Pam Lecky's Blog, page 35

A Conversation with Author Frances Macken

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

You are very welcome, Frances, please introduce yourself:

I grew up in Claremorris, Co. Mayo. I completed a BA in Film and Television Production at the National Film School, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology in the mid-noughties. I have since worked in the advertising, PR and non-profit sectors and I’m working in a marketing role at a non-fiction publishing company at the moment. I’ve written several short stories and been shortlisted in national short story competitions run by RTÉ and Penguin Ireland. My ambition is to write eight fiction novels and I am reading for a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford at the current time. I have published a novella, a paranormal thriller entitled The Diary of Natalya Zlota, available on Amazon. My writing is creepy, humorous and experimental and can be likened to the ‘magical realism’ genre.

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?

It was evident from very early on that I was going to be a book person. Once I’d “unlocked the code” I read anything I could get my hands on. I enjoyed Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, and all of those other delightful authors. Their books were very imaginative and adventure-fuelled. I was reading Stephen King from a very early age, too. I read Salem’s Lot when I was 12. I read lots of Arthur C. Clarke books and got hooked on the unexplained. I discovered Adrian Mole around that time and that was another milestone in my reading life.

I would say that I am a very avid reader now. I probably read a book per week, and that does not include my reading list for my Masters course. My reading has increased considerably since commencing a Masters in Creative Writing at Oxford University. There are about 140 books on the reading list and the course is over 2 years. I’ve been forced to leave my comfort zone and read much more difficult works, by authors who set out to do something that contrasts forcefully with what their contemporaries were/are doing. There is also reading to be done to prepare for critical assignments on fiction, non-narrative fiction, poetry, drama, and so on.

I really don’t think I have gone a day without reading anything in my adult life. I read to escape, to feel excitement and exhilaration. I love a good mystery, whether real or factual. I will read mostly anything as long as it is not too upsetting or gruesome. I don’t like to read about cruelty and violence, though a good murder mystery is most enjoyable. Stories must be juicy page-turners, but not your typical airport novel. I also listen to audiobooks on my commute.

In recent years, I have started reading Patricia Highsmith’s books and I would say that her novels are most satisfying in terms of their plotting and characterisation, e.g., The Talented Mr. Ripley. I am a big fan of Donna Tartt and I thought The Secret History was truly breathtaking. Lionel Shriver is another author who I really consider to be magnificent. I don’t seek out female authors specifically but Highsmith, Tartt and Shriver are really the types of writer that I would love to be categorised alongside. Now there’s ambition. Other writers I like include Jeanette Winterson, Augusten Burroughs, Wally Lamb, Graeme Simsion, Paul Murray, Dave Eggers, Jeffrey Eugenides, John Steinbeck, Daphne du Maurier, Hilary Mantel, Martin Amis, John Fowles, and Aleksander Hemon.

Which genre do you write in and why?

Flights of fantasy have always been important to me and so I lean towards magical realism, where extraordinary, unlikely things happen in very ordinary settings. I like to think that people can be surprised by serendipitous or baffling events just when they least expect it. I also like to introduce ethereal, metaphysical matters into my writing wherever I can. Life is very dull without mystery and curiosity.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

I would say that my parents have been a huge influence on my writing. They didn’t censor my reading whatsoever and I think that has been a huge help.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I don’t believe that I have ever written in an attempt to capture the culture, people or events of Ireland. In a way, I write to escape Ireland! My stories are not specific to Ireland or Irish people. My characters are without nationality for the most part. And the events that take place are not connected to Ireland. Perhaps that will all change in time. For now I just want to relish in the new, and to innovate, because I think that’s important.

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

I find that I am sometimes guilty of writing a plot that turns into a knot. It is troublesome in the editing phase. This occurs because I don’t like to start with a plan for the narrative arc. I start with an image or a concept, or a persona, or a “What if?” situation. I also prefer to write in scenes and that’s why short stories bubble out of me so quickly and just slap themselves onto the page. Plot takes patience, and I don’t have a great deal of that.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

For some reason, I am not really an afternoon writer. I am not very imaginative during this time. Mornings or evenings are very good. There is an excitement and clarity in the morning time. Every new day brings a new version of myself and a new train of thought. This means I can’t always pick up where I left off the day before but I don’t think this is a problem per se. I am more reflective and nostalgic in the evening time. The ideas are simpler and softer.

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

The best thing about being an author is the exhilaration you feel as a good story flows through you, and you can barely keep up with it as you attempt to get it on paper. I always try to write something new – a story that has never been written – by anyone. That is totally left of field, free of tropes. When I feel I have achieved that, it’s an exceptional experience.

