David Cook's Blog, page 2
January 26, 2016
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT NEW SERIES
I am delighted to announce that the very lovely Margaret Evans Porter is the first author of my new series.
As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear on a series of *interviews* as part of my author spotlight series. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them. I find writing incredibly lonely, but knowing there are other people out there (who are far better at their craft than I am) gives me inspiration to continue writing.
Margaret's recent novel ‘A Pledge of Better Times’ has had wonderful reviews. Here’s what she had to say about her writing success, who influenced her and her advice to other writers (starting out like me).
************************
Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?
I've been making up stories in my head ever since I can remember, and I probably began writing my first novel when I was about 10 years old. I also adapted favourite stories into plays. I got more serious about writing novels when in graduate school. My first novel was published when I was in my 20s.
Are you self-published or traditional?
Most of my novels have been published by New York publishers, but I have also been published by small press. I have self-published my some of my backlist as Ebooks, and one original novella.
How many books have you written? Inform us of them.
Twelve novels, two novellas. My most recent one is A Pledge of Better Times, historical biographical fiction set in the Stuart royal court of England in the 17th century. It required extensive research, a great deal of travel, and I've been so gratified by the reviews received thus far.
What are you working on now?
Another historical biographical project involving celebrated and obscure theatrical performers of the 18th century. The research is completed, I am now writing the novel.
Any future projects?
Another historical biographical novel. I have done a bit of research. Also, a contemporary novel is very nearly completed, and a planned travel memoir is outlined. I expect I'll write a nonfiction biography eventually--I have identified the subject.
Who is your favourite character of your books and why?
That is a very difficult question. At the moment it's Diana, 1st Duchess of St Albans, the female protagonist of A Pledge of Better Times. I felt a close connection on seeing her portrait at Hampton Court Palace, and the quest to learn more about her resulted in many amazing discoveries and some of my best work.
Where can readers find your books?
Online retailers, and on the shelves of some bookshops or special order.
Which authors have enthralled you?
It's a long list. Diana Norman. Nancy Mitford. PG Wodehouse. EF Benson. Thomas Hardy. Jane Austen. The Brontes. Charles Dickens. Norah Lofts. Daphne du Maurier. Hilary Mantel. Edith Wharton. Harper Lee. John Mortimer. Fannie Flagg.
What writer or book has had the biggest influence on your work?
I read Anya Seton's Katherine at a young age, and immediately fell in love with historical fiction about real persons who lived in the past. Daphne du Maurier was another huge influence.
What book are you currently reading? Why that one and what it's about?
My current nonfiction reading is Inside a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz, because I like to learn about the animals I live with, and I've got two very interesting dogs. For fiction, I have just finished Daisy Goodwin's The Fortune Hunter, set in late Victorian England. As I write novels set in the 17th and 18th centuries, it's nice to venture deep into the 19th century for a change of pace!
Where do you read mostly?
I read on a sofa in my library/sitting room, with my dogs lying beside me. Or on the screened porch at our lake cottage. And of course, in bed before going to sleep.
How many books do you read a month, would you say?
It really depends where I am within my own work. On completing certain phases of a writing project, I like to step away and read things by other people. I can read 2 or 3 books in a week, if I'm on break from writing. Probably I average 3 books in a month on average.
Where do you do your writing?
For novels I write on my a laptop, comfortably seated on a sofa or in a chair. For nonfiction articles on history and writing, or blog posts, I might work at the desktop or the laptop, depending on my mood.
How many hours a day do you write?
Writing time varies. I always hope to sustain 4 hours of writing time. It might or might not include actual composition, it might or might not involve researching as well. I might exceed 4 hours by a lot, or barely make it. As well, I don't write every single day. For me, it is important to have a rich life filled with experience in addition to what occurs inside my head and on the page!
Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?
