Wednesday 31 December 2014

31st December, Winter Garden

It's the last day of 2014. This morning the garden was white with frost. When I opened the back door four wood pigeons, which had been pecking seeds spilled onto the ground, flew away their wings flapping. The grass crunched underfoot as I walked across it to top up the bird feeder. The resident robin flew to a branch and as soon as I left fed from the ground, but I didn't see any other birds. The ice on my small pond was too thick to break so I poured hot water onto it so the birds could drink. Little writing done this morning but I shopped for groceries and came home in time to put them away and have lunch.

Tuesday 30 December 2014

Medieval Novel, Monday's Child, Lunch.

Am now very pleased because I have written the penultimate chapter of Monday's Child a traditional Regency Romance with a twist in the tale, a follow on novel from Sunday's Child published by MuseItUpPublishing. Today I lunched with a close friend at The Loving Hut a vegetarian Chinese restaurant. We enjoyed the buffet style meal with lots to choose from and nattering about writing and other subjects. We are now planning to visit the Turner Exhibition later in the month.

Sunday 28 December 2014

I Wrote 4,000 Words Today

After time off during the Christmas preparations and festivities from writing Monday's Child a traditional Regency novel, the sequel to Sunday's Child, I wrote 4,000 words this morning. The main difficulty was slipping in some historical facts without allowing them to take over and make the reader feel as though he or she is reading a history book. Through dialogue, action and characterisation I think this part of Chapter Thirty-Three reads well. I planned to finish the first draft of Monday's Child by the 31st of December and am now confident that, God willing, I will do so.

Saturday 27 December 2014

Quiet Day Today

After the Christmas and my granddaughter's birthday on Boxing Day, I enjoyed a quiet day today. Amongst other things, I added 2,000 words to my novel. After all the rich food during the last few days I decided to eat sparingly. I made soup for lunch - red lentils, leeks, fresh ginger, spice, coconut milk and lemon juice. Delicious! While cooking I looked out of the window from time to time to watch the birds enjoying seeds. A male blackbird perched in the plum tree, three wood pigeons, a sparrow and a robin fed on seeds which had fallen onto the grass, while the blue tits darted backward and forward.

Friday 26 December 2014

My happy Christmas

I enjoyed Christmas Day. I stayed at my daughter's house and woke up in time to see my five year-old granddaughter's excitement when she realised Santa had left her presents in her Santa sack. "Oh!" she exclaimed when she saw each gift, "I've always wanted that." Her older brothers who no longer believe in Father Christmas were equally pleased with their presents. The three of them were thrilled when they opened all the presents stacked under the Christmas tree and my granddaughter continued to say: "That's what I've always wanted!" After breakfast I visited my twin sons and daughters-in-law and their children. As I handed out gifts I felt like Mother Christmas. The children were so pleased with everything that I enjoyed giving more than I enjoyed receiving my presents. I had lunch at my daughter's house with her family and my bachelor son, spent the afternoon with them and then, at the grandchildren's request. I'll have lunch with them and then we'll go to my youngest son's house to celebrate his daughter's birthday. However, this is the first time since Christmas Eve, on which the whole family ate pizzas at lunchtime and then went to see Night at the Museum, which I consider Movie Trash but the children liked, that I've been able to sneak some time on the laptop. I hoped to conclude my Christmas poems with ''Twas in the Bleak Midwinter', by Christina Rossetti but didn't have the chance,

Wednesday 24 December 2014

From 'Christmas' by John Betjeman

Christmas .... And is it true? And is it true? This most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained-glass window's he, A Baby in an ox's stall? The Maker of the starts and sea Become a Child on earth for me? And is it true? For if it is, No loving fingers tying strings Around those tissued fripperies, The sweet and silly Christmas things, Bath salts and inexpensive scent And hideous tie so kindly meant. No love that in a family dwells, No carolling in frosty air, Nor all the steeple-shaking bells Can with this simple truth compare - That God was Man in Palestine And lives today in Bread and Wine.

