Suzy Henderson

Wow! Finally, my eureka moment. Having just unearthed another author (the renowned Helen Dunmore) whose writing has captivated me, I have experienced an epiphany. Having been struggling with the beginning of my novel for months now, I think I may have finally settled the matter once and for all. I've edited myself into a corner, shuffled chapters endlessly and written new beginnings, all to no avail. All in the quest of creating that enthralling first chapter, with the intention of grabbing the reader ruthlessly and retaining their attention for the duration of the entire book. Cue the author, Helen Dunmore. I've never read any of her books before simply because I've never noticed them. I have heard her name mentioned, but I've always had plenty of titles queuing up and I never seem to have time to read all of them. Her latest novel, The Lie , set during and after the Great War has just caught my attention. Some might call it coincidence whilst others would say it...

The Eagle's Last Flight by Ron Standerfer Ron Standerfer was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, a town across the Mississippi river from St. Louis, Missouri. While attending the University of Illinois he took his first airplane ride in a World War II-Vintage B-25 bomber assigned to the local ROTC detachment. It was a defining moment in his life. Weeks later, he left college to enlist in the Air Force's aviation cadet program. He graduated from flight training at the age of twenty and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Another defining moment occurred early in his career. In August 1957, he participated in an atomic test at Yucca Flat, Nevada. Standing on an observation platform eight miles from ground zero, he watched the detonation of an atomic bomb code named Smoky. The test yielded an unexpected 44 kilotons---more than twice the size of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki. He never forgot Smoky, and the memory of that experience weighed...

December 1940, and a child sleeps on in an air raid shelter, all decorated and ready for Christmas. A single stocking hangs by the side of the bed, packed with little presents or treats. The video link below shows how Britain was preparing to spend Christmas, in 1940, the year of the Blitz.  People spent Christmas in their shelters, in an attempt to keep themselves safe from the bombs. As a result, very short Christmas trees were in demand, on account of the reduced height inside the shelters. Getting by on the family ration was undoubtedly a challenge for every person on a weekly basis, but when it came to Christmas it was even more so. Turkey was simply not affordable, at least not to the majority. Chicken was also expensive so many turned to home reared chickens or rabbits. The latter often became cherished family pets of children who would have been most reluctant to see them appear on the Christmas platter at lunch time. Home grown vegetables and home made chutney w...

Friday has arrived once more - rather promptly. Time is literally flying and is winning in the race over my writing. That said, one of my reasons to celebrate and to be positive and thankful is that my manuscript is moving forwards. I always find the editing process laborious and recently discovered a flaw in the plot. Having previously thought I'd planned most meticulously, I was left feeling frustrated. Still, this week I've finished working through it and have finally moved on. So, onwards and upwards and I'm all set for a write in this weekend. Judging by the weather (typical Cumbrian drizzle), it might be the best place to be. Although I really do have a hankering to take a ride on the steamer boat on Lake Windermere and have my usual drink - hot chocolate. Nothing like it on a cool day, especially when it's drizzling. The way the mist hangs like curtains shrouding the mountains is spectacular. I wouldn't mind taking a ride on the steam train also which is loc...

Life interrupted my blogging flow last week and this week heralded the invasion of builders. Suffice to say, I didn't have time to participate in the blog hop last week. Apologies to all. This week, amidst the building chaos which will be here until late November, I thought I'd make time to celebrate something. Whilst I hate to admit the fact that my writing has taken second place recently, I am able to celebrate the arrival of fresh inspiration and drive. My work is still moving forward and for that I'm very grateful and fortunate. More importantly, we are finally getting our home altered for our son who has a physical disability. This means that he will be able to become more independent and will also have the benefit of a much larger bedroom and a private bathroom. Luxury! So, that equates to my Friday celebrations. Wishing everyone a happy weekend. Link: http://viklit.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/celebrate-small-things-join-me.html

This is the final installment in Christoph Fischer's Three Nations Trilogy. Why I wrote THE BLACK EAGLE INN Early feedback to my third book in the Three Nations Trilogy stated that it would probably be of most interest for people with a German heritage. As author I had to ask myself: could this novel bear relevance and interest for other people and non-German readers? The answer is yes. I was born 25 years after the end of the war. Our history lessons at school ended with the year 1945. One of the most urgent and important questions remained unanswered for me: How did a country with so much shame and horror in its past recover and move forward? How could it? I don’t think anything can ever make up for what has happened and nobody can forgive or atone for the collective guilt. But can the new generation ever deservedly rid itself of the stigma the previous generation has brought to the country? Apart from the actual family story in my book I hope a great point o...

Viklit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author My reason to celebrate and to be grateful today, is my return to writing. Having been unwell for more than one week, the manuscript has gathered far too much dust and I was beginning to get that feeling - the fear that all creativity would be lost, along with all hope of ever completing my novel. Well, I'm feeling better although still not great, but I picked up a pen and began once more. The characters are still alive, just waiting around for the next installment. I can see them and I can hear them and the chatter is becoming louder. So, I have much to be thankful for today. I'm equally thankful for all my friends in this cyber auditorium and for their support and wisdom in all things writing. Wishing you all a great weekend.