C.R. Hedgcock's Blog, page 6
May 5, 2016
A Cat Called Mortimer
A reader sent a delightful note last week, and attached a picture of the cat he named after Detective Mortimer.
Doesn’t Mortimer look sweet? I’m sure the detective would be honoured to know there’s a cat named after him!
November 6, 2015
Brand-New Editions
For the last few weeks, work has been underway to get the new editions of the Baker Family Adventures in print. Official release is November 20, but you can get them NOW from Grace & Truth Books!
Shipped from the US to all over the world, they are once again at an affordable price. If you’ve wanted to get your hands on a copy of one of the adventures (or all five), or are on the lookout for Christmas presents, this is a great opportunity!
Visit the website for more information, including FREE shipping on orders over $49 ! *
*US orders
October 21, 2015
Free eBook! Thrilling Historical Fiction: “Men of Grit” series
Do you love fast, edge-of-your-seat adventures? Do you also love wholesome stories and characters with Christian values? Keep reading!
Coming from the pen of author John J. Horn, the Men of Grit series shows that action and morality aren’t mutually exclusive. These historical adventure novels glorify Christ and capture the imagination.
Men of Grit series
(Click the titles for more information)
The first book is FREE on Kindle for a LIMITED TIME! Get your digital copy through October 21-23 HERE on Amazon.
Brothers at Arms
Lawrence and Chester Stoning are twins, but like Jacob and Esau of old they have little else in common. Lawrence is a realist, fascinated by the study of science, mathematics, and history, while Chester longs for the knightly adventures of chivalrous times past – hard-fought battles, gold-filled caves, damsels in distress.
When Chester’s impetuosity engages the unlikely pair as bodyguards to a Spaniard and his beautiful ward, Pacarina, the twins quickly realize that the 19th century calls for a chivalry of its own. Protecting Pacarina’s secret leads all of them into the steaming jungles and dizzying mountains of Peru, a forbidding territory made all the more dangerous by Lawrence and Chester’s strivings against each other.
Can the twins learn to trust God and work together before it’s too late? Or will they fall prey to the mysterious schemes of Pacarina’s enemy – an enemy they know nothing about?
The Men of Grit Christian Fiction Series is a clean, exciting adventure series for young adults of all ages. There is no foul language or sensuality, just good, old-fashioned excitement following the tradition of authors such as Douglas Bond, G.A. Henty, R.M. Ballantyne, Jules Verne, James Fenimore Cooper, and more. The Men of Grit Christian Fiction series is loved by boys and girls around the world.
Don’t miss out – get your free eBook today, and check out the other titles in the series on Amazon or at http://www.johnjhornbooks.com
Recommended age 13+
October 1, 2015
A Brief Introduction to a New Adventure
Welcome to the beginning of October! Soon we’ll have piles of leaves to crunch through, spiced lattes at coffee shops, and lots of savoury stew.
The beginning of October also means my countdown to the completion of the next Baker Family Adventure manuscript is slivered to less than a fortnight! This is extremely exciting. I can’t say I like deadlines, but there is a real thrill in pushing through the barrier of a past word count goal in order to meet them.
I can’t wait to share more details with you as the work progresses, and pictures of the amazing time I spend in Iceland this year.
September 8, 2015
BIG NEWS for the Baker books!
Today I have the opportunity to share a closer look at a BIG EVENT that took place last week. If you don’t yet know what that is, keep reading!
[Backstory
The Baker Family Adventures series started as a Creative English project in my teen years. The first book took a long time and was much harder work than I’d ever imagined writing to be . . . yet having a completed novel was rewarding and a joy of accomplishment.
Still viewing the book as a project, I guessed I might self-publish it for the laugh of seeing it bound and on my shelf, and perhaps for the perusal of a few friends and family. My parents helped to expand my vision, prompting me to look further and ask the Lord if He had plans for the story of two girls on a horsey adventure—plans that might involve reaching more people than my immediate circle. Not even my imagination had stretched to the possibility that my project could become commercially available. Published. For sale. A real book! Yet that is exactly what happened. Recounting this, I can still hardly believe it.
End of backstory]
Since the series went out of print at the end of 2013, by then a collection of four books, I have had the privilege of learning many things and getting a closer connection with readers. What an encouragement every piece of fan-mail has been; every message, note, comment, and even handwritten letter reminding me of the families who have actually read what I’ve typed.
It’s been an interesting in-between season. Though I haven’t really felt able to call myself an “author,” I’ve been able to gain a greater appreciation for the people behind the figures, communicate directly with them, and experience help and warmth from other writers. I’ve been traveling to further places, working at part-time businesses, and sharpening my pen on other projects. The Baker books haven’t been in wide circulation, but I feel like I have. (For an introvert, that’s quite something. : ) I’m still making progress on that score.)
A few months ago, I received an email from a publisher interested in talking about the series. As I looked over the company’s website, I realized what an honour it was for me to have been contacted by them and not the other way around. My excitement was compounded when I was told that the books are frequently mentioned at homeschool conventions, as missed by many. That is a treasure to any writer’s heart.
