Blog Tour Excerpt: The Queen's Sister: A vivid historical novel of a life among the wives of King Henry VIII. by Carol McGrath

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. 

Prologue

I am Elizabeth Seymour, sister to the Queen. My second marriage to Gregory Cromwell is barely a month old, yet to my surprise, my portrait has already been commissioned by my father-in-law. As Lord Privy Seal, Thomas Cromwell has both affluence and influence; it is the celebrated Master Hans Holbein who is to paint me. He enjoys King Henry’s patronage and has recently completed a likeness of my sister.

    ‘Master Holbein,’ I say, after he arrives at Mort Lake, and I am looking at a selection of drawings he has displayed on a table in the great parlour.

    ‘I do believe you truly capture the humanity of your subject.’ I look up at his eager round face and thoughtful brown eyes. ‘This is all I ask for, since I wish to appear human and not merely portrayed as a stiff poppet in her best gown.’

    One by one, I lift sketches he had drawn of my sister Queen Jane before painting her. These are fine drawings and capture her serenity. I consider them for some minutes. ‘They look like Jane but there is something intangible and sad too. She looks as if she will never reveal her true feelings.’

    ‘Her mystery,’ the painter says. ‘Everyone has secrets, and their public face can guard that which is unknown. I hope my work permits a glimpse of the sitter’s soul.’

I hold the sketches at arm’s length to study them closely again and tilt my head enquiringly. ‘My sister, does she have secrets, for I think her guileless?’

    I smile, but my gaze is steady. Holbein returns my smile. ‘My lady, your sister is the perfect Queen. Besides she is with child and very happy,’ he says. ‘Her secret is her awareness of her responsibility as Queen, and she was hopeful for the future when I painted her. Women are by nature lovely and mysterious creatures. The Queen was confident that she would conceive the King’s child. And now, the good Lord has granted her wish.’

    I nod, my face composed and serious. ‘Yes, Master Holbein, and I am to be aunt to a future prince or princess of England. That is a responsibility too. So, Master painter, I give you carte blanche. You have my trust.’  I replace the drawings of Jane on top of the polished walnut table.

    ‘These drawings have truth. I see a sister who is dignified, human, guarded and calm.’ 

    Yet also, I cannot forget the shy, timid young woman Jane was before she won the King’s heart.

    ‘Queen Jane remains reserved rather than diffident and I see that you are too, my lady. You seem serious minded and educated, noble and patient, practical, yet creative and you are already a mother. You are a clever handsome woman and, in your portrait, I hope to capture the keen intelligence behind your bright eyes.’

    I’m flattered by Master Holbein’s recognition of me as an intelligent woman and I warm to him. ‘Come next week, Master Painter, and you can begin your sketches,’ I say. ‘But mind, my sister will go into seclusion by the calends of September so I cannot sit for you after that.’

    ‘We can at least make a beginning, my lady,’ he says, bows and gathers up his drawings.

 

Carol McGrath 

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About the Author

Following a first degree in English and History, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066 was shortlisted for the RoNAS in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy. Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020. The Silken Rose, first in a medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, saw publication in April 2020. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose was published April 2022. Carol lives in Oxfordshire, England and in Greece.  Find our more from Carol's website: www.carolcmcgrath.co.uk and find her on Facebook, Twitter @CarolMcGrath and Bluesky @swanneck.bsky.social

Book Launch Spotlight: Caesar's Nemesis (The Mark Antony Series) by Alex Gough

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

A hero will fall. An emperor will rise.

Mark Antony is Caesar's successor, victor over Caesar's murderers Brutus and Cassius, and the most powerful man in the world.

Yet he cannot be complacent. Octavian, Caesar's heir, is ambitious, intelligent and ruthless. Antony must prove himself with a great military victory to hold onto his position, and marches against Rome's old foe: the Parthian empire. But this is a formidable opponent; the bones of many legions lie on the battlefields of the East. And with the beguiling Cleopatra distracting him, can Antony come out on top?

Antony's final years are a whirlwind of shifting alliances, betrayals and war. In the end, the Battle of Actium will decide the fate of the empire, and set the course of history for the next two thousand years.

From Alexandria to Actium, this clash established a dynasty and struck down one of Rome's greatest heroes.

