wood, trimmed in ivory.

19th Century

The boxes ranged from extremely plain in the early part of the 19th century to those which were more ornate as people exercised their personal taste. Many a famous letter, novel, postcard or dispatch was born on a lap desk. Many a love letter was locked away in a secret compartment too!

 

Early 19th century examples tended to have thick veneers of mahogany, rosewood, yew or fruitwoods with brass inlays, fine lines or floral swags. Some had fine mother of pearl inlay on the lids and marquetry of naturalistic, neo-classical or geometric designs.

Later examples could be made of mahogany or pine with a thin veneer in walnut, maple, chestnut or rosewood. More expensive boxes had thicker veneers. Brass bindings were glued and secured by small brass studs with the exterior and interior french polished and glossy and secret drawers and compartments were common.

Such a shame that the art of letter writing is disappearing – who wouldn’t want to use one of these?

 

 

 

A Conversation with Author Angela Wren

Today in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Angela Wren, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Angela, please introduce yourself:

Hello Pam and thanks for inviting me into your fabulous library.  You’d better put me on a lead or I may wander and lose myself amongst these fabulous books and shelves!

I am not only an author but an actor and a theatre director and I am part of the resident company at a small theatre in Yorkshire.  I’ve been working on stage since I was only as tall as the dining room table, so I suppose that makes me a ‘died-in-the-wool’ actor.  But my ‘pretend life’ is only one half of the story – the bills have to be paid – so, I have also had a career as a Business Change and Project Manager, working in numerous locations across the UK.  But I managed to escape so that I could write books.

Did you read much as a child?

Yes.  I was reading constantly as a child and I used to make up stories too and loved being read to by my dad at bedtime.

Are you an avid reader now?

Yes, I am.  I’ve always read except when I’ve been learning lines for a role.  That really is the only time when I never pick up a book.  Once the lines are firmly in my head then I make a point of scanning my extensive book shelves for something special.

Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

My tastes are very wide and being a collector of books means I can thoroughly indulge my thirst for words.  At the moment, I have Willa Cather’s ‘My Mortal Enemy’, a first edition, on my bedside table for my own bedtime reading.  A stunning little book that is a little worn – so it has a history – and a little foxed.

I’m reading ‘Dougal’s Diary’ by Sarah Stephenson on the kindle app on my phone, which is ideal for trains and trams.  In my brief-case I have a copy of Val McDermid’s ‘Northanger Abbey’ which I’m reading for my book club.  I’m looking forward to our debate on the differences and similarities between this book and the original Jane Austen story.  On my bookshelves I have most genres covered from the classics to memoire, adventure, mystery, factual, travel, gothic and some romance too.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

Messandrierre, the first book in my Jacques Forêt series is a mystery and is available in e-format from all the usual outlets and my publisher Crooked Cat.  I am also on the brink of self-publishing an anthology of dark fairy tales called ‘Tall Told Tales’.  So, very shortly my answer to your question will be ‘both’.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I suppose my primary genre is mystery and I kind of got to that point by accident.  I am a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and my very first story was a straight romance, set in France.  I submitted it to the New Writers’ Scheme and whilst I was waiting for my appraisal to come back I started another story that I knew at the outset was much darker and that I thought might be romantic suspense.  As I was writing this second book I found I preferred the crime aspect to the romantic aspect, although the love angle was still there.  Three years later, when Messandrierre was ready to be submitted I sought advice and eventually submitted it as a mystery.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Wow, that’s a really big question.  There have been so many influences all through my life.  I’ve been learning, reciting and speaking Shakespeare since I was 6 years old.  As a teenager I read everything my local library could put on the shelves.  Add to that the impact of studying Brecht, Pinero, Miller, Wilde, Bennett, Hare, Ayckbourn, Coward and many more in between for roles I’ve played and I guess you’ve got a vast and meaty stew!  How is it possible to pick the choicest pieces from that?  I think, all I can say is that my abiding love of words stems from my early understanding of the how the metre and rhythm of our very rich language can work and, I hope some of that comes across in my writing.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

My family history is not especially unusual in that I have Irish ancestry on my mum’s side.  So, yes I suppose some of that does come through occasionally when I set a story up on the north-west coast where my family originated.  In fact, it was a short story written for ‘Ireland’s Own’ magazine that got me my first payment for a published story.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

