Susan Buchanan's Blog, page 25
October 26, 2012
Interview with Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
It's Friday again! And that means, only 7 more days to The Dating Game launch! There is going to be so much going on between then and now, so stay tuned. Plus, each day from 2nd to 9th November, there will be a new post, competitions, where you can win Amazon vouchers, and a raffle with Kindle copies of 50 ebooks!
But let's get today underway first. Last week saw my review of Love Comes Later by Mohana Rajakumar. This week she spills the beans!
What sparked the idea for your cover design? It’s rather unusual. Can you explain exactly what it’s meant to convey?
The cover was designed by students in my Fiction summer course. We had read a novel in three weeks and the final assignment was to think of how covers convey content to potential readers. She captured the traditional dress an abaya for Qatari women and a bisht for men. The cover captures the moment that the couple meets, often for the first time, during their engagement.
What prompted you to have the counterpart to the protagonist, Hind, as an Indian girl? Did you also look at other cultures?
My South Indian background influenced the choice of Sangita. As an Indian person living in Qatar, the similarities between our cultures strike me often.
How much research did you do into Indian culture/religion/beliefs before, or as, you wrote the novel? How did you go about your research? Do you have any personal experience of Indian culture?
(I think I answered this above…)
Hind is very much a rule-breaker. How realistic do you find this to be in current Qatari culture? Is this an increasing trend? Are there more freedoms now, to do what Hind did?
Young people are juggling the choices that confront Hind and Abdulla in real life in everyday life in Qatar. Both women and men still have the expectation that they will marry and produce children but increasingly people are trying to make their own choices within their personal contexts.
There is a lot of sexual tension in the book, although not in an overt way, more in a ‘he fancies her/she fancies him’ kind of way. Do you tend to generally write your romantic involvements in this alluded to way? (in your other books for example)
This is my first romance, and the first book with overt romantic content. Part of the restraint in the love scene area is due to the fact that many of my readers are based in Qatar or the Middle East in general and the sensibility here is much more conservative. These particular characters behave this way because of their social context; but a reader wrote a very steamy fan fiction epilogue to the story!
Do you intend to write future books about Qatari and other cultures? If so, can you share with us which cultures?
I am fascinated and inspired by Qatar both as lived by expats and Qataris. The intersection in particular is what I live everyday. I would love to keep writing a few more books in this series with these characters as there are more stories to tell. I
You have written several other novels and a non-fiction work. What can you tell us about the genres and the books themselves?
I write what interests me whether it’s memoir about having a baby, living abroad, advice for aspiring writer, or short fiction or novels. For me a central question is at the heart of any project and women always play a strong role in the stories. Immigration, race, or identity are strong secondary themes in all my work.
You are originally from the US I believe. Part of the book was set in the UK. Have you also lived in the UK? Why did you decide to set your book in the UK and not at one of the Ivy League universities?
I worked at a British company for several years and went back and forth to London often. London is also plays a large role in the lives of Qataris since Qatar was once a British Protectorate. People vacation, study, and own homes there so it felt very realistic for SOAS to be the second setting.
Sangita, the Indian girl, is much more modern in many ways than Hind. Do you find this true of Indian society v Qatari society with respect to women?
Both sets of women deal with similar expectations for female behaviour. In Sangita’s case, her modernism or independence stems from her American upbringing and extroverted personality. If she had been raised in India, she likely would behave in a more traditional way.
How realistic is the portrayal of Hind, as a young girl in a modern day Qatari family? Would she be allowed to stipulate these conditions to her husband, before marrying? (ie going to university in England). What can you tell us about the framework and boundaries of Qatari arranged marriage?
All Muslim women have the right to stipulations in their marriage contracts. Many people do ask for the opportunity to study before or after marriage. Other common items include a dowry or a stipulation of terms in case of a divorce.
Fun stuff
Would you rather have been Hind or Sangita? Hmm…. I could see being glamorous like Hind. But being a free spirit like Sangita is also appealing. I think there are parts of both characters in every woman.
Favourite TV show Downton Abbey
Favourite country in the world I can’t pick!
Country you would most like to visit Australia
Culture which most fascinates you Right now it’s the world of stand up comedy.
Actor/musician who you find attractive and who would be your Abdulla, if you weren’t already taken! Hmmmm. There aren’t many English speaking male Arab actors coming to mind…
Classical or pop music? Either, depending on the mood.
Favourite food Mexican. A good burrito can make my day.
Author whose books you have to have the minute they are released Alice Munroe
Most notable achievement to date (can’t be getting married or having a child, although we recognise these are massive achievments!) When my first novel Saving Peace was a semi-finalist for the Kindle Reads list. Well, thanks, Mohana for joining me today.You can keep track of Mohana via the following links:-Twitter: www.twitter.com/moha_doha
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themohadoha
Pintrest: www.pintrest.com/mohadoha
YouTube: www.youtube.com/themohadoha
website: www.mohanalakshmi.comand her book links
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Comes-Later-ebook/dp/B008I4JJES(novel) Saving Peace: http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Peace-ebook/dp/B006VIOZ1A
(Short stories) Coloured and Other Stories: http://www.amazon.com/Coloured-and-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B005QRPDP4
Non FictionFrom Dunes to Dior: http://www.amazon.com/From-Dunes-to-Dior-ebook/dp/B0083AJ294
So You Want to Sell a Million Copies?: http://www.amazon.com/Want-Sell-Million-Copies-ebook/dp/B005XNIX1W
Mommy But Still Me: http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-but-Still-Me-ebook/dp/B0069D1XPS
Tune in tomorrow for a special The Dating Game exclusive preview!
have a great Friday
Sooz
But let's get today underway first. Last week saw my review of Love Comes Later by Mohana Rajakumar. This week she spills the beans!
What sparked the idea for your cover design? It’s rather unusual. Can you explain exactly what it’s meant to convey?
The cover was designed by students in my Fiction summer course. We had read a novel in three weeks and the final assignment was to think of how covers convey content to potential readers. She captured the traditional dress an abaya for Qatari women and a bisht for men. The cover captures the moment that the couple meets, often for the first time, during their engagement.
What prompted you to have the counterpart to the protagonist, Hind, as an Indian girl? Did you also look at other cultures?
My South Indian background influenced the choice of Sangita. As an Indian person living in Qatar, the similarities between our cultures strike me often.
How much research did you do into Indian culture/religion/beliefs before, or as, you wrote the novel? How did you go about your research? Do you have any personal experience of Indian culture?
(I think I answered this above…)
Hind is very much a rule-breaker. How realistic do you find this to be in current Qatari culture? Is this an increasing trend? Are there more freedoms now, to do what Hind did?
Young people are juggling the choices that confront Hind and Abdulla in real life in everyday life in Qatar. Both women and men still have the expectation that they will marry and produce children but increasingly people are trying to make their own choices within their personal contexts.
There is a lot of sexual tension in the book, although not in an overt way, more in a ‘he fancies her/she fancies him’ kind of way. Do you tend to generally write your romantic involvements in this alluded to way? (in your other books for example)
This is my first romance, and the first book with overt romantic content. Part of the restraint in the love scene area is due to the fact that many of my readers are based in Qatar or the Middle East in general and the sensibility here is much more conservative. These particular characters behave this way because of their social context; but a reader wrote a very steamy fan fiction epilogue to the story!
Do you intend to write future books about Qatari and other cultures? If so, can you share with us which cultures?
I am fascinated and inspired by Qatar both as lived by expats and Qataris. The intersection in particular is what I live everyday. I would love to keep writing a few more books in this series with these characters as there are more stories to tell. I
You have written several other novels and a non-fiction work. What can you tell us about the genres and the books themselves?
I write what interests me whether it’s memoir about having a baby, living abroad, advice for aspiring writer, or short fiction or novels. For me a central question is at the heart of any project and women always play a strong role in the stories. Immigration, race, or identity are strong secondary themes in all my work.