Tuesday 23 December 2014

Christmas Poem by 8 year-old Alexamder Coulson

Advent Candle Commander of wax Waiting Alone Running from darkness Chameleon of light Brightest star Flame dancer Most beautiful Flowing like a wave The most powerful energy. Alexander Coulson Aged 8 December, 1999

Monday 22 December 2014

Spike Milligan's Christmas Poem

Christmas 1970 A little girl called Sile Javotte Said: 'Look at the lovely presents I've got.' While a little girl in Biafra said: 'Oh what a lovely slice of bread.' Spike Milligan

Sunday 21 December 2014

There is no Rose Christmas Poem 15th Century

There is no rose of such virtue As in the rose that bare Jesu; Alleluya For in this rose was Heaven and earth in little space Res Miranda. By that rose we well may see That he is God in persons three, Pari forma The angels sungen the shepherds to: 'Gloria in excelsis Deo.' Gaudeamus. Leave we all this worldly mirth, And follow we this joyful birth. Transeamus. 15th Century Christmas Poem Anon * * * * Translation. Res Miranda. A thing to be marvelled at. Pari forma. Of the same form. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Glory to God in the Highest. Gaudeamus. Let us Rejoice. Transeamus. Let us Depart

Saturday 20 December 2014

A Favourite Christmas Poem

I Sing of a Maiden. 15th Century. I sing of a maiden that is makeless, King of all kings to her son she ches. He came also stilly there His mother was; As dew in Aprille that falleth on the flower. He came also stilly where is mother lay, As dew in Aprille that falleth on the spray. Mother and maiden was never none but she - Well may such a lady God's mother be! Anon.

Friday 19 December 2014

Today Will Be A Lovely Day

The morning began well. I finished Chapter Thirty-Three of Monday's Child my traditional Regency romance. I struggled to write it so it's as though I've put down a heavy weight. The sun is shining and the weather is mild. I've nearly finished wrapping the Christmas presents, only have three to buy and a few cards to post; and the Christmas tree, which two of my grandchildren decorated, looks beautiful. Today is my eldest granddaughter's 10th birthday. She is having her ears pierced so I bought her silver earrings with tiny dangling hearts and a secret diary with a padlock. I'm looking forward to seeing her at her birthday party this afternoon.

Thursday 18 December 2014

Writing and Research

On Tuesday I deleted 1000 words of Chapter Thirty-Three of my work in progress, Monday's Child a traditional Regency Romance. This morning I finished the chapter. The research has been intensive and I made many notes, but in order to avoid the novel reading like a text book I could only use a few of the fascinating facts. It's a relief to have nearly finished the novel.

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Nothing New Added to Monday's Child Today

I was up early and settled at the laptop. I opened the file titled Monday's Child. The cursor wouldn't move. I then read a message from Microsoft which informed me that I did not have a licence to use Microsoft. What a hassle! However I'm lucky because my twin sons own an IT company. One of their technicians sorted out the problem. While he did so I had plenty of time to think about the plot and check a few historical facts, so my time wasn't entirely wasted.

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Why I Deleted 1000 Words of My Novel

I had written over 2000 words of Chapter 33 of Monday's Child, the sequel to my traditional Regency novel, Sunday's Child.. This morning I wrote another 1000 words. Throughout the day I thought about them. With a deep sigh, I decided to scrap them. It's a painful decision but the right one because I allowed the principal characters to go off stage. I took a deep breath and took action, Today's 1000 words has been deleted.

Monday 15 December 2014

Christmas is Coming

My 12 year-old grandson's birthday was on Friday. He partied with his cousins earlier in the week and wanted to spend the evening with his parents, siblings and grandmothers. As well as money I gave him a football annual, which was a great success as he enjoys playing football and has his favourite team etc. After dinner, we watched Life of Pi - not a film I want to watch again but my son, daughter-in-law and the three children enjoyed it, but like me his other grandmother was not keen on it. I stayed overnight. In the morning my daughter-in-law and I went Christmas and birthday shopping in St Albans. My 9 year-old granddaughter is having her ears pierced on Friday to celebrate her 10th birthday so we chose a pair of earrings for me to give her then and another pair for her Christmas present. In between shopping we had morning coffee, lunched and chatted before we went home. Next I went to my youngest son's house to babysit and stayed for the night. En route to their house I stopped in the village to have a look in the charity shops. I collect blue and white china and was tempted to buy a coffee pot but decided it was too pricey. On the following morning I was still tempted to buy it, if it had not been sold, but again decided not to. I don't regret my decision. Yesterday, the soon-to-be birthday girl came over with her 7 year-old brother to decorate my Christmas tree. She has been doing this for a few years and said she will even do so when she is 13. Obviously, that age is a milestone in her mind. She has her favourite decorations and oohs and ahs over them every year. This morning I had my hair cut and coloured, shopped for groceries and then dropped in at my daughter's house to give her a few bits and bobs she asked me to buy for her. Soon I'll be getting ready for Watford Writers' annual Christmas Dinner. I'm enjoying real life and metaphorically patting myself on the back because I am adding a thousand words a day to Monday's Child. As I write the most moving parts I am still wiping tears from my eyes. It took me a little longer to write today than usual because I researched nightwear. Mind you, I write traditional historical novels in which the bedroom door does not open more than an inch or two.

