The 1st time I went to Remembrance Sunday was 1928 I don't remember whether people wore #poppies but they wore their grief like jagged glass — John Smith (son of Harry Leslie Smith) (@Harryslaststand) November 7, 2014 100 years ago today. I post here just as I have before, the inscription on the Bomber CommandContinue reading “November 11, 1918”
Category Archives: White Feathers
Armistice Day, 2016
Since White Feathers came out, I have posted an armistice day post every year. Over the years, the ceremonies to commemorate the dead of the wretched First World War and its successors have become marked and tainted by nativism and rage. The poppy which graces the cover of my novel was originally the symbol ofContinue reading “Armistice Day, 2016”
Sometimes
Sometimes there is no guarantee that you can make a life’s work out of doing what you love. Sometimes in spite of good intentions the time you need to keep the momentum going that is needed for being a serious novelist just won’t be there. Sometimes the money or programme or encouragement to be ableContinue reading “Sometimes”
On Being An Opinionated Novelist
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons I’ve often wondered how appropriate it is for a writer to share opinions on issues unrelated to their work. Particularly ones of a political nature. Specifically I wonder if I share too readily and express my opinion too often. Recent crises, particularly Brexit but not limited to that sequence of events,Continue reading “On Being An Opinionated Novelist”
White Feathers Available on Kindle UK for £1
(In euros that is €1.30 – half the price of a cappuccino in Cafe Nero down the docks.) I’m very excited to see White Feathers available at such a massive discount on Amazon UK and do hope that will encourage anyone who adores sweeping, epic narrative and seeks stories of passion, history and war toContinue reading “White Feathers Available on Kindle UK for £1”
“A Bravura Performance of Effortless Elegance” – White Feathers Review in Irish Echo in Australia
White Feathers got ANOTHER review which was sent on to me by the publishers this morning and if you read it, you will see why I am grinning from ear to ear. Regrettably it is not available online, but I enclose an image of it below. Here is a bit I am really pleased gotContinue reading ““A Bravura Performance of Effortless Elegance” – White Feathers Review in Irish Echo in Australia”
“A symbol not of cowardice but of bullying” – Review of White Feathers on Izzy Reads
Like men and buses, reviews take their time then all come along at once 🙂 Izzy Reads has kindly provided this review of White Feathers on her blog. My grandmother didn’t have a lot of time for the women who handed out white feathers during the first world war. To her, it was a symbol not ofContinue reading ““A symbol not of cowardice but of bullying” – Review of White Feathers on Izzy Reads”
“Rain lashed the glass beside me while I read and read and read” – New Review of White Feathers
A few months ago I put out a review request to the book blogging community. Liz Maguire, who blogs at American Author, was happy to oblige and has done a great write up of her experience reading White Feathers. My favourite paragraph was this one: I set about reading White Feathers as spring opened theContinue reading ““Rain lashed the glass beside me while I read and read and read” – New Review of White Feathers”
The “Meet My Character” Meme
Henry Gee tagged me for this a while back and I’m getting back to him scandalously late – sorry, Henry! This is the meme where I introduce a character from my most recent work, which would be White Feathers. I’m going to go for Joseph Cronin, native of Kilkeen, Co Tipperary, a minor and, if we’reContinue reading “The “Meet My Character” Meme”
Today I Got My Copy of the Book
With great excitement I went to the sorting office with my receipt slip to collect a package left for me. Sure enough it was my author copy of White Feathers. There is something about picking up the actual book, and knowing this is it. It feels gorgeous and is so beautifully produced. It looks so likeContinue reading “Today I Got My Copy of the Book”
Susan Lanigan - WWI Historical Fiction 