You are originally from the US I believe. Part of the book was set in the UK. Have you also lived in the UK? Why did you decide to set your book in the UK and not at one of the Ivy League universities?
I worked at a British company for several years and went back and forth to London often. London is also plays a large role in the lives of Qataris since Qatar was once a British Protectorate. People vacation, study, and own homes there so it felt very realistic for SOAS to be the second setting.
Sangita, the Indian girl, is much more modern in many ways than Hind. Do you find this true of Indian society v Qatari society with respect to women?
Both sets of women deal with similar expectations for female behaviour. In Sangita’s case, her modernism or independence stems from her American upbringing and extroverted personality. If she had been raised in India, she likely would behave in a more traditional way.
How realistic is the portrayal of Hind, as a young girl in a modern day Qatari family? Would she be allowed to stipulate these conditions to her husband, before marrying? (ie going to university in England). What can you tell us about the framework and boundaries of Qatari arranged marriage?
All Muslim women have the right to stipulations in their marriage contracts. Many people do ask for the opportunity to study before or after marriage. Other common items include a dowry or a stipulation of terms in case of a divorce.
Fun stuff
Would you rather have been Hind or Sangita? Hmm…. I could see being glamorous like Hind. But being a free spirit like Sangita is also appealing. I think there are parts of both characters in every woman.
Favourite TV show Downton Abbey
Favourite country in the world I can’t pick!
Country you would most like to visit Australia
Culture which most fascinates you Right now it’s the world of stand up comedy.
Actor/musician who you find attractive and who would be your Abdulla, if you weren’t already taken! Hmmmm. There aren’t many English speaking male Arab actors coming to mind…
Classical or pop music? Either, depending on the mood.
Favourite food Mexican. A good burrito can make my day.
Author whose books you have to have the minute they are released Alice Munroe
Most notable achievement to date (can’t be getting married or having a child, although we recognise these are massive achievments!) When my first novel Saving Peace was a semi-finalist for the Kindle Reads list. Well, thanks, Mohana for joining me today.You can keep track of Mohana via the following links:-Twitter: www.twitter.com/moha_doha
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themohadoha
Pintrest: www.pintrest.com/mohadoha
YouTube: www.youtube.com/themohadoha
website: www.mohanalakshmi.comand her book links
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Comes-Later-ebook/dp/B008I4JJES(novel) Saving Peace: http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Peace-ebook/dp/B006VIOZ1A
(Short stories) Coloured and Other Stories: http://www.amazon.com/Coloured-and-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B005QRPDP4
Non FictionFrom Dunes to Dior: http://www.amazon.com/From-Dunes-to-Dior-ebook/dp/B0083AJ294
So You Want to Sell a Million Copies?: http://www.amazon.com/Want-Sell-Million-Copies-ebook/dp/B005XNIX1W
Mommy But Still Me: http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-but-Still-Me-ebook/dp/B0069D1XPS
Tune in tomorrow for a special The Dating Game exclusive preview!
have a great Friday
Sooz
October 24, 2012
Happy Ever After's Dos and Don'ts of Dating
The clock is ticking. Only 9 days to the launch of The Dating Game and what a huge launch that is going to be. I've roped in 50 authors to donate Kindle copies of their books, as part of my huge launch party! So, stay tuned for that! Plus there will be Amazon vouchers to be won and lots more.
In the meantime, today I wanted to bring you the Dos and Don'ts of Dating, as stipulated to Gill, the main character, by Happy Ever After Dating Agency.
Gill's had a pretty crappy dating history (who hasn't at some point?) After failing to find a suitable mate the traditional way, having endured yet another blind date at the hands of her friends, she's had enough and joins Happy Ever After - the dating agency for professional people.
Today I'd like to invite you to leave a comment on the blog, with your blind date/internet date or dating agency best or worst experience. But keep it clean and relatively concise!
I'll start you off. I have had 2 blind dates in my life. I'm not sure who was the most blind, me or them!
Bizarrely, both were farmers! And no, I don't have a thing for men of the earth! I hasten to add that in both cases, this was about 13 years ago.
The first one was handsome, Scottish, but for some reason had it in his head that I would look like Rachel from S Club 7...
I also think he was looking for a wife. NOOO! The farmer wants a wife...it made me think of this playground song -
So that one didn't work out and neither did the second one. On visiting friends in Dublin, I agreed to go on a blind date with this bloke, another farmer! Well, he was Irish, and I am a complete sucker for the accent!
Has anyone ever gone on an excruciating date? One where you know right from the start it's not going anywhere and it's painful to actually BE there?! This was it. The guy was kinda geeky, but trying too hard not to be, and just came off as a bit insane!
When he went to the toilet, four guys at the next table said to me, 'Ditch him, come out with us. He's obviously not your type.'
But, I am too nice to do that, so I thanked them and endured the date for the minimum amount of time which politeness allowed. But, oh what a pity, as those four guys were pretty hot! Damn!
Anyway, fortunately 11 years ago I met my Other Half and we're stuck with each other now!
To find out how Gill fares in The Dating Game, you only have to wait until next Fri, 2nd Nov.
For now, I'd love if you could leave your comments and give us all a good laugh. Please note you can't have known your date before going on the date!
And finally here are Happy Ever After's Dos and Don'ts of Dating
DOs
Meet in a neutral place. Under no circumstances invite your date to pick you up from your home
Wear smart, but casual clothing
Be positive and friendly
Listen to your date and allow them the opportunity to talk
Exchange email addresses or phone numbers if you want to see them again
Be honest – if you want to see them again, say so. If not, thank them for a nice time and say it was nice to meet them.
DON’TS
Accept a lift from your date until you know them well enough
Complain all the time
Talk about past relationships, apart from fleetingly
Insist – if they want to call you, or get in touch, they will
Give out your home or work address
Have a great day and tune in on Friday for Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar's interview
In the meantime, today I wanted to bring you the Dos and Don'ts of Dating, as stipulated to Gill, the main character, by Happy Ever After Dating Agency.
Gill's had a pretty crappy dating history (who hasn't at some point?) After failing to find a suitable mate the traditional way, having endured yet another blind date at the hands of her friends, she's had enough and joins Happy Ever After - the dating agency for professional people.
Today I'd like to invite you to leave a comment on the blog, with your blind date/internet date or dating agency best or worst experience. But keep it clean and relatively concise!
I'll start you off. I have had 2 blind dates in my life. I'm not sure who was the most blind, me or them!
Bizarrely, both were farmers! And no, I don't have a thing for men of the earth! I hasten to add that in both cases, this was about 13 years ago.
The first one was handsome, Scottish, but for some reason had it in his head that I would look like Rachel from S Club 7...
I also think he was looking for a wife. NOOO! The farmer wants a wife...it made me think of this playground song -
The farmer's in his den
The farmer's in his den
Eee eye addy-oh
The farmer's in his den
The farmer wants a wife
The farmer wants a wife
Eee eye addy-oh
The farmer wants a wife
The wife wants a child...
The child wants a dog...
The dog wants a bone... You get the picture!!
So that one didn't work out and neither did the second one. On visiting friends in Dublin, I agreed to go on a blind date with this bloke, another farmer! Well, he was Irish, and I am a complete sucker for the accent!
Has anyone ever gone on an excruciating date? One where you know right from the start it's not going anywhere and it's painful to actually BE there?! This was it. The guy was kinda geeky, but trying too hard not to be, and just came off as a bit insane!
When he went to the toilet, four guys at the next table said to me, 'Ditch him, come out with us. He's obviously not your type.'
But, I am too nice to do that, so I thanked them and endured the date for the minimum amount of time which politeness allowed. But, oh what a pity, as those four guys were pretty hot! Damn!
Anyway, fortunately 11 years ago I met my Other Half and we're stuck with each other now!
To find out how Gill fares in The Dating Game, you only have to wait until next Fri, 2nd Nov.
For now, I'd love if you could leave your comments and give us all a good laugh. Please note you can't have known your date before going on the date!