Saturday 13 December 2014

Tears While Writing

While writing Chapter Thirty-Three of Monday's Child tears came to my eyes when I described my heroine's reaction to... On second thoughts I won't reveal the details.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Carol Service

This evening I returned home impressed by the carol service which my ten year old grandson participated in. Holy Rood Church was packed with parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. Children read passages from the Bible, in between carols both traditional and modern. 240 children took part and as I watched I wondered what their futures held and said a prayer for them. Tomorrow they will be singing in a local shopping mall. God bless them one and all.

Sunday 7 December 2014

Extraordianry Vegetarian Meal

Grandson, who is also a strict vegetarian who does not eat, eggs, fish or meat, described one of the meals served at the hostel where he stayed on a school trip. Mashed potato with fried onions on top served with apple sauce.

Saturday 6 December 2014

Time to Write and Christmas

I want to finish writing Monday's Child by the 31st of December but am worried because it might be impossible. To avoid the Christmas rush I spent the better part of the last two days shopping. Yes, I could shop on line but last year some presents didn't arrive on time. I enjoy the season but it's very time consuming. I now have to wrap all the presents, including three birthday presents, decorating the Christmas tree etc. As well as all this, weather permitting, I have some jobs to get on with in the garden.

Thursday 4 December 2014

Research Minor Detail

I can hardly believe how long it took me this morning to choose a regiment which a minor character in Monday's Child, a traditional Regency novel, joined. It must have taken me over half an hour to check non fiction books, on line and photo copies. However, it is worthwhile because I want to get all the details right.

Wednesday 3 December 2014

New Resolution, Christnas Shopping, Diaries

No, I haven't made a premature New Year's resolution. I did some Christmas shopping today and chose a desk diary and a pocket diary. There is so much more to being an author than writing books. So I have made a resolution to enter all the writing related activities I need to do every day. In other words, I have made up my mind to be more organised.

New Resolution, Christmas Shopping, Diaries

No, I haven't made a premature New Year's resolution. I did some Christmas shopping today and chose a desk diary and a pocket diary. There is so much more to being an author than writing books. So I have made a resolution to enter all the writing related activities I need to do every day. In other words, I have made up my mind to be more organised.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Monday's Child & Research

I had decided to write an epilogue after completing Chapter Thirty-One of my historical Monday's Child, but decided my readers would feel cheated. So I'm now writing Chapter Thirty-Two. I've completed my research and typed up all the important points. I did this for Chapter Thirty-one which meant I could write without constantly referring to non-fiction books. However, to write eight pages I have sixteen pages of notes. I hope that all the facts are correct and I can slip those I use into the novel. I hope to complete Chapter Thirty-Two this week and then write an epilogue.

Monday 1 December 2014

Flash Fiction and Violet Large

The topic for flash fiction at Watford Writers for this evening is Sharks. Violet Large often sends me junk mail. I took time off from researching and writing my novel to write a 350 word flash fiction story called Angel in Heaven. The big fish enjoyed being in a big pond offering protection and earning enough to look after Mum, buy a large house and send the kids to public school. The angel in heaven is Mum who was a regular church goer. The big fish goes to confession regularly to keep in with Him Up There and receives absolution. At the end of the piece the police arrive at the house to arrest Violet Large. I was pleased with my effort and prepared to print it. In spite of saving it on the lap top in desktop and a word document as well as saving on the usb key it had vanished. I tried to find it in the recycle bin and everywhere else I could think of without success. I could swear.

Sunday 30 November 2014

Holly - Garden Spells The Magic of Herbs, Trees and Flowers

As well as The Potted Bay I blogged about yesterday I have a holly bush. This what Claire Nahmad, whose states her great-grandmother was a wise woman, writes in her book, Garden Bells The Magic of Herbs, Trees and Flowers, about holly.