I have always found writing to be great, free fun. I wrote my memoirs when I was 12, the year I got a typewriter for Christmas. Just one copy of “The Life & Times of Frances Macken” remains in the present day. I also founded a magazine in primary school, which involved lengthy Baywatch episode reviews. I somehow recruited my friends to redraw/rewrite the magazine so that we could increase our circulation throughout the class.

The worst thing about being an author is the constant self-badgering: Why haven’t I written in two days? What do I expect, that it’s just going to write itself? I would also mention that I am an under-writer. I think it’s because I have done some journalism courses and you are very much persuaded to Cut. Out. All. Unnecessary. Words. And so I have gotten into the habit of writing sparingly, which is a bit of a pain when you are trying to write a book.

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

I do feel it is a bit of a chore but I also want to share my work. I don’t overdo it though, there’s only so much that people can handle. Sometimes it’s fun, but you have to offer something in return. You can’t just keep bleating at people all the live long day. It also works more effectively if it is reciprocal. I make a point of letting people know that I like what they are writing. That person could be just about to stop writing altogether, or could be feeling deflated and unmotivated. It is important to give credit where it is due.

I think Facebook has the best potential for writers but you must have an engaging technique. It’s easy to become insufferable.

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

I can’t help but give people advice, whether they want it or not.

“Do you know what you’ll do now…”  I could probably turn that into a career!

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

I would read my memoirs, “The Life and Times of Frances Macken” that I wrote when I was 12, for one last chuckle.

Please tell us about your latest published work.

I have published a very scary novella called The Diary of Natalya Zlota, now available on Amazon. It’s a paranormal, psychological thriller about a missing person who leaves their diary behind. It costs £1.99 or $2.95, so pick it up now for less than the price of a semi-fancy soap.

 

 

If you would like to know more about Frances please check out her links below:

Facebook      Website 

The Brand of ‘ME’

I have been thinking about branding a lot lately. This whole marketing palaver is getting to me, I guess. It’s a weird concept that you have to get your head around if you are an artist or a writer, I suppose. I haven’t taken it that seriously up to now and I think I should.

What do people think/say/do when they come into contact with my brand, Pam Lecky? And that is hard to answer. Harder still – how do I manage their perceptions?

Like me, most authors just want to write. It’s a 3 am compulsion that you can’t escape and don’t want to. But as soon as you hit publish in KDP or CreateSpace if you’re an indie like me,  or sign that lovely first book deal, your brand is up and running and you need to take control of it.

Us writers tend to be an introverted lot; some are shy, some are talkers (envy those ones!) and some don’t want to engage at all. But here is the reality – your brand and how you market it, is the difference between subsidised writing and writing full time. My dream is to be a full time writer so I need to get my act together.

So what does that mean for you and me (that’s assuming you’re still reading this and haven’t wondered off to watch dogs rollerskating on YouTube)?

Here’s my penny’s worth:

What is your Brand Interface:

Book cover
Author profiles on Amazon, Goodreads, etc.
Social Media Interactions (the whole shebang)
Interaction with the publishing world and your peer writers in your genre
The advertising you use

All of the above influences how the ‘public’ perceive you.

How do I manage all of this while staying sane?

Don’t skimp on the stuff you can’t do, i.e., professional editing, book cover design, website design if wordpress defeats you, and if you don’t know one end of MS Word (or whatever you use) from the other – get someone to format your books for upload. Dodgy formatting and books riddled with typos are extremely irritating to read and fatal for your ‘brand’.
Be courteous and do I really have to say it – be nice!
Engage with people about the things that interest you and don’t just promote your writing all the time
Be professional in all your interactions
Have a coherent marketing plan – use identifiable themes in all your work. Simple things like images are very powerful. Even down to using the same photo of yourself across all of you social media platforms.
I could go on and say use professional marketing/pr companies, but my own experience of these so far hasn’t impressed me very much. The jury is out on this one.

These are just my musings and in no way constitute a complete list. Like most of you, I’m learning as I go along. If this blog post makes you stop and think about the concept of you as a brand, I’ve achieved something today.

Would love to know your thoughts, folks – don’t be shy

If some or all of the above isn’t for you then start hoping the marketing fairies will visit you soon. Now get back to the rollerskating dogs!

 

A Conversation with Author Debbie Rix

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

You are very welcome to the library, Debbie, please introduce yourself:

I’m a writer of historical fiction. My first book – ‘The Girl with Emerald Eyes’ – was published in March 2015. My second novel, set in fifteenth century Venice and the Low Countries, is called ‘Daughters of the Silk Road’ and came out this April. I’m married and have two kids, and we live in the country with cats and lots of chickens. I began my career at the BBC where I worked as a researcher before becoming the newsreader on BBC’s Breakfast Time. I then presented a variety of programmes including ‘Game for a Laugh’ and ‘FAX’ as well as numerous series on interior design. After my children were born, I worked behind the scenes producing big events for companies around the world. I also wrote a gardening column for a few years and was an Agony Aunt, which I loved. For the last thirteen years I have concentrated on producing events that raise money and the profile of UK charities, alongside writing fiction.