And finally here are Happy Ever After's Dos and Don'ts of Dating
DOs
Meet in a neutral place. Under no circumstances invite your date to pick you up from your home
Wear smart, but casual clothing
Be positive and friendly
Listen to your date and allow them the opportunity to talk
Exchange email addresses or phone numbers if you want to see them again
Be honest – if you want to see them again, say so. If not, thank them for a nice time and say it was nice to meet them.
DON’TS
Accept a lift from your date until you know them well enough
Complain all the time
Talk about past relationships, apart from fleetingly
Insist – if they want to call you, or get in touch, they will
Give out your home or work address
Have a great day and tune in on Friday for Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar's interview
October 21, 2012
Sneak preview of locations in The Dating Game
Well, it's Sunday again, and today, in honour of the sunshine we are currently experiencing (never fear, by the time I finish this post, no doubt it will be snowing) I thought I would share with you some of the locations in my upcoming novel, The Dating Game.
So, today, I thought I would start with some of the Scottish locations. For those Scots who are reading this, hopefully you can smile a bit at some of the places, and for those of you not of this great land (patriotic plug there!), consider yourselves initiated!
There are a few main streets in the centre of the city, particularly for shopping, and the department stores Gill shops in are to be found on this street, home also to Central Station and the St Enoch Shopping Centre.
Nowadays the other main shopping street, home to Princes Square and the shopping centre in the picture, as well as the music venue where Gill goes on one of her dates, is the well-named Buchanan St. Plus she meets her friend, Debbie, for lunch in Princes Square.
The square below is instantly recognisable to those from the city and shows the splendour of Glasgow in the 1900s, in the form of the City Chambers, back when Glasgow was the second city of the Empire. (If it didn't rain here so much, I'm sure the building would not be so grey!) Nowadays, on the rare occasion when it doesn't rain, Glaswegians and tourists alike are to be found, sitting on benches in the square, shielding themselves from the volume of pigeons which descend. It's also home, at Christmas, to the ferris wheel and the ice rink. I have been to several New Year concerts in this square, too, although these days prefer to party at home! I stay nice and dry that way!
That was just one example of Glasgow's splendid architecture and some of the other fine buildings are mentioned in The Dating Game, given the occupation of one of Gill's dates. Among them:-
which isn't actually in Glasgow, but in Helensburgh, but this architect has so many fine examples in the city itself, including:-
a tearoom which does very good scones. The architect is very well-known for the designs on these chairs and also for having designed Glasgow School of Art.
When faced with difficult decisions, Gill goes for a walk here. And if you can't identify it from the church, how about in the second pic?
Well, that's it for today. I am being told I need to go for lunch now, so who I am to spoil my Other Half's fun! Have a great Sunday and tune in on Wednesday for more The Dating Game goodies. Plus news on The Dating Game launch (2nd Nov), which is going to be MEGA, plus lots of giveaways and competitions.
So, today, I thought I would start with some of the Scottish locations. For those Scots who are reading this, hopefully you can smile a bit at some of the places, and for those of you not of this great land (patriotic plug there!), consider yourselves initiated!
There are a few main streets in the centre of the city, particularly for shopping, and the department stores Gill shops in are to be found on this street, home also to Central Station and the St Enoch Shopping Centre.
Nowadays the other main shopping street, home to Princes Square and the shopping centre in the picture, as well as the music venue where Gill goes on one of her dates, is the well-named Buchanan St. Plus she meets her friend, Debbie, for lunch in Princes Square.
The square below is instantly recognisable to those from the city and shows the splendour of Glasgow in the 1900s, in the form of the City Chambers, back when Glasgow was the second city of the Empire. (If it didn't rain here so much, I'm sure the building would not be so grey!) Nowadays, on the rare occasion when it doesn't rain, Glaswegians and tourists alike are to be found, sitting on benches in the square, shielding themselves from the volume of pigeons which descend. It's also home, at Christmas, to the ferris wheel and the ice rink. I have been to several New Year concerts in this square, too, although these days prefer to party at home! I stay nice and dry that way!
That was just one example of Glasgow's splendid architecture and some of the other fine buildings are mentioned in The Dating Game, given the occupation of one of Gill's dates. Among them:-
which isn't actually in Glasgow, but in Helensburgh, but this architect has so many fine examples in the city itself, including:-
a tearoom which does very good scones. The architect is very well-known for the designs on these chairs and also for having designed Glasgow School of Art.When faced with difficult decisions, Gill goes for a walk here. And if you can't identify it from the church, how about in the second pic?
Well, that's it for today. I am being told I need to go for lunch now, so who I am to spoil my Other Half's fun! Have a great Sunday and tune in on Wednesday for more The Dating Game goodies. Plus news on The Dating Game launch (2nd Nov), which is going to be MEGA, plus lots of giveaways and competitions.
October 19, 2012
Book Review - Love Comes Later by Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
It's Friday and that means book review time! I was lucky enough to be contacted by Mohana a few months ago, about potentially reviewing her book. I read the blurb (below) and it appealed to me, as I like to learn about new cultures and I love stories set abroad.
So, now it's your turn to read the blurb!
Love Comes Later Hind is granted a temporary reprieve from her impending marriage to Abdulla, her cousin. Little does anyone suspect that the presence of Sangita, her Indian roommate, may shake a carefully constructed future. Torn between loyalties to Hind and a growing attraction to Abdulla, Sangita must choose between friendship and a burgeoning love.
A modern quest for the right to pursue love and happiness, even when it comes in an unconventional package, LOVE COMES LATER explores similarities between the South Asian and Arab cultures while exposing how cultural expectations affect both men and women. Identities are tested and boundaries questioned against the shifting backdrops of Doha, Qatar and London, England.
My Review
An interesting glimpse into life in Qatar and a wonderful love story
I was given a review copy of the novel by the author and asked to provide an independent review.
Reading this on Kindle, for the first 20% of the book, I kind of liked it, but it wasn't holding my attention. But, wow, as soon as I got to 20%, I sprinted through this book and could not put it down. I've never been to Qatar, the nearest I managed was Bahrain, but I love reading and learning about other cultures. There were plenty of twists to keep me enthralled and I couldn't have foreseen the ending.
On the surface, this is a book about arranged marriages, but it goes so much deeper than that. With a great deal of it set in the UK, where the girls are students, it was a lot easier for me to visualise the scenes and attitudes of others.
I could clearly see the girls' apartment, feel the chemistry between certain individuals, understand the frustration of each of the main characters.
Duty, what is honourable, permitted and frowned upon were key elements throughout the novel and in particular women's place in Qatari society.
I loved how the girls rebelled and the presence of an Indian girl, with a similar, but not identical, background, only added to the intrigue. I also felt I learned a lot about both cultures.
The tragedy at the beginning of the book, the loyalty of the younger sister and some of the outrageous events later (culturally) only added to my enjoyment.
All in all, a novel worth reading, particularly if you like to learn about new cultures or if you have ever been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes with regards to arranged marriages. You can buy Love Comes Later via the following links -http://amzn.to/S7q7S7 - UK http://www.amazon.com/Love-Comes-Later-ebook/dp/B008I4JJES. (US & other .com sites) Mohana also has various other books, which you might want to take a peek at:- Fiction(novel) Saving Peace: http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Peace-ebook/dp/B006VIOZ1A
(Short stories) Coloured and Other Stories: http://www.amazon.com/Coloured-and-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B005QRPDP4
Non FictionFrom Dunes to Dior: http://www.amazon.com/From-Dunes-to-Dior-ebook/dp/B0083AJ294
So You Want to Sell a Million Copies?: http://www.amazon.com/Want-Sell-Million-Copies-ebook/dp/B005XNIX1W
Mommy But Still Me: http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-but-Still-Me-ebook/dp/B0069D1XPS Tune in on Sunday, when I will be back with, well, a bit of a surprise really. No Six Sentence Sunday. I have something else in its place, but you'll just have to wait and see. Happy Friday!
Sooz
So, now it's your turn to read the blurb!
