Friday, June 3, 2016

Deliciously “Subtle” - My Review of The Subtlest Soul

 I have to admit I picked up Virginia Cox’ The Subtlest Soul out of curiosity
(and perhaps a little envy).

We had both been shortlisted for the HNS 2014 Indie Award for Best Historical Fiction. So, I wondered, what made Dr. Cox’ book stand out for the judges among the many great submissions (all of which are worth reading).

Now I know.
While other reviewers here already told some of the plot, I am going to talk about the language: Delicious – and subtle, as the word was used during the Renaissance, the age that produced Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante and ah, let’s not forget the Borgias and Machiavelli.

Subtle then meant to be clever, insinuating, shrewd, artful, tricky and, last but not least, devious. That perfectly fits the handsome young narrator (hence, the title). Of low birth, he compensates by being a bit vain and “subtly” squirms his way into the graces of the powerful but murderous elite. While some of his actions stem from revenge against the murderer of his family, it appears he becomes accustomed to favors bestowed upon him – even though his duplicity leads him into more treachery and great danger.

But it is the language used for young Matteo de Fermo to tell his story. His words burble along like a tranquil brook. Then, before you know it, you are in the midst of the most horrendous battles, ghastly murders, and lusty whoring. Young Matteo talks about it all seemingly devoid of remorse over his actions. The “subtlety” of Ms. Cox’ language made me chuckle quite a few times – how very Machiavellian!


No wonder, “The Subtlest Soul” was the winner. Deservedly, the book also received the hard-to-come-by B.R.A.G. Medallion.
Congratulations to Dr. Virginia Cox for an outstanding novel.




Saturday, May 28, 2016

A Heavenly Man

 Since I showcased the versatility of one of my fellow writers in my previous post, I thought I'd give you a taste of my own "other" writings which have nothing to do with my historical fiction novel, nor its archaeological thriller/action-adventure sequels.

This one is short, and it's different.

Check it out and enjoy the short-lived dreams/delusions of a spinster



Thursday, May 19, 2016

Christoph Fischer Rocks

 This writer isn't afraid to think (and write) outside the box - 
 or better said, outside his usual genre.


Christoph Fischer tells us about this newest venture:

I’ve recently contributed two short stories to Punk Rocker, the much anticipated sequel to “L.A. Punk Rocker” by top author Brenda Perlin’s best-selling punk anthology.

I'm so proud that my stories have been chosen for this.” LA Punk Rocker” was one of my favourite reading pleasures last year and brought back a lot of livid memories of those exciting times.
Many people were surprised when I told them about my involvement in the new project. You – a punk? Never!  You are always so ‘clean cut’…

Well, maybe now I am (I couldn’t possibly comment). Back then, I was young and rebellious.
Nena for example was part of a New Wave of German artists that changed the music landscape of my youth. Visage, The Clash, The Cure, P.I.L. – they were the air that we breathed.
Outrageous and provocative hair and fashion, uncompromising attitudes and a hunger to live… I’m glad I was able to witness it all, even if I wasn’t the Full Monty…

Punk Rocker is a collection of short stories from those who were there, in the early days of Punk and New Wave. Hard core musical anarchists who saw it all, heard it all, did it all - and survived to tell their stories.

Along with Brenda and the West Coast punks, Punk Rocker features rebels, writers, commentators and street kids from all over America – talking about the music, the fashion, the attitude, the passion, the lifestyle and, of course, the bands who made it all happen.

Meet people who discovered punk’s new dawn – and those who were there for its sunset, in the ramshackle mausoleum of the Chelsea Hotel.
Backstage, in the clubs, in the gigs, in hotel rooms with the band, on the streets –Brenda was there. She saw it all. And so did her friends.
If you want to know how I fit into the picture – I won’t tell you here. Read the book ;-)

PUNK ROCKER has just been released on Amazon
This is an interview with Christoph about Punk Rocker:

How did you get involved in the PUNK ROCKER project?
I’m a huge fan of Brenda Perlin’s writing, and downloaded L.A. Punk Rocker as soon as it was released. The book unexpectedly stirred a lot of forgotten memories and latent emotions in me.
This was still going on when I saw her call for entries to the sequel a few months ago. I couldn’t help myself and composed two stories. I am over the moon that they were selected for the anthology.
Without giving too much away, tell us about your short story for the anthology.
One is about my admiration for punks, rockers and all who dared to be different and speak up. The other one is about a wicked night I had in my student days, also in the company of Punks. They are true stories.