Not in the sense that the writer is required to experience whatever he or she is writing about, because the imagination is the writer's greatest gift. But yes, in the sense that one knows what one has learnt, what one has researched, what one knows to be authentic to the characters created or the period and circumstances being written about or the invented universe that is imagined. There are many sorts of knowledge!
What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?
Time management is a challenge for most authors, I suspect. But writing is essentially my only occupation, so I'm blessed with a wealth of time to use wisely or to waste. I can be very easily distracted, but whether or not to give in to the distraction is my choice. I can be very, very disciplined when I need to be. But as I've said, I want to live a whole, full life. I decide when it's healthy for me to step away from the keyboard, and when to ignore the distractions and delay the gratification, and carry on.
As an author are you self-employed or do you have another job?
Writing is my only job. I do a significant amount of volunteer work.
What has surprised you most about writing?
It doesn't get easier. But I get better at it.
What are the best and worst things about being a writer?
Reaching readers, giving them a memorable reading experience, is the best thing. The worst, for me, is the length of time it takes to finish a book.
What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?
Meeting real-life descendants of the characters in my latest novel, or being contacted by them, and their gratifying response to the depiction of their ancestors.
What do you like doing when you aren't writing?
Reading. Gardening. Travelling. Playing my mandolin. Taking my dogs on walks.
Do you watch TV? If so, what programmes?
I watch lots of television, probably too much! A few sitcoms. A few dramas. Fargo. Mad Men. Made-for-tv films. Serials--Grantchester, Broadchurch. Dramatisations of favourite novels such as Wolf Hall. History programmes. Chat shows.
Your favourite films?
84 Charing Cross Road. Local Hero. Some, but not all, of the Jane Austen adaptations. Groundhog Day. Withnail and I. Philomena. The Player. Animal House.
Do you own an e-reader?
Two of them.
What's your favourite season and why?
Whenever my roses are at peak bloom--June. Early summer is wonderful at the lake cottage as well.
If you could have any meal, what would it be and why?
How fascinating it would be to attend one of the 17th century royal coronation feasts I've written about. The numbers of dishes and range of food items is simply mind-boggling. I'd love to see it for myself, and taste some things--but not all!
What advice can you give to other writers?
Continue writing, continue reading. Learn to love the revision process--for me, that's where the real magic happens. Acquire as much objectivity about your own work as possible. Don't follow trends, write what gives you joy and ignites your enthusiasm--the best way to engage your future readers. Be patient. Be persistent.
As you may be aware I asked authors on my facebook page if they would like to appear on a series of *interviews* as part of my author spotlight series. I wanted to connect with other writers, find out what they write about, why they write, their thoughts about the writing process, likes/dislikes and learn a little more about them. I find writing incredibly lonely, but knowing there are other people out there (who are far better at their craft than I am) gives me inspiration to continue writing.
Margaret's recent novel ‘A Pledge of Better Times’ has had wonderful reviews. Here’s what she had to say about her writing success, who influenced her and her advice to other writers (starting out like me).
************************
Tell us about your first novel? When did you start writing and why?
I've been making up stories in my head ever since I can remember, and I probably began writing my first novel when I was about 10 years old. I also adapted favourite stories into plays. I got more serious about writing novels when in graduate school. My first novel was published when I was in my 20s.
Are you self-published or traditional?
Most of my novels have been published by New York publishers, but I have also been published by small press. I have self-published my some of my backlist as Ebooks, and one original novella.
How many books have you written? Inform us of them.
Twelve novels, two novellas. My most recent one is A Pledge of Better Times, historical biographical fiction set in the Stuart royal court of England in the 17th century. It required extensive research, a great deal of travel, and I've been so gratified by the reviews received thus far.
What are you working on now?
Another historical biographical project involving celebrated and obscure theatrical performers of the 18th century. The research is completed, I am now writing the novel.
Any future projects?
Another historical biographical novel. I have done a bit of research. Also, a contemporary novel is very nearly completed, and a planned travel memoir is outlined. I expect I'll write a nonfiction biography eventually--I have identified the subject.