Handling the doubt.  I have a voice that mostly sits quietly at the back of my head until she comes forward and starts telling me that this or that plot line just isn’t going to work or, when I’m standing in the wings waiting for my entrance and she’s nagging at me about being able to walk out on that stage.  She’s called Nemesis and sometimes she can be a total pain.  At other times she can be very destructive, so I have to take myself away from whatever I’m working on and leave it for a few days or a week or so.  When I’m in the wings waiting for my cue, I just have to tell her to shut up and focus on my first line.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Not really.  I find I think more clearly in the mornings than in the afternoons so I adapt my writing tasks accordingly.  But that’s about it.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

The creative bit.  Having the amazing opportunity to make whatever you want happen – only on paper, of course.  As I write mystery, it does mean I think about murder.  A lot.  So, murder is often a topic of conversation with writing colleagues which can draw some very puzzled looks from other people if you happen to be in a pub or a restaurant.  But that’s a minor irritation compared with having a story in your head but not being able to sit at the computer and get it down there and then.  I sometimes have to hold a whole story or chapter in m y head for three or four days before I can get to the sanctity of my office at home and get those words on screen.

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

I think it is primarily an essential chore for me.  If I wasn’t published I wouldn’t even have a presence or if I did it would be minimal and kept to family and close friends only.  However, I realise that social media has a significant impact on business and as an author I am actually in business.  I try to use my various media accounts to inform and to entertain, so I use them sparingly.  I like Twitter for it’s immediacy and Facebook is useful for engaging with readers.  But I also write a Blog and I have a website.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

Travelling in France I should think.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

It has to be the complete works of Shakespeare.  No matter how often I’ve recited or read a piece of Shakespeare I always manage to find something new in his writing.

Please tell us what you are working on at the moment.

I’m currently working on the follow-up to Messandrierre.  Entitled ‘Merle’, it is also a Jacques Forêt mystery and picks up a few months after the end of Messandrierre.  Both books are set in the Cevénnes in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.

If you would like to know more about Angela and her work please check out the links below:

Amazon    Facebook   Website

 

Family Three – A Short Story

To celebrate The Bowes Inheritance being shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016, here is a free short story. A young girl is in trouble and doesn’t know where to turn …

Family Three

Part 1: The Velvet Embrace

I knew Ma was waving goodbye, probably crying too but I was determined not to look. I turned up my iPod and concentrated on the lyrics and the back of the seat in front of me. My breathing slowed and the panic subsided. The bus pulled away from the kerb at Wellington Quay, and I could sense the other passengers relaxing back into their seats and getting lost in their own worlds. I‘m glad they don’t know about mine. Just a schoolgirl, they probably think but that was another life. Now everything has changed. I’ve had a glimpse of the world beyond the school gates.

Exiled to Galway of all places! A year ago I wouldn’t have minded spending time with Aunty Mags but not like this, not with the world all sharp edges. It was going to take ages to get there on the bus, but Ma couldn’t afford the train fare and Dad said it was good enough for me. I shivered. I had always been Dad’s favourite, not that he would admit it in front of Susan or Peter. I just knew. His disappointment was the worst. He wore it like an overcoat, as if he needed to protect himself from me. He’d visited the maternity unit, white as a ghost but he wouldn’t speak to me, just stared at a spot above my head.

“I’ll wait out in the car for ye,” he’d said to Ma. He had turned away and left and I had turned my head to the wall. When Ma was gone, I listened to the babies crying in the next room – other mothers’ babies.

Autumn was busy painting up the landscape and the countryside flew past, mocking me with its lushness, overflowing and ripe. All of a sudden I was glad to be leaving Dublin behind. Everyone else would be going back to school but not me, not yet. They said I needed time to recuperate. I flicked the iPod onto my favourite track and set it to repeat. I concentrated on the passing motorway blandness, watching out for the signs and counting down the kilometres. Aunty Mags had sounded worried on the phone last night and had assured me she’d be waiting at the terminus. She was not like Ma at all. She’d been the wild one, the one who had lived her life as she wanted – never married, independent and strong. Yeah, it would be OK with Mags. She would understand.

