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.
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.
My thanks to the librarian and staff for a warm welcome on Monday afternoon. A distinguished building, not only outside but also inside, where a particular room had been selected for the author talk. Originally an all-boys school, the headmaster’s study which could seat forty hosted the event.
Two scenic Scottish locations for author participation in early September. A festival in Helmsdale and Thurso’s popular library.
Thurso Bay (Sunrise)
Tuesday, 29th August at 6.30pm. In conversation about my novels associated with Leith and beyond. Signed copies available.
Location for the next author visit on 10 August. Appropriate, as the first three novels have scenes within the establishment. The talk will include reason for Ardrishaig as a location, plot formulation for each novel and influences. There will be a Q&A session plus the opportunity to purchase signed copies.
Belladrum 2023
Verb Garden Programme: Saturday, 29 July at 18.45. A presentation on the Adventures In Time novels.
A scene from the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin. The event features in the forthcoming novel. Hitler declared certain races could not participate and when a number of countries threatened a boycott, he had to back down. Before the Games began, anti-Semitic signs and slogans had been removed to portray a hospitable city. After the closing ceremony, they were back in place.
Today is the 10th anniversary of my debut novel (edition 1) being published. Little did I realise another four would follow. A copy can be purchased from bookshops or Amazon, who also have a special download edition for all five books.
My thanks to Ann, who organised the author talk at Astley Hall in Arisaig on Thurday evening. The village features in the forthcoming novel. Also, the Heritage Centre in Mallaig received a visit. My gratitude to them for suppling information about the previous novel (Georgina) which has its conclusion in Mallaig, circa 1947.
The Time Jigsaw 