Justin Sheedy's Blog, page 4

ANZAC Day Lead-Up Author Book-Signing Event! “GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE” by Justin Sheedy

In the lead-up to Anzac Day 2014 Justin Sheedy will be signing copies of Ghosts of the Empire - Book 2 in his Nor the Years Condemn historical fiction series. Sheedy brings to life a staggeringly exciting, tragic and true story of young Australians at war with even LESS chance of survival than if they had been in the trenches of Gallipoli or the Western Front.

Ghosts of the Empire is the saga of peaceful Sydney boy, Mick O’Regan, who in World War II enters a world of high-speed life and death – his job, the most dangerous of the War: flying for RAF Fighter and Bomber Command. It is also a story of young people living life to the full while they can – in a blacked-out world where dance partners, sex and death flow in equal abundance. It’s a story in our great ANZAC tradition – only at 400 miles per hour – and one until now untold.

Date: Saturday 19 April, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Dymocks Chatswood Shop 301 Westfield Shoppingtown, Chatswood
Cost: Cost: Free!
Bookings/ Enquiries: Ph (02) 9412 1630 , Fx (02) 9411 8759 or chatswood@dymocks.com.au

Rising Sydney Author Justin Sheedy’s Latest Now Stocked by Abbeys Bookshop – THE Independent Bookstore of Sydney CBD

Despite being knocked back by every publishing company in Australia (the story of EVERY now high-flying Australian author), Sydney independent author Justin Sheedy is delighted to see his latest warmly-received book on the shelves of ABBEY’S BOOKS – iconic independent bookstore and ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ for book-lovers right in the heart of Central Sydney.

Abbey’s Books have been an ardent supporter of Sheedy’s works since his first in 2009, GOODBYE CRACKERNIGHT, his comic & tearful true tale of growing up in 1970s Australia – back in a long-lost time when a child’s proudest possession was not a PlayStation but a second-hand bike, the book being so well received by Australian (and international) readers that it saw Sheedy invited to the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival 2010.

In 2012 Sheedy broke Australian in-store sales records with NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN, Book 1 in his ‘Nor the Years Condemn’ historical fiction trilogy bringing to life the stunning true story of the young Australians who, in World War II, flew Spitfires against the might of Nazi tyranny.

“Imagine your grandfather, when he was 21, was a real-life superhero who crossed the planet to fight against the worst evil imaginable in the most exciting way possible and won,” said Sheedy. “Though despite his victory he ends up an old man surrounded by the ghosts of all his friends who remain 21. It’s a story impossibly exciting, dramatic and tragic and it’s all true. One of shining young men cursed never to grow old.”

2012 saw Sheedy invited to the Gloucester Writers’ Festival where the book not only sold out but won a key Festival prize.

Sheedy’s latest release, GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE, Book 2 in his ‘Nor the Years Condemn’ saga, is now on the shelves of ABBEY’S BOOKS. Sheedy would like to thank ALL at ABBEY’S for their past & present support and looks forward to near-future book-signing events at the store. GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE full story description below.

GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE

As the storm of World War II breaks, Mick O’Regan is a peaceful Sydney working-class boy. Yet he and the shining youth of his generation are cursed to enter a world of high-speed life and death. Like first-time Aussie backpackers they cross the planet to save the British Empire, their job on arrival the most dangerous of the War: flying for Royal Air Force Bomber Command.

Based on a true Australian war story only now being brought to life by author Justin Sheedy’s vivid historical fictions, “Ghosts of the Empire” is also a story of young people living life to the full while they can – in a blacked-out world where dance partners, sex and death flow in equal abundance.

Though standing on its own as the white-knuckle excitement saga that it is, “Ghosts of the Empire” is the much-anticipated sequel to “Nor the Years Condemn”, Sheedy’s highly acclaimed story of shining young men destined never to grow old. ‘Ghosts’, it is said, are the spirits of those who die violently, tragically, or when ripped from life too young. “Ghosts of the Empire” is their story.