Trouble was, I didn’t really understand at all. The social worker had said that I had to move on and not dwell on it; but that was impossible. I couldn’t forget that night, and for as long as I live, I will not be able to forget that searing pain. I thought my body was going to split down the middle – that night I miscarried. I was scared – the blood just kept coming and then Ma came in and the last thing I remembered was her horrified expression before I hit the floor and oblivion. I hadn’t even realised I was pregnant.

Grief. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night and I wonder about it. Ma said I was lucky the baby had died. What would the likes of me do with a baby anyway … and the disgrace of it. Grief gnawing away but I’m not allowed to feel its velvet embrace, to take comfort in numbness.

“She’s going places, you know,” Ma always says to her cronies. “She’s the brains in this family.” Can’t have the neighbours knowing.

And I wonder did the baby feel. And yes it was a baby – I hate that word ‘foetus’; it makes me think of specimens floating in jars on a laboratory shelf. That tiny life that Paul and I made – did it know its place in the universe before the blackness came?

It’s dark by the time we arrive in Galway. Suddenly I feel unsure. What if Mags judges me too? The tears well up and I feel foolish and lonely and I just sit there, nursing despair.

“Last stop, Miss”, the driver calls out.

And then Aunty Mags appears up the steps. She makes her way towards me. “Come on, love,” she says softly, “we have a bit of a way to go yet.” She smiles and I can see that my fears were unfounded. I fumble with my bag and follow her off the bus, surreptitiously wiping away my tears. She walks ahead, purposeful. It starts to rain and we have to run towards her battered Fiat parked up under a tree. We climb in. The rain bounces off the roof, drumming a tune.

Mags turns to me. “Edel, it will be ok, I promise.” She starts the engine and I begin to hope.

Part 2: Appearances

I hear the door slam. Phil has gone to the pub. I wonder if he has told anyone about our trouble because he certainly hasn’t spoken to me about it. I feel a wave of nausea at the thought of his drinking buddies picking over our private life. I take up the tea towel and dry the plates, slowly and methodically. There is something comforting in routine. I’ve always liked it. From the sitting room I can hear the Coronation Street music – it must be over. I usually watch it but not tonight. Susan is in there on her own but I can’t bear the unspoken questions. There is a void in the house, hovering ghost-like in my peripheral vision. I want to cry.

Mags will look after her. Mags will know the right things to say because I have failed. I shouldn’t have said … it was the shock … and now I can’t take it back and she isn’t here anyway. She’s with Mags on the far side of the country. It might as well be Australia. Susan comes into the kitchen, roots for a biscuit and departs without a word. I clutch the edge of the sink. God, I hate my life! I want to scream it until my voice breaks. Nothing has turned out right. All those foolish dreams. I wanted security, but I didn’t know it would swallow me whole. I’m forty-five and I’ve done nothing and now this.

I go upstairs, away from Susan’s watchful gaze. I hear Peter come in from training and go straight to the kitchen. That boy thinks of nothing but his belly. I close over the bedroom door and sit down on the bed. The clock says nine. She’ll have arrived by now. They will be on their way to Mags’ house. Perhaps there will be comfort there. Edel’s baby – could it even be a baby at six weeks? God, it was awful. The way those ambulance men had looked at me as if it was my fault! If I’d known what was happening I would have driven her to Beaumont Hospital and no one would have been the wiser. Dublin’s so small – someone will have said something to someone. Mrs. McCann looked at me funny yesterday at the chemists.

“Hello Catherine,” said she, but it was the way she said it and the look in her eye. God, they probably all know.

Part 3: A Brush with Life

The rhythmic swish of the wipers was almost hypnotic. Mags felt tired and they still had an hour before they would reach Clifden. She looked across at Edel, wrapped in gloom. God, the poor child – what she has been through and only seventeen. Cath was an idiot, and Phil no better, but could they have made a bigger mess of things? Mags ground the gears in anger. She hoped she would be able to pick up the pieces and help her. Someone had to.

“You know you’re welcome to stay as long as you want,” she said. Edel nodded and turned away to look out into the passing blackness of the night.

