Greg Seeley's Blog, page 2
March 5, 2018
In Henry's Land - coming this summer
Here is a clip from "In Henry's Land: A Broken Peace" set to be released this summer as a sequel to my debut novel, "Henry's Pride".
Henry lounged comfortably in his library, reading the newly-arrived edition of Harper’s Weekly, as Theodore walked in.
“I’m confused,” the young man announced as he took a seat nearby.
Henry folded the paper and laid it on the small table beside his chair. “About what?”
“I’ve been studying the Declaration of Independence.”
“Everyone should. And the Constitution as well. What is it that confuses you?”
“A lot of things,” Theodore began. “First of all, Thomas Jefferson.”
“A great American.” Henry lit his pipe and leaned forward to let Theodore know he had his full attention,
“Well, I’m a man, right?”
“Of course, you are, Theodore, and a fine one at that.”
“Mr. Jefferson said that all men are created equal.”
“He did.”
“So, I’m created equal?”
“You are.”
“He also said that the Creator endowed all men with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“He was right about that.”
“So, God gave us colored folks the same rights as he gave everyone else?”
“I reckon he did.”
“Do you think Mr. Jefferson actually believed that?”
“I’m sure he did,” Hendry answered. “All of the signers did too. They wouldn’t have pledged to it if they didn’t.”
“That’s why I’m confused. Didn’t a lot of them own slaves?”
“They did.”
“Why? If they believed the slaves had a right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness, why did they own slaves?”
For the first time ever, Henry felt powerless to answer a question that Theodore had brought to him. He had never seriously considered the conundrum. He had fought to preserve the Union. He had agreed whole-heartedly with emancipation and disagreed with those who promoted sending freed slaves back to Africa. He believed that colored men should be citizens and have the right to vote. To the dismay of many of his friends and neighbors, he had written and spoken eloquently in favor of the 15th Amendment granting these very things. But here was the question, now staring him in the face.
“You’re wise beyond your years, Theodore. It’s a thoughtful question. I wish I had an equally thoughtful answer. The truth is, I don’t know. It saddens me to say that but I just don’t know. Perhaps someday, someone will figure it out. I think the two of us should start trying. Maybe Reverend Joshua can help us.”
Henry lounged comfortably in his library, reading the newly-arrived edition of Harper’s Weekly, as Theodore walked in.
“I’m confused,” the young man announced as he took a seat nearby.
Henry folded the paper and laid it on the small table beside his chair. “About what?”
“I’ve been studying the Declaration of Independence.”
“Everyone should. And the Constitution as well. What is it that confuses you?”
“A lot of things,” Theodore began. “First of all, Thomas Jefferson.”
“A great American.” Henry lit his pipe and leaned forward to let Theodore know he had his full attention,
“Well, I’m a man, right?”
“Of course, you are, Theodore, and a fine one at that.”
“Mr. Jefferson said that all men are created equal.”
“He did.”
“So, I’m created equal?”
“You are.”
“He also said that the Creator endowed all men with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“He was right about that.”
“So, God gave us colored folks the same rights as he gave everyone else?”
“I reckon he did.”
“Do you think Mr. Jefferson actually believed that?”
“I’m sure he did,” Hendry answered. “All of the signers did too. They wouldn’t have pledged to it if they didn’t.”
“That’s why I’m confused. Didn’t a lot of them own slaves?”
“They did.”
“Why? If they believed the slaves had a right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness, why did they own slaves?”
For the first time ever, Henry felt powerless to answer a question that Theodore had brought to him. He had never seriously considered the conundrum. He had fought to preserve the Union. He had agreed whole-heartedly with emancipation and disagreed with those who promoted sending freed slaves back to Africa. He believed that colored men should be citizens and have the right to vote. To the dismay of many of his friends and neighbors, he had written and spoken eloquently in favor of the 15th Amendment granting these very things. But here was the question, now staring him in the face.
“You’re wise beyond your years, Theodore. It’s a thoughtful question. I wish I had an equally thoughtful answer. The truth is, I don’t know. It saddens me to say that but I just don’t know. Perhaps someday, someone will figure it out. I think the two of us should start trying. Maybe Reverend Joshua can help us.”