Who is your favourite character of your books and why?
That is a very difficult question. At the moment it's Diana, 1st Duchess of St Albans, the female protagonist of A Pledge of Better Times. I felt a close connection on seeing her portrait at Hampton Court Palace, and the quest to learn more about her resulted in many amazing discoveries and some of my best work.
Where can readers find your books?
Online retailers, and on the shelves of some bookshops or special order.
Which authors have enthralled you?
It's a long list. Diana Norman. Nancy Mitford. PG Wodehouse. EF Benson. Thomas Hardy. Jane Austen. The Brontes. Charles Dickens. Norah Lofts. Daphne du Maurier. Hilary Mantel. Edith Wharton. Harper Lee. John Mortimer. Fannie Flagg.
What writer or book has had the biggest influence on your work?
I read Anya Seton's Katherine at a young age, and immediately fell in love with historical fiction about real persons who lived in the past. Daphne du Maurier was another huge influence.
What book are you currently reading? Why that one and what it's about?
My current nonfiction reading is Inside a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz, because I like to learn about the animals I live with, and I've got two very interesting dogs. For fiction, I have just finished Daisy Goodwin's The Fortune Hunter, set in late Victorian England. As I write novels set in the 17th and 18th centuries, it's nice to venture deep into the 19th century for a change of pace!
Where do you read mostly?
I read on a sofa in my library/sitting room, with my dogs lying beside me. Or on the screened porch at our lake cottage. And of course, in bed before going to sleep.
How many books do you read a month, would you say?
It really depends where I am within my own work. On completing certain phases of a writing project, I like to step away and read things by other people. I can read 2 or 3 books in a week, if I'm on break from writing. Probably I average 3 books in a month on average.
Where do you do your writing?
For novels I write on my a laptop, comfortably seated on a sofa or in a chair. For nonfiction articles on history and writing, or blog posts, I might work at the desktop or the laptop, depending on my mood.
How many hours a day do you write?
Writing time varies. I always hope to sustain 4 hours of writing time. It might or might not include actual composition, it might or might not involve researching as well. I might exceed 4 hours by a lot, or barely make it. As well, I don't write every single day. For me, it is important to have a rich life filled with experience in addition to what occurs inside my head and on the page!
Do you agree with the statement: write about what you know?
Not in the sense that the writer is required to experience whatever he or she is writing about, because the imagination is the writer's greatest gift. But yes, in the sense that one knows what one has learnt, what one has researched, what one knows to be authentic to the characters created or the period and circumstances being written about or the invented universe that is imagined. There are many sorts of knowledge!
What challenges do you face when writing? Are you easily distracted?
Time management is a challenge for most authors, I suspect. But writing is essentially my only occupation, so I'm blessed with a wealth of time to use wisely or to waste. I can be very easily distracted, but whether or not to give in to the distraction is my choice. I can be very, very disciplined when I need to be. But as I've said, I want to live a whole, full life. I decide when it's healthy for me to step away from the keyboard, and when to ignore the distractions and delay the gratification, and carry on.
As an author are you self-employed or do you have another job?
Writing is my only job. I do a significant amount of volunteer work.
What has surprised you most about writing?
It doesn't get easier. But I get better at it.
What are the best and worst things about being a writer?
Reaching readers, giving them a memorable reading experience, is the best thing. The worst, for me, is the length of time it takes to finish a book.
What is the most exciting experience you've had as a result of writing?
Meeting real-life descendants of the characters in my latest novel, or being contacted by them, and their gratifying response to the depiction of their ancestors.
What do you like doing when you aren't writing?
Reading. Gardening. Travelling. Playing my mandolin. Taking my dogs on walks.
Do you watch TV? If so, what programmes?
I watch lots of television, probably too much! A few sitcoms. A few dramas. Fargo. Mad Men. Made-for-tv films. Serials--Grantchester, Broadchurch. Dramatisations of favourite novels such as Wolf Hall. History programmes. Chat shows.