Latest Readers of “Ghosts of the Empire” by Justin Sheedy share their ‘FAVOURITE BITS’

Rising Australian author Justin Sheedy has recently seen his third book published. Hailed by iconic UK bookstore chain Waterstone’s as ‘Book 2 in Sheedy’s “Nor the Years Condemn” Series’ , Sheedy’s highly-anticipated “Ghosts of the Empire” has been warmly received by readers. An historical fiction bringing to life the stunning true saga of the shining Australian 20-somethings who crossed the planet to fly Spitfires and Mosquitos against Nazi tyranny in World War Two, this week latest readers of “Ghosts of the Empire” offered their ‘favourite bits’ of Sheedy’s gripping tale in a live Facebook event…

Colleen Dudley – Sydney, Australia: Bridie’s letters to Mick struck a chord with me – a fiery passionate 5 year old who is proud of her big brother but misses him, loves him to pieces and wants him back home. Very poignant.

Justin Sheedy – Author: Thank you, Colleen. I certainly intended the character of Bridie (5-year-old little sister of the story’s hero) to portray via her letters to him the simple, stark fact (as only seen via the undiluted honesty of extreme youth) that War is WRONG. That big brothers being absent because of it is a Crime. And Bridie so needs his help.

From Andrew Landström – Sweden: I think the bit when Mick was invited to tag along on a ferrying of a Mosquito was a bit that struck so many chords: flying, romance, the allure of a woman who showed Mick that she was at least at par with him as a pilot, the sadness of them both knowing that it was not to be, and it was a rather peaceful moment in the middle of a blazing war. This is just one of many nuggets strewn throughout the book. A book well written, a book worth reading.

Justin Sheedy: Andrew, a mighty thanks to you and that was one of my personal favourite bits to write in this book: Our male hero being flown in his first bomber by a lovely 20-something girl, completely his equal despite the reigning prejudice of the time (and indeed of Ours) that she wasn’t. Dear readers, THIS part of the story features the amazing girls of the Air Transport Auxiliary. As pictured above from many months back when I was writing the scene. (Full writing excerpt HERE.) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...

From Mark Bentley – Norfolk, United Kingdom: For me it has to be his solitary walk down the lanes at Marham (UK), not an action packed part, but strikes a chord with me as I walk those lanes regularly taking photos. If you have not read “Ghosts of the Empire” yet, you are missing out. Go buy a copy. If you have like me, then we shall just have to wait for the next book. Way to go, Justin.

Justin Sheedy: Mark, thank you for your response to the story. I loved writing that part: Mick O’Regan from Lewisham, Sydney, Australia, taking a peaceful walk between missions filled with death around the (as it turns out) ghost-filled countryside of Marham, Norfolk, UK, on the other side of the world from his home & family. And the seasoned local he meets reflecting that this young Australian is just the next in a long tradition of ‘ghosts’ in the local area. My book title being, after all, “Ghosts of the Empire”.

From Martin Zitek – Sydney, Australia: Yes! When we see the full and horrible effects of war on a suppressed and invaded populace, how their lives are turned upside down and so many are left to starve and die. This is brought home by beautiful French teenager Jacqueline Orval on her last legs, returning to her family farm house with no other option but to whither away and lament on what could have been had she flown off with the story’s hero, Mick O’Regan, a rescued pilot she had known for the briefest time. He can only return after avenging the death of her father at the hands of a brutal sadist and thus repaying the debt of the sacrifices she made to save him… The conclusion is beautiful and poignant…

Justin Sheedy: Thank You, Martin. That this key relationship in my story resonates for you is music to my ears; this book (and Book 1, “Nor the Years Condemn”) being a portrait of shining young people whose shining young lives are HIJACKED by the evil or incompetent old men who lead us. The ancient tragedy still with us. Apparently it still needs to be written about until such evil/incompetent men are put away yet my story remains a portrait of eternally shining Youth. Dear readers, Martin’s review HERE… http://crackernight.com/2014/02/04/mo...