Then out of the stillness: “She hates me for the shame I’ve brought on the family.”

Mags was horrified. Spotting the entrance to a field ahead, she pulled the car over. “Darling, that’s madness, she doesn’t hate you. She just doesn’t know how to handle what’s happened. She was never good in a crisis, Cath – usually made things worse.” She reached across and took her niece’s hand and squeezed it, suddenly overcome with emotions she thought she had buried years before. “You must be starving – let’s get home and get you fed.”

Two hours later, Mags was sitting opposite her niece in the warmth of the kitchen. The wind was flinging the rain against the kitchen window with a level of violence not unknown on the west coast. Edel looked up from her steaming mug of tea, her eyes pools of misery.

“I don’t know if it was a boy or a girl. There was a test but Ma wouldn’t pay for it – said it didn’t matter.”

“Oh love, I’m sorry. You had a right to know.”

“I think it was a boy … I hope it was a boy.”

“Why?”

“I don’t like women much – except for you!” Edel blushed and looked even more miserable.

“You’ve had a hard time? Did your friends find out?”

“Yeah, it got out somehow. It was horrible. The things that went up on Facebook … I should have known. I didn’t tell Ma. All she cares about is the neighbours finding out and all that.”

Mags shook her head. “She hasn’t changed but then she was always like our father. He always took the high moral ground. He was a hard man.”

“I don’t remember him,” Edel said with a frown.

“No, you wouldn’t. He died when you were about three. He could be quite cruel.” Mags paused and took a deep breath. “I’d like to tell you something, something private. Your mother doesn’t know and I’d rather she stayed in ignorance.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell her.”

“I found myself in a similar position to you. I was a bit older, and I was dating a fellow student in UCD. There was uproar and I was sent down to Aunty Julia in Cork till the baby was born. They made me put him up for adoption. Father said he wouldn’t let me finish college unless I did. What could I do? I pleaded, of course, but I had no money and with no qualifications I wasn’t going to get a decent job. They wore me down. I will always regret it. I should have stood up for myself … and for him.”

Edel twisted her fingers around her mug of tea. “Did you ever look for him?”

Mags nodded. “Yes, he died of scarlet fever when he was five years old.”

“Oh Aunty Mags, I’m so sorry.”

“Well, if there’s a heaven, your little boy and mine are probably together now.”

The wind whistled around the house, making the window rattle. Mags got up and pulled over the curtains.

“Is that why you left Dublin when you qualified?” Edel asked.

Mags leant back against the sink. “Partly. I could never forgive my father. It was just easier to leave and start a new life.”

“Is it possible to be happy again, if you lose your child?”

Mags felt her heart twist. “I’ve known happiness and I have been well loved. There are many who cannot say that. I have learnt not to dwell on the past. You know, your life is only beginning. There may be children in your future or there may not, either way, you owe it to the one you have lost to live the best life you can.”

“Do you think it was my fault?”

“No, my dear. Your baby wasn’t viable. Surely the hospital explained all of this to you?”

“Yes, but you’re a doctor, I want to hear it from you.”

“The reality is that nature is cruel and ruthlessly efficient. It wasn’t meant to be. It’s not some biblical judgement being meted out to you, if that’s the kind of rubbish your mother spouted.”

Edel shrugged.

“It’s purely biology, Edel. The poor little mite probably had something wrong with him. Now, you look exhausted and my bed is certainly calling me. Off you pop!”

Edel stood up. “Yes I am tired.” Then she turned towards her. “I wish you had been my mom.”

Mags swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

Edel’s mobile started to ring. It would be Cath. “I don’t think I want to answer that,” Edel said with a black look towards the vibrating phone.

Mags ushered her out of the room and switched off the light, leaving the phone to ring out in the darkness of the empty kitchen.

The End

©Pam Lecky

A Conversation with Author W.D. Frank

Today in the Library we have W.D. Frank­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into his life as an author.

You are very welcome, please introduce yourself:

Hello! My name is W.D. Frank. I am a prisoner in a dark dimension that is accessible from somewhere in Texas. One day, I intend to break free and conquer the world. However, any outside assistance would be greatly appreciated. I also do a bit of writing to distract myself from the unimaginable suffering my captors force upon me every day. I even managed to get published! The name of my book is Lucifer’s Ladder which was published on September 25th of this year. That should bring me one step closer to global domination… somehow.