Your favourite films?
84 Charing Cross Road. Local Hero. Some, but not all, of the Jane Austen adaptations. Groundhog Day. Withnail and I. Philomena. The Player. Animal House.
Do you own an e-reader?
Two of them.
What's your favourite season and why?
Whenever my roses are at peak bloom--June. Early summer is wonderful at the lake cottage as well.
If you could have any meal, what would it be and why?
How fascinating it would be to attend one of the 17th century royal coronation feasts I've written about. The numbers of dishes and range of food items is simply mind-boggling. I'd love to see it for myself, and taste some things--but not all!
What advice can you give to other writers?
Continue writing, continue reading. Learn to love the revision process--for me, that's where the real magic happens. Acquire as much objectivity about your own work as possible. Don't follow trends, write what gives you joy and ignites your enthusiasm--the best way to engage your future readers. Be patient. Be persistent.
November 16, 2015
On another blog...
Historical fiction author blog :)
I had a chance to talk with Annie Whitehead about my nonsense. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks to Annie for the most pertinent questions.
http://anniewhitehead2.blogspot.co.uk...
I had a chance to talk with Annie Whitehead about my nonsense. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks to Annie for the most pertinent questions.
http://anniewhitehead2.blogspot.co.uk...
October 22, 2015
FIRE AND STEEL RELEASED
FIRE AND STEEL is an anthology of the first 5 books of The Soldier Chronicles historical series. The stories; all novella's, are snap-shots of life as a different soldier in the long years of war 1793-1815.
FIRE AND STEEL is out for the Kindle, paperback to follow in November.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Steel-So...
FIRE AND STEEL is out for the Kindle, paperback to follow in November.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Steel-So...
October 13, 2015
FREE LIMITED DOWNLOAD
FREE DOWNLOADS!
Until this FRIDAY, both MARKSMAN and DEATH IS A DUTY standalone novella's from The Soldier Chronicles historical series are free to download for the Kindle. That's right! FREEEEE!
MARKSMAN
Rifleman Arthur Cadoc, stranded in the chaos of war, now fights for the Spanish guerrilleros. When a British exploring officer reveals that a traitor working for the French plans to eliminate the partisan leaders, Cadoc is plunged pell-mell into the guerrilla - the ‘little war’. With only his training, wits and his trusty Baker rifle, Cadoc proves that he is not only a daring and a deadly marksman, but a man born for fighting against the odds.
DEATH IS A DUTY
June 1815, and Napoleon Bonaparte has returned from exile to plunge Europe into war once again. Regimental-Sergeant Major Adam Bannerman of the 42nd Royal Highlanders uncovers a dark tale of murder, which could dishonour his regiment if it ever came to light. As the campaign draws to its bloody conclusion at Waterloo, Bannerman must use his wits to survive not only the French assaults, but men on his own side who want him dead.
Please, please, please do share and pass this on to your friends. If you do give the stories a read, please do leave me a review. It really does help indie authors like myself to get noticed. Thank you very much.
AMAZON.COM
http://goo.gl/vsW8tI
Amazon.COM
http://goo.gl/sxR2k1
#marksman #deathisaduty #ebook #history #war #military #fiction #historicalfiction #selfpub #indieauthor #kindle #goodreads #amazon #books #reading #read #readinglist #amreading #amwriting #amediting #histfic #ASMSG #IARTG #author #thesoldierchronicles #novella #series #bookworm #greatreads #mustread #storytelling #whattoread #indiepub #publishing #editgoal #wip #writechat #bookbuzzr #ereaders #epubchat #kpd #action #adventure #webfic #freereads #bookmarketing #freedownload
Until this FRIDAY, both MARKSMAN and DEATH IS A DUTY standalone novella's from The Soldier Chronicles historical series are free to download for the Kindle. That's right! FREEEEE!
