2022 was not a good year for me, personally and creatively. I lost my mother in February. Her passing was sudden, and although I thought I was prepared for it, I really wasn’t.
Category: 17th century
The Kennedys of Mount Kennedy: Research for a 17th century Irish family – guest post by Therese Hicks
I met Therese Hicks through my newsletter as she shares an interest in 17th century Irish history. Therese is a historian who has been researching an Irish family, the Kennedys, with what started as local history. She soon realized that the Kennedys were more than that. The family survived, in fact prospered, during some of the most tumultuous periods of Irish history.
The Worshipful Company of Stationers: the original gatekeepers of publishing
As an author, I’m naturally drawn to any information about the publishing industry. Today, publishing seems to have been in a state of flux. The number of publishing houses has continued to decrease, leaving (now) four major publishers. This has caused people to worry about decreased competition and higher barriers for authors to getting a publishing contract. One fear is that our available reading will be down to only select voices and fewer publishers will be willing to take a risk on creativity. On the other hand, indie publishing has never been so strong and may offer a needed counterbalance…
The Trouble with a Series – guest post by @HelenHollick #HistoricalFiction
It’s a really good day when I have the opportunity to host historical fiction author and Indie champion Helen Hollick on my blog, and even better day when she releases a new instalment of the Sea Witch series! I’m a huge fan of these books featuring bad-boy pirate Captain Jesamiah Acorne and his wife, White Witch Tiola. I’ve been haranguing Helen for some time now for another Sea Witch instalment and I’m happy to report that Gallows Wake was worth the wait! Today, Helen is here to discuss the challenges with writing a series. Welcome, Helen, and over to you!…
The Godmother’s Secret: Guest post by Elizabeth St. John and excerpt
In the past, it has been a privilege to host historical fiction author Elizabeth St. John on my website, and I’m delighted to welcome her back again. Elizabeth shares a passion for the 17th century and the Stuart Age, and her novels are all gleaned from the vaults of her illustrious family’s history. Her ancestors were at the centre of events during tumultuous times, and she offers a unique perspective in her novel.
Cryssa Bazos 