Love Comes Later Hind is granted a temporary reprieve from her impending marriage to Abdulla, her cousin. Little does anyone suspect that the presence of Sangita, her Indian roommate, may shake a carefully constructed future. Torn between loyalties to Hind and a growing attraction to Abdulla, Sangita must choose between friendship and a burgeoning love.
A modern quest for the right to pursue love and happiness, even when it comes in an unconventional package, LOVE COMES LATER explores similarities between the South Asian and Arab cultures while exposing how cultural expectations affect both men and women. Identities are tested and boundaries questioned against the shifting backdrops of Doha, Qatar and London, England.
My Review
An interesting glimpse into life in Qatar and a wonderful love story
I was given a review copy of the novel by the author and asked to provide an independent review.
Reading this on Kindle, for the first 20% of the book, I kind of liked it, but it wasn't holding my attention. But, wow, as soon as I got to 20%, I sprinted through this book and could not put it down. I've never been to Qatar, the nearest I managed was Bahrain, but I love reading and learning about other cultures. There were plenty of twists to keep me enthralled and I couldn't have foreseen the ending.
On the surface, this is a book about arranged marriages, but it goes so much deeper than that. With a great deal of it set in the UK, where the girls are students, it was a lot easier for me to visualise the scenes and attitudes of others.
I could clearly see the girls' apartment, feel the chemistry between certain individuals, understand the frustration of each of the main characters.
Duty, what is honourable, permitted and frowned upon were key elements throughout the novel and in particular women's place in Qatari society.
I loved how the girls rebelled and the presence of an Indian girl, with a similar, but not identical, background, only added to the intrigue. I also felt I learned a lot about both cultures.
The tragedy at the beginning of the book, the loyalty of the younger sister and some of the outrageous events later (culturally) only added to my enjoyment.
All in all, a novel worth reading, particularly if you like to learn about new cultures or if you have ever been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes with regards to arranged marriages. You can buy Love Comes Later via the following links -http://amzn.to/S7q7S7 - UK http://www.amazon.com/Love-Comes-Later-ebook/dp/B008I4JJES. (US & other .com sites) Mohana also has various other books, which you might want to take a peek at:- Fiction(novel) Saving Peace: http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Peace-ebook/dp/B006VIOZ1A
(Short stories) Coloured and Other Stories: http://www.amazon.com/Coloured-and-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B005QRPDP4
Non FictionFrom Dunes to Dior: http://www.amazon.com/From-Dunes-to-Dior-ebook/dp/B0083AJ294
So You Want to Sell a Million Copies?: http://www.amazon.com/Want-Sell-Million-Copies-ebook/dp/B005XNIX1W
Mommy But Still Me: http://www.amazon.com/Mommy-but-Still-Me-ebook/dp/B0069D1XPS Tune in on Sunday, when I will be back with, well, a bit of a surprise really. No Six Sentence Sunday. I have something else in its place, but you'll just have to wait and see. Happy Friday!
Sooz
October 17, 2012
Interview with a Vampire, I mean Reader!
Yes, she's not a vampire at all, I just figured you would be more familiar with that turn of phrase. A few months ago, I interviewed male reader, Andy Kelly, and he interviewed me, regarding my novel Sign of the Times. This time it's the turn of the girls!
So please welcome fellow Scot, Laura Cowan, who works for the NHS but is really a baker extraordinaire - I seriously hope she is making my 40th birthday cake - hers look bloomin' amazing!
Here's one she made earlier
She'll need to add a few more years on it for me, I think!
Anyway, without further ado, let's check out these questions!
What books do you normally read and are they similar in genre to Sign of the Times?
I normally read fictional books, I like romantic comedy books, I got hooked into the whole FSOG genre and I'm happy to admit I totally love that kind of book now. I like a book to grip me and make me want to read more. When a book does grip me – like Sign of the Times did – I get very greedy and can not put the book down until I've finished it.
Who were your favourite male & female characters and why?
I think my favourite male was Dario! Possibly because he didn’t have his own few chapters of the story.. it made him more interesting as you never knew more about him… thus making me want more detail about him.
My favourite female was a draw between Holly and Maria. I loved the whole Holly and Dario storyline. Holly struck me as a "you wont get away with messing with me" kind of girl. Maria… I loved that she treated Czeslawa with 100% equality, especially with negative attitudes in modern society. Maria as well with the hardships she's faced and she still comes out as one of the strongest female characters in the book.
If you could ask your favourite overall character, three questions, what would they be? (careful of spoilers!)
For Maria
You're an amazing Mum, and business owner, how do you do it all and still keep sane? Maria replied:- Thanks so much, very kind of you to say so. Who said I was sane? I
am rushed off my feet constantly, but as you know I love my kids and the business gives me
purpose.
For Holly
Any plans for more books? Can I come in your suitcase the next time you do go? Holly replied: Yes, there will definitely be more books. My contract has been renewed by my publisher, surprisingly, following that 'hiccup' at the launch. I think you can probably guess where my next book will be set, but only if you read right up to the last page of Sign of the Times!
If you could spend a day with one of the characters, who would it be and why?
Definitely Lucy… she has the most fun!! Haha! J
How important is a cover to you, when buying a book? What kind of covers do you tend to go for?
Ones that catch my eye…but its not that important… If I've heard about a book and been told it's a good read then I'll read it regardless of the front cover.
As you now know , there will be a sequel to Sign of the Times. Which characters would you like to see given more prominence in the sequel and why?
Holly, Dario (mmm yummy) and Jen and Ben… I would love to know what happens next with these guys
Which sign are you and do you think you are similar in personality traits to the Sign of the Times character?
I'm a Scorpio… I'm definitely energetic… deep and passionate… and I know when something is up with my close friends… so you could say I'm also intuitive too. I'm absolutely stubborn!! Lol Sensitive – yep that’s me… I bruise easily (in the metaphorical sense) wouldn’t say I'm career motivated – but you could say I am because I'm very passionate about the cakes I make. I've got leadership skills – but that comes of being the oldest sibling of three! Haha!
So yeah you could say that I share a lot of personality traits with Czeslawa….
Like me, you’re Scottish. Did you enjoy the sections of the book set in Scotland more and if so, which in particular. If not, which was your favourite setting and why?
I absolutely loved the book for this specific reason. I read the book just after I had completed the West Highland Wayso loved reading about the sections set in and around the areas surrounding the WHW. This is because I could picture the scene better and helped with my imagination when reading the books as some of it was actual tangible places.
Is there anything that you feel strongly about that you would have liked to have turned out
differently? (careful of spoilers here!)
Not strongly no… I thought the book was very well wrapped up… (With Laura's permission I have removed a potential spoiler here. Suffice to say it has a direct impact on the sequel/continuation)
I know you are an excellent baker. If you were to bake a cake representing Sign of the Times or a scene from Sign of the Times, what would you put on it?
Awe thank you, that’s very kind of you. I would probably bake a cake in a rectangle with a light blue covering, with a copy of your image of the silhouettes of people from the front cover around the side of the cake. – On the top of the cake would be the name of the book and cut outs of the horoscope signs (if I can get a cutter in those shapes!!)
Laura's questions to me:-
What made you choose Italy as the place that Holly visited… you described it so well… haveyou been there yourself? Yes, I have been to Italy many times. I love it and in fact would love to buy a house there one day. I also used to work daily with Italians for 15 years and have friends there. I love Tuscany in particular and when I started writing Sign of the Times, I had been to Bibbiena the year before. Little did I know then...
If you could choose one of the Characters that you could be which one would it be and why?
Wow! One character. I think I would prefer to be an amalgamation of a couple of characters. But If I had to be one, it would have to be Holly - Sagittarius, travel writer, loves books - kind of a no-brainer for me. Yet, I wouldn't mind Maria's life, but without the trauma.
