Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

Blog Award Tour

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JeanetteOHaganWrites250Fantasy author and science-fiction fan, Jeanette O’Hagan has tagged me for the Blog Award Tour. Jeanette has lived in Australia and Africa; has practiced medicine; taught theology; accumulated a few degrees, including recently completing a Master of Arts (Writing); and is actively engaged in a caring Christian community. She is currently caring for her young children and writing her Akrad Legacy series, while co-editing the Glimpses of Light anthology, which is due for release later this year. Jeanette has had short works published, including contributing to the Tied in Pink a romance anthology supporting breast cancer research. Last month she also donned her ‘cabin coordinator’ hat and dragged me and a bunch of other writers along for a fantastic ‘CampNaNoWriMo’ ride. (Thanks Jeanette and cabin buddies!) In summary, Jeanette is basically superwoman who doesn’t need to wear a cape to prove it!

As part of the Blog Award Tour, Jeanette has asked me to answer four questions for today. She’s also tagged two other fantastic authors: Lynne Stringer (blogged 27th July) and Alison Stegert (blogging 10th August), so make sure you look up their posts. As for me, let’s get ‘touring’!

1. WHAT YOU’RE WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Where do I start? Okay, I’ve just (July CampNaNoWriMo ‘just’) finished the first draft of the third book for my YA Integrate trilogy, so I’ll be working through that over the next period – and all the research and revision fun that entails. I’ve just completed final revisions for Replicate, the second book in that same trilogy. (It’s coming at the end of the year, so keep an eye out!) I’m presently undertaking revisions for the Glimpses of Light anthology (in between prepping for some upcoming writing workshops), and am also about to receive my historical fiction ms, A Devil’s Ransom, for final revisions any day now. As you can see I’m not bored. 🙂

2. HOW DOES YOUR WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS IN YOUR GENRE?
CoverIntegrateI write a complex plot, where the characters’ greatest battles are the ones they face within themselves. I feel I write from a fairly unusual combination of experiences, which can make for some fun (and at times peculiar!) story developments. Exploring the scenario of an illegal human GMO made Integrate an interesting and unique work to bring together. The outworking of this premise saw many themes emerge through Blaine’s challenges. Similar themes, including ethics, human value, identity and IP rights continue with a bit more of a crime spin in Replicate. The plot of A Devil’s Ransom also has multiple complicating threads, with a strong redemption theme. The spiritual journey of the main protagonist causes him to face the ultimate question: what kind of man will he choose to be – even if that choice brings fatal repercussions? I guess I don’t like to make things too easy for my protagonists.ADevilsRansom

3. WHY DO YOU WRITE OR CREATE WHAT YOU DO?
I love stories. Life is one big story (with an awesome Master Designer) and we are threads in that incredible fabric. There is something nearly compelling about writing out the stories that come into my head, which is essentially how I started writing novels. Many years ago I had a repetitive dream and started writing it down. It soon grew into a novel length work – and obviously I didn’t think to stop there! (Even though I found I had a lot to learn about writing.) I feel writing brings together the contrasting elements of who I am and in that union there is a purposeful voice that seeks to share those ever expanding journeys; in the right time, in the right season.

4. HOW DOES YOUR WRITING/CREATIVE PROCESS WORK?
I would like to believe I am more inclined to be plotter, but I am clearly not enough of a disciplinarian to keep my characters in order. In the last two manuscripts I started them out on the story arc and they promptly decided to do their own thing! (So naughty of them.) Usually I get an idea, whether that’s in conjunction with research or even a particular experience or setting, and something usually sparks a strong visual image followed swiftly by a scenario. Soon I know where the story is headed and where it will end. I tend to research and write in turn (with frequent heavenward pleas for creativity and insight). If there are a lot of research elements, I like to get it all in my head and write, otherwise the developing story can take you too far away from the boundaries in which you must create. I know I’ve mentioned this previously, but if I get really stuck I have a very spiritual approach to this – a special prayer that goes something like this. ‘Help! I’ve got no idea what to do with this!’ LOL – though it’s true! (And I say that more often than you might expect.) After completing the first draft I go back and with each revisions add additional layers to the manuscript as I determine the finer details of the storyline. In fact, I’m just starting that process with the sequel to Replicate.

Thanks ‘Super Jeanette’ for inviting me aboard the Blog Award Tour. Now I get the delightful job of tagging the next Blog Award Tour participant. It’s my pleasure to introduce to you the remarkable Rita Stella Galieh.

RitaPicRita is an Australian with an English, Scottish and Jewish heritage. She started inventing adventure stories in her childhood with her Grandma, to entertain themselves while her mum worked. With encouragement from her mother, she spent after-school hours writing little poems in the children’s section of the Sunday papers. Not only did this provide pocket money, it also planted the seed for writing. As a student at Sydney’s National Art School, she became a committed follower of Christ, and during this time her family built up a pottery studio where she eventually worked as a ceramic artist. Upon meeting fiery young violinist, George Elias Galieh, they shared ideas and sparks flew! They became singing partners, married and attended the Emmaus Bible College in preparation to follow their desire to use their talents in evangelism for the Lord’s glory. They welcomed a son in the early years of their adventures together.