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About the Author

Alex Gough has a decades long interest in Ancient Roman history, and the Carbo Series (Watchmen of Rome, Bandits of Rome and the short story collection Carbo and the Thief) is the culmination of a lot of research into the underclasses of Ancient Rome. His  second series, The Imperial Assassin, is set in the reign of the Severan dynasty which is a very under-examined period of Roman history. His latest series is based on the larger than life character of Mark Antony, the warrior, the commander, the politician and the lover. I would love to interact with readers. Find out more at history www.romanfiction.com and find Alex  on Twitter/X @romanfiction and Bluesky @alexgoughauthor.bsky.social

Blog Tour Interview with Ellen Rachlin, Author of Enheduanna's Song From The Sands

Available for pre-order from 

Amazon UK and Amazon US

Discover the untold story of Enheduanna, the world’s first named author, as she navigates power, betrayal, and divine destiny in ancient Mesopotamia. A mesmerizing fusion of history, myth, and female leadership that challenges how we see the past—and ourselves.

I'm pleased to welcome author Ellen Rachlin to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your book.

It’s about a little-known ancient world that lasted for about 2,000 years, a high priestess who happens to be the world’s first named author, a life-or-death struggle that shaped the course of literature, and revenge.

Enheduanna is one of the most notable historical figures of ancient Mesopotamia. She wielded a great deal of power, but paid a steep price for assuming such authority. She was the daughter of Sargon the Great, a prominent high priestess, and the world’s first named author. There is attestation in one of the hymns attributed to her that she was forced into exile by a rebel king, but later reinstated. That’s all we know. My story imagines her rise to power, her fall, and her restoration.

The remarkable works attributed to her make her extraordinary, whether or not she was their actual author. We don’t know which is true, but both possibilities help explain why she stands out as one of the most memorable figures of this long chapter in ancient history. That uncertainty gave me the freedom to create a rich narrative around an extraordinary woman’s life.

What is your preferred writing routine?

I enter a state of slight panic that I can’t channel my characters deeply enough. That’s when I’m most alert. Then I calm down and write, ideally every day.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Study with teachers who know what they are doing. Learn craft first. Without structure, it’s much more difficult to communicate your story. Without knowing the basic elements, it’s impossible to know how the rules can be changed, if one chooses to do so. Then keep studying and reading. I’m still learning.

After that, focus on the story you wish to tell and on creating it. There’s a more commercial approach in which a writer studies the market and embraces where readership is concentrated. If one can write quickly, I suppose that’s a viable process, but tastes change, and it takes a long time to bring a book to readers.

If you write what you are passionate about, you’re more likely to make your characters come alive.

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?

There are so many outlets. I don’t think anyone knows what works best. Writers I know try everything, and there are lots of people willing to help. But at the heart of raising awareness is the author’s willingness to stand behind their work and champion it. Authors are the best spokespeople for their work.

Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research

Ancient Mesopotamian myths echoed mortal life experiences. Their gods were neither solely good nor solely evil, but complex beings possessing elements of both. They were subject to errors in judgment, human-like weaknesses, accountability for their actions, and judgment by other gods. This is quite different from modern notions of divinity.

Because of these qualities, the myths offered natural parallels to the Enheduanna of my imagination. She is a woman of remarkable agency for her time. She is also targeted by rebels and even by her own brothers. She is victimized, but refuses to be a victim. At first, this makes her ruthless, just as the gods can be in the myths. Yet, as in the myths, power has its price.

The myths themselves became my inspiration, along with Enheduanna’s mysterious and largely unknown life.

What was the hardest scene you remember writing?

Every scene has challenges; the most difficult one in Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands was the first chapter. I couldn’t tell her story without telling her father’s story. Enheduanna didn’t make enemies; she inherited generational ones. Sargon’s story needed to be told without interruption, so I began there rather than with Enheduanna. Slowing down and choosing to open with Sargon as a young cupbearer (one responsible for food and drink for a king) was a difficult choice.

What are you planning to write next?

At the moment, I’m writing a literary novel set in modern times, but I plan to return to ancient Mesopotamia, as there are so many figures from that era who fascinate me. By then, I hope that more readers will be curious about ancient Mesopotamia.

Ellen Rachlin

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About the Author

Ellen Rachlin’s poetry has appeared in American Poetry Review, Comstock Review, Granta, Court Green, Literary Imagination, and various anthologies.  She has published two collections of her poems, Until Crazy Catches Me (Antrim House, 2008) and Permeable Divide (Antrim House, 2017), winner of the 2018 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award.  She is also the author of two chapbooks, Waiting for Here (Finishing Line Press, 2004), a finalist in the New Women's Voices series, and Captive to Residue (Flarestack Publishing, 2009).  She received her MFA from Antioch University.  She serves as Treasurer of The Poetry Society of America and is a partner at Blue Leaf Ventures.  Other writing genres include numerous textbook and journal articles on the subject of finance and investing with various publishers including Wiley. Find out more at Ellen's Website: https://www.ellenrachlin.com/  and find her on Facebook and Instagram

Blog Tour Spotlight: Rise of the Pale Moon, By Patricia Brandon

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Forced to navigate complex relationships with each other and the master’s family in colonial South Carolina, three young women (an indentured servant, a chattel slave, and a Catawba Indian) must choose between remaining in servitude or risk a dangerous escape that could change their lives – and the course of the Revolution. 