"The handsome holly is a lucky tree, for it affirms life, and is a symbol of undiminishing vitality. Ensure that it has a place in your garden for its glowing green presence wards of unfriendly spirits. The Holly man lives in the tree that bears prickly holly, and the Holly Woman dwells within that which gives forth smooth and variegated leaves. The first is lucky for men, the second for women. Do not burn holly branches unless they are well and truly dead, for this is unlucky."


An Ale and Holly spell follows.


As I read this I imagined a young married couple in times past planting two holly trees and then casting the spell.


To be on the safe side I might be cautious when disposing of holly branches.



Saturday 29 November 2014

Bay - The Herb

Whenever I re-arrange books on their shelves, it's often  a pleasant surprise to find one I've forgotten about. I collect non-fiction on many subjects because, as an author, I never know when they might come in useful.


Today, I found Garden Spells:The Magic of Herbs, Trees and Flowers by Clare Nahmad.


I have a potted Bay Tree that my daughter bought me last Christmas that is flourishing, so I enjoyed the following quote.


"Wherever the bay flourishes, that garden and the dwelling it graces are protected from flash and flood. It is a tree of the old gods, a tree of the Lord, and its spirit is valiant. Its fragrance and essence celebrate holy valour and human triumph. Take bay leaves in your food or make of them a tisane (one teaspoon of the herb to a cup of boiling water) for they have properties which heal and restore."


I frequently make tea from herbs in my garden. So far I haven't made bay tea but I shall try it.



Friday 28 November 2014

Special Offer for 5 Days. 5 Historical Novels in 1 Bundle.


  • Special Offer

 

5 historical novels in 1 Romance Bundle by Rosemary Morris.

 

1,313 pages.

 

Special offer.  $4.99  (£3.23)

Full price $29.75

Discount $24.76

 

ISBN:978-7-77127-645-0

 

The bundle will be available from the 28th November, 2014 to the 2nd December, 2014

 

Available from https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  www.amazon.com  www.amazon.co.uk  nook and all reputable vendors.

 

False Pretences.  Annabelle runs away from school into the arms of a charismatic gentleman…but can she trust him to help her?

 

Far Beyond Rubies  When their eyes first meet, Gervaise’s soul recognises Juliana’s and from that moment on, their destinies become inevitably entwined.

 

Sunday’s Child  If Major Tarrant expects Sunday’s Child, a Regency lady, to be a ‘bread and butter’ Miss he will be surprised.

 

Tangled Love  The throne has been usurped by James II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Orange. In 1693, loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year-old Richelda’s father must follow James to France.

 

The Captain and The Countess.  His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.

 

 

Too view the book trailers, read the first three chapters of each novel and reviews please visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

Thursday 27 November 2014

Christmas Carol. New Twist

My just 5 year old granddaughter came home delighted with the carol she and her class are learning at reception. Unfortunately she misunderstood the words. "Mary and Jessica's baby Jesus is born..." she sang. We burst into laughter and told her it should be Mary and Joseph. She  burst into tears and said it really is Mary and Jessica. I hope her voice singing Jessica won't come across loud and clear at the carol service.

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Monday's Child Epilogue

This morning, I finished writing Chapter Thirty-One of Monday's Child, a traditional historical novel set in the Regency era. It is a stand alone novel in which some of the characters from my published novel, Sunday's Child, take part.


I spent the rest of the day considering the book and realised that all I have left to write is an Epilogue.


By the end of the next week I will have finished Monday's Child and can then begin revising and editing it.

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Historical Accuracy in Fiction

I've reached a complicated chapter in my novel in which I need the geographical features, proposed plans and timeline to be correct. I read the relevant parts of five historical non-fiction books and made notes, but I still didn't have a clear picture in my head. So, after considerable thought, I wrote chapter headings and typed up the relevant information under each titl3. Next I made a list of things my protagonists would do, and their reactions to events as they occurred in sequence, in each chapter and finished by typing up a few quotes from historical personages.


For the last three days I've been working on Chapter Thirty-One. Thanks to my notes everything, as the saying goes, has fallen into place.

Monday 24 November 2014

Learning to Read

My just five year-old granddaughter is learning to read. For homework she has the following. She has a card with coloured pictures and the letters of the alphabet plus ch, ff etc. She also has cardboard cut outs in the shape of pencils with a few words on each one e.g. oh, on, to etc. Finally she has first readers with one sentence on each page. E.g. Look at Mum.