Fast-forward to this month, and I am thrilled to announce that the Baker Family Adventures, including #5, Prisoner of the Pyrenees, have a NEW PUBLISHER. Their new house is Grace and Truth Books (here). The website features many books I’d love to read myself—if you have a minute, take a look!
Lord willing, the Baker series will be available in plenty of time for Christmas, and I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the blessing of a new chapter.
“Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things” ~ Psalm 98:1
August 18, 2015
Trip to Barcelona
Earlier this summer, we were privileged to head on a family vacation to Barcelona, the capital of the region in Spain known as Catalonia. The trip was special to me for a few reasons, one of which being a return to the locale of my latest book, Prisoner of the Pyrenees. As we walked the streets exuding old-world charm, I could just imagine the feisty girl Briosa feeling right at home. And, having done as many Spanish lessons as possible before leaving, I felt at least a little prepared to be useful in asking directions.
Barcelona is positioned between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains on the north-east coast of Spain. It benefits from fantastic weather and is close enough to England to be only a few hours’ flight away.
We only had a few days in which to cram everything we wanted to see, and certain things stood out as the highlights.
Highlights
First, the basilica Sagrada Família. Construction began in 1882 under Antoni Gaudí, and it’s still not finished. What a beauty! The architectural design is packed with symbolism, and the inside is crafted to look like a forest. (See right)
Second, Parc Güell. We learned a lot about Gaudí on this trip, and came to appreciate his style (pioneering in the 1800s) of using curving lines and taking inspiration from nature.
Breakfast with this view — ah! This was taken from the top of Parc Güell, one of Gaudi’s architectural marvels.
Third, food markets and avocado & hazelnut ice-cream!
Fourth, the coffee. It is small, but boy is it potent! 
Fifth, the people. They are friendly and willing to help out when they can — even if that means a game of hand signs because of the language barrier.
Sixth, the language. It’s true that Spanish is spoken there, but Catalan is preferred.
I could go on and on; instead I’ll leave you with more pictures.
Xocolata amb Xurros ! I absolutely had to try these while there.
We had an amazing time together. Barcelona is a great place, and I hope to see more of Spain in the future!
S. D. G.,
~ C. R. Hedgcock
The pictures in this post are my own; please do not use them without permission. Thank you!
March 3, 2015
My Writing Process
A long time ago, I was tagged by author Alicia A. Willis to participate in the My Writing Process Blog Tour. This post has been in the draft pile since then, and I stumbled over it today. A little editing later, and . . . voila!
What am I working on?
A sketch can help to solidify important elements of a story. Here I was playing with Victorian ideas.
I am currently penning a young adult historical novel set in 1840s England. The Victorian era is such a rich slice of history, and having gathered inspiration from visits to country estates, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to write about this era.
How does my work differ from others in its genre?
The Baker Family Adventures are contemporary children’s fiction. I made a point of creating “clean” though thrilling stories that Christian parents would feel safe letting their children read, and excluded elements such as fantasy, romance, and gore.
My current work-in-progress is my first serious foray into the historical genre, but I have noticed many such novels have their one and only focus on romance. I aim to write a thought-provoking book with a lot of meaning and a greater goal than the fairytale “happily ever after.”
Why do I write what I write?
I write because I believe this is something that the Lord has given me the ability, time, and inclination to do, and that it’s the way He wants me to serve others. Sometimes I get distracted for a time, stop writing, and get into a quandary of trying to figure out what to do. That’s when I cry out, “Lord, how can I glorify You?” The answer comes, as fresh as if I’d never considered it before.
Write.
And then I wonder why I ever lost sight of that.
How does my writing process work?
This was the question I was looking forward to. :) In person, I like to be flexible and relaxed, and will generally go with whatever others want to do. My writing time, however, has to have a few concrete structures or I can’t progress.
1.) I write best in an empty room, and struggle to concentrate when others are around. This is unusual, since I’m not an easily distractible type. But writing is an expressive art form, and I want to be able to frown at or laugh with my characters without being asked if I’m okay.
2.) Less than a year ago, listening to music was a definite no-no. This was sad, but often the mood didn’t match my writing AND my orchestral roots pinned my attention on the performance. I ended up tuning out the music, and when that failed, turning it off.
After a lot of persistence and careful music choices, I am thrilled to say that I now love listening while writing! Soundtracks are often a great go-to tool when emotions need to be mustered. My (ridiculous-looking) fluffy earmuff-headphones are a treat to snuggle into on a chilly day, and their sound quality is good.
If you’re one of those people who can’t focus without silence and wish you could, don’t despair! Slow, persistent acclimatisation might do the trick.
3.) I always have a glass of water and a mug of something hot beside me. (My favourite mug cracked from overuse :( ) Tea and coffee alternate throughout the day, and a few treats to nibble on never go amiss.
4.) If the story brings me to a topic I don’t know about, I stop and research. Even if I know 99% of my discoveries won’t get to the page, I can’t move on with something unresolved in my mind.