Rita aims to captivate her readers while remaining faithful to God honouring theology. This fulfils a long held desire to write stories that entertain and inspire – and her stories have all the ingredients to match these expectations for her readers. She gives one hundred percent of herself to her stories and is not afraid to enable her writing to expose raw emotions, which she sees as a pathway to healing when released the ultimate Healer. She has a passion for writing historical romance with both intrigue and adventure, and really enjoys researching the 19th century Victorian Era with all its undercurrents.

To find out more about Rita and her writing, make sure you visit her website and don’t forget to keep an eye out for her ‘Blog Award Tour’ post next week (10th August) at www.ritastellapress.com/author-blog.

Next Big Thing

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The Next Big Thing is a blog chain for writers and artists linking together and talking about their current projects. It gives you, the reader, a chance to discover great writers and their work, which you may not have heard of before. The concept is simple: each creator gets a chance to share a bit about their latest project (new release, completed book or works in progress). The opportunity is paid forward to another blogger or group of bloggers who likewise post about their next big thing in exactly one week’s time (30 January 2013).

Thank you, Sandra Peut, for tagging me for the “Next Big Thing” contribution. I’ve not only had the pleasure of reading Sandra’s romantic thriller, Blue Freedom, but I’ve also been recently privileged to read the latest draft of her current project, YA paranormal fiction, The Guardian. Keep your eyes out for more updates on Sandra’s website www.sandrapeut.com

The Questions
1. What is the working title of your next book?
My first novel A Devil’s Ransom is due for release in early 2013.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
This sounds horribly clichéd, but originally the story came to me as a repetitive dream. Only more recently have I remembered writing a maritime fiction (but MUCH shorter 🙂 ) as a child – which, incidentally, I never completed.

3. What genre does your book fall under?
Historical drama with romantic elements

4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Funny this question should be asked… A few months ago my publisher’s social media rep asked me to write a pre-launch blog, which was on this topic. It was quite fun, as I always claim to see/hear what I read and write on high definition wide screen with full surround sound, but it did involve some serious talent scout work! (I don’t get to the movies much and am pretty bad at connecting actor names to roles and identities.) I also discovered that it’s quite a responsibility to put actual flesh and blood on your beloved (and some not so beloved) fictional characters! You’ll have to check out my character choices when my book is nearer release on http://sunpenny.blogspot.co.uk. For now, I’m busy casting for my book trailer which, fingers crossed, will come together soon!

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? (Or what is the book blurb for your book?)
Captain Quinn MacKinnon’s fate rests on an illegal slave trade agreement, but when a bungled abduction brings a wealthy Englishwoman aboard his ship, he faces a decision that could cost him his life.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
A Devil’s Ransom is being published by UK based Sunpenny Publishing under their Rose&Crown imprint (www.sunpenny.com)

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
The first draft probably took a few months to write (that was a while ago!), but it was just the beginning of a grand (more than a decade long) adventure that saw me lose myself in the historical section of numerous libraries, maritime and other museums, both in Australia and overseas. I delved into the nautical world of the Age of Sail, including boarding and sailing on Tall Ships, and exploring the waterfront of historical shipping ports about the globe. Of course it’s only fair to share one’s obsessions, so in the name of writing I also dragged my longsuffering husband off to various historical locations and remote reaches off the world, the memories of which I’m sure he will cherish ’til his final breath… Hmmm, perhaps I’d best move on before my darling reads this over my shoulder. 😉 Eventually I found myself studying a Master of Letters in 2006, which saw me completely rewrite the entire manuscript. (First draft take 2?)

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It is probably a similar style to the historical works of Michael Phillips and perhaps Francine Rivers – though it feels decidedly self-elevating to be comparing my writing to that of such time tested, well crafted authors!

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Besides the dreams, I think a large debt of gratitude rests with my family for their value of history and stories, along with a number of school teachers. In particular, one primary school teacher fostered my love of reading and writing, provided me a sound appreciation of Australian history, including the maritime tie underpinning our colonial history and culture, and frequently reminded me of the importance of self-discipline and persistence. Much needed traits for a writer! I also love the research and discovery process and always feel that there is so much more to learn.

10. What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
A Devil’s Ransom has a good blend of adventure, mystery and romance, but it’s also a story of spiritual awakening and the restoration of broken dreams, which is an element I find particularly satisfying.

It is with great delight that I now introduce you to next week’s Next Big Thing blog contributor (uploaded 30 Jan 2013), Australian author Skye Wieland. Skye’s success with her recently released novel, Sarah’s Gift, is soon to be followed by the second book in her Dare to Follow Trilogy, Mark’s Strength. Skye’s engaging stories will sweep you to the wilds of Africa and into the hearts of characters who, when inadvertently caught up in a dangerous ivory smuggling operation, must find the courage to face their past and overcome the evil plans that threaten their future together, and even their lives. To find out more you can check out Skye’s blog on http://www.skyewieland-author.blogspot.com.au and tune in next week for the “Next Big Thing”!