Did you enjoy setting your Characters in the local area? What made you choose the West coast as the main scene? Yes, apart from of course the start, which is set in Italy, I loved the fact that the characters are Scottish. There aren't so many Scottish writers amongst the mainstream women's contemporary fiction/chicklit writers, and I felt this was a gap. Plus, of course, I know so much about Scotland, living here. And, I used to work years ago, for the Tourist Information in Glasgow, and to a certain extent Scotland, so I have a lot of background knowledge. The other great thing was I could use local places, which I loved and dialect in my dialogue. I am also from the west of Scotland. I may change location in future books, but I quite like my main characters being Scottish. They might not always be from Glasgow, but that's what I know best!
Which Character was the most frustrating to Write? I don't actually think any of them were frustrating to write. The whole novel was sometimes frustrating because of its complexity (12 main characters, with their entourage of supporting characters), plus weaving in all the timelines and ensuring all the ends were tied up. They are, albeit some of them subtly. I have to confess to loving writing all of the characters, and I can't wait to get back to them in 2013 when I start writing the continuation (rather than sequel)
Can't wait to hear about SOTT 2 – any snippets of ideas you might want to impart to us? Well, nothing is set in stone yet, but my intention is to bring back only some of the characters and perhaps introduce a few new ones (although I expect they would be minor). Some of the more minor characters in Sign of the Times, might take on a more prominent role, too. Holly, Jen, Maria and Ben will definitely return. More than that I won't commit to right now. But we will see some momentous events with Holly's love life. There is also a good possibility that in 2015 we will see SOTT3, with some of the characters who don't make it into SOTT2 included. Depends what mood I am in! I fully expect there to be a travel element again, but haven't yet decided whether it will be Holly travelling again, or someone else. Quite frankly, I need to launch The Dating Game on 2nd November and then start writing my third novel, before I think much more about the continuation to Sign of the Times (my fourth novel) Well, thanks very much, Laura for answering my questions and asking questions I hadn't been asked before. As always you can buy Sign of the Times at the following Amazon links - http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK) & http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc (US & other .com sites) Tune in on Friday for my review of contemporary women's fiction novel (definitely not chick lit this one) Love Comes Later by Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
PS Thanks for bearing with me with my formatting gremlins today. Hopefully will be sorted by Friday!
So please welcome fellow Scot, Laura Cowan, who works for the NHS but is really a baker extraordinaire - I seriously hope she is making my 40th birthday cake - hers look bloomin' amazing!
Here's one she made earlier
She'll need to add a few more years on it for me, I think!
Anyway, without further ado, let's check out these questions!
What books do you normally read and are they similar in genre to Sign of the Times?
I normally read fictional books, I like romantic comedy books, I got hooked into the whole FSOG genre and I'm happy to admit I totally love that kind of book now. I like a book to grip me and make me want to read more. When a book does grip me – like Sign of the Times did – I get very greedy and can not put the book down until I've finished it.
Who were your favourite male & female characters and why?
I think my favourite male was Dario! Possibly because he didn’t have his own few chapters of the story.. it made him more interesting as you never knew more about him… thus making me want more detail about him.
My favourite female was a draw between Holly and Maria. I loved the whole Holly and Dario storyline. Holly struck me as a "you wont get away with messing with me" kind of girl. Maria… I loved that she treated Czeslawa with 100% equality, especially with negative attitudes in modern society. Maria as well with the hardships she's faced and she still comes out as one of the strongest female characters in the book.
If you could ask your favourite overall character, three questions, what would they be? (careful of spoilers!)
For Maria
You're an amazing Mum, and business owner, how do you do it all and still keep sane? Maria replied:- Thanks so much, very kind of you to say so. Who said I was sane? I
am rushed off my feet constantly, but as you know I love my kids and the business gives me
purpose.
For Holly
Any plans for more books? Can I come in your suitcase the next time you do go? Holly replied: Yes, there will definitely be more books. My contract has been renewed by my publisher, surprisingly, following that 'hiccup' at the launch. I think you can probably guess where my next book will be set, but only if you read right up to the last page of Sign of the Times!
If you could spend a day with one of the characters, who would it be and why?
Definitely Lucy… she has the most fun!! Haha! J
How important is a cover to you, when buying a book? What kind of covers do you tend to go for?
Ones that catch my eye…but its not that important… If I've heard about a book and been told it's a good read then I'll read it regardless of the front cover.
As you now know , there will be a sequel to Sign of the Times. Which characters would you like to see given more prominence in the sequel and why?
Holly, Dario (mmm yummy) and Jen and Ben… I would love to know what happens next with these guys
Which sign are you and do you think you are similar in personality traits to the Sign of the Times character?
I'm a Scorpio… I'm definitely energetic… deep and passionate… and I know when something is up with my close friends… so you could say I'm also intuitive too. I'm absolutely stubborn!! Lol Sensitive – yep that’s me… I bruise easily (in the metaphorical sense) wouldn’t say I'm career motivated – but you could say I am because I'm very passionate about the cakes I make. I've got leadership skills – but that comes of being the oldest sibling of three! Haha!
So yeah you could say that I share a lot of personality traits with Czeslawa….
Like me, you’re Scottish. Did you enjoy the sections of the book set in Scotland more and if so, which in particular. If not, which was your favourite setting and why?
I absolutely loved the book for this specific reason. I read the book just after I had completed the West Highland Wayso loved reading about the sections set in and around the areas surrounding the WHW. This is because I could picture the scene better and helped with my imagination when reading the books as some of it was actual tangible places.
Is there anything that you feel strongly about that you would have liked to have turned out
differently? (careful of spoilers here!)
Not strongly no… I thought the book was very well wrapped up… (With Laura's permission I have removed a potential spoiler here. Suffice to say it has a direct impact on the sequel/continuation)
I know you are an excellent baker. If you were to bake a cake representing Sign of the Times or a scene from Sign of the Times, what would you put on it?
Awe thank you, that’s very kind of you. I would probably bake a cake in a rectangle with a light blue covering, with a copy of your image of the silhouettes of people from the front cover around the side of the cake. – On the top of the cake would be the name of the book and cut outs of the horoscope signs (if I can get a cutter in those shapes!!)
Laura's questions to me:-
What made you choose Italy as the place that Holly visited… you described it so well… haveyou been there yourself? Yes, I have been to Italy many times. I love it and in fact would love to buy a house there one day. I also used to work daily with Italians for 15 years and have friends there. I love Tuscany in particular and when I started writing Sign of the Times, I had been to Bibbiena the year before. Little did I know then...
If you could choose one of the Characters that you could be which one would it be and why?
Wow! One character. I think I would prefer to be an amalgamation of a couple of characters. But If I had to be one, it would have to be Holly - Sagittarius, travel writer, loves books - kind of a no-brainer for me. Yet, I wouldn't mind Maria's life, but without the trauma.
Did you enjoy setting your Characters in the local area? What made you choose the West coast as the main scene? Yes, apart from of course the start, which is set in Italy, I loved the fact that the characters are Scottish. There aren't so many Scottish writers amongst the mainstream women's contemporary fiction/chicklit writers, and I felt this was a gap. Plus, of course, I know so much about Scotland, living here. And, I used to work years ago, for the Tourist Information in Glasgow, and to a certain extent Scotland, so I have a lot of background knowledge. The other great thing was I could use local places, which I loved and dialect in my dialogue. I am also from the west of Scotland. I may change location in future books, but I quite like my main characters being Scottish. They might not always be from Glasgow, but that's what I know best!