That’s my writing life in a nutshell! I do hope you enjoyed the glimpse into the process by which words come onto the pages. How about your writing process? Drop a comment; I’d love to hear from you!
December 18, 2014
NEW RELEASE – Prisoner of the Pyrenees!
The fifth instalment of the Baker Family Adventures is available from Amazon US and UK, and now on Kindle too. You can read the first chapter using the links below. There is still time to grab a copy before Christmas! :)
Paperback (U.S.) Paperback (U.K.)
December 12, 2014
Nearly Here! // A Sampling of Prisoner of the Pyrenees
The months since our family summer holiday have been very busy indeed, and I am overjoyed to say that Prisoner of the Pyrenees – number 5 in the Baker Family Series – is almost ready for release!
I have grown up reading the works of authors like R. M. Ballantyne, whose experiences prompted him to write adventures. How thrilling it has been to take the blessing of a trip to southern France / northern Spain, and turn that into inspiration for a story! But then, who wouldn’t be inspired by views like these?
So, without further ado, here are a few quotes from Prisoner of the Pyrenees that I can’t wait to share with you. Enjoy :)
______________________
“Stop!”
Abby made her legs work again, dashing after the vanished figure. She saw her twin Andy frozen at a stable door, and yelled to him, “Help! Catch her!”
The girl was a few strides ahead and gaining ground.
Andy had let the horses out of the paddock that morning, and they were waiting in their stables for breakfast—all except one. The new mare, Honey, was loitering outside, snatching a mouthful of grass. As Andy joined in the chase, the girl leaped onto the horse’s back and dug her heels into its ribs.
“Stop!” Abby shouted. “Andy, get her!”
This exhortation wasn’t necessary. Andy was throwing himself forward as fast as was possible for him before breakfast, and he didn’t slacken even as Honey was coaxed into a canter. The twins followed at a run, away from the stables, past the paddock, and towards the gate.
Abby had an idea, paused, and summoned her strength to branch off to the house. She stumbled up the steps and collided with Phil, who was coming out the front door.
“Phil, help!” She gulped. “Girl . . . stealing Honey!”
One sandy eyebrow lifted and the other lowered as momentary confusion registered on his face. “Stealing honey? Like Winnie the—oh! Stealing Honey! Abby, where?”
“The gate.”
Phil flew down the steps and then the path, Abby following after him. He was fast—faster than Andy, even—but he was twenty years old and fit, so that was to be expected. They came in sight of the gate, but were much too far away to have any hope of reaching it at the same time as the girl.
Abby stopped and waited, panting, to see what would happen. The girl seemed to hunker down on Honey’s bare back and urge the horse faster, straight at the gate. They were going to jump it!
____________________
The clock struck two, and struck fright into the Bakers. They were nearing the tower. The waiter’s steady footsteps could be heard behind them. Sunlight bounced off the yellowish walls of the street they turned down. Its desolation was an eerie contrast to the bustle of the rest of the town—yet noises filtered in, heightening their sense of being alone.
Two men very much like the waiter stood at the end of the street, their arms folded. Abby saw the predicament they were being pushed into. At that moment, they only had one attacker to deal with. Soon, they would have three. But the waiter was armed! Even if she thought herself capable of stalling him with a bit of resistance, what if his automatic response was to pull the trigger?
Her eyes grew as her heart climbed higher in her throat. There was one thing that she could risk doing. She kept looking straight ahead while her fingers crept slowly to the locket around her neck. She pressed her nail between the two lids. The hinge sprung. Her finger slid away the false panel and found the little button beneath it.
____________________
Another bullet cracked into the car. Hands grabbed Phil around the waist and jerked him inside. As soon as his back touched the seat, Mr. Baker punched the button to close the window.
The bomb had only touched the top of the gate when it exploded. Mr. Baker swerved right into the the blast. The windows shook and orange light clouded all vision. The temperature became that of a furnace—was the engine still running? Or were they stranded in the fiery blaze?
A rough jolt and a skidding of tires told them they were through the furnace. A dim blaring of car-horns accosted their ringing ears before they could see the tour bus speeding toward them.
“Right-turn!” Detective Mortimer screamed. “Turn!”
____________________
Briosa’s breaths came in panicked gasps. She tried to swallow, and her dry throat seemed to stick shut.
“Intruder, can you hear me?”
“Y-yes. I’ll d-do—whatever you ask. Just don’t—send your men—”
A glance over her shoulder made a wave of dizziness and nausea wash over her. The ground below seemed to swirl into a deepening abyss of darkness. She felt herself overbalance—or was that illusion?
____________________
Copyright © 2014 C. R. Hedgcock.
All Rights Reserved.
December 1, 2014
Baker Books Now on Kindle! Cyber Monday SALE
That’s right – the Baker Family Adventures are now available for download as eBooks on Amazon Kindle. If you would want to avoid shipping costs or you’re pressed for time, this could be the perfect way to secure the stories for your family’s enjoyment.
And, for today only, they are all up for $2.99 each! Click here to go to the Amazon page.