Ian Iam – Canada: Justin, I have to say that the realism in how you write this book is something that is close to me. It feels like I’m reading an actual historical document. The training in the Empire Air Training Scheme, the ship voyage to England, the interaction of the air crew… Everything in the book makes it feel so real. Dare I say almost as if I was watching a movie!!!

Justin Sheedy: Ian, just brilliant to know the book & its detail are working for you the way it seems to be. A movie? WOW, I like the sound of that & SO glad the writing seems cinematic to you.

Tim Bean (Australian Arts Veteran): My favourite bit?… The six pages that make up the Whitehall scene. I think that is one of the best scenes I have ever read in ANY novel. Memorable, for a lot of good reasons.

Justin Sheedy: Thank YOU, Tim. Wonderful for me to know that key near-conclusion scene of the story so resonated for you. My intent with that section was to symbolise the whole deadly corrupt injustice of the war in my portrait of one excellent young man speaking out articulately and damningly against it.

From Mark Bentley: Next time at Marham, I will take some shots of the lanes, surrounding countryside: Hopefully readers will see what I see then, just bringing the story to life even more!

TO PURCHASE JUSTIN SHEEDY’S “GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE” AT WATERSTONE’S BOOKSTORES (UK) CLICK HERE http://www.waterstones.com/waterstone...

AT WH SMITH STORES CLICK HERE http://www.whsmith.co.uk/pws/ProductD...

IN AUSTRALIA AT DYMOCKS BOOKSTORES CLICK HERE http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/resu...

FROM GLEEBOOKS, HERE http://www.gleebooks.com.au/Catalogue...

FROM BERKELOUW BOOKS, HERE http://berkelouw.com.au/searches?utf8...

FROM ABBEY’S BOOKS, HERE http://www.abbeys.com.au/book/ghosts-...

To order internationally from AMAZON in paperback & Kindle formats click HERE http://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Empire-J...

“Ghosts of the Empire” & “Nor the Years Condemn” by Justin Sheedy are now proudly stocked by the AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL http://www.awm.gov.au/shop/search/?q=....

FOR RAVE READER REVIEWS OF “GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE” CLICK HERE http://crackernight.com/reviews-of-sh...

FOR ALL LATEST NEWS ON SHEEDY’S BOOKS CLICK HERE http://crackernight.com/latest-news-r...

Independent Australian Author Justin Sheedy Breaks Into UK & Euro Bookstore Markets!

DON’T TELL EVERY PUBLISHING COMPANY IN AUSTRALIA…

Think of a publishing company in Australia. Go on, name one. Chances are they knocked back rising Australian author, Justin Sheedy. Name another one… Yes, they knocked him back too. They ALL did. Apparently they saw no commercial or literary merit in his writing.

Only one group of people in Australia have and do see merit in Sheedy’s writing: the thousands of Australian readers who have purchased and loved his (self-published) books over the past few years. This fact, though missed by every publishing company in Australia, wasn’t missed by a major Australian book distribution company, who offered Sheedy a major distribution contract for his books at the close of 2013. As a result, Sheedy’s books became available in bookstores across Australia in time for Christmas, including the great Dymocks Books chain, Gleebooks and Berkelouw Books.

This week Sheedy’s books have gone international with the announcement that his latest historical fiction, “Ghosts of the Empire”, is being stocked by the great English bookstore chain, Waterstone’s (with 288 stores across the UK and Europe) as well as by the legendary WHSmith chain (with an incredible 1264 outlets in the UK and Europe). As to the Australian publishing companies still unaware of his success, you would be right on the money if you said that author Justin Sheedy has ‘bypassed the gatekeeper’.

“Ghosts of the Empire” (full description below) is currently available in paperback at WHSmith, from Waterstone’s in paperback and ebook. Sheedy’s other so warmly-received titles “Nor the Years Condemn” and “Goodbye Crackernight” are currently in ebook format at Waterstone’s and will very soon be available in paperback from both these mighty UK bookstore chains.