February 16, 2018
Another Five Star Review!
A heartfelt thank you to Pamela Allegretto, highly successful Goodreads author of "Bridge of Sighs and Dreams" for her wonderful review of "Henry's Pride"
Greg Seeley has penned a well-written, well-researched Civil War drama. The interesting and complex characters range from lovable to likeable to detestable; none are boring. Henry’s Pride places in you the moment. The book alternates among multiple points of view, following the chronology of the war and surprising the reader at every turn. Short, quick scenes, interspersed with letters, do a good job of centering the story on a specific cast of interconnected characters.
Greg Seeley has penned a well-written, well-researched Civil War drama. The interesting and complex characters range from lovable to likeable to detestable; none are boring. Henry’s Pride places in you the moment. The book alternates among multiple points of view, following the chronology of the war and surprising the reader at every turn. Short, quick scenes, interspersed with letters, do a good job of centering the story on a specific cast of interconnected characters.
January 3, 2018
In Henry's Land - Coming 2018
“Alright, Henry. I can accept if you don’t want to tell Em until after the baby comes. But soon after, you have to tell her. If you don’t, I will. This thing will kill you, Henry. It will kill you just as surely as if you’d been shot dead at Shiloh. In truth, that might have been a kinder end!”
Henry did not reply. He simply got up from his chair and pointed toward the door.
Jonas Hancock to Henry Hancock about his alcoholism. “In Henry’s Land: A Broken Peace”
Henry did not reply. He simply got up from his chair and pointed toward the door.
Jonas Hancock to Henry Hancock about his alcoholism. “In Henry’s Land: A Broken Peace”
November 24, 2017
In Henry's Land: A Broken Peace
The bloody Civil War has just ended but the conflict goes on. Throughout the land, bitterness, strife, and personal hatreds continue. Old friends become new enemies. Vengeful northerners carry personal grudges again the defeated South. Southerners, eager to exact a further price from the victorious North, continue to plot a new type of slavery. In the Wyoming territory, the Indian wars are about to begin as the Union Army moves west to establish a new front.
In the midst of it all, Henry Hancock and his family battle personal demons, a harsh climate, and financial intrigue that threaten the farm and the small Minnesota community they call home. In the course of their struggles, they find a new understanding of each other, the power of faith, and hope for the future.
"In Henry's Land: A Broken Peace", the sequel to "Henry's Pride" is due for release spring/summer of 2018. If you haven't already, please add "Henry's Pride" to your winter reading list and get ready to enjoy "In Henry's Land: A Broken Peace"
In the midst of it all, Henry Hancock and his family battle personal demons, a harsh climate, and financial intrigue that threaten the farm and the small Minnesota community they call home. In the course of their struggles, they find a new understanding of each other, the power of faith, and hope for the future.
"In Henry's Land: A Broken Peace", the sequel to "Henry's Pride" is due for release spring/summer of 2018. If you haven't already, please add "Henry's Pride" to your winter reading list and get ready to enjoy "In Henry's Land: A Broken Peace"
September 23, 2017
THE THAMES THEOREM - DON'T MISS IT!
More great Steven Malone
The ideal way to introduce a serial work involving numerous episodes is to (1) catch the reader’s interest immediately with the concept (2) peak attention part way through and (3) leave the reader wanting more and anticipating the next episode. Steven Malone accomplishes all of these things with his premier episode entitled “The Thames Theorem.” The episode is short – about a ½ hour read.
The first episode of this sci-fi work that will chronicle a centuries-long space journey does a great job of setting the stage and introduces us to a cast of engaging characters – some likable, some less-so, but all interesting. Warning, not everything is immediately resolved.
If you are anxious to follow the journey, start with “The Thames Theorem” available now. For my own part, I’m already anxious to see what comes next.
The ideal way to introduce a serial work involving numerous episodes is to (1) catch the reader’s interest immediately with the concept (2) peak attention part way through and (3) leave the reader wanting more and anticipating the next episode. Steven Malone accomplishes all of these things with his premier episode entitled “The Thames Theorem.” The episode is short – about a ½ hour read.
The first episode of this sci-fi work that will chronicle a centuries-long space journey does a great job of setting the stage and introduces us to a cast of engaging characters – some likable, some less-so, but all interesting. Warning, not everything is immediately resolved.