In the heart of coastal South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War era, a profound narrative unfolds in Rise of the Pale Moon. This captivating tale is set on a plantation, where three young women of strikingly different backgrounds are held captive - a humble indentured servant from London, a resilient chattel slave, and a resourceful Catawba Indian. Their lives are intertwined, bound by the chains of their circumstances, and deeply impacted by the Master and his family.

These women, each bearing a unique perspective, must learn to navigate their relationships with each other and their captors. As they grapple with their brutal reality, their courage is put to the ultimate test. Will they risk a daring escape, knowing full well that it could result in their demise? Or will they remain, hoping to influence their fate and possibly alter the course of the war in the American South?

Rise of the Pale Moon explores the intricacies of loyalty, sacrifice, and love amidst harsh adversity. The characters' relentless pursuit of hope is a testament to their determination and resilience, offering an inspiring portrayal of human spirit. As the birth of a new nation unfolds around them, their journey reveals the transformative power of unity and friendship.

This riveting narrative is more than just a historical fiction; it is a timeless exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of shared struggles, shared dreams, and the shared determination to survive. The characters' journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.

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About the Author

Patricia Brandon is a winner of a Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Award (South Carolina Writers’ Association). Her first novel, THE CENTER OF GRAVITY, earned a Coffee Pot Book Club (UK) “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award. It recently was awarded a bronze medal (fiction-mystery-historical category) in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest. Her second novel, A RULE OF LIFE, was selected as a gold medal (YA, Historical Fiction category) 2021 Book of the Year by The Coffee Pot Book Club. It also was recently selected as a bronze medal (YA Mystery category) winner in the Readers Favourite International Book Contest. Fibd out more at https://patriciabrandon.com/  and find Patricia on Twitter / X, Facebook and Instagram

Patricia’s interview at Meet The Author: 

Special Guest Interview with Sam F Hutchins, Author of Boudica’s Shadow

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

61AD: After Keara and her sister, Caitlyn, are brutally attacked by Roman officers in their own home, their mother's rage knows no bounds. Queen Boudica of the Iceni raises an army of oppressed Britons

who will defy Rome.

I'm pleased to welcome author Sam F Hutchins to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your latest book

Boudica’s Shadow is a Roman Britannic adventure set in 61AD. Full of action, mystery, vivid characters and a dash of romance, it tells the story of Boudica’s revolt through the eyes of her youngest daughter, Keara. 

After Boudica and her two daughters are brutally attacked by Roman officers in their own kingdom of the Iceni, Boudica raises an army of oppressed Britons to fight against the Roman occupant. 

Facing them is the governor-general, Suetonius, an experienced military leader who proves to be a formidable and shrewd master. 

But, despite, the well-armed legions by his side, and an efficient information system, he loses Colchester, London, St Albans, and … all of Britannia’s gold. 

He also has the well-trained, obedient but enigmatic Mauretanian tribune, Titus working for him. As the soldier battles across tribal lands to capture Keara the reader wonders what his past holds and if he will follow Roman orders when he finally confronts her? 

After heavy fighting the two sisters finally find themselves trapped and have to make heart-wrenching decisions. Caitlyn, the humiliated Iceni queen, chooses to stay and protect her people. Keara will search for the missing Iceni gold and… the man responsible for the attack on her family. She starts a journey that leads her to the edges of the Roman Empire.

What makes Boudica’s Shadow different from the countless other novels written about Boudica?

The story of queen Boudica is an ancient British tragedy: following the death of her husband of the Iceni tribe (present-day Norfolk) Boudica and her two daughters are abused by Roman officers: she is whipped and her daughters raped. It is always said that Boudica’s rebellion began after this. 

However, the question never answered is how such treatment of the Iceni royal family could have happened in the first place? As a client-kingdom of Rome they held Roman citizenship and would initially have been treated with respect. 

For questions of rebellion though, they would have been executed. Under Roman law, however, Roman virgins could not be executed. Is it possible that such a punishment was a warning shot after early signs of disturbance? 

Without giving any spoilers, and without info-dropping, despite doing a PhD for my research, my story gives the legal framework to the uprising, and continues the narrative after the rebellion, as Boudica’s daughter, Keara embarks on her quest for revenge and restitution. 

What was the inspiration for your story?

Of course, as a young child in London I learnt the nursery rhyme of ‘London’s burning, London’s burning.’ And at school we learnt that London burnt down - twice in fact: once in 1666 with the Great Fire of London, and also in 61AD when Boudica’s army destroyed the newly founded Roman trading centre of Londinium. I was curious. 