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?

Most of my childhood consisted of reading. Sure, I played a lot of video-games as well, but I spent most of my time immersed in horror novels and pretty much any book I could get my hands on. I am not exaggerating either! I would occasionally find myself reading my mother’s books on explosive children and those were about me! I was a bit of a problem child. To answer your next two questions, I still read as much as I can and I am not bound to any specific genre. I will read whatever happens to catch my eye. Although, I will admit that my favourite stories tend to have a touch of darkness and tragedy in them.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

I am traditionally published! It makes me so happy to finally be able to say that.

Which genre do you write in and why?

That’s a good question. My stories tend to fit into both the horror and fantasy genres, but I would like to say (and hopefully I don’t sound too pretentious) that they are much more than that to me. I think of them as psychological dramas with horror and fantasy elements. Each of my stories is an exploration of characters that I created. I spend all of my energy exploring who those people are through a fantastical backdrop and because I am typically exploring the minds of psychologically tortured individuals, the story naturally becomes rather scary. I love the horror and fantasy genres with a passion, but those elements in my stories are mostly used to further express my characters … if that makes any sense.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

David Lynch comes to mind. He inspires the hell out of me. I would even call him my greatest idol. That being said, there are projects from other people that have influenced my writing even more than he has. My ultimate inspiration is probably the Final Fantasy series. I realize that might sound weird to someone who has only heard about my book, but if you decide to read Lucifer’s Ladder, you will see some Final Fantasy in it. I took a lot of inspiration from Japanese role playing games in general, but Final Fantasy is the series that inspired the base concept of Lucifer’s Ladder. One of my other huge inspirations is Silent Hill 2. That is such a powerful, soul-crushing game. Play it if you ever want to experience one of the most beautiful horror stories of all time. Wait! What am I doing? I am supposed to be promoting myself!

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

Nope – not as far as I can tell, however, I cannot be sure. Sometimes we are subconsciously inspired. Maybe my readers can tell me?

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

For me, the worst part about the writing process is convincing myself to sit still long enough to start writing. Once I manage to type a few words, the rest usually flow forth with ease.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I love writing at night… or at least past midnight. I operate best in darkness.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

The best thing about being an author is being loved for creating the stories that your mind is already demanding you to create. (Seriously, guys! I have no choice! These worlds and characters need to be born or I am going to explode!) For me, the worst thing about being an author is that I barely have time for anyone else.

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

I love the social media game. Talking with people who love me and love what I do helps me feel a lot less lonely. Plus, it is nice to know that all of my hard work is actually being appreciated. I believe that feeling alone speeds up my writing.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

Well, I would not be in the best place to say the least. Writing is pretty much a necessity for me. Although, I suppose if I had to pick another job, I would like to be an actor. At least I would still be able to vent that way.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

Probably one of my own books. Lucifer’s Ladder… most likely. I would like to reflect on what I have accomplished before I die.

Please tell us about your latest published work.

The book I am focusing most of my attention on right now is Lucifer’s Ladder; which was released on September 25th. The story centers around a narcissistic yet undeniably brilliant high-school student named Hugh Aaron who wakes up in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. He soon learns that he has been chosen as a candidate for godhood by an entity known simply as ‘The Elder’ and that he has been tasked with liberating demonkind from the realm of torment that the current god (Yahweh) has imprisoned them in. Hugh makes it his mission to murder Yahweh and become god so that he can create an ideal world in his image. However, to accomplish that grandiose feat, Hugh must survive Yahweh’s ruthless army of angels … and the unrelenting beast of guilt that has been born from his violent and traumatic past.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005989415462

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregariousOtter

Website: http://frankthetank881.wixsite.com/wdfrank

Publisher’s Website: http://fearfrontpublishing.com/

TUESDAY TALK is with Irish Historical Author Pam Lecky today, discussing writers who have inspired her and some interesting dinner guests

So delighted to have been invited onto Jo’s blog today.