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 really got into reading with ‘The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe’ by C.S.Lewis. I quickly devoured the rest of the series. I adored the fantastic, otherworldy nature of the stories that was so at odds from my otherwise safe and secure suburban childhood. At eleven or twelve, I discovered ‘My family and Other animals’ by Gerald Durrell. I adored that book and re- read it constantly. I found their exotic existence living in a variety of beautiful villas in Corfu so seductive. The ‘children’ were all remarkable in their own way too – anarchic and complex. But oddly, the character that I most admired was the mother, who appeared completely unflappable in the face of all the adversity life, and her children, could throw at her.  She coped with their friends and relations, their broken hearts and bizarre habits in the most extraordinarily stoical way, all the while cooking up vast banquets for the seeminlgy endless series of guests who came to stay in their houses. I hoped fervently that I would be as good a mother as her.  As a teenager, I loved science fiction, but was pretty ominivorous in my tastes. I read the classics of course, and then quickly moved onto the contemporary classics – Edna O’Brien, Collette, Iris Murdoch, Graham Green. Oddly enough I am not an especial fan of historical fiction, even thought that is my current genre. I just like a really good story, well told. I enjoyed Robert Harris’s ‘An Officer and a Spy’ – a thrilling tale, exploring the facts around the Dreyfus Affair. I read a great deal for research purposes, but usually have a ‘relaxation’ book on the go. I read most voraciously on holiday. My idea of heaven is to be left alone to read and can usually get through a book in a day or two. I am pretty egalitarian in my tastes – I like funny books, thrillers, contemporary fiction.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

I am published by Bookouture, who are relatively new on the scene and publish in ebook format or print on demand. They have grown rapidly in the last three years and now have over 30 authors in their stable, writing across a range of genres.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I write in the historical genre. I didn’t deliberately set out to be a writer of historical fiction, but I became fascinated by the untold story of a woman who had been overlooked by history. Her name was Berta di  Bernardo, and she left the money for the Tower of Pisa to be built.  She lived in the 12th century, so I spent a lot of time researching the period, uncovering what I could of her life, meeting the Professor of Medieval History at Pisa University and so on.  I discovered that I loved writing about the past – especially if it involves real people; I think it’s the journalist in me. I enjoy the discipline of setting a fictional tale within the bounds of reality and historical accuracy. It gives you a structure and often provides far more fascinating characters than you could ever make up. It’s a cliché I know but fact is so often more interesting that fiction!

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

In terms of other authors, I would have to say Olivia Manning. I read her wonderful Balkan Trilogy and Levant Trilogy (known collectively as The Fortunes Of War) many years before I began to write professionally; but I loved the way she was able to juxtapose an evocative and emotional human story with a grand sweeping narrative that took the reader on a journey through a fascinating period in the history. The other major influence is my own journalistic background, which has given me the desire and training to research a subject thoroughly. I also now realise that I have an interest in writing about  real people that have been previously overlooked. My first novel was about a woman who history overlooked. My new novel also features a family who no one has ever heard of, in spite of the fact that the father was one of the first people to travel to China, and who wrote a fascinating diary about his experiences

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I was brought up on the outskirts of Kent and London, near to David Bowie! I went to school in Dulwich, in south London and worked at the BBC as a young woman. As such my upbringing was pretty unremarkable.  The only slightly unusual thing – at least in those days – was that my mother was an architect, alongside my father. Having two professional parents certainly gave me a perspective that was different from many of my friends and contemporaries.

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

The most challenging part is getting the story clear in my mind before I actually start to write. The initial idea comes quite quickly sometimes, but then, especially with historical fiction, you need to ensure that the story stacks up, is accurate, makes sense and so on. There is always the fear that you will uncover a piece of evidence that makes the story fall apart. I suppose that comes from my journalistic background. The only way to overcome it, is to do it… to research and read and make notes.  Then to start to write and hope the story begins to unfold in the framework of reality that you have created.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I work best between 9 and 1 pm. I have a bit of a dip after lunch but can usually work through it. I pick up again between 3 and 6. If I am really under pressure, I can work early in the morning, a habit I learnt when I had to get up at 3.30 to read the early morning news!

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

The best thing for me is simply knowing that I am finally published. I have wanted to write for so long, and have one or two unpublished novels in the backs of cupboards! But to finally find a publisher and see your book printed; to read the reviews of people who seem to have enjoyed it is a huge pleasure. Conversely the worse part is the dread that you will never again find a good story to tell!