The other day when I was helping her she said. "This is hard work but I've got a good idea, grandma. You read and I'll listen."

Saturday 22 November 2014

More Painful Decluttering

My collection of Solander and Historical Novel's Reviews dates back to 2006. Unfortunately, I don't have the space to keep all the books and magazines I've collected, so painful as it is, I am leafing through my copies of Solander and Historical Novel's Reviews and getting red of most of them. I've enjoyed re-reading many of the articles but it really is time to part with them. Deep sigh. Oh for a huge library with bookshelves from floor to ceiling on all four walls.

Friday 21 November 2014

Five More Historical Novels I Shall Read


Five more novels reviewed in Historical Novels Review that I intend to read.



Ruth's Journey by Donald McCaig. "The New York Times best-selling author of Rhett Butler's People now takes Margaret Mitchell's nameless Mammy from her survival as a four-year old orphaned by the slave revolt on Haiti at the beginning of the 19th century to the days following the Twelve Oaks barbecue when Georgia secedes from the Union."



Teardrops in The Moon by Tania Crosse. "The research is impeccable. I learned much about horses in World War 1, the ambulance service and the major battles. ... The book is about how the war affected a particular family."



Road Ends by Mary Lawson. "Megan Cartwright is the glue that holds her family together. At twenty-one, she's never ventured outside the small isolated town of Struan, in northern Ontario, Canada; instead she keeps house for her parents and six brothers. ...Megan knows she can do more though, and leaves her family behind to start her own life across the Big Pond in England."



The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes. "Set just after World War Two this is a fictionalised account of the transport of hundreds of wartime brides from Australia to England."



Before the Fall by Juliet West. "Before the Fall is a debut novel inspired by real events in London during the First Word War.  "... the central love story is enveloped by a superbly drawn East End ripped apart both literally and emotionally by the First World War."

 

Thursday 20 November 2014

Books I Shall Read

I enjoy reading historical fiction and non-fiction, so I always study my copy of Historical Novels Review published by The Historical Novel Society, which lists novels published in the United Kingdom, The United States and elsewhere.

Unfortunately I don't have sufficient time or money to read all the books that interest me, so I don't add novels published in the U.S.A to my list because they are unlikely to be available in my part of the world in bookshops or libraries.

The books I have chosen are published in the U.K. I shall list five. It would be interesting to know what other people are reading or plan to read.

1.The Barefoot Queen by Ildefonao Falcones (trans Mara Faye Lethem), "the saga of the Spanish gypsies in 18th century Bourbon Spain, their culture and their persecution."

2.Queen of Bedlam by Laura Purcell. "When George III falls ill, Queen Charlotte, a perfectionist tries very hard to maintain the expected decorum, but her world is quickly falling apart. The man she fell in love with no longer exists and she must face life alone without her king."

3. Fools Gold  by Zana Bell "The cover is beautiful and romantic and as it says 1866 New Zealand is no place for a lady."

4.Ticket to Paradise by Elizabeth Morgan. A novel about Welsh people desperate to preserve their way of life who emigrated to Patagonia..

5.Bittersweet by Colleen McCullough. Her second big Australian saga. I hope I will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed The Thornbirds.

Tomorrow, I shall list another five novels.

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Historical Novel Soceity, Historical Novel Review

Today, I received my copy of the Historical Novel Review which gives details of new deals with publishers, contains articles and reviews of historical fiction and non-fiction published on both sides of the Big Pond.

I put my feet up and opened the 'treasure house of information. I read the magazine from cover to cover and made a list of books which I want to read.

Monday 17 November 2014

De-cluttering, Magazines etc.

In order to de-clutter I have been sorting through magazines, pamphlets and newspapers. Why is it that instead of deciding quickly what to keep and what I will dispose of, I find subject matter that I was not previously interested in fascinating? I end up spending more time reading than getting rid of anything.

Sunday 16 November 2014

Applying Research to Monday's Child

The research for the last few chapters of Monday's Child, the follow on novel from Sunday's Child, is complicated. To get it straight in my mind I have amalgamated my scribbled notes, photo copies and passages from my reference books. I have headed each part with a date and assigned it to a chapter. This means I will not need to cross reference each fact as I write. So far the method is working well. Phew!

