4 February 2023
Historical Fiction Spotlight: The Art of Deception (The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries Book 3) by Pam Lecky
3 February 2023
Special Guest Post by Jon Neal, Author of The Other Path (Stanley Messina Investigates)
‘The Other Path’ is a bit of a departure for me. I’ve always enjoyed the traditional murder mysteries of authors such as Agatha Christie, and wondered whether I could create something for a modern audience. My interest in such stories lies in the combination of puzzle and storytelling, with the additional elements of shock twists and surprises. Therefore, this book focuses more on characters and their surroundings rather than dogged police procedures. I’m keen to tell stories in accessible ways.
To anyone else starting out as a writer, I’d recommend reading as much as possible. That might sound obvious, but it really is where all good writing starts. Books are my absolute addiction. To all other bookworms out there, I know you’ll understand. On a practical note, I’d also suggest kicking off with smaller forms such as short stories and novellas. They’re a great way to hone skills and discipline, yet also offer the opportunity to achieve a sense of achievement through quicker completion.
I’m extremely private regarding my own creativity and writing schedule. When developing ideas, I like to keep my own counsel. Discussing process or ideas with other people tends to take the impetus out of my work, so I try to avoid doing this. Only when a first draft of a novel is complete do I share with a sensitive and vigorous team of beta readers. Such critical friendships have proved invaluable in the development of my writing career.
I promote my books through social media and am planning to build a website and circulate an e-newsletter. As an indie author I’m ‘exclusive’ to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and support my books through the use of some advertising. I’ve found the wider writing community extremely generous in offering support, guidance and encouragement. I’m tremendously grateful for this and value the progress I’ve made through the input and advice from others.
Writing full-time as an indie author becomes increasingly busy. As well as honing my craft as a writer, my time is spent on book production, business matters and promotion. Keeping all the plates spinning can be tricky at times, but I love the variety and challenge of it all. To have the opportunity to write at such an innovative time for indie authors is incredibly exciting. Publishing continues to evolve, and I relish the chance to be at the forefront of this dynamic industry.
Jon Neal’s first short novel ‘A Twin Room’ was published in 2022 and reached number 1 in its Amazon category, selling copies around the globe. ‘The Other Path’ is the first in a series of page-turning mysteries introducing private investigator, Stanley Messina. Jon completed a Master of Arts in Writing at Swinburne University whilst living in Australia. He also has a Music and Media Studies degree from the University of Sussex. He came runner up in the 2010 Sydney Mardi Gras short story competition and has been shortlisted for other prizes. Jon grew up in Kent, but now lives with his partner in East Sussex. You can find Jon on Facebook and Twitter @Jon_Neal_Author
1 February 2023
Historical Fiction Kickstarter ~ The White Sails Collector’s Edition, by Emma Lombard
About the Author
Emma Lombard was born in Pontefract in the UK. She grew up in Africa—calling Zimbabwe and South Africa home for a few years—before finally settling in Brisbane Australia, and raising four boys. Before she started writing historical fiction, she was a freelance editor in the corporate world, which was definitely not half as exciting as writing rollicking romantic adventures. Her characters are fearless seafarers, even though in real life Emma gets disastrously sea sick. Discerning Grace, is the first book in The White Sails Series. Find out more ar Emma's website www.emmalombardauthor.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter @LombardEmma31 January 2023
Book review: What Writers Read, Edited by Pandora Sykes
This fascinating book is based on simple idea of asking thirty-five writers to talk about their favourite book. Some are well known, others less so, but I was impressed by the honesty and diversity of their choices.
Some are inspiring, some poignant, but each has something to say about the craft of writing – and what might have inspired them.
In her introduction Pandora Sykes says, ‘knowing an author’s favourite book feels like a delicious piece of insider information- like peeking behind their brain curtains to see the cogs turning within.’
They can be read in any order, and none are more than a few pages, with a short bio of the author at the end. Pandora suggests the format is ideal for those spare minutes in the bathroom or before nodding off for the night. My copy lives in the glovebox of the car, perfect for unexpected delays.
Al the contributors gave their work for free, and the proceeds are donate to the work of the National Literacy Trust.
Highly recommended.
Tony Riches
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About the Author
Pandora Sykes is a journalist and broadcaster. She is the creator of multiple podcasts and audio documentaries including The High Low, and is the host of The Missing. Her debut essay collection How Do We Know We're Doing It Right? was a Sunday Times bestseller, and she has written for the Sunday Times, Vogue, Guardian, GQ and Elle. She lives in London. Find out more at https://pandorasykes.com/ and find Pandora on Twitter @PINsykes
30 January 2023
Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue and Treason, by Helene Harrison
Helene Harrison studied at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, achieving both a BA and an MA in History before going on to complete an MSc in Library Management. Her passion for Tudor history started when studying for A Levels and completing a module on Tudor rebellions. Her Masters dissertation focused on portrayals of Anne Boleyn through the centuries, from contemporary letters to modern TV and film adaptations. Now she writes two blogs, one Tudor history and one book-related, and loves visiting royal palaces and snuggling up with a book or embroidery project. Find out more at Helene's website https://tudorblogger.com/ and find her on Facebook and Twitter @TudorBlogger
29 January 2023
Book Launch Guest Post by Amy McElroy, Author of Educating the Tudors
Of course, I couldn’t write about Tudor education without including figures of the likes of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I but I also wanted to research the education of everyday people. Did they attend school? If so, did their curriculum differ from that of royalty?