If you are anxious to follow the journey, start with “The Thames Theorem” available now. For my own part, I’m already anxious to see what comes next.
September 22, 2017
Fall/Winter Reading Recomendation
How does the heir to a profitable Georgia cotton plantation wind up as a vagrant searching the back alleys of Chicago for food scraps and a warm place to sleep? Find out. Add Henry’s Pride, available now at Amazon.com (Henry’s Pride by Greg Seeley) to your fall/winter reading list. Then get ready for In Henry’s Land, scheduled for release spring/summer of 2018.
June 16, 2017
History in Your Own Back Yard
History in Your Own Back Yard – Mine Creek
Nearly a year ago now, I published my novel of the Civil War, Henry’s Pride. Never having lived in an area where the major action took place and not having traveled there during my career as a certified public accountant, I did all of my research in books, contemporaneous magazines and newspapers, and on-line. I was aware of Confederate General Sterling Price’s foray into Missouri and the Battle of Westport that took place near my home. I saw that battle as significant but certainly not on the level of Shiloh, Fredericksburg, or Gettysburg.
In doing research for my current work in progress, In Henry’s Land, I ran across something truly amazing. In this book that takes place immediately after the war, veterans talk about their experiences. I found that, after his defeat at Westport, Price moved south with his force of 7,000 soldiers (largely cavalry) and 700 wagons in an attempt to capture the Federal supplies stored at Fort Scott, Kansas. At Mine Creek, near the present-day site of Pleasanton, Kansas (named for one of the Union generals in the battle), Price encountered a force of 2,500 Federals (again, mostly cavalry). What ensued in October of 1864 was one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War and the largest to take place west of the Mississippi River! Though badly outnumbered, the Union forces emerged victorious largely because of having superior equipment that would have also become available to Price’s army had it succeeded in capturing Fort Scott. The Federal troops were equipped with newer breech-loading rifles. Price’s cavalry, on the other hand, was equipped with long-barreled muzzle loading rifles that were still common-place in infantry engagements but totally unsuited to cavalry use.
Using what I learned, I was able to incorporate reminiscences of this historic battle into my current novel.
What particularly amazed me was that my wife and I drive by the site of the Battle of Mine Creek every time we go from the Kansas City suburbs to our lake home near Fort Scott. In the nearly twenty years of our going there, I had never viewed the engagement as anything more than a minor skirmish involving, at most, a few hundred combatants. Moral – pay closer attention to things around you never know what you will uncover
Nearly a year ago now, I published my novel of the Civil War, Henry’s Pride. Never having lived in an area where the major action took place and not having traveled there during my career as a certified public accountant, I did all of my research in books, contemporaneous magazines and newspapers, and on-line. I was aware of Confederate General Sterling Price’s foray into Missouri and the Battle of Westport that took place near my home. I saw that battle as significant but certainly not on the level of Shiloh, Fredericksburg, or Gettysburg.
In doing research for my current work in progress, In Henry’s Land, I ran across something truly amazing. In this book that takes place immediately after the war, veterans talk about their experiences. I found that, after his defeat at Westport, Price moved south with his force of 7,000 soldiers (largely cavalry) and 700 wagons in an attempt to capture the Federal supplies stored at Fort Scott, Kansas. At Mine Creek, near the present-day site of Pleasanton, Kansas (named for one of the Union generals in the battle), Price encountered a force of 2,500 Federals (again, mostly cavalry). What ensued in October of 1864 was one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War and the largest to take place west of the Mississippi River! Though badly outnumbered, the Union forces emerged victorious largely because of having superior equipment that would have also become available to Price’s army had it succeeded in capturing Fort Scott. The Federal troops were equipped with newer breech-loading rifles. Price’s cavalry, on the other hand, was equipped with long-barreled muzzle loading rifles that were still common-place in infantry engagements but totally unsuited to cavalry use.
Using what I learned, I was able to incorporate reminiscences of this historic battle into my current novel.
What particularly amazed me was that my wife and I drive by the site of the Battle of Mine Creek every time we go from the Kansas City suburbs to our lake home near Fort Scott. In the nearly twenty years of our going there, I had never viewed the engagement as anything more than a minor skirmish involving, at most, a few hundred combatants. Moral – pay closer attention to things around you never know what you will uncover
Adventure in the desert - an entertaing read!