Author Justin Sheedy’s driving passion is to tell great Australian stories. His readers love reading them. As they will now across the UK and Europe. …Pssst… Just don’t tell every publishing company in Australia.

TO PURCHASE JUSTIN SHEEDY’S BOOKS AT WATERSTONE’S, CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstone...

AT WHSMITH, CLICK HERE: http://www.whsmith.co.uk/pws/ProductD...

IN AUSTRALIAN BOOKSTORES, CLICK HERE: http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/resu...

GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE

As the storm of World War II breaks, Mick O’Regan is a peaceful Sydney working-class boy. Yet he and the shining youth of his generation are cursed to enter a world of high-speed life and death. Like first-time Aussie backpackers they cross the planet to save the British Empire, their job on arrival the most dangerous of the War: flying for Royal Air Force Bomber Command.

Based on a true Australian war story only now being brought to life by author Justin Sheedy’s vivid historical fictions, Ghosts of the Empire is also a story of young people living life to the full while they can – in a blacked-out world where dance partners, sex and death flow in equal abundance.

Though standing on its own as the white-knuckle excitement saga that it is, Ghosts of the Empire is the much-anticipated sequel to Nor the Years Condemn, Sheedy’s highly acclaimed story of shining young men destined never to grow old. ‘Ghosts’, it is said, are the spirits of those who die violently, tragically, or when ripped from life too young. Ghosts of the Empire is their story.

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS SHOULD BE TOLD. “Ghosts of the Empire” by Justin Sheedy – Review by Martin Zitek

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS SHOULD BE TOLD. “Ghosts of the Empire” by Justin Sheedy – Review by Martin Zitek, Sydney, Australia.

THIS was a fantastic read! A real page turner, very tight in construction and narrative and totally engrossing. A saga of Australian World War II pilots, I loved the “as if you were there” details of the times that only thorough research could have brought out. The flight scenes were even more vivid, as if recounted by an ace pilot in the way they were described and choreographed.

The whole 1940s atmosphere of the times was relayed superbly. I felt the story was written just a few years after the horror of WWII, it was that detailed. The absolute waste and stupidity of mass conflict was conveyed as well.

More stories like this should be told. There is no way the world should ever forget that mankind was brought to the brink of annihilation because of madmen and ineffective politicians. This story portrays a mere few caught up in the unimaginable catastrophe that swept across the whole planet in WWII. Magnify that to the level of every nation: At that time everyone suffered a loss, either of their own life or that of a loved one.

Ghosts of the Empire should haunt us to the depths of our souls to ensure that conflict can never again escalate to the terrific levels it did then and to safeguard against the unnecessary loss and total waste of human potential by sending young men and women to die before their time. If more people knew of the hell war creates, more would avoid it and less would glorify it. A superb telling by author Justin Sheedy, once again.

Martin Zitek, Sydney, Australia.

For ALL latest reviews of Ghosts of the Empire by Justin Sheedy, click this link... http://crackernight.com/reviews-of-sh...

To purchase Ghosts of the Empire from Dymocks bookstores, click this link... http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/resu...

To order internationally from AMAZON in paperback & Kindle formats click this link... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

Ghosts of the Empire & Nor the Years Condemn by Justin Sheedy now proudly stocked by the AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL.

"A PAWN BECOMES A KNIGHT". Review by Australian Arts Veteran Tim Bean of author Justin Sheedy's latest, "Ghosts of the Empire"

"A PAWN BECOMES A KNIGHT" - Review by Tim Bean of "Ghosts of the Empire" by Justin Sheedy...

Justin Sheedy’s “Nor the Years Condemn” was a good read. Its companion novel, GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE, is even better. This is because the theme of “Nor the Years” – that all fighting men are mere pawns in the life-and-death chess game that is war – is delivered with even greater impact in “Ghosts”.