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

I have to confess that I am not a huge social media fan. It does not come naturally to me – I suspect because I was not brought up with it. But I am learning. I was initially completely baffled by twitter, but I am beginning to see that it can be a useful marketing tool. I find Facebook tricky too. I think there is a problematic disconnect between your own facebook page – where you might display pictures of your children and holidays – with your professional profile. This is something that is not easily resolved, except to keep Facebook purely as a professional tool to connect with other writers, bloggers and readers. As such I think it can be very valuable. But I’ve got a lot to learn. I’m on instagram too, but have to confess that I never use it; I’m doubtful as to its value for a writer… but that might change.

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

I still work as a producer of events for charities. I love doing it and am pleased that my work helps to raise much needed funds. As a young woman, just arrived at the BBC, I remember thinking that it was a shame that I could only have one career! I was under the impression that having got a proper job, I would be at that organisation for life. Of course it didn’t work out like that and I have so far managed five careers, six if you include being a mother. Who knows, maybe there will be time for a seventh! But ultimately, I would love just to be able to spend each day writing.

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

What a difficult question.  I think I would need to read something that gave me a sense of joy, so I’d choose something funny. I read David Lodge’s book ‘Therapy’ this summer and it made me scream with laughter. If not that then perhaps Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Scoop’, or Nancy Mitford’s ‘Don’t’ Tell Alfred’ – that’s very funny too. Maybe I’d just read ‘My Family and Other Animals’ again..

Debbie, please tell us about your latest published work. 

My latest novel, Daughters of the Silk Road, was published in April 2016 by Bookouture.  It is a time slip novel – set in the present day and the past.  The modern story begins with Miranda, a young mother who is struggling financially after her divorce. She inherits an old ‘dragon’ vase from an aunt, which sits unloved on her hall table. Not understanding its true value, it becomes a receptacle for unpaid bills and the house keys. The historical element begins with the real life explorer and traveller Niccolo dei Conti who returned to Venice in 1444 after twenty five-years travelling in the Middle and Far East, bringing with him his daughter and son – Maria and Daniele. His experiences were recorded on his return to Italy in a remarkable diary, a copy of which I was privileged to read in the British Library. In my story, Niccolo brings with him a Ming vase – a gift for the Doge of Venice from the Emperor of China. The vase, decorated with a dragon, is imbued with mysterious powers to protect its owner. The novel follows the fictional fortunes of his two children Maria and Daniele and their descendants and spans over two hundred years of history as the family move from Venice to Bruges, then on to Antwerp and Amsterdam.  The thread that brings the two stories together is the vase – which is passed down through the generations. There are various themes in the book: I am interested in how much of an influence Chinese porcelain had on the European porcelain and pottery industry.  I also describe, briefly, the extraordinary process in the making of a piece of porcelain – an exhaustive process. Family ancestry is another important theme; in particular what we inherit from our ancestors. Not all of us are lucky enough to inherit a valuable vase, but we do inherit characteristics of resilience and strength.   Ultimately the novel is about luck and good fortune. Will Miranda ever discover the vase’s true value, or will her new boyfriend Charlie steal it before she has a chance?

Available on Amazon: Daughters of the Silk Road     The Girl with Emerald Eyes

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

Twitter     Facebook    Website

 

 

A Conversation with Author Ellie Grey

Today in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Ellie Gray, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into their life as an author.

You are very welcome, Ellie, please introduce yourself:

I’m 45 years old and live in East Yorkshire with my partner, David, two children and various pets. I currently work full time in local government but would love to be able to give up the day job and write full-time.

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’ve always been an avid reader and my favourite Christmas and birthday presents as a child were books. I still enjoy reading and try to read as much as I can, but sometimes it’s a struggle to fit everything in. I have an eclectic taste in genres, reading everything from non-fiction books about Ancient Egypt (about which I have something of an obsession), biographies, horror, crime, fantasy, literary and, of course, contemporary romance.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

I’m fortunate to be published by the rather fantastic Tirgearr Publishers.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I write contemporary romance, erring on the sweet side. I love writing about the emotional conflict between two characters, exploring what makes them tick but always with the certain knowledge that we’re going to get a happy ending.  We don’t always get that in real life so I think it is nice to escape into a world where the happy ever after is assured.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

I’m not sure, really.  As I said, I read a lot when I was younger and, as I progressed into my teens I read a lot of romance novels, including Mills & Boon, Jilly Cooper, Barbara Taylor Bradford and Barbara Erskine.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

Not particularly, I don’t think. Although I do tend to set my novels in Yorkshire, where I live.