Can you explain what Punk means to you? Do you have any more memories you would like to share with us?
Punk is a lifestyle and an attitude that manifests itself outwardly in fashion and music and inwardly in a powerful mental state against the establishment and outdated conventions. I drifted towards the political end of the spectrum rather the nihilistic one. Every generation needed their rebels and the punks were ours. I loved them.




What are your favorite Punk Acts, Albums and Songs?
The Cure, P.I.L., Billy Idol and – if I may count her in – Cindy Lauper.








Why type of fiction do you normally write? Tell us about the concept behind your books?
I write mostly historical fiction, (sometimes heavy) contemporary dramas and a few thrillers. I’m interested in deeper subjects, such as Alzheimer's, mental health, wars, displacement and identity. 

Tell us about one of your main characters. What makes them special?

Zacharias Nielsen is an 18year old idealist who leaves the safety of his family in Denmark to fight for the radical left in the Finnish Civil War of 1918. He’s special because he leaves material wealth behind to fight for a better future for all, rather than his own betterment.

Who would you cast to play him in a movie? Josh Hutchinson (since Ewan McGregor outgrew the age for the role)
Are you like any of the characters (and how so)?
I’m a bit like all of my characters, I guess. When I try to understand them and their actions, some kind of projection can probably not be helped. Even when they do things I don’t do, they do it like I would be doing it if I did.
What do you do when you don’t write?
Walk my dogs, cycle, do yoga, watch comedy TV and read.
What makes you laugh?
Silly comedy programmes, adolescent humour.
Who would you like to invite for dinner?
Brenda Perlin, Billy Idol and some of the long lost friends from my stories.
What would your friends say are your best and your oddest quality?
Best: Thoughtfulness.
Oddest: My taste in music.
What would you chose as those qualities?
Best: Loyalty
Oddest: My sleeping pattern
Who are your favourite authors?
Lionel Shriver, Christos Tsiolkas, Khaled Hosseini, Brett Easton Ellis, Paulette Mahurin, P.C. Zick, Murielle Cyr, Brenda Perlin, John Dolan, Tony Gilbert, Ian Hutson, Richard Yates, Anne Tyler…
What is your favourite book?
Shantaram

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?
“Lights of Polaris” by Melodie Ramone – e-book. It‘s brilliant!
What are you working on now? 
I’m working on a silly murder mystery set in the UK countryside. I’m also involved in a charity project for a No-Kill Shelter: The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Centre.
My novel: “African August” will be part of a box set in aid of the shelter. The story revolves around a young banker and his adventures in Uganda. It is based on some of my travel experiences on the continent.
CHRISTOPH FISCHER - Short Biography:
Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small town in West Wales. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.
Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. The Luck of The Weissensteiners was published in November 2012; Sebastian in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013 – which completes his Three Nations Trilogy.
Time to Let Go, his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and Conditions, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel Conditioned was published in October 2015. His medical thriller The Healer was released in January 2015 and his second thriller The Gamblers in June 2015.
He published two more historical novels In Search of a Revolution in March 2015 and Ludwika in December 2015.
Christoph has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.
* * *
Thank you, Christoph, for this great interview and for giving us a glimpse into your next project; or should I say, projects. Since I have known you (originally as a long-suffering reviewer of my own books) you have come out swinging - and winning - establishing yourself as a prolific writer of historical fiction (when you are not punk rocking).

Friday, May 6, 2016

Princess Nefret Speaks Out on the #AtoZChallenge

Today, April 13th, is "K-Day" for the
 Helen Hollick #HNSIndie #A2ZChallenge
 about fascinating characters from select Historical Novels.



 On this K-Day (for Khamsin),
it is my Princess Nefret's turn to speak up.

