In Progress
Posted Sun, 10/18/15
I've set quite a writing schedule for the remainder of 2015 and into next year. Glinhaven is nearly 3/4 finished, giving me hope it can be ready for release by spring-summer 2016 (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!). It is my intention that Glinhaven be a traditional gothic fiction novel similar in style to classic 1970s paperbacks written by Dorothy Daniels, Marilyn Harris, Victoria Holt, Marilyn Ross and Phyllis Whitney.
The following is a brief description of Glinhaven:
Piper Hunt leaves Boston to take over her grandfather's unique curio shop in Glinhaven, Massachusetts. While adjusting to life in the quaint seaside village, she uncovers dark secrets hidden at the forbidding Glinhaven Monastery which may also unlock mysteries from her past.
I'm five chapters into both Bloodlust and In the Shadow of the King. The two stories are as different as night and day (in the former, the main characters are murderous sex fiends while the latter is a quasi-fictional account of a real person during the era of Henry VIII). I hope to complete Bloodlust next year, with In the Shadow of the King following in 2017.
Bloodlust (by yours truly wring as Deidre Dalton) is book #2 of the Bloodline Trilogy. The blurb for Bloodlust is as follows:
Noel and Pim's daughter Kate Grady has unusual powers which allow her to bend people to her will. At first she uses her gifts wisely, but then goes astray after falling in love with the diabolical Kirk Lester, whom she follows down an ugly path of debauchery and evil.
The final part of the trilogy - Blood & Soul - is scheduled to follow in 2017.
I've been working on In the Shadow of the King for several years. The story is a blend of real history and fiction (especially the dialog). I want to maintain accuracy in certain historical aspects of the characters, mainly well-known milestones in Henry VIII's life, as well as people close to him during the time period. My current description of the book:
In the Shadow of the King is a fictional account of the dramatic life of Sir Francis Bryan, confidant to King Henry VIII. Sir Francis Bryan was a knight bannerette, chevalier, diplomat, poet and translator, Lord of the Tor Bryan, chief gentleman of the privy chamber, Chief Justice of Ireland and a gifted sportsman. During his time in Henry VIII's court, Bryan was nicknamed the "Vicar of Hell" due to his apparent lack of scruples and legendary sexual exploits. In the Shadow of the King brings to life the story of Sir Francis Bryan, as told by one of his descendants in the twenty-first century.
Apart from my fictional endeavors, I'm also putting together the Global Seafood Cookbook (2016) and Native American Cuisine (2017) writing as Shenanchie O'Toole. When I undertake a culinary venture such as Native American Cuisine, the process involves painstaking research which can take anywhere from several weeks to months. I also like to prepare several ethnic dishes pertinent to the culture to experience the taste and feel of it all, along with getting as many food photos as I can.
I have my work cut out for me - let's hope I can stay healthy long enough do it all . . .
Tags: Writing