Friday 14 November 2014

Special Offer. Pre-order. Five historical novels in One Bundle. $4.99 £3.23

Pre-order.
 
5 historical novels in 1 Romance Bundle by Rosemary Morris.
 
1,313 pages.
 
Special offer.  $4.99  (£3.23)
 
Full price $29.75
 
Discount $24.76
 
Release Date the 28th November, 2014
 
Available from https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  www.amazon.com  www.amazon.co.uk  nook and all reputable vendors.
 
False Pretences.
 
Annabelle runs away from school into the arms of a charismatic gentleman…but can she trust him to help her?
 
Far Beyond Rubies
 
When their eyes first meet, Gervaise’s soul recognises Juliana’s and from that moment on, their destinies become inevitably entwined.
 
Sunday's Child
 
If Major Tarrant expects Sunday’s Child, a Regency lady, to be a ‘bread and butter’ Miss he will be surprised.
 
Tangled Love
 
The throne has been usurped by James II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Oragne. In 1693, loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year-old Richelda’s father must follow James to France.

The Captain and The Countess
 
His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.
 
To view the book trailers, read the first three chapters of each novel and reviews please visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk.












Special Offer: Pre-order: 5 historical novels in 1 bundle - $4.99 £3.23


Pre-order.
 
5 historical novels in 1 Romance Bundle by Rosemary Morris.
 
1,313 pages.
 
Special offer.  $4.99  (£3.23)
 
Full price $29.75
 
Discount $24.76
 
Release Date the 28th November, 2014
 
Available from https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  www.amazon.com  www.amazon.co.uk  nook and all reputable vendors.
 
False Pretences.
 
Annabelle runs away from school into the arms of a charismatic gentleman…but can she trust him to help her?
 
Far Beyond Rubies
 
When their eyes first meet, Gervaise’s soul recognises Juliana’s and from that moment on, their destinies become inevitably entwined.
 
Sunday's Child
 
If Major Tarrant expects Sunday’s Child, a Regency lady, to be a ‘bread and butter’ Miss he will be surprised.
 
Tangled Love
 
The throne has been usurped by James II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Oragne. In 1693, loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year-old Richelda’s father must follow James to France.

The Captain and The Countess
 
His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.
 
To view the book trailers, read the first three chapters of each novel and reviews please visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 

Pre-order.
 
5 historical novels in 1 Romance Bundle by Rosemary Morris.
 
1,313 pages.
 
Special offer.  $4.99  (£3.23)
 
Full price $29.75
 
Discount $24.76
 
Release Date the 28th November, 2014
 
Available from https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  www.amazon.com  www.amazon.co.uk  nook and all reputable vendors.
 
False Pretences.
 
Annabelle runs away from school into the arms of a charismatic gentleman…but can she trust him to help her?
 
Far Beyond Rubies
 
When their eyes first meet, Gervaise’s soul recognises Juliana’s and from that moment on, their destinies become inevitably entwined.
 
Sunday's Child
 
If Major Tarrant expects Sunday’s Child, a Regency lady, to be a ‘bread and butter’ Miss he will be surprised.
 
Tangled Love
 
The throne has been usurped by James II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Oragne. In 1693, loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year-old Richelda’s father must follow James to France.

The Captain and The Countess
 
His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.
 
To view the book trailers, read the first three chapters of each novel and reviews please visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Pre-order.
 
5 historical novels in 1 Romance Bundle by Rosemary Morris.
 
1,313 pages.
 
Special offer.  $4.99  (£3.23)
 
Full price $29.75
 
Discount $24.76
 
Release Date the 28th November, 2014
 
Available from https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  www.amazon.com  www.amazon.co.uk  nook and all reputable vendors.
 
False Pretences.
 
Annabelle runs away from school into the arms of a charismatic gentleman…but can she trust him to help her?
 
Far Beyond Rubies
 
When their eyes first meet, Gervaise’s soul recognises Juliana’s and from that moment on, their destinies become inevitably entwined.
 
Sunday's Child
 
If Major Tarrant expects Sunday’s Child, a Regency lady, to be a ‘bread and butter’ Miss he will be surprised.
 
Tangled Love
 
The throne has been usurped by James II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Oragne. In 1693, loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year-old Richelda’s father must follow James to France.

The Captain and The Countess
 
His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.
 