I looked into the various different schools but also other methods of education including apprenticeships and household service. Service may not seem to be educational but for young people in the Tudor era it taught them the skills they needed to earn a living or set up their own household. Apprenticeships may appear to be fairly modern so I was surprised to find the Tudors had formal apprenticeships with contracts and guilds governing many of the trades.
Writing about education and work had me contemplating what they did for fun so I went ahead and included a chapter on pastimes, it is strange to think of the Tudors playing football but they did! Maybe not exactly how it is played today but they played. The Tudors also gambled, they gambled on everything and it is amusing to look at household accounts and see Henry VIII owing hundreds of pounds in a dominoes game!
The tutors were my favourite aspect, I loved researching the different people who taught the Tudors. Who were they? What did they teach? There are of course names many people will recognise such as Roger Ascham and Juan Luis Vives but I enjoyed finding out more about the more obscure Bernard Andre, John Skelton and Giles Duwes. These men were responsible for tutoring some of the most famous Tudors we know but they were not the only ones to have an influence on education.
There were unfortunately fewer options available to females in terms of education which led me to researching how they spent their days. My next book therefore will be The Lives of Women in the Tudor Era where you can find out how females grew up, reached adulthood, married and the occupations they had.
Educating the Tudors has been an incredible journey from writing to publication. I have made some wonderful friends along the way and been given a wealth of advice and support. If anyone is thinking about writing, my advice is to go for it, it can be hard writing around work but any progress is still progress.
26 January 2023
Book Launch Interview with Deb Stratas, Author of The Kingston Twins, Wartime Heart (The Kingston Women Book 2)
I'm pleased to welcome author Deb Stratas to The Writing Desk:
Tell us about your latest book
My latest book, The Kingston Twins, Wartime Heart is brand-new in January 2023. It’s the sequel to The Kingston Twins, Bravery in the Blitz which tells the story of twins Tillie and Maggie Kingston, facing war in 1939 London. By the end of the first book, Tillie and Maggie are in the thick of wartime struggles. Tillie drives an ambulance, and Maggie serves on a WVS canteen. The Blitz carries on for fifty-seven nights straight, decimating Britain’s capitol, and causing heartbreak to the entire Kingston family.
Wartime Heart starts where the last book ends – as the Blitz finally ceases, and Londoners pick up the pieces of their ragged lives. Tillie has found her true love Trevor, and is eagerly making wedding plans – until Trevor joins the Royal Air Force. Maggie feels compelled to do more for the war effort, and signs up for the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).
As with all my books, I invested many months in research to bring wartime London to life – the daily challenges, life in the ATS, way of speaking, and so much more. I hope you’ll find yourself immersed in Maggie and Tillie’s lives as they navigate the drudgery of war in 1941 and beyond.
Why did you write a sequel to Bravery in the Blitz?
I always wanted to tell Maggie and Tillie’s stories in at least two parts. Bravery in the Blitz introduces us to a fascinating set of family members – each with their own internal struggles. The first book focuses more on Tillie’s story as she discovers self-worth, and finds her soulmate. Wartime Heart is Maggie’s tale. As the quieter twin, she struggles with self-confidence in the shadow of her dazzling sister.
What advice do you have for writers interested in writing a series?
My best advice is plan out your series. I always create a high-level outline for each novel, as well as a chapter-by-chapter summary. As I write, things evolve, but I generally stick to my overall plan. Ensure you build a story arc for each character that carries through the series. Your readers get invested in them, and want to know what they are doing, and how they are progressing.
What interests you in writing women’s WWII fiction?
Like so many of you, I’ve had a decades-long fascination with World War II England –particularly the women. For me, what they did for six long years is nothing short of heroic. They sent their husbands, fiancés, sons, and loved ones to fight for freedom, perhaps never to return.
I’ve read hundreds of books – both fiction and non-fiction – about these courageous women, and there are still many stories yet to be told. As the few remaining women who survive from that time are quickly fading away, it’s critical to keep these incredible tales alive. I hope I’m doing my part in raising up these women as the heroines they were.
How much time do you spend researching vs. writing?
Like most historical fiction writers, I love research. History is endlessly fascinating, and the research phase for any book is rewarding. It’s important to me to get even the tiniest details right, so I spend a lot of time researching daily life in WWII London – food, fashion, household management, even what movies were playing in the cinema – all are important to the believability of the narrative.
Will there be a third book in The Kingston Twins series?
Of course! I’ve already started the research for The Kingston Twins, Katie’s War which will delve into the war experiences of Tillie and Maggie’s younger sister, Katie. Fingers crossed; I hope to publish it by the end of 2023.
Deb Stratas