Which Character was the most frustrating to Write? I don't actually think any of them were frustrating to write. The whole novel was sometimes frustrating because of its complexity (12 main characters, with their entourage of supporting characters), plus weaving in all the timelines and ensuring all the ends were tied up. They are, albeit some of them subtly. I have to confess to loving writing all of the characters, and I can't wait to get back to them in 2013 when I start writing the continuation (rather than sequel)
Can't wait to hear about SOTT 2 – any snippets of ideas you might want to impart to us? Well, nothing is set in stone yet, but my intention is to bring back only some of the characters and perhaps introduce a few new ones (although I expect they would be minor). Some of the more minor characters in Sign of the Times, might take on a more prominent role, too. Holly, Jen, Maria and Ben will definitely return. More than that I won't commit to right now. But we will see some momentous events with Holly's love life. There is also a good possibility that in 2015 we will see SOTT3, with some of the characters who don't make it into SOTT2 included. Depends what mood I am in! I fully expect there to be a travel element again, but haven't yet decided whether it will be Holly travelling again, or someone else. Quite frankly, I need to launch The Dating Game on 2nd November and then start writing my third novel, before I think much more about the continuation to Sign of the Times (my fourth novel) Well, thanks very much, Laura for answering my questions and asking questions I hadn't been asked before. As always you can buy Sign of the Times at the following Amazon links - http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK) & http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc (US & other .com sites) Tune in on Friday for my review of contemporary women's fiction novel (definitely not chick lit this one) Love Comes Later by Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
PS Thanks for bearing with me with my formatting gremlins today. Hopefully will be sorted by Friday!
October 14, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - 14/10/12
Yep, it's Six Sentence Sunday time again. Only a few more to go featuring Sign of the Times and then it will be The Dating Game again, as it will have launched!! (Fri 2 Nov - date for your diary!)
I've used a bit of poetic licence with today's entry, so as not to give a key name away. Enjoy!
“Hi, it’s me, sorry, it’s a bit late. You’re probably in bed. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Carl was right. Lucy was in bed, but she wasn’t alone. When Carl called, Lucy was otherwise occupied. Short but sweet this Sunday. But I hope you enjoyed it and it has piqued your interest. To find out who Lucy's companion was and to read more of Sign of the Times, you can go to the following links to download the first 10%http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK) & http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc (US & other .com sites) As always you can check out the other Six Sentence Sunday entrants after 9am PST (so 2pm UK time) by going to www.sixsunday.com Have a great Sunday and look out for more posts mid-weekbye for nowSooz
I've used a bit of poetic licence with today's entry, so as not to give a key name away. Enjoy!
“Hi, it’s me, sorry, it’s a bit late. You’re probably in bed. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Carl was right. Lucy was in bed, but she wasn’t alone. When Carl called, Lucy was otherwise occupied. Short but sweet this Sunday. But I hope you enjoyed it and it has piqued your interest. To find out who Lucy's companion was and to read more of Sign of the Times, you can go to the following links to download the first 10%http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK) & http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc (US & other .com sites) As always you can check out the other Six Sentence Sunday entrants after 9am PST (so 2pm UK time) by going to www.sixsunday.com Have a great Sunday and look out for more posts mid-weekbye for nowSooz
October 13, 2012
Interview with IndieAuthorLand
Morning!
yep, another busy one today. Had a wee long lie, until 8.45, latest in months. But, then I didn't go to bed until 1.30, which is unheard of for me. I blame it on our national soft drink, Irn Bru, which had me buzzing and awake last night because of the caffeine.
Anyway, those kind chaps over at IndieAuthorLand wanted to interview me, so who was I to refuse.
Have a peek at what I told them here:- bit.ly/IndieAL17
Tune in tomorrow for Six Sentence Sunday - so glad there are 12 main characters in Sign of the Times - makes it easier to always choose a different amusing or interesting six for you.
Have a great start to the weekend
Sooz
PS Only 2 weeks and 6 days to go to the launch now - I feel as if I am going on holiday or something!!!
yep, another busy one today. Had a wee long lie, until 8.45, latest in months. But, then I didn't go to bed until 1.30, which is unheard of for me. I blame it on our national soft drink, Irn Bru, which had me buzzing and awake last night because of the caffeine.
Anyway, those kind chaps over at IndieAuthorLand wanted to interview me, so who was I to refuse.
Have a peek at what I told them here:- bit.ly/IndieAL17
Tune in tomorrow for Six Sentence Sunday - so glad there are 12 main characters in Sign of the Times - makes it easier to always choose a different amusing or interesting six for you.
Have a great start to the weekend
Sooz
PS Only 2 weeks and 6 days to go to the launch now - I feel as if I am going on holiday or something!!!
October 12, 2012
Interview with Seumas Gallacher
Yep, it's Friday and that means this week's interview with The Kilted Wonder, AKA author Seumas Gallacher.
So, apart from becoming a dab hand at the use of Twitter and Facebook in the last few months, let's find out what he has to share with us.
Gem security is a key theme in The Violin Man's Legacy. It would seem to me to be a very specialist area. How did you research this and/or have you had a related background?
I’ve been around so many females in my life who seemed to be magnetized towards gem stores, but I don’t think that’s it---my own working background was that of a banker for half my career, then trouble shooter for companies in the Far East and now in the Middle East. High value goods and cash were always a part of that, and remain so to this day.
I loved the title for The Violin Man's Legacy. How did you come up with it?
I don’t wanna give too much away in the way of spoiler stuff, but I’ve a little insight into the scene that points it all up in the book.
With the new novel, Vengeance Wears Black, you have provided the next step for Jack Calder, the protagonist in The Violin Man's Legacy. Do you have an idea of how many Jack Calder novels you would like to write and how do you see his 'adventures' progressing? (without giving TOO much away)
This one I’m pleased to answer. The current ideas stretch to at least a fourth and a fifth book, but if the concepts keep flowing, I’m not likely to limit myself. Besides, I’m having too much fun with these characters as they are now.
I particularly enjoyed the change of locations in The Violin Man's Legacy, as travelling is a hobby of mine. I haven't read Vengeance Wears Black yet, although I have downloaded it. I notice China, the UK, Turkey, Europe and North Africa are visited in this second novel. What made you choose these countries for this novel?
You’ve seen above that I’ve worked abroad and travelled to most of these geographies on multiple business trips for the last 30+ years. I feel comfortable relating the nuances in some of them, a lot of which in the books just comes naturally, so much so that readers may not even get the full sense of where it’s all coming from with me.
Have you visited/lived in the countries you write about and if so, which is your favourite and why?
My first foreign posting was London. After that, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia (I escaped from there after 18 months—the old ‘file in the cake’ trick worked a treat), Hong Kong again, Philippines, and now United Arab Emirates. My favourite is and has always been Hong Kong. The city pulsates day and night. The colour and the constant bustle are wonderful.
Vengeance Wears Black was released a few months ago. Are you taking a well-deserved break from writing at the moment, or are you already working on your third book? If so, do you have an idea of when you would like to release it?
The third is Work In Progress, called SAVAGE PAYBACK (another gentle Sunday School outing sort of tale, y’see), which I’m targeting to get out by the end of the year to catch the post-Christmas Kindle market.
In your future writing, should we always expect further instalments of Jack Calder, or do you expect to deviate from the series at some point, and branch out and write something unrelated? If so, what would you be interested in writing about?
For the moment, the force is still with Jack Calder, but for the last four years, I’ve been building a story concept for a more ‘literary’ book, but would probably do it under a different name, as it’s totally different from the wham-bam action crime thriller genre.
Do you have a military background? You seemed to have a lot of knowledge of the way the SAS would work for example.
I was doing a turnaround contract in a difficult Far East location, which involved firing hundreds of trade union dockers and putting lots of scamsters out of business. We were alerted to certain threats that made it necessary to get me an armoured car and a rotational squad of armed bodyguards. These were SAS-trained. I learned tons of stuff just watching these guys—they were GOOD!
Do you foresee Jack always having a romantic interest in future novels, whether in the shape of May-Ling or someone else?
He’s married to May-Ling right now. There’ll probably always be some sort of bedroom interest in the stories. Frankly, I think the books could survive without it, but having it in the first two, it seems silly to leave it out now.
Do we see other characters from The Violin Man's Legacyin future novels? And do we have any new characters to look forward to, that you can share details of with us, in Vengeance Wears Black and beyond?
Yes, I think you’ll see some changes as the stories progress, just as in real life, nothing stays the same forever, that would be too boring. In terms of bad guys (and women), there’s always plenty of them to introduce!
Fun Stuff
Westerns or sci-fi?