MARKSMAN
Rifleman Arthur Cadoc, stranded in the chaos of war, now fights for the Spanish guerrilleros. When a British exploring officer reveals that a traitor working for the French plans to eliminate the partisan leaders, Cadoc is plunged pell-mell into the guerrilla - the ‘little war’. With only his training, wits and his trusty Baker rifle, Cadoc proves that he is not only a daring and a deadly marksman, but a man born for fighting against the odds.
DEATH IS A DUTY
June 1815, and Napoleon Bonaparte has returned from exile to plunge Europe into war once again. Regimental-Sergeant Major Adam Bannerman of the 42nd Royal Highlanders uncovers a dark tale of murder, which could dishonour his regiment if it ever came to light. As the campaign draws to its bloody conclusion at Waterloo, Bannerman must use his wits to survive not only the French assaults, but men on his own side who want him dead.
Please, please, please do share and pass this on to your friends. If you do give the stories a read, please do leave me a review. It really does help indie authors like myself to get noticed. Thank you very much.
AMAZON.COM
http://goo.gl/vsW8tI
Amazon.COM
http://goo.gl/sxR2k1
#marksman #deathisaduty #ebook #history #war #military #fiction #historicalfiction #selfpub #indieauthor #kindle #goodreads #amazon #books #reading #read #readinglist #amreading #amwriting #amediting #histfic #ASMSG #IARTG #author #thesoldierchronicles #novella #series #bookworm #greatreads #mustread #storytelling #whattoread #indiepub #publishing #editgoal #wip #writechat #bookbuzzr #ereaders #epubchat #kpd #action #adventure #webfic #freereads #bookmarketing #freedownload
October 11, 2015
Fire and Steel
Coming mid-November is an anthology titled Fire and Steel. It's a compilation of books 1-5 of The Soldier Chronicles, all together for the first time.
I've spent the last few months revising each story, expanding scenes, dialogue, adding, correcting to give my readers the ultimate collection.
I'm really pleased with the results and its definitely one big book of non-stop action, adventure, intrigue, but all set against real historical events.
The cover has been revealed on my facebook page www.facebook.com/davidcookauthor - please check it out and let me know what you think.
David
I've spent the last few months revising each story, expanding scenes, dialogue, adding, correcting to give my readers the ultimate collection.
I'm really pleased with the results and its definitely one big book of non-stop action, adventure, intrigue, but all set against real historical events.
The cover has been revealed on my facebook page www.facebook.com/davidcookauthor - please check it out and let me know what you think.
David
March 5, 2015
DEATH IS A DUTY
An excerpt from the forthcoming 5th novella in The Soldier Chronicles series:
Muskets found targets and the Frenchmen were killed. Most were dragged from their saddles and ripped apart by vengeful bayonets. One man shouted for quarter and Captain Reid broke his helmet apart with his broadsword so that blood and brains oozed onto the jagged metal. The last few put up a brave defence. Bannerman climbed over the red-coated bodies, far too many he measured and picked up a fallen musket. It was sticky with blood. Having faith in it being loaded he pulled the trigger and the gun hammered a ball into a Frenchman’s chest who had been trying to slash his way free. An enemy officer knocked aside a sergeant’s spontoon to cut the Highlander down through the neck. A bayonet raked his thigh, but the officer was twisting his horse aside expertly parrying bayonets until a musket ball penetrated his liver and a musket stock took him in the side of the head. He fell to the ground and was immediately set upon by a half-dozen Highlanders who slashed, stabbed and kicked the body in a bestial frenzy until there was nothing left but a bloodied pile of gore.
‘Close the ranks!’ Bannerman shouted as the wounded backed away into the centre of the hollow square. ‘Close up!’ A blade stabbed the back of his right ankle and he turned to see a wounded Lancer trying to hamstring him with his sword and the Scotsman stabbed down again and again, butchering him in the trampled rye with his pole-arm.