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

When I get an idea for my next book, or the character suddenly appears in my head, and trying to build a full-length, interesting novel around that idea or character. Sometimes, it can take a while for the full story to appear and to make sure that everything that happens to the characters happens for a reason and works to drive the story forward.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I’m not a morning person, in any sense of the word! And, as I work full-time, I try to keep weekday evenings free to spend time with my family which means I tend to write mostly on a weekend – usually late morning and into the afternoon.  When I’m pushed and working on edits, etc., I write in the early evenings as well.

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

The best thing about being an author is having someone read your work and really enjoy it, and having readers really connect with your characters – who are very real to authors. The worst thing, for me, is trying to fit in writing, which I love, around the normal everyday life and feeling guilty that I may not be spending enough time with my family. They are very understanding though!

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

I enjoy social media – both for personal and my professional writing use. It helps to keep me connected with friends who have moved away, re-connect with friends I haven’t spoken to for years because they’ve moved to another country, etc. I’ve also met some wonderful and supportive people who are also writers through social media – it’s such a wonderful community. I mostly use Facebook and Twitter but also enjoy building boards on Pinterest and have tried to get to grips with Instagram.

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

Well, the day job is in local government but if I could have any job I wanted, other than an author, I would love to be an archaeologist.

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

Gosh, that’s a tough one.  I think I would read ‘Still Life with Crows’ by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child – my favourite of their Agent Pendergast series.

Please tell us about your latest published work.

My debut novel ‘Beauty and the Recluse’ was released on 12th February 2016 by Tirgearr Publishing. It’s a contemporary, feel-good romance and I really hope people enjoy the book.

Following the recent death of her father, and in need of both a job and somewhere to live, Kiya takes a housekeeping job on the spur of the moment. She soon finds herself living in a beautiful but neglected mansion, working for a strange and reclusive man.

St. John is a man scarred by the past, both physically and emotionally, and is determined to live out his life alone. They are two very different people, drawn to each other almost against their will, but can Kiya convince St. John that he is not the monster he believes himself to be?

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

http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Gray_Ellie

http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Gray_Ellie/beauty-and-the-recluse.htm

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

 

Kerry Book Adventure: The Final Day

I’m back in Dublin and feeling a wee bit glum because my Kerry book adventure had to end. I had anticipated that this venture would be fun (and informative – book-wise – of course!). And it was. Finer detail on some of my locations has now been sorted, photographic evidence in the bag and the sense of place, that you can only achieve by visiting a location, gained.

With only a few hours to spend on location this morning, we concentrated on two local beauty spots that my heroine, as a landscape artist, would probably visit.

The first was Kinnard beach with its famous sea stack (remember those from geography – or were you asleep?) Would be quite a sight on a stormy day.

We headed back towards Annascaul and followed a side road down to the sea to Minard Point. What remains of Minard Castle stands proud but sad. The elements and Oliver Cromwell have taken their toll and the ruin is in pretty bad shape. Mr. Cromwell laid explosives at the four corners but failed to bring it down. However, I understand that the inhabitants did not get away so lightly!

Then it was time to head for home but with some wonderful memories. With only 23,000 words of this book written I must get down to some serious work this week. Thanks for coming along on the journey and I hope I have ignited some interest in the Dingle Peninsula and you will visit yourself some day.

I will leave you with some more photos from the trip. Enjoy!

Click to view slideshow.

Kerry Book Adventure: Day 3

Killarney Train Station & The Railway Hotel

Broody dark clouds hung on the mountain tops this morning but at least it wasn’t raining. On the road early and we headed for Killarney town to investigate a few locations that I will be using in The Carver Affair. Firstly, it was up to The Malton Hotel, which in 1894, was The Railway Hotel. My heroine has an awkward meeting with an old beau here and later comes to stay in the hotel during Regatta weekend.

Killarney House 19th Century

Then over to what was Killarney House, home of the Earl of Kenmare, who used to host a fireworks display the evening of the annual rowing Regatta. The original house is gone but the park is open to the public. It must have been a fabulous sight, and a tiny bit romantic, watching the display over the waters of the lake.

Lough Leane from Ross Castle

The Regatta, which still takes place every summer, is run on the Lower Lake or Lough Leane.

Ross Castle Regatta Day

As luck would have it we stopped at Ross Castle, where there was the usual interpretive centre. It had an old drawing of the row boats and starter’s boat from just the right period.

Killarney will play host to one of the biggest scenes in the book, with fireworks of the explosive and human kind, a distressing meeting for our heroine and a dramatic reveal for the hero.