To view the book trailers, read the first three chapters of each novel and reviews please visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 


 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Thursday 13 November 2014

Cassiobury The Ancient Seat of the Earls of Essex

On Monday evening, at Café Cha Cha, in Cassiobury Park, I attended an interesting talk by Paul Rabbits, Head of Parks and Open Spaces for Watford Borough Council and Sarah Kerenza Priestly, Heritage and Arts Manager of Watford Museum.

The subject of the talk was Cassiobury, The Ancient Seat of the Earls of Essex.

"In 1916 the 7th Earl of Essex, aged only fifty-eight, died after being run down by a taxi. Six years later, his widow and his heir, the 8th Earl, put the house and the park up for sale."

Today, Cassiobury Park, is a 300 hectare site twice the size of Hyde Park. It is much loved by local people.

I have been considering setting a novel in or around Cassiobury House for a long time, so I was delighted by the talk, and am looking forward to reading Peter Rabbits and Sarah Kerenza Priestley's beautifully illustrated book Cassiobury The Ancient Seat of the Earls of Essex published by Amberley Publishing, www.amberley-books.com.

Wednesday 12 November 2014

Monday's Child Final Research

I have a nasty cold so I've been lethargic. However, I completed what I hope is the final research for Monday's Child a traditional Regency novel, which is a follow on story from Sunday's Child. By combining the information in four of my non-fiction books and  photo copies from other  books I am now able to write the next chapter. Phew! Now, where is that box of tissues?

Sunday 9 November 2014

Writing and Decluttering

I've been spending too many hours tapping away on the laptop with the result that I've became so tired that I've been making spelling and other mistakes when networking. So I've taken it easy for the last two days. I've only tapped away on the laptop for a fixed number of hours. I've used the extra time to de-clutter my desk and to make a start on sorting through my magazines. I've begun to sort them into piles to be thrown away, to keep and to give to friends and have chosen some cuttings which I want to keep.

Saturday 8 November 2014

1st World War, Napoleonic War

On the news I viewed the sea of poppies, which commemorate members of the armed forces who gave their lives, around The Tower of London.

While writing Monday's Child, the follow on novel from Sunday's Child, I have read widely about the Napoleonic Wars. I wonder how many people realise that in proportion to the number of people alive at that time more lives were lost then than in the First World War. A very sobering thought. It's also sobering to wonder what would have happened if the Battle of Waterloo had been lost.

Friday 7 November 2014

Thursday 6 November 2014

On Revision of Monday's Child

While revising and editing the first ten chapters of Monday's Child I have cut adverbs, adjectives and unnecessary phrases and sentences. I have also eliminated repetitions.

I am also checking and double checking my research. This morning I re-read the notes and photo copies of pages of the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research Vol XXXI I made at The National Army Museum.

Fingers crossed, the novel will read well and the historical details are correct.

Wednesday 5 November 2014

On Reading and Research

I'm looking forward to delving into the to-be-read pile on my bedside table.

There are three magazines. Writing Magazine, Grow Your Own and Woman's Weekly.

There are excellent articles and competitions in Writing Magazine, plus information about magazines and publishers writers can submit to, and readers' new plus much more.

Grow Your Own is informative and usually comes with some packets of sees. This months are purple brussel sprouts and white and red alpine strawberries.

I enjoy reading Woman's Weekly, which I buy it to study the short stories and serials with a view to submitting fiction to the magazine one day.

At the moment I'm half way through Barbara Bradford Taylor Bradford's Heirs of Ravenscar in which begins in 1918. She has based the novel on Edward III his family and other personalities of the era by re-creating them as nineteenth century characters. I'm enjoying the book.

There are another four books in my to be read pile which I picked up from the library, three novels and one non fiction book. The White Russian by Vanora Bennet, Dear Thing by Julie Cohen and The Downstairs Maid by Rosie Clarke, each of which I'm looking forward to reading.

The fourth book is the long awaited Edward II The Unconventional King by Kathryn Warner. I am particularly interested in this because I am revising my novel set in Edward II's reign. I have my own theory about his relationship with his favourites and the question of whether or not he was murdered.

Tuesday 4 November 2014

The Captain & The Countess, Traditional Historical Novel, Set in Queen Anne Stuart's reign 1702-1714

The Captain and The Countess
 
Set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714

By Rosemary Morris
 
Why does heart-rending pain lurk in the back of the wealthy Countess of Sinclair’s eyes? 
 