An Entertaining Read - Adventure in the Desert
In 1925, Byron de Prorok , self-proclaimed ‘Count’ de Prorok, led an expedition into the Sahara desert seeking the resting place of the ancient Queen Tin Hanan of the Taureg Tribe. In his novel The Count of the Sahara, Wayne Turmel recounts not only the adventure but also the midwestern lecture tour that followed in 1926 as well as the Count’s personal life and the business “mis-adventures” that dogged him during the time.
In “The Count” we find an intriguing mixture of a serious archeologist in the mold of Indiana Jones with a more prominent side akin to P.T. Barnum. A lecture tour filled with home-made costumes and props passed off as the real thing seems now more like a self-promoting sideshow than a culturally enlightening experience. Such a show was probably common in the days of vaudeville and tent shows that preceded television but hardly the fare of National Geographic.
Turmel brings us the story in a quite interesting fashion that works well. Chapters move back and forth between the exploration, told in third-person, and the lecture tour presented in first person by the Count’s projectionist, stage-prop, and personal assistant.
“The Count of the Sahara” is a highly entertaining read that I can easily recommend to all of my friends. I rate it five stars. I look forward to reading Wayne Turmel’s newest
In 1925, Byron de Prorok , self-proclaimed ‘Count’ de Prorok, led an expedition into the Sahara desert seeking the resting place of the ancient Queen Tin Hanan of the Taureg Tribe. In his novel The Count of the Sahara, Wayne Turmel recounts not only the adventure but also the midwestern lecture tour that followed in 1926 as well as the Count’s personal life and the business “mis-adventures” that dogged him during the time.
In “The Count” we find an intriguing mixture of a serious archeologist in the mold of Indiana Jones with a more prominent side akin to P.T. Barnum. A lecture tour filled with home-made costumes and props passed off as the real thing seems now more like a self-promoting sideshow than a culturally enlightening experience. Such a show was probably common in the days of vaudeville and tent shows that preceded television but hardly the fare of National Geographic.
Turmel brings us the story in a quite interesting fashion that works well. Chapters move back and forth between the exploration, told in third-person, and the lecture tour presented in first person by the Count’s projectionist, stage-prop, and personal assistant.
“The Count of the Sahara” is a highly entertaining read that I can easily recommend to all of my friends. I rate it five stars. I look forward to reading Wayne Turmel’s newest
February 15, 2017
A Rebel Among Us - A must read
There are romance novels and there are romantic novels. Though not always, romance novels are generally erotic, predictable, and formula-driven. JDR Hawkins (A Beautiful Glittering Lie and A Beckoning Hellfire) brings us in her latest work, A Rebel Among Us, a true romantic novel that is none of those things.
The Civil War is nearly two bloody years from its end. The Battle of Gettysburg has just been fought and has ended badly for Confederate cavalryman, David Summers, and his comrades in arms. Severely wounded and separated from his unit, David is carried by his faithful horse, Renegade, to a Pennsylvania farmhouse miles away from the scene of the carnage. There he is taken in by a late-teenage orphan, Anna Brady, and her younger sisters.
What happens next is a tale of extraordinary compassion that takes place during an era filled with violence, distrust, and bitterness. The story is beautifully written with a plot line that is, at the same time, believable but yet filled with intrigue, conspiracy, and necessary deceit. The dialogue flows naturally as does the depiction of normal life on the farm during anything but normal times. We meet Patrick, the caring and helpful Irish bachelor who works a hire on a neighboring farm. We also meet Maggie Brady, the middle sister, torn between her love for her sister and her bitter feelings towards the South. There is Abigail, the child sister – caught in the middle of all of it but too young to really understand any.
I have read numerous Civil War novels and even written one myself. I can truly say that nothing I have either read or written has pulled me into that place and period of time in the way that Julie Hawkins’ story did.
You do not have to be a Civil War ‘enthusiast’ or even a history buff to enjoy this truly enchanting work. I highly recommend it and rate it a well-deserved five stars. I recommend also reading the first two books in the Renegade series before reading this one. I have yet to read A Beautiful Glittering Lie but I already know that it will not disappoint. I am also anxiously awaiting the fourth book in the series.