Muckross House

Muckross Gardens

Having completed our location hunting, we headed into the National Park and Muckross House, for a treat. It is a beautiful old house, in a fabulous location, overlooking the lake. It also has the added attraction, at this time of year, of the most gorgeous display of Azaleas and Rhododendron in flower.  I may just have to use the location as the inspiration for Linden House, the fictional home of one of the characters.

 

Dingle Bay

On the way back to Annascaul, we stopped at Inch beach in the hope of getting some better photos than yesterday. Still a little hazy but I think you can see just how lovely Dingle Bay is.

So Day three draws to a close and yes, you guessed, we are back in The South Pole Inn! Well it would be rude not to say goodbye. If the weather holds, we will do our best to find a few more locations tomorrow morning, then, unfortunately, it’s back to Dublin. And writing!!

Bye for now!

Kerry Book Adventure: Day 2

It was bound to happen. Today the vagaries of the Irish weather were felt with force. Yes, it rained. All day. We headed for Dingle which, unfortunately, has become even more touristy than I remembered – a pity but I suppose inevitable. We had two options – the Slea Head drive or the Connor Pass. Unluckily, we delayed our decision and set off just as the rain started. The higher we travelled the heavier the rain and by the time we reached the top of the Connor Pass, the cloud was blowing in at speed. Braving the elements, I managed to take a few snaps (forgive the raindrops blurring the pictures) just to prove to you that I was actually there!

Dingle & Dingle Bay from Connor Pass

Northwards from the Connor Pass

Down the other side – not for the faint-hearted but luckily the weather meant there were few cars about on the road, that for a brief section is only wide enough for one car.  We headed for Castlegregory in the hopes that the rain would stop but it was in vain. Disappointed, we headed back to Annascaul.

Clouds descending in the Slieve Mish

In a moment of madness I decided to take the cross mountain route (over the Slieve Mish Mountains) from Camp to Aughils. I’m alive to tell the tale but my heart was in my mouth as we climbed higher and the cloud came down around us. On a fine day, this drive would be spectacular – today it was plain scary. The road (for want of a better word) is one car wide, with bog, ditch or scary drop to the side. I was thinking of my husband who would have rallied his way across this route with glee, no matter what the conditions! He is made of sterner stuff than me. We made one stop to take a few photos (but really so that I could unclench my hands from the steering wheel!)

Inch Beach looking a tad damp

Back to civilisation and proper roads (sigh of relief) and we headed to Inch beach. Again, on a fine day it would be glorious but with a misty rain it was hard to appreciate it. The road from Inch to Annascaul is where I have located my fictional house settings for the book so I was keen to see the lay of the land. Some idiot decided to stick a few mountains where I had placed rolling parkland – back to the drawing board on that one!!

Great plans for tomorrow if the weather holds, but for now, happy out in The South Pole Inn (again!) where the food and beer are just the ticket.

Bye for now.

 

Kerry Book Adventure: Day 1

Finally here in Annascaul after months of planning and dreaming. My next book, The Carver Affair, a Victorian crime novel, is partially set in this wonderful location. For the next couple of days, I will be exploring locations with a very good friend of mine.

We left an overcast Dublin early this morning but by the time we had reached Adare, Co. Limerick, the sun was shining on our road trip. A brief pit-stop here and then onwards to Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.

An hour and a half later we arrived in Annascaul, having braved the twisty road from Tralee. It was worth it though – the views were amazing towards the bays of Tralee and Dingle, to the north and south respectively.

Then the adventure began in earnest. A setting for a romantic scene I had in mind needed to be explored. My dear friend persuaded me that the walk to Annascaul Lake was much longer (and up hill!) than I believed so we wimped out and drove! So glad we did – I’d still be walking back down.

The lake is nestled between some high cliffs and mountain peaks, dark and mysterious and reflecting an impossibly blue sky. It is perfect for what I need, though I think I’ll allow my characters to get there on horseback as opposed to shank’s mare.

On the way back to Annascaul village we decided to investigate Tom Crean’s burial site. For anyone who doesn’t know, he was part of the Antarctic expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton, on the ship Endurance (1914-16). He was born in Annascaul and ran away from home at age 15 to join the British Navy. Little did we know that we were about to enter one of the strangest Irish cemeteries I have ever seen. Due to the rocky ground, all the graves are above ground, almost like miniature thatched houses!

Tom’s Final Resting Place

Then it was back to the village for some refreshment. And there could not be a more fitting place than The South Pole Inn, named in Tom’s honour! Looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures, whatever they may be.

Bye for now!

 

A Conversation with Author Barbara Lorna Hudson

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

You are very welcome, Barbara, please introduce yourself:

I grew up on a farm in Cornwall, studied languages at Cambridge, became a social worker and have somehow ended up as an Oxford don. I have reinvented myself as a fiction writer in my 70s.

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?