I don’t think sci-fi can ever beat lines like ‘Get off your horse and drink your milk’, so Cowboys’N’Injuns for me.
Comedy or music?
Billy Connolly is my mantra, but I also used to sing in a band a hundred years ago (in Govan!), and still like blues and slow rock like Jon Bon Jovi.
Favourite actress
Miss Piggy
Book you read in one sitting, or fewest sittings
The Scarlet Pimpernel, when I was ten, just after having my tonsils removed, so enforced bed reading.
First book you remember reading
David Copperfield, and it remains my all time favourite book. Dickens was a master wordsmith.
I know you are a keen football fan. Apart from your main football team, which small team do you show pity on and hope they win when they play?
Inverness Caley, although many from the north would claim they’re a gigantic force in world football.Leading question - Glasgow or Dubai?
I’ve been gone too long, and Glasgow’s changed beyond recognition for me, so Dubai it is for me nowadays.
First job
Delivering lemonade at the weekends with a couple of ‘chancers’ as bosses on the housing estates in Glasgow’s South Side
Favourite TV programme
Once upon a time it was Morecambe and Wise on black and white telly in the UK. Now it’s ANYTHING by SkyNews, because it’s SO bad it’s laughable.
Cookery programmes, house makeover programmes or Dragons Den? Any particular one you prefer, if either of the first two
Aren’t they all part of SkyNews?
You can follow Seumas via the links below:-Twitter : @seumasgallacherBlog : seumasgallacher.comFacebook : http://www.facebook.com/seumasgallacherEmail : seumasgallacher@yahoo.com
Tune in tomorrow when it's my turn to be interviewed by Indieauthorland's David Njoku - well, I hadn't done an interview in a while, and I've done and achieved (hopefully) quite a lot since then, so I thought, what the heck?!
Happy Friday!
So, apart from becoming a dab hand at the use of Twitter and Facebook in the last few months, let's find out what he has to share with us.
Gem security is a key theme in The Violin Man's Legacy. It would seem to me to be a very specialist area. How did you research this and/or have you had a related background?
I’ve been around so many females in my life who seemed to be magnetized towards gem stores, but I don’t think that’s it---my own working background was that of a banker for half my career, then trouble shooter for companies in the Far East and now in the Middle East. High value goods and cash were always a part of that, and remain so to this day.
I loved the title for The Violin Man's Legacy. How did you come up with it?
I don’t wanna give too much away in the way of spoiler stuff, but I’ve a little insight into the scene that points it all up in the book.
With the new novel, Vengeance Wears Black, you have provided the next step for Jack Calder, the protagonist in The Violin Man's Legacy. Do you have an idea of how many Jack Calder novels you would like to write and how do you see his 'adventures' progressing? (without giving TOO much away)
This one I’m pleased to answer. The current ideas stretch to at least a fourth and a fifth book, but if the concepts keep flowing, I’m not likely to limit myself. Besides, I’m having too much fun with these characters as they are now.
I particularly enjoyed the change of locations in The Violin Man's Legacy, as travelling is a hobby of mine. I haven't read Vengeance Wears Black yet, although I have downloaded it. I notice China, the UK, Turkey, Europe and North Africa are visited in this second novel. What made you choose these countries for this novel?
You’ve seen above that I’ve worked abroad and travelled to most of these geographies on multiple business trips for the last 30+ years. I feel comfortable relating the nuances in some of them, a lot of which in the books just comes naturally, so much so that readers may not even get the full sense of where it’s all coming from with me.
Have you visited/lived in the countries you write about and if so, which is your favourite and why?
My first foreign posting was London. After that, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia (I escaped from there after 18 months—the old ‘file in the cake’ trick worked a treat), Hong Kong again, Philippines, and now United Arab Emirates. My favourite is and has always been Hong Kong. The city pulsates day and night. The colour and the constant bustle are wonderful.
Vengeance Wears Black was released a few months ago. Are you taking a well-deserved break from writing at the moment, or are you already working on your third book? If so, do you have an idea of when you would like to release it?
The third is Work In Progress, called SAVAGE PAYBACK (another gentle Sunday School outing sort of tale, y’see), which I’m targeting to get out by the end of the year to catch the post-Christmas Kindle market.
In your future writing, should we always expect further instalments of Jack Calder, or do you expect to deviate from the series at some point, and branch out and write something unrelated? If so, what would you be interested in writing about?
For the moment, the force is still with Jack Calder, but for the last four years, I’ve been building a story concept for a more ‘literary’ book, but would probably do it under a different name, as it’s totally different from the wham-bam action crime thriller genre.
Do you have a military background? You seemed to have a lot of knowledge of the way the SAS would work for example.
I was doing a turnaround contract in a difficult Far East location, which involved firing hundreds of trade union dockers and putting lots of scamsters out of business. We were alerted to certain threats that made it necessary to get me an armoured car and a rotational squad of armed bodyguards. These were SAS-trained. I learned tons of stuff just watching these guys—they were GOOD!
Do you foresee Jack always having a romantic interest in future novels, whether in the shape of May-Ling or someone else?
He’s married to May-Ling right now. There’ll probably always be some sort of bedroom interest in the stories. Frankly, I think the books could survive without it, but having it in the first two, it seems silly to leave it out now.
Do we see other characters from The Violin Man's Legacyin future novels? And do we have any new characters to look forward to, that you can share details of with us, in Vengeance Wears Black and beyond?
Yes, I think you’ll see some changes as the stories progress, just as in real life, nothing stays the same forever, that would be too boring. In terms of bad guys (and women), there’s always plenty of them to introduce!
Fun Stuff
Westerns or sci-fi?
I don’t think sci-fi can ever beat lines like ‘Get off your horse and drink your milk’, so Cowboys’N’Injuns for me.
Comedy or music?
Billy Connolly is my mantra, but I also used to sing in a band a hundred years ago (in Govan!), and still like blues and slow rock like Jon Bon Jovi.
Favourite actress
Miss Piggy
Book you read in one sitting, or fewest sittings
The Scarlet Pimpernel, when I was ten, just after having my tonsils removed, so enforced bed reading.
First book you remember reading
David Copperfield, and it remains my all time favourite book. Dickens was a master wordsmith.
I know you are a keen football fan. Apart from your main football team, which small team do you show pity on and hope they win when they play?
Inverness Caley, although many from the north would claim they’re a gigantic force in world football.Leading question - Glasgow or Dubai?
I’ve been gone too long, and Glasgow’s changed beyond recognition for me, so Dubai it is for me nowadays.
First job
Delivering lemonade at the weekends with a couple of ‘chancers’ as bosses on the housing estates in Glasgow’s South Side
Favourite TV programme
Once upon a time it was Morecambe and Wise on black and white telly in the UK. Now it’s ANYTHING by SkyNews, because it’s SO bad it’s laughable.
Cookery programmes, house makeover programmes or Dragons Den? Any particular one you prefer, if either of the first two
Aren’t they all part of SkyNews?
You can follow Seumas via the links below:-Twitter : @seumasgallacherBlog : seumasgallacher.comFacebook : http://www.facebook.com/seumasgallacherEmail : seumasgallacher@yahoo.com
Tune in tomorrow when it's my turn to be interviewed by Indieauthorland's David Njoku - well, I hadn't done an interview in a while, and I've done and achieved (hopefully) quite a lot since then, so I thought, what the heck?!
Happy Friday!
October 11, 2012
U Got The Look Challenge - EXCLUSIVE!
Look, no pun intended, I really am just spoiling you now, but it's all fellow author Maria Savva's fault. Here was me minding my own business, intending to do not very much today, apart from go for a massage and chill out, and here she has me at this hour of the morning working! What's going on?!
Anyway, here's how it works:-
“The Look is a writing prompt, a game, another tagging event. This is how U Got “The Look” works: you take your current manuscript, search for the word “look”, and post the surrounding paragraphs. Lastly, you tag 5 blogging authors who you think will be a good choice for the game.”