Mick O’Regan, a young carpenter from Lewisham in Sydney, finds himself called up, selected, trained and eventually flying in the RAF against Hitler’s Luftwaffe, this despite the fact that Mick has devoted all his self-preservational energies towards securing a stay-in-Australia posting. Luckily for Mick, he is assigned as wingman to Feliks Brozek, experienced Polish Spitfire pilot with a personal score to settle against the Nazis and who demonstrates with ruthless mid-combat lessons that war cannot be fought and won with by-the-book chivalry. Meanwhile, on almost a daily basis, Mick is appalled to see young men’s lives wasted at a horrendous rate on ill-conceived missions using badly advised tactics and unsuitable aircraft.

Brozek’s insights help Mick to become an Ace in a series of harrowing air clashes, a baptism of fire which ultimately leads Mick to Jacqueline Orval, a young Frenchwoman, as well as to German Gestapo officer, Werner Gruber. Crystalized by his experiences with these characters, Mick sets about giving the Gestapo hell from the air, whilst planning his return to Jacqueline.

Another key theme of “Ghosts of the Empire” is ‘war by media’, one brought to a head in that Mick’s exploits have the side effect of attracting ‘good press’, something the bad-press-prone Allied Top Brass desperately crave. In the book’s final chapter, Mick is given the opportunity to tell these Bomber-Command-Chess-Players, at their own insistence, exactly where they have made the wrong moves.

Mick does so in the riveting Whitehall scene – six pages of logic, conflict and humanitarian mathematics so devastating in their truth that the reader’s inclination to physically applaud is acute. (This scene is a complete mini story in its own right, powerful enough to make a splendid short film, should the right hungry young producer/director combination take it on. One can only hope.)

The accuracy of Mick’s assessment, however, inevitably leads to the moving conclusion of “Ghosts”.

Justin Sheedy is a writer by choice, a historian by passion and a promoter by necessity. He is very good at all three and, in GHOSTS OF THE EMPIRE, he delivers a novel worthy of passion and promotion. A splendid read.

To purchase Justin's books from Australian bookstores, click the following link... http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/resu...

To purchase internationally, click this link... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

Rave Amazon Review of "Ghosts of the Empire" by Justin Sheedy - Review by Denise Boneham - "ONCE MORE WITH FEELING"

"This book, 'Ghosts of the Empire', was eagerly awaited as Justin's first book, 'Nor the Years Condemn', was an epic tale of war and love. I was not disappointed by his sequel. Justin is not just writing for a male audience; this one is good for the ladies too. Don't just buy it for Fathers' Day buy it for Mothers' Day too.

Justin set us up for a rollercoaster ride with his main character but his genius is bringing it to life with the many small (and not so small) cameo performances. I liked the reappearance of characters from 'Nor the years Condemn' too. Again there was a polyglot of nations which was exactly how it was. I especially loved the inclusion of a Polish character which was just how many of them, from my serious reading, were! I am not going to spoil Justin's great plot by giving you any clues but I will say that this is a darker tale especially in the greatly surprising ending.

I have just read the NZer Artie Ashworth's biograghy and Justin could have picked bits from it except I know he hasn't!! Thank you, Justin, for answering my plea and doing a Bomber Command based book even if it still was fighter command too. Coastal Command or Pacific next I wonder. I am agog with anticipation.

All in all this book (and its predecessor) rates wider worldwide recognition than it already gets. Nice one, Justin. Book 3 is on my wish list already...

Eminent thanks to reviewer Denise Boneham -- Justin Sheedy

To purchase Justin's books from Australian bookstores, click the following link... http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/resu...

To purchase internationally, click this link... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

A BRILLIANTLY CONSTRUCTED TALE. TOP SHELF! "Ghosts of the Empire" by Justin Sheedy - Review by Colleen Dudley

"After being unable to put down 'Nor the Years Condemn', 'Ghosts of the Empire' was a must-read. A brilliantly constructed tale of our forebears, brave young men who went on an adventure to the other side of the world. The narrative flows effortlessly between the various players, with clever intersecting of characters from 'Nor the Years Condemn'.