I was also inspired by the statue of Boudica and her two daughters standing in their spike-wheeled chariot with two horses rearing in opposite directions outside the Houses of Parliament on the River Thames. I always thought it was such an ironic paradox that this statue represents the power of the British Empire yet the woman herself had fought against the colonial power of a foreign empire, that of Rome. And had burnt down London.

What advice do you have for new writers? 

Believe in yourself, but never be arrogant. If it is something you are passionate about then don’t give up. Even when you are criticised and rejected by publishers, agents, other readers, listen to them, then pick yourself up and try again… and again. 

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books? 

Social media. Though I am not good at marketing I had to learn the hard way. I once published a terrible picture of me holding my book. A friend used AI for it, and I was ruthlessly attacked. I don’t know if it helped sales but it did provoke 1,000 comments!

Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research. 

Boudica’s propaganda and marketing value. During Elizabeth I’s reign she began her ascent as a feminist, supporting Elizabeth as a defender of England and the people, but during James I’s reign she was attacked as the complete opposite: an unnatural mother and wicked queen. 

Later, she went on to inspire authors, poets, song writers and marketing campaigners (selling cars to business women, supporting women in politics, selling video games). In fact, I was astonished by Boudica’s global reach.  

What was the hardest scene you remember writing? 

It was the rape scene. The action is a pivotal moment in Boudica’s decision to rebel, so it could not be glossed over in a few short words. It had to show the cruel reality of rape, and empathy with the victims, without sensationalising it for the reader. It was very difficult and I had to rewrite it a great number of times.

What are you planning to write next? 

The sequel is already written: Cartimandua’s Shadow. It is coming out in the next few months and relates the events in 69AD. Set during Cartimandua’s reign over the Brigantian confederation in Yorkshire, a client kingdom of Rome, the story unfolds of Keara’s continued resistance against the advance of the Roman line into the British Isles during the political instability of Rome – the year of the four emperors. 

Sam F Hutchins

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About the Author

Sam F. Hutchins was born and grew up in London. She studied archaeology, ancient history and cultural studies at Exeter University, and has worked as a journalist, archaeologist and teacher. She is now a senior lecturer in English literature and creative writing at Orléans University, France. She has published non-fiction work, Boudica’s Odyssey in Early Modern England (Samantha Frénée-Hutchins, Ashgate, 2014), and a number of articles and short stories. Boudica’s Shadow is her first historical novel. The sequel, Cartimandua’s Shadow will be out soon. She is married with three daughters. Find Sam on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X @SamFHutchins and Bluesky @samanthafrenee.bsky.social

Historical Fiction Spotlight: Daughter of Mercia, A haunting Anglo-Saxon dual time novel (Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries, book #1) by Julia Ibbotson

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Echoes of the past resonate across the centuries as Dr Anna Petersen, a medievalist and runologist, is struggling with past trauma and allowing herself to trust again. 

When archaeologist (and Anna's old adversary) Professor Matt Beacham unearths a 6th century seax with a mysterious runic inscription, and reluctantly approaches Anna for help, a chain of events brings the past firmly back into her present. And why does the burial site also contain two sets of bones, one 6th century and the other modern? 

As the past and present intermingle alarmingly, Anna and Matt need to work together to solve the mystery of the seax runes and the seemingly impossible burial, and to discover the truth about the past. 

Tensions rise and sparks fly between Anna and Matt. But how is 6th century Lady Mildryth of Mercia connected to Anna? Can they both be the Daughter of Mercia?

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About the Author

Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She is the author of historical mysteries with a frisson of romance. Her books are evocative of time and place, well-researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries. Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language / literature / history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s. Find out more from Julia's website: https://juliaibbotsonauthor.com and follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Bluesky ‪@juliaibbotson

Book Launch Spotlight: The Queen's Sister: A vivid historical novel of a life among the wives of King Henry VIII. by Carol McGrath

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

A mother, a wife, a woman of substance...

At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. 

As her family in Wiltshire curry favour with King Henry, aided by Thomas Cromwell, Elizabeth makes Kexby Manor her home, finding loyalty among her people there.

Soon, news comes to Elizabeth of the King's desires for her sister, Jane and while her brother, Edward, encourages her own betrothal to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas. 

It is a happy second marriage for Elizabeth, but it brings unwanted involvement in the dark plots and secrecy of the court, while in the wider country, changes in religious practice threaten to alter the traditions and values of all she has known...