So, here's part of the first chapter of my upcoming novel, The Dating Game
At silent assent from her friends, Gill went on, ‘what you didn’t tell me was that he’s five feet four, so three inches shorter than me, and in the heels I had on last night, make that seven, and that he has the personality of a gnat!’ Drawing breath and getting back into her stride, Gill counted out on her fingers for emphasis. ‘He talked about the gym all night. He didn’t once ask anything about me, apart from if I was a member at a gym, as he looked me up and down. I now know more about pectorals, abdominals, protein shakes, and the pros and cons of taking steroids, than I ever thought possible.’
Gill tried to glare at her friends, but Lisa was looking at the ceiling, Angela at her shoes and Laura had found the Guinness beer mat on the table fascinating.
‘And, yes, he is divorced, but he’d only been married two minutes and then got divorced. What does that say about his attitude to commitment?’ Not waiting for an answer, by now not expecting one either, Gill carried on.
‘Then, there’s his favourite book, or rather lack of. The last novel he read was The Da Vinci Code and before that a text prescribed for O’ Grade English! How does that make him interested in books?’
A particularly keen reader herself, Gill couldn’t fathom how anyone couldn’t read a book a month at least.
‘And his love of foreign films? He looked a bit of a perv, so yes, if they’re Swedish and include the words, “Yes baby, give it to me harder!”’
Laura snorted. She couldn’t help it. That set Angela off, and as Lisa started howling, tears running down her face, before long even Gill saw the funny side of it and her face visibly relaxed. Then she was laughing, protesting between gulps for air, ‘It’s not funny. How would you have liked it? I’ve barely been out for months, as you know. What a waste of a night. Here was me trying to talk to him about Aldo Giovanni and Fellini and all he knew about foreign film was Borat!’ The giggles from Laura, and the fact that Angela had to get up and run to the loo at Olympic speed, attracted the attention of the vigilant barista,
‘Everything all right, ladies?’ So, there you have it, and you'll have to wait until 2nd November to see the rest.And I've chosen to tag the following authors to take up the challenge, too:-Seumas GallacherVanessa WesterJames DarcyElecta GrahamJason KlimchokWill they rise to it?
Back tomorrow for an interview with The Kilted Wonder, yep, you've guessed it, Glasgow/Dubai's finest - Seumas Gallacher.
Anyway, here's how it works:-
“The Look is a writing prompt, a game, another tagging event. This is how U Got “The Look” works: you take your current manuscript, search for the word “look”, and post the surrounding paragraphs. Lastly, you tag 5 blogging authors who you think will be a good choice for the game.”
So, here's part of the first chapter of my upcoming novel, The Dating Game
At silent assent from her friends, Gill went on, ‘what you didn’t tell me was that he’s five feet four, so three inches shorter than me, and in the heels I had on last night, make that seven, and that he has the personality of a gnat!’ Drawing breath and getting back into her stride, Gill counted out on her fingers for emphasis. ‘He talked about the gym all night. He didn’t once ask anything about me, apart from if I was a member at a gym, as he looked me up and down. I now know more about pectorals, abdominals, protein shakes, and the pros and cons of taking steroids, than I ever thought possible.’
Gill tried to glare at her friends, but Lisa was looking at the ceiling, Angela at her shoes and Laura had found the Guinness beer mat on the table fascinating.
‘And, yes, he is divorced, but he’d only been married two minutes and then got divorced. What does that say about his attitude to commitment?’ Not waiting for an answer, by now not expecting one either, Gill carried on.
‘Then, there’s his favourite book, or rather lack of. The last novel he read was The Da Vinci Code and before that a text prescribed for O’ Grade English! How does that make him interested in books?’
A particularly keen reader herself, Gill couldn’t fathom how anyone couldn’t read a book a month at least.
‘And his love of foreign films? He looked a bit of a perv, so yes, if they’re Swedish and include the words, “Yes baby, give it to me harder!”’
Laura snorted. She couldn’t help it. That set Angela off, and as Lisa started howling, tears running down her face, before long even Gill saw the funny side of it and her face visibly relaxed. Then she was laughing, protesting between gulps for air, ‘It’s not funny. How would you have liked it? I’ve barely been out for months, as you know. What a waste of a night. Here was me trying to talk to him about Aldo Giovanni and Fellini and all he knew about foreign film was Borat!’ The giggles from Laura, and the fact that Angela had to get up and run to the loo at Olympic speed, attracted the attention of the vigilant barista,
‘Everything all right, ladies?’ So, there you have it, and you'll have to wait until 2nd November to see the rest.And I've chosen to tag the following authors to take up the challenge, too:-Seumas GallacherVanessa WesterJames DarcyElecta GrahamJason KlimchokWill they rise to it?
Back tomorrow for an interview with The Kilted Wonder, yep, you've guessed it, Glasgow/Dubai's finest - Seumas Gallacher.
October 10, 2012
The stars in The Dating Game
HA!
You might have thought that 'the stars' meant the protagonist Gill, her friends and dates, but no! That is for another day and I am going to feed them to you bit at a time!
Today, I wanted to show you the celebrities that Gill and her friends talk about in the book (and I mean proper celebrities - actors, not these souped up Z-listers that many seem to be so taken with these days - gimme strength!) And you've got it - they're male! And before the guys reading this go 'aw, that's not fair', I will try to put together a future post on the girlies for you!
So, let's see who the girls rate. In some cases, they just think they're hot, and in others, some of the dates might resemble them. I'd be interested in your comments to see which you think are which - no beta readers or advance reviewers commenting here please!!! I'd also like to know if there are any you can't identify...
posh Englishman?
or a sexy Irishman?
or another posh Englishman, looking particularly delectable here, I have to say (not that I'm biased or anything!)
C'mon, did you really think I could write this book and not include my main man in it somewhere?!! (obviously apart from my own beloved)
Or how about another Irishman?
Add someone with a bit of colour!
Just found out he is also a model, not just an actor. I wonder why....NOT!
and I am sure this chap would add a bit of excitement to any girl's life
and last but not least, by any means, if Gill's date looked like this guy, I think she'd be pretty happy!!
Anyway, that was just a flavour of the girls' chats about men in The Dating Game. Tune in tomorrow for a special excerpt of The Dating Game - courtesy of You've Got The Look, which I have been tagged in by fellow author Maria Savva. You weren't meant to be getting any more snippets of The Dating Game until the launch date on 2nd November, but I rarely turn down a challenge!!
Bye for now
Sooz
You might have thought that 'the stars' meant the protagonist Gill, her friends and dates, but no! That is for another day and I am going to feed them to you bit at a time!
Today, I wanted to show you the celebrities that Gill and her friends talk about in the book (and I mean proper celebrities - actors, not these souped up Z-listers that many seem to be so taken with these days - gimme strength!) And you've got it - they're male! And before the guys reading this go 'aw, that's not fair', I will try to put together a future post on the girlies for you!
So, let's see who the girls rate. In some cases, they just think they're hot, and in others, some of the dates might resemble them. I'd be interested in your comments to see which you think are which - no beta readers or advance reviewers commenting here please!!! I'd also like to know if there are any you can't identify...
posh Englishman?
or a sexy Irishman?
or another posh Englishman, looking particularly delectable here, I have to say (not that I'm biased or anything!)
C'mon, did you really think I could write this book and not include my main man in it somewhere?!! (obviously apart from my own beloved)
Or how about another Irishman?
Add someone with a bit of colour!
Just found out he is also a model, not just an actor. I wonder why....NOT!
and I am sure this chap would add a bit of excitement to any girl's life
and last but not least, by any means, if Gill's date looked like this guy, I think she'd be pretty happy!!
Anyway, that was just a flavour of the girls' chats about men in The Dating Game. Tune in tomorrow for a special excerpt of The Dating Game - courtesy of You've Got The Look, which I have been tagged in by fellow author Maria Savva. You weren't meant to be getting any more snippets of The Dating Game until the launch date on 2nd November, but I rarely turn down a challenge!!
Bye for now
Sooz