JO LAMBERT - A WRITER'S JOURNEY - PEOPLE, REVIEWS AND PROMOS

Good morning Pam and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

Hi Jo and thank you for inviting me along for a chat. I am an Irish Indie author of historical fiction. I’m married with three children and work part-time, so my spare time is very precious. As a result, independent publishing has been wonderful as it suits my hectic life down to a tee. My debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was published in 2015. Early on, I joined the Historical Novel Society whose members, I have to say, are some of the most supportive people I have had the pleasure to meet. One of my first reviews was from the HNS and to my astonishment my book was made Editor’s Choice and longlisted for the HNS Indie Award 2016. Recently, the book has been shortlisted for The Carousel Aware Prize 2016 in…

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Recipes from the Victorian Sick Room

     

Anyone reading Regency or Victorian novels will be all too well aware of the obsession with remedies for invalids that were handed down from generation to generation. Some may have worked (most were at least nutritious) and we cannot really blame them for quacking themselves when terrible diseases lurked in their homes and haunted their nightmares. With medical hindsight we can, of course, laugh at some of their ‘cures’ but huge reliance was placed on traditional recipes. Many books were written on the subject and newspapers were full of advertisements for all sorts of medicines and remedies (often lethal ones at that).

My well-thumbed edition of Beeton’s Book of Household Management is always a delight to peruse. There was no area that she feared to give advice on and there is an entire chapter on recipes for invalids. Here are a few of the more well-known ones you may have come across and always wanted to know how to make.

Arrowroot:

Arrowroot is an easily digested starch extracted from the roots of the arrowroot plant, Maranta arundinacea. It is extremely bland, making it suitable for neutral diets, especially for people who are feeling nauseous. The Victorians considered it ideal as a food supplement as it was easily digestible. However they often flavoured it to make it more appealing.

The plant is native to the tropics of South America. The roots are washed and pulped and finally forced through a sieve. The fine powder left is dried.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons of arrowroot

3 tablespoons of cold water

Half pint of boiling water

Lump of sugar

Grated nutmeg or cinnamon

Port or sherry

Method: Mix arrowroot to a smooth paste with cold water then pour in boiling water, stirring all the time. Put thickened mixture in a tumbler, sweeten with sugar and flavour with nutmeg, cinnamon, or lemon-peel or 3 tablespoons of port or sherry.

Barley Gruel:

It always sounded faintly disgusting to me and was made infamous by Dickens! But it actually doesn’t sound that bad (particularly if you throw in the wine!).

Ingredients:

2 oz of barley

Half pint of port wine

Rind of 1 lemon

1 quart and half pint of water

Sugar to taste

Method: Wash barley; boil in half pint of water for a quarter of an hour. Pour water away. Put barley into quart of fresh boiling water and boil until the liquid is reduced to half. Strain. Add wine, sugar and lemon-peel and simmer for 5 minutes.

Beef Tea:

There are three recipes in Mrs. Beeton’s book; here is the basic one:

Ingredients:

1 lb of lean gravy-beef

1 quart of water

1 saltspoonful of salt

Method: Dice the beef and put in a saucepan. Add cold water and bring to the boil. Skim well. Add salt and simmer gently for about three quarters of an hour, removing any scum from the surface. Strain and put in a cool place. Ideally make the day before. When wanted, remove any fat from the top and warm up, adding more salt.

Calf’s Foot Broth: (Strangely she doesn’t give a recipe for Calf’s Foot Jelly)

Ingredients:

1 calf’s foot

3 pints of water

1 small lump of sugar

Nutmeg

1 egg yolk

Nut-sized portion of butter

Method: Stew the foot in the water with lemon-peel until the liquid is half wasted. Skim off any fat that rises. Put aside and cool. Warm up about a half pint, adding butter, sugar and grated nutmeg. Then add beaten egg yolk stirring until mixture thickens but do not let it boil. Serve.

 

I have saved the most insipid recipe till last:

Toast-and-Water (I haven’t made this up!)

Ingredients:

Slice of bread

1 quart of boiling water

Method: Toast a slice of stale loaf to a lovely brown on both sides. Put in a jug and add the boiling water. Leave until cold. Strain and always serve cold.