Yes, as a child  I read whatever I could lay hands on – the half-dozen books on my grandfather’s shelf, all by Dickens, the sparse contents of the school library, and the occasional gift  – I can remember them still.  As well as set books for exams. our English teacher forced us to read Sir Walter Scott and Jane Austen, and I hated them both equally. And I used to devour my mother’s women’s magazines. As an adult I continued to enjoy the classics (with a little more discrimination), and modern literary fiction such as Julian Barnes, Adam Foulds, Colm Toibin, John Williams, Elizabeth Strout.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

My academic and text book stuff was traditionally published – very traditionally indeed. I can actually remember being given posh lunches by my publisher and being asked to write a book for them. Hard to believe!

As a new fiction writer, I self-published one edited collection of short stories, and sorted out another for ebook publication. I found the techie stuff hard and the marketing equally so.

Now my first novel is being traditionally published (ebook and paperbook print on demand) and it is such a help to have the publisher doing the publishing as well a lot of the marketing. – though with their support I am finding it easier to do my share.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I’ve written quite a range of short stories – romance, ghost, memoirish, spoof crime, dark humour. I love writing jokey flash fiction. My forthcoming novel is being marketed as literary/women’s and I think ‘literary’ covers most of my reading. I hadn’t even thought about genre till very recently, when I saw that it was important to classify books. I try to write what I’d want to read.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

The modern writers mentioned above. I think all of them write lovely, rich but economical prose and tell of believable, complicated characters.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing ?

No, I don’t think so, or not that I’m aware of. But I do like to bring my characters to places that have meant a great deal to me.

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

Plotting. I go round for days asking myself ‘What if?’ and ‘How come?’ and ‘How can we get from A to B?’

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Whenever I’m not hungry.

What is the best thing about being an author?

I love it when people say they’ve enjoyed my work.

And the flipside – what is the worst?

Promotion and selling. I suppose most writers feel the same? And I must say it is less painful than I first thought, because instead of getting the expected sneers and brush-offs, I find people do understand that self-promotion is necessary these days and they are kind and polite.

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy?

I began reluctantly, because I knew it was important.  Now I love it

Which forum do you prefer?

I like Facebook best, not so much for promotion purposes or platform-building, but because I love finding out about other people’s lives and linking up with so many interesting people.

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

I’m retired, and I had planned be more active in the various societies I belong to. I’d do a lot more of that if it wasn’t for the writing.

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

I’d like to go out re-reading poems I loved as a student – Goethe or Pushkin. Or maybe something a little lighter and more recent, such as Wendy Cope.

Please tell us about your latest published work.

My first novel is Timed Out (Driven Press, published 4th April 2016.)  It is about a sixtyish woman who seeks a meaningful way to spend her retirement years. it is set in Cambridge. She decides to look for a partner via Internet dating. It is part humorous and part deeply serious.

Timed Out on Amazon

If you would like to know more about Barbara, check out the links below:

Website       Twitter

 

 

 

Drum Roll & Fanfare – Dognapped! is Launched

Say hello again to David Robertson, who would like to tell you about something special – it’s DOGNAPPED! publication day! I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and have to say I was very impressed, both by the story and the beautiful illustrations. So if you know a child between 7 and 10 who loves to read, why not invest in a copy. You won’t be disappointed.

Hi, I’m David J Robertson a — year old, (sorry the number lock seems to be broken!), bloke from the Black Country. My children’s book – DOGNAPPED! is completed and published today! The second in the series, ‘IN THE DOGHOUSE!’, is written and the third book is already in the pipeline.

I have appeared on Pam’s page before but you may well be wondering, ‘Why on earth is a children’s writer appearing on the blog pages of a historical fiction author?’ Well, good people of this genre, it is my belief that you – being discerning readers – would like nothing better than to pass on your love of literature to your sons and daughters, to your grandchildren, to your nephews and nieces, indeed to any child who shows the slightest interest in taking their nose out of a mobile phone for even a second. [Hear, hear, says Pam]

Also, I have a book to promote and although slightly biased, I do happen to believe that it is quite good. In fact the illustrations by Ian R Ward are wonderful and I am very grateful for his input. Most people on picking it up do comment, ‘Oh this looks lovely!’ Sadly they’re all looking at the pictures and no one has read the story. I urge you to do so – you might like it!

So what are my writing credentials? I began writing seriously following a heart attack. Being cracked open like a lobster for a quadruple bypass seriously focuses the mind. Heed my advice – this is not the way to get into writing!

I’ve done quite a bit flash fiction and short stories. One day I’ll try to put them all together. You can see samples of these along with a blog on my website which is updated around once a week depending upon my inspiration, chagrin or whatever has plain got my goat during the past seven days.