Muskets found targets and the Frenchmen were killed. Most were dragged from their saddles and ripped apart by vengeful bayonets. One man shouted for quarter and Captain Reid broke his helmet apart with his broadsword so that blood and brains oozed onto the jagged metal. The last few put up a brave defence. Bannerman climbed over the red-coated bodies, far too many he measured and picked up a fallen musket. It was sticky with blood. Having faith in it being loaded he pulled the trigger and the gun hammered a ball into a Frenchman’s chest who had been trying to slash his way free. An enemy officer knocked aside a sergeant’s spontoon to cut the Highlander down through the neck. A bayonet raked his thigh, but the officer was twisting his horse aside expertly parrying bayonets until a musket ball penetrated his liver and a musket stock took him in the side of the head. He fell to the ground and was immediately set upon by a half-dozen Highlanders who slashed, stabbed and kicked the body in a bestial frenzy until there was nothing left but a bloodied pile of gore.
‘Close the ranks!’ Bannerman shouted as the wounded backed away into the centre of the hollow square. ‘Close up!’ A blade stabbed the back of his right ankle and he turned to see a wounded Lancer trying to hamstring him with his sword and the Scotsman stabbed down again and again, butchering him in the trampled rye with his pole-arm.
February 5, 2015
Battle Scars
BATTLE SCARS: A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES FREE AND OUT NOW FOR ALL EBOOK FORMATS!
Including THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE - Marshal Ney's final moments at Waterloo:
''Come and I will show you how a Marshal of France dies!''
Ney knew the attack was over. Hundreds of redcoats emerged from the very ground in front of them. Sodden and grimy, but Ney saw the sparkle on the gold and silver finery, the brilliant white pipe-clay belts, the shako plates, buttons, barrels glinted. The officers were straight-backed, smartly dressed gentlemen. British Guards. The corners of Ney’s mouth lifted. This time with admiration. Wellington had held them back from the attack and now the Garde faced Britain’s finest. They looked unbeatable, undaunted and fearsome. Wellington had beaten him again. Ney knew it. Accepted it. And he raised what was left of his sabre in the air as though he was signalling his own death.
‘Aglaé!’ he said, voice thick with emotion. ‘I love you!’
Ney stared at the redcoats, and time slowed. Voices became low, actions slower. He thought he could see the hammers strike with each pull of the trigger.
Everything turned white-grey and the Garde were hurled backwards. Blood sheeted Ney’s face, but none of it was his. He saw and heard the men fall. It was as if a giant invisible scythe had swept the veterans away. Ney had felt bullets pass him, his coat tails were plucked and his scabbard dented by the volley, but he still lived.
He stumbled over the men, hands clasped, but he threw them off. ‘Up! Up, you bastards!’ he shouted. ‘Soldiers, you are not done yet! You will send your Eagles up there! For the glory of France!’ He made his way to a solid square of Grenadiers. They left him pass through their ranks. ‘We go up there!’ he urged. ‘To victory!’
The square edged forwards towards the line. Ney thought once the square moved, the others would join in, drawn by their confidence. They had to move, otherwise they were dead men, huddling together until the bullets found them. Ney licked his dry lips. Was it fight or flight? Men from the rear were brought up. There was still time.
Suddenly, the square’s left flank shuddered and a bandsman next to him folded over his instrument. A man wailed and another staggered. A horse whinnied. Ney’s ears pricked at the sound of rhythmic volley fire. The Marshal strained to see over the Grenadiers’ shoulders. Through the smoky air that seemed to choke and scratch his skin, were the redcoats. Green plumes adorned their tall caps revealing them to be a light infantry regiment. Goddamn the bastards! The battalion had somehow descended the slope and wheeled in line and now the heavy fire flayed the Garde, flensing men at the front and left flank. Ney watched men drop in whole files. It was never-ending, and by the time the first company had reloaded, it would fire again and work down the line, loading with absolute precision until it was time to fire again. Hours of training had honed the redcoats into clockwork killers.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Including THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE - Marshal Ney's final moments at Waterloo:
''Come and I will show you how a Marshal of France dies!''
Ney knew the attack was over. Hundreds of redcoats emerged from the very ground in front of them. Sodden and grimy, but Ney saw the sparkle on the gold and silver finery, the brilliant white pipe-clay belts, the shako plates, buttons, barrels glinted. The officers were straight-backed, smartly dressed gentlemen. British Guards. The corners of Ney’s mouth lifted. This time with admiration. Wellington had held them back from the attack and now the Garde faced Britain’s finest. They looked unbeatable, undaunted and fearsome. Wellington had beaten him again. Ney knew it. Accepted it. And he raised what was left of his sabre in the air as though he was signalling his own death.
‘Aglaé!’ he said, voice thick with emotion. ‘I love you!’
Ney stared at the redcoats, and time slowed. Voices became low, actions slower. He thought he could see the hammers strike with each pull of the trigger.
Everything turned white-grey and the Garde were hurled backwards. Blood sheeted Ney’s face, but none of it was his. He saw and heard the men fall. It was as if a giant invisible scythe had swept the veterans away. Ney had felt bullets pass him, his coat tails were plucked and his scabbard dented by the volley, but he still lived.
He stumbled over the men, hands clasped, but he threw them off. ‘Up! Up, you bastards!’ he shouted. ‘Soldiers, you are not done yet! You will send your Eagles up there! For the glory of France!’ He made his way to a solid square of Grenadiers. They left him pass through their ranks. ‘We go up there!’ he urged. ‘To victory!’
The square edged forwards towards the line. Ney thought once the square moved, the others would join in, drawn by their confidence. They had to move, otherwise they were dead men, huddling together until the bullets found them. Ney licked his dry lips. Was it fight or flight? Men from the rear were brought up. There was still time.
Suddenly, the square’s left flank shuddered and a bandsman next to him folded over his instrument. A man wailed and another staggered. A horse whinnied. Ney’s ears pricked at the sound of rhythmic volley fire. The Marshal strained to see over the Grenadiers’ shoulders. Through the smoky air that seemed to choke and scratch his skin, were the redcoats. Green plumes adorned their tall caps revealing them to be a light infantry regiment. Goddamn the bastards! The battalion had somehow descended the slope and wheeled in line and now the heavy fire flayed the Garde, flensing men at the front and left flank. Ney watched men drop in whole files. It was never-ending, and by the time the first company had reloaded, it would fire again and work down the line, loading with absolute precision until it was time to fire again. Hours of training had honed the redcoats into clockwork killers.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
November 30, 2014
November 21, 2014
MARKSMAN NOW OUT
Can Rifleman Arthur Cadoc, Chosen Man of the 95th Rifles, help turn the tide of war? MARKSMAN is out now at AMAZON.
http://goo.gl/5og9I3
http://goo.gl/5og9I3
November 11, 2014
MARKSMAN
Pop over to my facebook page to see the latest mock-up of the cover for MARKSMAN, the 4th story in The Soldier Chronicles.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/davidcook...
Personally, I'm very excited. I think it's superb - I love the colours. There are a couple of changes to make: the British 95th Rifleman pictured is to be given a lighter tone, so he's more visible, but not too much for he's up in the shadowed rocks, waiting to pick off a French officer. And the tagline is to be moved.
Other than that, Jenny Toney Quinlan has done an exceptional job - it really brings the story to life, particulary of the foothills of Spain, where the guerrillero's were king's.
Let me know what you think?
https://www.facebook.com/#!/davidcook...
Personally, I'm very excited. I think it's superb - I love the colours. There are a couple of changes to make: the British 95th Rifleman pictured is to be given a lighter tone, so he's more visible, but not too much for he's up in the shadowed rocks, waiting to pick off a French officer. And the tagline is to be moved.
Other than that, Jenny Toney Quinlan has done an exceptional job - it really brings the story to life, particulary of the foothills of Spain, where the guerrillero's were king's.
Let me know what you think?