Reference: Beeton’s Book of Household Management 1859

 

A Conversation with Author Eva Pasco

Today in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Eva Pasco, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Eva, please introduce yourself:

Undergoing a midlife renaissance, I rekindled my passion for storytelling by composing Contemporary Women’s Fiction that taps into significant issues affecting the lives of women over-forty. My character-driven novels host personas who plunge the depths of despair in their darkest hours prior to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel through redemption and empowerment.

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?

Living in a rural area as an only child until the age of 7, until my sister came along, I always had my nose in a book. While my leisure reading plummeted during my adult writing craze, it’s recently picked up at a frenetic pace through my eagerness to read and review books written by kindred Indie authors in my author support groups.

While I prefer books in my own genre of Contemporary Women’s Fiction, I’ve happily branched out to reading other genres which has broadened my horizons.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

I’m a self-published author who used the services of an indie publisher for technical support: interior book design, implementing my custom-cover design, ISBN, copyright, print-on-demand fulfilment, sales and distribution.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I write Women’s Fiction because the genre enables me to develop realistic plots by exploring the gamut of: inner conflicts; convention vs. rebellion; fate vs. free will; loyalty vs. betrayal; love vs. sacrifice; death—inevitable or tragic?

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Much credit goes to author, Anne Lamott. In the author’s own words, “I try to write the books I would love to come upon, that are honest, concerned with real lives, human hearts, spiritual transformation, families, secrets, wonders, craziness—and that can make me laugh.”

She epitomized this viewpoint in her novel, Blue Shoe, which I’d read shortly after I retired. This inspired me to revive my dormant flair for writing and follow through with my own thematic ambition to compose fiction that elevates the lives of everyday, ordinary/ extraordinary, flawed and feisty women over forty.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

Absolutely. A lifelong native of Rhode Island, a northeastern New England state in the US, local setting is an integral part of my novels where I incorporate geographic entities, historic references, and cultural idiosyncrasies.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

The glare from all that white space on a blank page at the start of a new chapter unnerves me. I overcome this hurdle by first typing in the chapter designation which may or may not be engraved in stone, depending on my decision to restructure later on.  Then, I let the chips fly where they may through free-association. I type anything that enters my mind pertaining to the scene without a care in the world about sentence formation, grammar, spelling, or coherence.

Then, I step away from the mumbo jumbo and tend to a neglected household chore.  Mind over matter prevails where I mentally connect the dots which enables me to arrange my random thoughts sequentially and cohesively.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

While I would like to write as soon as I rise and shine before daybreak, writing is relegated to afternoons. If I’m hot to trot, my session will spill into the evening.  I know it’s time to stop when I begin slurring my printed words like a drunken sot.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

For me, the best thing about being an author, especially an indie author, is the freedom to say and do as I please through character dialogue and action.  I also have the license to kill if and when I see fit.

On the flipside, the worst aspect of being an author is the vigilance required to market and promote one’s published work to increase visibility in the public eye.

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

An essential chore! The lyrics to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” spring to mind: Tumble out of bed and I stumble to the kitchen – Pour myself a cup of ambition – Yawn and stretch and try to come to alive!

As for forum preference, I primarily navigate Facebook. The enjoyment factor seeps in through my author support groups—Marketing for Creatives, one of two, where I’m an active member. The comradery among Indie authors, along with everyone’s contributions, mutual support, and encouragement strengthen my resolve to persevere.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

Knitting! Ever the ambitious gal who can’t get away from spinning yarns, I envision myself creating cable-knit cardigans and coatigans rivaling the knitwear of Tara Irish Clothing.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

If indeed I’d be reading in the midst of a cataclysm, you’d find me misty-eyed leafing through a tattered copy of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.

Please tell us about your latest published work.

My latest published work is An Enlightening Quiche (officially released on September 20, 2016):

An heirloom quiche recipe and baking rivalry turn up the heat in northern Rhode Island’s French-Canadian mill town of Beauchemins, rife with secrets and scandals, fractured friendships, dysfunctional families, romantic rifts, misdeeds and mishaps.