Captain Howard’s life changes forever from the moment he meets Kate, the intriguing Countess and resolves to banish her pain.

Although the air sizzles when widowed Kate, victim of an abusive marriage meets Edward Howard, a captain in Queen Anne’s navy, she has no intention of ever marrying again.

However, when Kate becomes better acquainted with the Captain she realises he is the only man who understands her grief and can help her to untangle her past

Available from:
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore  Amazon Kindle  and all reputable vendors.
 
To view the book trailer, read the first three chapters and some reviews please visit: www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

Monday 3 November 2014

Voices From The Past

5* recommendation. "Voices From The Past: ...Russia--Soviet Union..." by Orest M.
Gladky-- eBook on Amazon: http://www.OlgaGladkyVerroEditor.com

Sunday 2 November 2014

More on Writing Monday's Child

Although I haven't finished writing Monday's Child, the sequel to Sunday's Child, I decided to edit the completed chapters.

My research has turned up some facts which need to be inserted.

Also, although I don't write detailed plot plans, I did have the rough details of the plot in mind. However, I had planned a surprise but, as the book developed I decided the reader would guess what it was. With reluctance, because it is painful to make a substantial change, I had to think of an alternative.

So, before I write the last few chapters I need to make sure that the previous ones flow smoothly.

I hope that after so much hard work the novel will be a page turner and the reviews will be 5*.

Saturday 1 November 2014

Massage

Although I take regular breaks from the computer and laptop I admit to becoming a bit sore and stiff.

The deep tissue massage I had on Thursday, given by a well-qualified masseur, worked wonders, but her advice was to rest on Friday and to drink plenty of water to get rid of toxins. I took her advice, am less sore and stiff and ready to start blogging again.

Wednesday 29 October 2014

Historical Research and Dull Weather

The weather was dull today so I made myself comfortable indoors with some historical non-fiction. I'm researching Brussels on the 14th and 15th of June, 1814 and the famous ball held by the Duchess of Richmond. I'm beginning to visualise the scenes, the officers who did not have time to change and joined their regiment still wearing ballroom slippers. And I can almost here the drums, bugles and bagpipes calling the men to arms. I've made notes and know how to begin the next chapter of Monday's Child, the follow on novel from my published novel Sunday's Child, which is on special offer from Amazon Kindle until the 31st of October.

Tuesday 28 October 2014

On Writing Monday's Child

Another 6,000 words or less to write and I will finish Monday's Child the follow on novel to my traditional Regency Novel Sunday's Child published by MuseItUp Publishing.

I wrote the first draft of Chapter Twenty-Nine, a crucial chapter, from the heroine's point of view. I revised it, edited it and realised part of it needed to be from the hero's viewpoint. I've finished the chapter and think it works much better.

A little more research and then I can write Chapter Thirty. Phew!

Monday 27 October 2014

Indian Summer

It is a glorious October day here in S.E. England, so I've taken advantage of the blue sky and sunshine to clean my greenhouse.

The greenhouse had to be moved because the outside of my house is being cladded. Now, I'm replacing the staging and the plants. I've already  moved my patio nectarine tree and my potted herbs inside and I'm ready to sow winter salad and broad beans.

Sunday 26 October 2014

Freezing Cold Birthday :Party

Yesterday, to celebrate my 7 year-old grandson's birthday his parents arranged a party at Dunstable Downs, a popular place to fly kites due to the favourable winds. The view of countryside from the top of the downs is spectacular, and The Visitor Centre serves refreshments and various items including books.

However, it was freezing yesterday and I was glad to make forays into the Visitor Centre to get warm. But the children, nine cousins, really enjoyed themselves and watching a flotilla of kites rise and dip was amazing.

Saturday 25 October 2014

Special Offers - Last Week - Rosemary Morris's Historical Novels

Special Offers – Final Week
 
MuseItUp Publishing is celebrating its 4 Year Anniversary with 50% to 80% OFF specials until the 31st October.
 


The Link is.

 
My historical novels are included in the special offers.
 
Far Beyond Rubies. 50%off  £1.90   $3.09
 
Tangled Love. 50% off.  £1.84   $2.99
 
The Captain and The Countess 50% off  £1.90   $3.09
 
Sunday’s Child  80% off  £0.77p   $1.25
 
My novels are set in the early 18th & 19th centuries.
 
Visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk to read the first three chapters of each novel and view the book trailers.