'Ghosts of the Empire' grabbed me from the prologue, and I found myself totally immersed, book-in-hand at every opportunity. Well researched and well written - a ride that takes you through so many emotions.

Justin's characterisations let you in to the lives of these people and you feel their love, pain, joys and losses. Laugh and cry and feel the injustices that war brought to the likes of Mick O'Regan.

So looking forward to the next chapter in this engrossing 'trilogy'. Top shelf!"

My most heart-felt thanks to Colleen! -- Justin Sheedy. I could not have asked for a lovelier way to begin a Writing 2014.

To purchase these books from Australian bookstores, click the following link... http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/resu...

To purchase internationally, click this link... http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

Rave Reader-Review of "Nor the Years Condemn" by Justin Sheedy - Review by Ms Sandy Neilen: I DO NOT DO WAR... BUT...

I do not do war. Not movies, not books, not artefacts – absolutely nothing. So when my favourite writer, Justin Sheedy, published a book on Fighter Pilots in WW2 I was in a quandary. Mindlessly I found myself asking bookshop owners if they carried 'Nor the Years Condemn' and as no one seemed to have it, I was, all of a sudden, on a mission. Eventually I found a copy and out of nothing more than blind trust, I bought and started to read 'Nor the Years Condemn'.

There was just enough of everything to keep me turning the pages. It became my date book – got to get back to that book, sorry, just have to finish the next chapter. In no time it was over and I was sorry it was over.

You knew there were horrible things that happened and they are mentioned but not laboured. There is romance, adventure, and good people facing situations never contemplated with varied outcomes. I fell in love with some characters, admired others and despised some as well.

There are some details about planes and missions and even those were easy to read about because by that time you knew Daniel Quinn so well that you care about what he cared about.

After reading, I have a better appreciation of some aspects of the Second World War but this was a story about people in a certain time and it is written with heart and it shows on every page. Just a great read – it deserves all the praise it gets."

(Personal note from Reviewer Sandy Neilen to Author Justin Sheedy...) "You really have mastered Page Turning Quality... I have only just finished 'Nor the Years'. It has been on my holiday reading list. Fantastic read. I was not able to get 'Ghosts of the Empire' up here. It will be an online purchase. Keep up the brilliant work." - Sandy Neilen
To purchase "Nor the Years Condemn" & "Ghosts of the Empire" in Australian bookstores, click this Link... http://www.dymocks.com.au/Search/resu...

To purchase internationally via Amazon, click THIS link...http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

A Must-Read – WARTIME TALES – Title: Ghosts of the Empire – Author: Justin Sheedy

NORTHERN STAR WEEKENDER – Saturday 14 December 2013 – feature by Helen Hawkes

A Must-Read – WARTIME TALES – Title: Ghosts of the Empire – Author: Justin Sheedy

TRUE Australian stories of war and bravery and lives lost too young are the stock-in-trade of rising Australian author, Justin Sheedy. After the success of his first books, "Goodbye Crackernight" and "Nor the Years Condemn", the self-published author, whose books will soon be available nationwide thanks to a large distribution deal, has penned "Ghosts of the Empire".

As the storm of the Second World War breaks, Mick O’Regan is a peaceful Sydney working-class boy. Cursed to enter a world of high-speed life and death, he flies for the Royal Air Force Bomber Command. "Ghosts of the Empire" is also a story of young people living life to the full while they can – in a blacked-out world where dance partners, sex and death flow in equal abundance, says Sheedy. If you like a rollicking wartime story, you’ll love his latest adventure.

Justin Sheedy's books are available in paperback & Kindle formats at Amazon, at Dymocks Bookstores and orderable via ALL bookstores.
For full blog post, click the Link...
http://crackernight.com/2013/12/16/la...