And of course there’s the novel. Haven’t we all got one somewhere? It unfortunately needs attacking drastically with the red editing pen! A humorous (allegedly) science fiction/fantasy adventure. I only started it in 2006 so it must be nearly finished by now.

Below are a few links to my website and blog, Facebook page and my Twitter account. Please feel free to pop over and say, ‘Hi,’ it would be nice to see you. Just a word of warning, however – my dog, Misty, does administer the website, take whatever she tells you with a pinch of salt! Here is a link to my publisher, www.troubador.co.uk – it would be great if you fancied a copy of, ‘DOGNAPPED!’ You can read it yourself first before you donate it to your little darlings – I won’t tell, honest!

So – that’s taken care of me, what about the book? Well here’s a quick description:

DOGNAPPED! is an adventure book aimed at middle grade children (7-10) involving four canine friends. The quartet investigate strange sounds coming from the chimney of a canal boat which turns out to be feisty puppy, Ashley, stuck inside the narrow tube. They manage to release him but accidentally cast themselves adrift. On the boat’s radio they hear, ‘… news is coming in of a dognapping. Ashley has been taken along with a narrow boat. In a statement his people said, “whoever has taken our poor puppy is very naughty indeed!”’ The situation rapidly deteriorates until they eventually find themselves lost at sea.

Will they make it back to shore? Can any of them swim? How silly does Rascal look in welly boots?

The book has eight chapters, each with a single colour illustration beautifully drawn by artist, Ian R Ward, and is published today by Matador Books.

And an excerpt to whet your appetite:

One-Eyed Rose peered once more into the chimney. ‘Wow! It’s gone – whatever it was!’ she exclaimed, standing back. Now her one good eye had a black sooty ring around it.

I leant my paws against the window and put my nose to the glass. Inside were two black lumps. One was vaguely Bertie shaped. The other was a lot smaller.

The largest lump shook violently. Soot billowed through the air. It was Bertie! He blinked at me through the glass and pointed toward the back of the boat as he shouted, ‘The door was open all the time.’

I scurried along the bank and sprang onto the tiny deck. Clouds of black dust hung around the open door. Carefully, I made my way down three narrow steps and peered into the gloomy cabin. Bertie stroked his long black whiskers which were slowly becoming grey again. In front of him the small black lump trembled. Two vivid white circles appeared.

The lump had eyes!

I took a step back. This was getting scarier. Even Bertie, who knows a lot of things about a lot of things looked worried.

Looking round I spotted a carving knife lying on a table. I picked it up in my jaws – just in case! ‘Ahh…!’ went the tiny black lump.

It trembled harder than before.

…AAh!’

And even harder.

‘Is everything all right?’ One-Eyed Rose yelled down the chimney.

‘…Tishoooo!’ sneezed the tiny black lump, showering more soot into the air.

‘Wow! What was that?’ boomed from the chimney. ‘Hold on I’m coming down.’

The tiny lump puffed out its cheeks. ‘Tshoo,’ it sniffed. It was now mostly white with brown patches and a brown tipped stubby tail.

Scamper!

Clatter!

Bang!

Thump!

One-Eyed Rose fell down the steps, ‘Wow! A puppy dog!’

The pup looked at Bertie with his bone-patterned scarf. He stared at me armed with a knife. Finally he gaped at One-Eyed Rose with the black ring around her one good eye like an eye- patch. ‘Arggh! Pirates!’

‘Wow! Where?’ shouted One-Eyed Rose, looking around anxiously.

I dropped the knife. ‘He means us, Rose,’ I told her, ‘we’ve frightened him.’

The pup bounced up and down on all four paws. ‘I’m not frightened! Come on! I’ll fight you all. Yippity yap!’ he barked in a squeaky voice.

Bertie sighed. With a sharp clip of his paw he tapped the puppy across the tail making him somersault backwards.

‘Ow! I surrender!’

‘What sort of dog is that?’ One-Eyed Rose sniffed at the defeated baby.

‘I won’t tell you anything! We Jack Russells are very brave!’

I looked at the brown marks on his fur, ‘I bet his name is Patch.’

The little dog grinned at me defiantly, ‘You’ll get nothing out of me, you nasty pirate. From now on Ashley says nothing! Yappity yip!’

‘So, Ashley, what was a Jack Russell puppy doing up the chimney?’ Bertie asked.

Ashley pouted,‘I was exploring.’

‘It’s a good job I poked you out with that brush. If someone had lit the fire you might have singed your tail,’ One-Eyed Rose said helpfully.

Watch this space for news of the sequel – IN THE DOGHOUSE! due out at the end of October.

You can find our more about David and his work by following these links:

Website                                                

Facebook                     

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