What’s in a name?

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Apparently everything. The right name will trigger an emotional response be it humour, curiosity, wonder or anticipation, and this is what you want, especially for a novel. With that in mind, I’ve decided to rename my story. For a very long time it has been called by its working title, Highwayman, mainly because I have an interest in highwaymen, pirates, and altogether unsavoury (but fascinating) blackguards. I’m sure that I’m not alone given the reams of literature on the subject. But my story has entered into its adulthood, and it is about more than just a highwayman. It’s about divided loyalties, sacrifice…

Historical Fiction Survey

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I have a confession to make: the collection and organization of data fascinates me. Pretty charts and pivot tables are as captivating to me as shiny baubles are to a magpie. Data tells a story if you know how to slice and dice it. But what does this have to do with historical fiction?  If you enjoy the genre, author Mary Tod would like to hear from you. For the past 3 years, Mary has conducted surveys to gain more insight into what readers enjoy about the genre. As a historical fiction writer, I look forward to the results (and the pretty charts!),…

The Versatile Blogger

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Sally Moore, writer, poet and president of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region (WCDR) has nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award. For those who have never heard of this award, bloggers are nominated based on the quality of their writing, the uniqueness of their subjects, and the care they take to display their subject matter. In the words of those who created the award, “Honor those bloggers who bring something special to your life whether every day or only now and then.” I humbly acknowledge the honour, particularly coming from Sally whose blog is a work of art (literally). In…

370th Anniversary of the Crabchurch Conspiracy

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In February 1645, a battle was fought between Parliament and Royalists over the strategic seaports of Weymouth and Melcombe  in Dorset. The event is known as the Crabchurch Conspiracy. To commemorate the 370th anniversary of Parliament’s victory, on Saturday February 28th a concert will be held in Weymouth, featuring live music by the Dolmen and readings by the eminent historian Professor Ronald Hutton and Jane McKell, actress and founding director of AsOne. The event is organized by Mark Vine, historian and author of the Crabchurch Conspiracy. If you’re in the Dorset area and are interested in the English Civil War and excellent…