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About the Author

Following a first degree in English and History, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066 was shortlisted for the RoNAS in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy. Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020. The Silken Rose, first in a medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, saw publication in April 2020. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose was published April 2022. Carol lives in Oxfordshire, England and in Greece.  Find our more from Carol's website: www.carolcmcgrath.co.uk and find her on Facebook, Twitter @CarolMcGrath and Bluesky @swanneck.bsky.social

Historical Fiction Spotlight: What the Ocean Brings, by Tonya Ulynn Brown

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Quebec, Canada, 1847. While trying to escape the Potato Famine, shipwrecked Irish immigrant Breanna Clarey awakens injured and alone on an unfamiliar beach. To make matters worse, she has been separated from her family, and her friend, Crow, is lying dead at her feet. 

But when Dawson Roberts, a reclusive fisherman with a guarded past and big dreams for his future, finds Breanna, he puts his plans on hold to offer her shelter and help find her family.

But life for an Irish immigrant isn't easy. Facing a deadly quarantine station, dangerous immigration officials, and grief over her missing family, Breanna struggles to exert her independence and navigate her new world. 

While Breanna confronts an unknown future, Dawson is plagued by a painful past. They each must determine their own course, even if it means ignoring the pull they have on each other.

When the future takes an unexpected turn, only the ocean that has brought them so much devastation can help them find their way back to where they belong.

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About the Author

Tonya Ulynn Brown is an award-winning historical romance author who writes emotionally rich tales of ancient castles, treacherous plots, and forbidden love. With a deep passion for the turbulent histories of England and Scotland, she brings the past vividly to life through stories where danger and desire walk hand in hand. Tonya holds a master’s degree and teaches Reading and Writing at the elementary level. Fueled by iced coffees, beautiful books, and an enduring obsession with Mary, Queen of Scots, she fills her days writing, teaching, and researching the lives of long-dead monarchs and other historical figures. Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled French bulldog. Find out more at www.tonyaubrown.com and follow Tonya on  Twitter / X @MrsBrownee2U, Facebook and Instagram

Guest Interview with Eric Fisher, Author of Buried Alive: Four Ways to Free Yourself from the Dirt

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Through the immersive and daunting story of the near-fatal accident, the author shows how challenging circumstances can shed light on strategies for dealing with life's challenges. Through an intense story about survival and recovery, you'll gain practical suggestions that will help you find increased awareness, fortitude, and direction.

I'm pleased to welcome author Eric Fisher to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your latest book

My latest book is called Buried Alive: Four Ways to Free Yourself From the Dirt. The book tells the true story of my father being accidentally buried alive during an expedition to find Native American artifacts, narrated from the perspectives of the three men present on that fateful day. 

I transcribed the three interviews I conducted in 2005 nearly word-for-word, presenting their three perspectives. I interweave self-help concepts applicable to that situation and to real-life issues we face, such as grief, shame, regret, and depression. The book discusses how we can cultivate resilience even through the most difficult situations, showing that pulling ourselves out of the metaphorical dirt is possible with focus, determination, support, and tools.

The chapters alternate between excerpts from the interviews and the self-help sections, showing how these suggestions can be applied to real life. I was also able to follow-up with my dad 24 years later for an interview that is also included in the book. The four self-help sections cover finding balance in life, the CIA acronym (curiosity, introspection, and agency), the importance of connection and community, and a mysterious "W" concept for approaching life's challenges.

What is your preferred writing routine?

I generally prefer to write as consistently as possible, yet sometimes that can be easier said than done! I'm usually writing in the evening time and don't usually have music going simultaneously. If I do have music, the tracks don't have vocals; I listen to ambient, electronic, and atmospheric bands like Hammock. I don't set a specific amount of time for writing. I start when I start and stop when I stop without much structure for duration.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Don't be afraid to kill off your darlings. A Hollywood agent gave me this advice when I was pursuing screenwriting. This means not feeling married to any material. Believe that you can remove material if the story is better served by removing it. 

Just as some friends come and go, so too can material be removed from a book. That's a harsh statement regarding friends, yet you may have experienced people leaving our lives after a short time, perhaps because one or both of us moved away, due to personality differences, a conflict, etc. The same happens with book content: sometimes the material doesn't resonate the same way it did in a previous draft.

I've seen the same with the screenplays I've written where I really wanted to keep a piece of dialogue. In the end, I realized the scene was better suited with the dialogue taken out completely or trimmed. The same can be seen with books.

I would also say don't be afraid to follow your gut with a plot point, characterization, character motivation, ending, etc. Sometimes the gut gives us information that our analytical brain would not. Also, congratulate yourself on finishing a first draft. Even though more work may be needed to achieve the final manuscript, most people don't even complete that first draft. 

Celebrate the completion of that first draft! Go out with a partner and/or friends to a nice restaurant, go bowling, take a hike in the outdoors, or have coffee and a pastry with a friend at a new coffee shop. Life is too short to look only for the next draft to be done. Savor the accomplishments that come and build on those wins, whether you see them as small, large, or in-between the extremes.