Greg Seeley - Goodreads author (Henry’s Pride)
The Civil War is nearly two bloody years from its end. The Battle of Gettysburg has just been fought and has ended badly for Confederate cavalryman, David Summers, and his comrades in arms. Severely wounded and separated from his unit, David is carried by his faithful horse, Renegade, to a Pennsylvania farmhouse miles away from the scene of the carnage. There he is taken in by a late-teenage orphan, Anna Brady, and her younger sisters.
What happens next is a tale of extraordinary compassion that takes place during an era filled with violence, distrust, and bitterness. The story is beautifully written with a plot line that is, at the same time, believable but yet filled with intrigue, conspiracy, and necessary deceit. The dialogue flows naturally as does the depiction of normal life on the farm during anything but normal times. We meet Patrick, the caring and helpful Irish bachelor who works a hire on a neighboring farm. We also meet Maggie Brady, the middle sister, torn between her love for her sister and her bitter feelings towards the South. There is Abigail, the child sister – caught in the middle of all of it but too young to really understand any.
I have read numerous Civil War novels and even written one myself. I can truly say that nothing I have either read or written has pulled me into that place and period of time in the way that Julie Hawkins’ story did.
You do not have to be a Civil War ‘enthusiast’ or even a history buff to enjoy this truly enchanting work. I highly recommend it and rate it a well-deserved five stars. I recommend also reading the first two books in the Renegade series before reading this one. I have yet to read A Beautiful Glittering Lie but I already know that it will not disappoint. I am also anxiously awaiting the fourth book in the series.
Greg Seeley - Goodreads author (Henry’s Pride)
January 24, 2017
Henry's Pride - four star review
With some exceptions, I normally like to use my blog to provide reviews of works that I have been reading authored by my fellow indie authors as well as those by traditionally published authors. However, I was so gratified by J.D. R Hawkins' review of my new novel "Henry's Pride" that I just had to share it. Thank you J.D.R.
Nothing sums up the tragedy our country endured during the Civil War better than the words of author Greg Seeley:
"The whole war was a colossal exercise in madness that never should have happened.
But happened it had. Now thousands upon thousands were either dead or maimed for life – and for what?"
After more than 150 years, many aspects of this question remain unanswered. The war left scars that can still be seen to this day, especially in the South.
Mr. Seeley’s story is gripping, and demonstrates the tragedy of the American Civil War. I especially liked the letters the characters wrote, which gave insight into how they were feeling. Although the plot line switched back and forth among the characters continually, once I learned who the characters were and what their situations were, changes in POV were less confusing. The story was interesting, and the dialogue used between the characters was captivating. The plot went along with the timeline of the war. Henry’s Pride gives an honest examination of what life was like on both sides of the Mason Dixon Line during the war. The characters’ experiences were realistic and poignant, and their situations were compelling. I highly recommend this book to every Civil War enthusiast.
J.D.R. Hawkins
Author of A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire and A Rebel Among Us, the first three novels in the Renegade Series. (less)
Nothing sums up the tragedy our country endured during the Civil War better than the words of author Greg Seeley:
"The whole war was a colossal exercise in madness that never should have happened.
But happened it had. Now thousands upon thousands were either dead or maimed for life – and for what?"
After more than 150 years, many aspects of this question remain unanswered. The war left scars that can still be seen to this day, especially in the South.
Mr. Seeley’s story is gripping, and demonstrates the tragedy of the American Civil War. I especially liked the letters the characters wrote, which gave insight into how they were feeling. Although the plot line switched back and forth among the characters continually, once I learned who the characters were and what their situations were, changes in POV were less confusing. The story was interesting, and the dialogue used between the characters was captivating. The plot went along with the timeline of the war. Henry’s Pride gives an honest examination of what life was like on both sides of the Mason Dixon Line during the war. The characters’ experiences were realistic and poignant, and their situations were compelling. I highly recommend this book to every Civil War enthusiast.
J.D.R. Hawkins
Author of A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire and A Rebel Among Us, the first three novels in the Renegade Series. (less)