If you would like to know more about Eva and her work please see the links below:

Facebook

Amazon: myBook.to/AnEQuiche

Authors Den (where US residents can directly order a signed/personalized copy):https://www.authorsden.com/buybook.asp?bookid=70875

Goodreads

 

 

A Conversation with Author Kate Braithwaite

 

Today in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Kate Braithwaite who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Kate, please introduce yourself:

 I grew up in Edinburgh but now live with my family in Pennsylvania. I write book reviews and features for Bookbrowse and the Historical Novel Society. My first novel, Charlatan, a tale of intrigue and poison in 17th century France, was published on September 15th 2016.

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 read all the time growing up and I read all the time now. I first fell in love with historical novels reading Georgette Heyer as a teenager but I’ve always read a lot of literary fiction, crime novels and thrillers too. Right now I’m enjoying The Lake House by Kate Morton.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

I’m being published by Fireship Press, a small press specializing in historical fiction.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I came across the real life story of the Affair of the Poisons at the time when I was ready to commit to writing. It was the kind of thing I’d love to read a novel all about and, as there wasn’t one, I just jumped right in. I’ve had one contemporary short story published and I’ve a middle grade novel sitting on the shelf that I might return to, but apart from that, it’s all historical. I love the research.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Years ago I read a newspaper interview with Fay Weldon where she said that most writers began as readers who “end up writing the novel they want to read, if only because nobody else has got around to writing it.” I paper-clipped that into a notebook and carried it around with me for the longest time. Another big influence is Sarah Waters. There is a brilliant twist at the end of the first part of Fingersmith. It’s so wonderfully clever. Her novel really inspired me to stop thinking about writing and actually get on and try.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I am Scottish and grew up in Edinburgh. Until I was six I lived in a council house directly opposite Holyrood Palace. I went to pre-school on the Royal Mile and I’m sure growing up in a city soaked in history has had its influence. Although I haven’t lived there since I was eighteen I love to go back to visit. It’s where I’m from and very important to who I am. So far, I haven’t written anything set in Scotland but there are some Scottish witch stories I’ve got my eye on!

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it? 

I am not a natural editor. I can write and write but when I come big editing decisions I struggle. I’m not the kind of writer that can sit down and just go where the characters take me… and I’ve learned that the hard way! Now I know I need to outline and get my plot structure fixed first. Then I can really enjoy the writing part.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I like the early morning best but when I first started trying to write on a near-to-daily basis, the only time I had was between one and three pm when my youngest took her nap. Sometimes writing in constrained circumstances helps focus the mind. Now the day looks long when the kids head out to school, but it’s amazing how the hours disappear.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

It makes me immensely happy to have written a story that other people have read and enjoyed. Writing is a huge pleasure and creating a novel that a reader can believe in feels like a great personal achievement. On the flipside, it is a lonely process. It takes a lot of persistence and craft and there have definitely been times along the way when I have thought there would be a lot easier things to do in this life. Some rejections – for example when I once made massive changes to a novel for one specific agent who still rejected it – are very hard to take. My poor husband has put up with a lot! 

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

I quite like it, although I worry about where the time goes. I enjoy facebook groups and seeing what other people are reading and writing about. There are a lot of friendly people out there! I like seeing what is trending on twitter and following lots of history related blogs and photo-based websites. There’s a lot to be inspired by.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

I used to teach people with special needs but quit work after child number three came along. I’m lucky I can spend my time writing. If not, I would probably return to something like that.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

I’m pretty sure reading, much as I love it, would be the last thing on my mind. But if I had to pick a book to read in extremis, I think I’d re-read Full Moon by PG Wodehouse. Pure escapism.

Please tell us about your latest published work.

Charlatan is based on the real events of the Affair of the Poisons that rocked Paris and the court of Louis XIV. It’s the story of Athénaïs, Madame de Montespan, the King’s glamorous mistress, who is nearly forty and has had seven children with the King. But now Louis’ eyes are firmly set on a beautiful eighteen year old, newly arrived at Versailles. Her sister Gabrielle is certain Athénaïs can win him back, but she is not so sure. At the same time, in Paris, police chief La Reynie and his young assistant Bezons have uncovered a network of fortune-tellers and poisoners operating in the city. Athénaïs does not know it, but she is about to be named as a favoured client of the infamous La Voisin.

If you would like to know more about Kate and her work please click on the links below:

Website  Amazon   Facebook   Goodreads