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?

I'd say podcasts help. General conversation and word of mouth are also beneficial. The person I speak with may then mention the book to someone else, and awareness grows along that line. Posting on social media also helps, which can involve collaborating with other local authors to help raise awareness for their book and vice-versa. I collaborated with one local author and it was a great experience.

Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research

One of the chapters in my recent book involves a discussion on the impacts of social media. In the second quarter of 2023, over three billion active users were documented as having Facebook accounts. Wow. I was astounded. That's approaching half the world's population!

What was the hardest scene you remember writing?

A heartfelt letter to a baby my wife and I experienced as a miscarriage, whom we named Eden. That was tough and brought back painful memories.

What are you planning to write next?

I have a book that's recently been edited and I'm going through the final changes right now. It's my last non-fiction book, at least for now. The book details my experiences as a seasoned mental health counsellor and what I've learned along the way. 

As for my next book, it will be historical fiction with some sci-fi and action elements. To many Christians, parts of it will be considered non-fiction because of certain biblical scenes. As a Christian myself, writing a book outside the self-help subgenre that includes biblical themes has been an interesting process. I'm using the blueprint of a screenplay I wrote many years ago, so the story structure was already laid out and I'll be adding to and refining the story as I go on.

Eric Fisher

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About the Author

Eric Fisher is a certified counsellor based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has over 13 years of experience working in outpatient and inpatient treatment settings in the US and Canada. Eric is a master practitioner of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), both of which are evidence-based treatments for trauma. Eric's private practice, Recovery Arts Counselling, serves individuals, couples, and families locally and remotely. He also works as an associate for local clinics in the surrounding area. In the past, Eric has supervised master's-level graduate students and counsellors early in their careers. Additionally, Eric has a black belt in two martial arts styles: American Kenpo and Wadō-ryū. Eric enjoys hiking and riding his bike outdoors, trying new foods, travelling near and far, and meeting people. You can find Eric on Instagram

Special Guest Interview with Filippo Iannarone, Author of The Toscanini Conspiracy

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

A brutal murder in a quiet Tuscan village. A world‑famous maestro under a cloud of suspicion. A wounded war hero ordered to uncover the truth—before history writes the wrong man into infamy.

I'm pleased so welcome Filippo Iannarone to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your latest book

The story told in this novel lay locked away for years in a drawer, alongside memories, images, and tales gradually accumulate over time. The idea had captivated me from the very first accounts I heard— everything from the descriptions of the protagonists' renown to the unfolding of their story.

The timeline of my novel deals with two different timeframes: the 1930s and the post-war years. 

These were delicate periods in Italian history and extremely interesting: the 1930s for its portrayal of the absolute evil of dictatorial regimes, restriction of freedom, repression of principles, values, and ideas; and the postwar revival period for the bravery to start over again, to repair the evils suffered, to build a better world with courage and a commitment to liberty.

In post-war Rome, Colonel Luigi Mari—a wounded Resistance officer—is tasked by the President of the Republic with discreetly reopening a 1935 cold case: the brutal murder of Alberto Rinaldi, doctor, and friend of the legendary Arturo Toscanini, in a small village in Tuscany.

Further investigation delves into the mysteries of past criminal trials, explores unexplored hypotheses, and reveals how the regime's justice bent the truth, the law, and art itself.vThe character of Colonel Mari was inspired by the real life of Major General Michele Iannarone—my uncle, and my beloved storyteller throughout my childhood and later my youth. This applies equally to his wife, Iolanda: a woman of indomitable courage, endowed with grace and beauty no less than with the uncommon gifts of intuition and intellect.

Many minor figures appear throughout the story: Maurizio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, General Mark Wayne Clark, Italia Garibaldi, Prince Boncompagni Ludovisi, the pianist Vladimir Horowitz husband of Wanda Giorgina Toscanini, Artur and Alina Rodzinski, Lucilla Whitman, Ossip Gabrilowitsch and his wife Clara Clemens—daughter of Mark Twain—Umberto Nobile, the tenor Isidoro Fagoaga, and many others. 

What is your preferred writing routine?

As I´m a historical novelist, my work unfolds in two main phases.

The first is an in-depth historical investigation based on bibliography and archives, period press, radio broadcasts and films, and on-site visits.

The archival research regarding “The Toscanini Conspiracy” was complicated: the archives of the Criminal Court of Brescia—where the trial took place—had been severely damaged, and it was impossible to locate the case file. Fortunately, I discovered a copy of a booklet written by a court reporter at the Archiginnasio Library in Bologna; thus, I was able to complete my research.

For this novel I also had the fortunate opportunity to speak with an eyewitness to the murder of Dr. Rinaldi in 1935: Argentina Rinaldi—his niece and the daughter of the doctor's brother.