She is King Aha's Royal Daughter and Heiress,
burdened with a sinner's Ba,
an old soul "that has yet to live through many other storms"
(i.e., the sequels of the Legends of the Winged Scarab).


Read Nefret's Interview with Helen Hollick here: 




Amazon-US

And Once Again Available on Smashwords and its Affiliates
Smashwords

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Best A to Z Award Goes to Helen Hollick

 Sharing her April A to Z Challenge with us,
 Helen Hollick
 tirelessly and selflessly gave
 #HNSIndie Historical Fiction Characters 
 a voice on her blog throughout April.

We, their authors, therefore present this 
Best A to Z Challenge Award
to Mistress Hollick with our thanks.



Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Historical A to Z Challenge by Helen Hollick

 Every day, all during April,
 Helen Hollick
 presents a Historical A to Z Book Challenge on her Blog.
 Look for our Tweets #HSNIndie 



 You will meet Characters from Historical Novel Society Editor's Choices,
speaking to you in their own voices,
telling you about their historical lives
as they step out from the best Historical Fiction novels.

And just to put in a little plug for my own
Khamsin,
from which King Aha's Royal Daughter Nefret tells us a thing or two.

Look for her on April 13th.



Also, check out Helen Hollick's books on Amazon US:

LIKE her on Facebook:
Follow her on Twitter: @HelenHollick

April  1  -  Alison Morton: Aurelia (Roma Nova Series)
April  2  -  Lucienne Boyce: Bloodie Bones

April 3   -  Sunday Break - No Challenge - 
                 Conformist or Rebel 
                Jeffrey Manton asks: Which Characters do we Admire? What makes a Rebel?

April  4  -  Man in the Canary Waistcoat by Susan Grossey
April  5  -  Dubh-Linn by James L. Nelson
April  6  -  The Evergreen in red and white by Steven Kay
April  7  -  Fortune's Fool
April  8  -  Gift For The Magus  - Linda Proud
April  9  -   The Love Letter of John Henry Holliday - Mary Fancher

April 10 -   Sunday Break -No Challenge - 
                    But a Fascinating Article by Prof. Nigel Henbest about Halley's Comet

April 11 -   In Liberty's Wake - Alexandra Norland
April 12 -   Jacobites' Apprentice - David Ebsworth
April 13  -  It's my turn: Khamsin's Royal Daughter and Heiress, NEFRET, speaks out.
April 14  -  Luck Bringer - Nick Brown
April 15  -  Murder at Cirey - Cheryl Sawyer
April 16 -   A Newfound Land - Anna Belfrage

April 17 -  Sunday Break - No Challenge - 
                   Enjoy an Interesting Article by Anna Belfrage

April 18 -  Out Of Time - Loretta Livingstone
April 19 -  Pirate Code - (Helen Hollick's Jesamiah Acorne, Pirate Extraordinaire...In his own words)
April 20 - To Be A Queen - Annie Whitehead
April 21 -  The Spirit Room - Marshel Paul
April 22 -  Sower Of The Seeds of Dreams - Bill Page
April 23 -  Tristan & Iseult - Jane Dixon Smith

April 24 -  Sunday Break - No Challenge
                   Alison Morton (An Interesting Reminder about History...)

April 25 -  A Just And Upright Man - John Lynch
April 26 -  Victoria Blake - Far Away
April 27 -  When Sorrows Come - Maria Dziedzan
April 28 -  The FlaX Flower - Amanda Maclean
April 29 -  Sail Upon the Land - Josa Young
April 30 -  OZgur Sahin - The Wrath of Brotherhood

What a great Challenge. Thank you Helen Hollick.


Catch Up on the Alphabet and Meet all these exciting Characters! 






Tuesday, April 5, 2016

The “Other” Sirocco

I knew there were several books out there with that title. (There is even a 1951 Humphrey Bogart movie.) Still, to come face to face with another contemporary Sirocco was a bit startling at first. Naturally, and because of its beautiful cover as well as reading the ‘Look Inside’ on Amazon, I was intrigued enough to buy “the other” Sirocco written by Danielle A. Dahl.
I am so glad I did.


