Author: timejigsaw

I was born in Edinburgh and resided in the capital's historic Royal Mile. (An influence for my third novel, Awakening) Working for a well-known brewer as a representative, I relocated to Aberdeen then Glasgow. Attending college and university, I achieved Chartered Marketer status which assists in marketing my novels. I now stay in a Victorian property in acres of ground which looks onto the River Clyde and this was the spark for my debut novel, The Time Jigsaw. Check out timejigsaw.com for all novels.

Fritz Lang

In 1924, the German film director visited New York and the iconic skyscrapers became an influence for his film the following year. The design of Metropolis features high-rise buildings with Art Deco prominent. The film took two years to make and went well over budget. A principle reason being Lang demanded many scenes to be re-shot, much to actors and film crew’s annoyance. The film is featured in the forthcoming novel set in Berlin titled Upheaval. Claudine Dubois, the protagonist, has a role in the film which leads to controversy.

Kapp Putsch, 1920

On 13 March, an attempt was made to overthrow the social democratic Weimar Republic in Berlin. Led by ex-army officers and soldiers, nationalists plus monarchists, it eventually failed. (From the novel *Upheav*al and available on all Amazon sites)

Case Yellow

On this day in 1940, the plan to invade France was staged in a war game at Mayen, East Germany. Devised by Erich von Manstein. certain generals in the Wehrmacht had their doubts it would work. However, going through the Ardennes proved decisive. (From the forthcoming novel Upheaval)

SOE

The forthcoming storyline moves from Paris to Arisaig in the Scottish Highlands. A location used during WW2 to train people for espionage activities in Europe. The image of the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct is on the route to the rail station at Arisaig.

August 1939

A scene from the forthcoming novel where Parisians savour the cafe culture, unaware war is about to commence with Germany.

Angus Book Festival

Snapshots of the event taken on Saturday. Myself and two other authors revealed to an audience what makes a good mystery novel.

Scottish Book Week

With the popular event imminent, looking forward to participating at the Angus Book Festival and visiting Hawick Library for a presentation to their book group.

Hawick Town Centre

Auchterarder Book Festival 2023

Saturday, 4 November. A host of authors and and various genres. Tickets available but going fast. Check out the festival website for authors and event location.

Dachau Concentration Camp

A scene from the forthcoming novel, Upheaval. One of the characters, a schoolteacher, is sent to the camp for criticising and disobeying government instructions, as well as not joining the Nazi Party. Schoolteachers were ordered to attend summer camps and indoctrinate the Hitler Youth. The camp was initially used to house communists, social democrats and opponents of Hitler, but later as a forced labour camp.

Helmsdale Book Festival

An article from the Northern Times concerning last weekend’s festival. On the final day following author presentations, there are school pupil competitons where authors form a panel to decide winners. I’m third from left.