The second phase is the creation of the historical narrative, designed to delight and engage readers. I am incredibly careful to use the language of that historical period, as well as the linguistic nuances of the characters. 

As a rule, I prefer to write during the second half of the day—ideally in the evening hours, and late into the night.

What advice do you have for new writers?

I prefer to limit my advice to authors of historical fiction.

History can be told by what I like to call “memory stories” which are fundamental within the context of the contemporary socio-cultural structure and provide answers to fundamental human questions. Our past makes us what we are today and without it we cannot build our future. In an age of algorithm ethics, I recommend to hold as a guide the immortal words of Cicero, “historia vero testis temporum, lux veritatis, vita memoriae, magistra vitae, nuntia vetustatis”, which we can understand to mean “history is the witness of time, the light of truth, the lifeblood of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity.” This universal principle is valid in any culture, expressed in any language, immortal to all humanity and the values of humanism.

That´s why an author must never sacrifice historical truth to narrative imagination—nor the daily practice of writing.

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?

Do not miss any opportunity to communicate personally—just like right now. I wish to seize every opportunity to communicate with readers—offering them my interpretations of historical events and that real people—is also one of the great opportunities of our time, thanks to social media and the internet.

Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research.

How profound, intense, and important was the cultural exchange between the Anglo-Saxon and Italian worlds, despite the oppression of the Fascist regime. The relationships between artists and journalists in Europe and the Americas were fantastic, as was the expansion of artistic culture in music and theater thanks to the widespread use of radio.

What was the hardest scene you remember writing?

The action scenes during the Nazi-Fascist occupation of Rome—too many sad memories for my family: one of the Nazis' final acts of reprisal in Rome was to blow up a tank in front of the main entrance of the building where my grandfather—a high-ranking officer and anti-fascist—lived. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, only minor injuries among his family members.

What are you planning to write next?

After several years of research, I´m ready to publish soon another true story: the untold truths about Liberation Day in April 1945 and Mussolini's mysterious escape.

Filippo Iannarone

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About the Author

Filippo Iannarone was born in Rome. After taking a degree in Law, he continued his studies and historical research at the School of Paleography, Diplomatics and Codicology located at the Vatican Archives. He then went on to work as an expert in industrial relations for a national energy company, to establish a law firm, and to become an entrepreneur in the hospitality business. n the hospitality business. He attended “The Holden School” a creative writing school in Turin directed by Alessandro Baricco.  He lives in Germany, in Bad Honnef on the Rhine.

Book Review: Anne Boleyn's First Love: The Life of Henry Percy, by Jan-Marie Knights

Available from Amazon UK

and pre-order from Amazon US

In the Tudor court, love blossomed when Henry Percy met Anne Boleyn. However, their romance was abruptly torn apart by Cardinal Wolsey, who chastised Percy, an earl’s son, for choosing to marry the daughter of a mere knight. Despite a spirited defence, Percy was ordered 

to no longer see her.

Much has been written about the story of Anne Boleyn, but history often relegates the men who loved her to the footnotes. In Anne Boleyn's First Love: The Life of Henry Percy, Jan-Marie Knights takes one of the most enigmatic figures of the Tudor era out of the shadows and places him in the spotlight. The result is a moving, meticulously researched, and compelling biography that breathes life into a well-trodden era.

To most Tudor enthusiasts, Henry Percy, the 6th Earl of Northumberland, is remembered as the young man who betrothed himself to a young Anne Boleyn - only to have his plans ruined when Cardinal Wolsey and King Henry VIII intervened.

 
Jan-Marie Knights proves Percy’s life was more complex, tragic, and influential than this single, thwarted romance. The book recreates the youthful affair between Anne and Henry, proposing a genuine affection that threatened Wolsey’s political scheming.

Henry Percy was banished into the dangerous world of border politics as Lord Warden of the Marches, defending England against Scottish raids while battling illness and financial ruin. In a cruel twist a broken Percy was later forced to sit on the jury that condemned Anne Boleyn to death.

This book achieves a balance between historical fact and narrative empathy as we explore the life of a man caught between duty, a tyrannical king, and an unforgettable love. Accessible yet rich with interesting detail, drawing heavily on contemporary letters, we glimpse a deeply human Henry Percy, a man flawed, physically ailing, yet loyal to his family’s legacy despite what might have been.

I recommend Anne Boleyn's First Love for anyone who appreciates an empathetic look at the human collateral of the Tudor court. Jan-Marie Knights has given the earl the dignified biography he has long deserved.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Jan-Marie Knights is an ex- editor and journalist who has worked on many newspapers and magazines and is a keen researcher of local and Tudor history.