While our two stories are completely different (Danielle’s being a delightful yet heart-wrenching memoir and mine a pure archaeological adventure fiction), we both use the fierce Mediterranean wind as a symbol of foreboding.
I asked Danielle about her life other than what I read in her Sirocco, and she tells us this:
“A voracious reader, I cultivate my passion for the power and magic of words. When asked, ‘Who's your favorite author?’ ‘Steinbeck,’ is my straight-from-the-heart answer. For love of languages, I speak French—but of course. English—indubitably. And Spanish—por qué no?’
“On my time away from writing, I like to paint, take photos, bowl, and hike. Ah, oui! Last, but not least, I'm raving mad about dark chocolate.
“I am a member of the South Carolina Writers Workshop, Sisters in Crime, the National Association of Memoir Writers, the Southern Indie Booksellers Alliance, and the Seneca Writers Critique Group.
“I am also a member of Le Cercle Franco-Americain and The French Underground, both in Greenville, SC.
“Sirocco was finalist in the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
1) In the Historical Non-Fiction category,
2) In the Historical/Legacy category.
“Two of my creative nonfiction stories appeared in the 2011 and 2012 Petigru Review Literary Journal.
“I won second place in the 2011 Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Awards for nonfiction.
“Lastly, I was semi-finalist in the 2011 William Faulkner Wisdom Competition for a novel-in-progress as well as for a short story.
“At present, I am translating SIROCCO to French and am writing the first draft of MISTRAL, SIROCCO's sequel, depicting the struggle, which I, my family, and over a million others like us, faced after we fled Algeria and searched for new places to call home in France or across the globe.”

Thank you, Danielle, for letting us look deeper into your past. Actually, it struck me that our paths might easily have crossed at some time, as I was an au pair student in Paris in 1962, and then also lived in Chicago until the late 1960s after my job transfer there from Austria.
What a pity. I would have liked to have met you then; but am glad I am doing it now (at least via the Internet through our mutual passion for writing).


Back to Sirocco: A French Girl Comes of Age in War-Torn Algeria.

The following is my Amazon Review of this coming-of age memoir:

Delightful and ForebodingNaturally, the title intrigued me. Danielle A. Dahl’s Sirocco starts out with the day-to-day recollections of an adolescent girl growing up in Algeria during the early 1960s. Her French parents and four siblings are happy with their lives. While having to be frugal, they are respected members of the community comprised of other Pieds Noirs (all French expressions are made beautifully clear throughout the book), as well as their Arab neighbors, friends and colleagues.When Algeria’s desire to self-rule rears its head, it all changes. The family is given a choice: To leave their home with a suitcase; or to stay in a coffin. Such is the heartbreak behind any revolution; the price to pay by those who had made a foreign country their home.Ms. Dahl’s writing comes straight from the heart, yet without sentimentality or rancor; in short, it is delightful, insightful, humorous and sad all at the same time - a wondrous window into a world most of us know little about. I highly recommend this beautifully written memoir.                     Inge H. Borg, Author of Sirocco, Storm over Land and Sea



                                                                   
Most of us are not familiar with the city of Constantine nor might you be aware of its dramatic setting. I certainly wasn’t. Danielle’s website features astonishing and hauntingly beautiful photographs. Sitting as it does atop a formidable rock, the city overlooks deep chasms connected to the outside world by death-defying bridges and roads.
I could almost feel the echo of the howling sirocco; an inescapable portent to those wrecked lives during the 1960s.
I would urge you to check the blog out here: http://www.dadahl.com/#!page4/cfvg

Ms. Dahl’s writing has been described as “lush, richly evocative, bittersweet and brilliant” by other readers, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Ms. Dahl is already working on her next storm, the Mistral, where she and her family come to face as they find refuge in an inhospitable France.
In keeping with my own stormy theme, I almost chose that title for Book 3 of my Legends of the Winged Scarab. Eventually though, I settled on a world After the Cataclysm (as the story takes my protagonists into the South Atlantic, well away from Mediterranean storms – to which they only return in The Crystal Curse and The Nile Conspiracy). If you feel this is a shameless little plug for my Sirocco, you are not wrong...
However, do yourselves a favor and read Danielle Dahl’s book. I found it a brilliantly-cut diamond among the pebbles: