Stanley Wheeler's Blog, page 10

Caribbean Scene

 Fun Fact:Before the outbreak of the French and Indian war, the French had traded sugar, molasses, and rum with the British North American colonies. Many American ship men ignored the trade restrictions after the war started and continued as smugglers. Others armed their vessels and went after French merchantmen. Some French shippers did likewise. Both England and France adopted a convoy

Book Giveaway

 An off-schedule post to let you know that I'm giving away two autographed paperbacks:  Threading the Rude Eye and Power to Hurt - the first two books in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. It's a marriage of history and fantasy that will fire your flintlock for the cause of freedom and put the suspenders (or maybe belt) to your disbelief in dragons, magic, and mythical creatures.

The Third Man

 Around my writing adventures on Saturday, I squeezed in some time watching music video. The music was Anton Karas on the zither and the video was The Third Man, directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene. It stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard, and Orson Wells.Filmed in bomb-ravaged locations in post-war Vienna, the black and white picture benefits from the intriguing

YA Baylor

 Author Interview with Y.A. BaylorAuthor ofThe Jack Stern Series

The British Empire Strikes Back

 Fun Facts:Forbes' first attempt at taking Fort Duquesne had met with disaster. In late November 1758, his remained the only British commander in the north still pursuing his campaign. Negotiations neutralized the influence of the French Indian allies in the Ohio country, leaving the French alone and hungry at Fort Duquesne on Hoth.  Forbes sent the complaining Colonel Washington of the

Back to Fort Duquesne

 Fun Fact:Although Abercromby had been defeated in his poorly executed attack on Carillon, Louisbourg and Frontenac had fallen to the British. The English next moved on Fort Duquesne--again--hoping to achieve a different result than the disaster of three years earlier. The French and their Indian allies had fanned out from that fort to spread death and destruction. There were even rumors of

D.L. Gardner

 Interview with D.L. GardnerAuthor ofDarkness Holds the Son, and more

Crisis in Fire and Snow

 It's here! Book 6 in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series arrives with nearly 350 action-packed pages of adventure. You'll want to make this succulent flintlock fantasy part of your Christmas feast. Click on the cover picture to check it out. I could go on about this entry in the exciting saga--but I won't. Instead, let me treat you to a few of the comments my advance readers shared as

Fun Fact:Following Abercromby's defeat at Carillon/Ticond...

Fun Fact:Following Abercromby's defeat at Carillon/Ticonderoga, he granted permission to Colonel John Bradstreet to undertake a bold mission that would have greater consequences than the taking of Ticonderoga. Bradstreet had mastered the use of flat-bottomed boats. Each boat could haul 25 men and supplies along the waterways. General Shirley had discovered Bradstreet and put him in charge of the

Miniature Wrestling

 There were two items of note this week. First, regarding this picture:Somebody gave my wife some of these candies a while back. I ate them. I wanted more. When I suggested that she get back in touch with the friend who gave them to her, she went and bought me some. I think these are my new favorite candy: dark chocolate and what looks and tastes like real peanut butter (not the grainy sugar and