Book Review: Queen of Shadows, by Anna Belfrage

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

She should have stayed in the shadows—but Leonor de Guzmán yearned for the sun. Castile in the 1330s is a place of constant turmoil. King Alfonso must contend with the incursions from the Muslim Marinids eager to reclaim Al-Andalus while struggling with repeated rebellions against his firm rule.

In Queen of Shadows, Anna Belfrage brings warmth and vulnerability to the perilous and centuries-old scandal of the relationship between Alfonso XI and Leonor de Guzmán. 

King Alfonso is charismatic and astute. Beneath the armour of kingship is a man burdened by expectation and loneliness his relationship with Leonor is the emotional refuge that steadies him amid the brutality of court politics.

 
Leonor de Guzmán emerges as an intelligent and emotionally resilient figures who understands the dangers surrounding her position. Every privilege granted by Alfonso’s devotion carries with it the threat of ruin, yet her strength is in her  refusal to surrender her dignity in a political storm.

What makes Queen of Shadows especially compelling is the tension between tenderness and danger. Every exchange between Alfonso and Leonor unfolds beneath the shadow of suspicion and looming betrayal. Anna Belfrage sustains this atmosphere, ensuring that the quietest moments shimmer with unease.

 
The supporting cast deepen the emotional complexity, particularly through the characters of Alma and Rodrigo. Alma brings a grounded emotional perspective, offering moments of compassion, insight, and wisdom that counterbalance the ruthlessness of the court.

 
Rodrigo embodies the tensions of loyalty and survival in a fractured kingdom. His presence adds another layer to this exploration of the personal sacrifices demanded by power. Together, these characters ensure the narrative extends far beyond the royal couple at its centre.

Queen of Shadows succeeds because the characters are shaped by desire and ambition, yet doesn't shy away from the harsh reality of the time. The result is a historical novel of epic scale which leaves the reader with a sense of the humanity behind the legends of history.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with three absorbing interests: history, romance and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. Anna has just released the final instalment, Their Castilian Orphan,  in her other medieval series, The Castilian Saga ,which is set against the medieval conquest of Wales. She has recently released Times of Turmoil, a sequel to her time travel romance, The Whirlpools of Time, and is now considering just how to wiggle out of setting the next book in that series in Peter the Great’s Russia, as her characters are demanding. . .  Find out more from Anna's website  www.annabelfrage.com  and find her on Facebook, Bluesky and Twitter @abelfrageauthor

Sign up to Anna’s newsletter to keep up with new releases, give-ways and other fun stuff: http://eepurl.com/cjgatT

Historical Fiction Spotlight: The Toscanini Conspiracy, by Filippo Iannarone

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

A brutal murder in a quiet Tuscan village. A world‑famous maestro under a cloud of suspicion. A wounded war hero ordered to uncover the truth—before history writes the wrong man into infamy.

In the autumn of 1935, celebrated country doctor Alberto Rinaldi is found savagely beaten outside his home in the village of Piazze. The investigation collapses into chaos: evidence muddled, witnesses coerced, and rumor elevated above reason. An aging miller is convicted, but whispered doubts linger for years.

Fourteen years later, as Italy struggles to define its fragile new Republic, former resistance officer Colonel Luigi Mari is summoned to Rome. His mission is as delicate as it is dangerous: quietly reinvestigate the Rinaldi murder to protect the reputation of a towering national figure—Maestro Arturo Toscanini, Rinaldi’s most illustrious patient and, according to one buried Carabinieri report, a possible presence at the crime scene that fatal night.

Mari and his young aide, Lieutenant Vinicio Barbetti, descend into a labyrinth of forgotten testimonies, political interference, fascist‑era secrecy, and lives shattered by war. Each revelation deepens the mystery: a doctor whose miraculous cures drew the world to his humble door, a village transformed by fame and undone by violence, and a conspiracy that reaches far beyond Tuscany.

As past and present collide, Mari must navigate truth, loyalty, and the shadows of a regime that never fully died—before the real story vanishes forever.

Filippo Iannarone’s The Toscanini Conspiracy is a sweeping blend of postwar intrigue, courtroom echoes, and musical legend that is a haunting pursuit of justice where genius, loyalty, and the long shadow of dictatorship collide.

# # #

About the Author

Filippo Iannarone was born in Rome. After taking a degree in Law, he continued his studies and historical research at the School of Paleography, Diplomatics and Codicology located at the Vatican Archives. He then went on to work as an expert in industrial relations for a national energy company, to establish a law firm, and to become an entrepreneur in the hospitality business. n the hospitality business. He attended “The Holden School” a creative writing school in Turin directed by Alessandro Baricco.  He lives in Germany, in Bad Honnef on the Rhine.