Progress with that Richard III book

Progress? What's all this progress thing?

There is actually quite a bit of book written. About a third at a guess. However one of the things that has been holding me back is a decision as to the starting date. Well, I've now decided, and it's probably definite. That it will start at the time of Margaret of York's wedding in Burgundy.

This means I have to write one or possibly two new chapters, but given that the first chapter is maybe the most important of all, this is probably a good thing as I was not happy with my original first chapter. And if I'm not happy with it, why should anyone else be?

The lead characters? Richard of Gloucestre and Anne Neville, natch. However strong supporting roles will be played by Francis Lovel (although his story will be told from a totally different angle to any previous novel, and I believe I'm going to be closer to real history on this one) and Elizabeth Talbot, Duchess of Norfolk (who will not appear much, but will go to some places where the others can't, particularly into the Beaufort camp.) I wanted to tell it from as few viewpoints as possible, to minimise head-hopping, and those are my four picks. I may have to give a few scenes to other people (George and Isabelle Clarence perhaps) but I'm going to see if I can avoid it.

It's going to be a big book, and a complex book. Sorry folks, but the list of characters is going to dwarf Fetterlock's. However, at least it is happening. I am writing more freely than I have done for years - not that that's saying much - the enthusiam is returning, and although it won't be finished tomorrow, as long as God spares me it will be finished.

This Time by Joan Szechtman

While you are waiting for 'my' version of Richard III (see my next post for details of progress) you may care to read This Time by Joan Szechtman. Joan is a new author, but also a very good one and has found a completely new angle on the story. You'll find further details on her site, but in essence Richard doesn't die at Bosworth - instead he's snatched away and finds himself in 21st Century America!

This may sound bizarre, but somehow it works. It's fascinating to read how Joan's Richard deals with the transition, and with all the complications that are thrown up. Obviously it's not straight historical fiction, but if you fancy a change from that genre this is a neat piece of crossover which I think most Ricardians - and other people interested in Richard - will enjoy. It's the start of a series and I know Joan has at least a couple more books in the pipeline.

A Vision of Light

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of the select few books I read every so often to remind myself how good it is.

Being the picky sort, I can find some historical errors in it - but guess what? The writing is so good that it doesn't matter.
It's a magical book in more senses than one - the heroine, Margaret of Ashbury, has an unusual gift from God. It enables her to perform miracles, but it also gets her into all sorts of trouble.

I'm a great admirer of Judith Merkle Riley - her books are never dull, always full of lively invention and plot twists. If you haven't read this one, give it a try. Just don't expect the usual style of HF.

Within the Fetterlock - endorsement from Sharon K. Penman

Within the Fetterlock has just had this wonderful endorsement from Sharon K. Penman :

"I highly recommend this suspenseful, compelling novel about a fascinating woman, Constance of York, set in the turbulent reigns of Richard II and Henry IV. Readers of good historical fiction will be eagerly awaiting Brian Wainwright's next book; I know I am!"

Yes, that Sharon K. Penman! To say I am pleased is putting it mildly - pleased for Constance as well as for Tamara Mazzei at Trivium and myself. To say nothing of flattered.

The only thing is, I really need to get on with writing the next book...

Interviews

Some links to interviews with me, in case you enjoy reading what comes off the top of my head in reply to questions.

First, with Fiction Scribe.

This interview is with author Wendy J Dunn.

The third interview is at Conversations with Writers.

Finally an interview with Wendy Zollo on the Trivium Site.

Read all of these and you qualify as a fan! In fact, you'll probably be able to start a biography. Some interesting questions I think - thanks to all the interviewers!

Greyhounds and Fetterlocks

Welcome to my new Blog!

I have lately decided to abandon my website for the time being, as blogging is more straightforward, more fun, and above all, cheaper. As some of you know I have been blogging for a while over at The Yorkist Age (House of York history) and even more obscurely at 7mm Great Central (about railways). This will focus on my writing, and may from time to time include other literary issues and maybe even reviews of other people's books when they don't fit The Yorkist Age's time span.

And being the disorganised chap I am, there will be random posts about other issues, without a doubt.