NEWS                                26 Feb. 2010

Bits and Light Bobs

Writing has being going well on the new book for Peter, plus thinking on the one after that. He still plans to publish on the EXACT 200th anniversary of each chosen event.This is tricky for the writer and trying for the reader - there is a long pause before the next story arrives (mid-summer 2010) then a short gap before the one following (early spring 2011). YOU get a long wait, then the writer-chap get a short panic...
We'll manage, I imagine.

Various kind people have added links to their sites - this is greatly appreciated and always reciprocated, if suitable to our subject.

Magazines, newspapers, radio stations, podcasts and websites have been generous and positive in pushing the books. Also just kind individuals, willing to get interested. It's hugely well-received and helps get the word out that the stories are there and the website is growing! 

Sign of the Times

Peter is happy to sign your copy of the book/s. You can ask for a dedication when you visit the Buy the Book page.

There are plans for a new edition of the series in 2011/12, so the signed first editions will cwertainly be collector's items!

Capital Notion

In early December Peter combined a research visit to the National Army Museum with enjoying a talk by writer Carole Divall on the Siege of Badajoz. It's a couple of years before our Ties of Blood characters will get to that disturbing episode, but Carole's lecture gave plenty of food for thought. And the museum is well worth a visit in its own right - lots of good stuff on our period, as well as fascinating general exhibits.

Brisk Engagement

Last autumn Peter made his first visit to one of the Napoleonic Association's events - the weekend gathering at the elegant Kingston Maurward House near Dorchester, 3/4 October.

Hundreds of re-enactors entertained the public with living history displays and exhibitions of military skills. The weather was kind and good numbers came to enjoy the fun. Peter was able to sign some books.

'It was good to meet readers and to make some new friends. The event itself was very enjoyable and I hope to go along to one or two more next year.'

New Blood !

"The Colour of Blood" was officially launched at Nottingham Castle on 28 July 2009, the bicentenary of the Battle of Talavera. The Castle is the home of the Sherwood Foresters Museum.

The 45th Nottinghamshires featured throughout the Peninsular War (winning their nickname "Old Stubborns" at Talavera) and their successor regiment is now serving with distinction in Afghanistan.

It was a great do, with about fifty kind souls in attendance, supping Port and eating Stilton. 

The 45th starred at the melancholy triumph of Badajoz in 1812. Maybe back at the Castle in 2012...?

FESTIVE CHEER

Online buyers who purchased either book during 2009 received "The Bird-Swindler's Friend", the first in a new series of special Ties of Blood stories just in time for  Christmas - ABSOLUTELY FREE ! 

That offer is now closed. 

However...

Anyone buying one of the three books available during 2010 and supplying an email address will similarly receive a new story "A Right of Passage" as a present for next year's festive season.

No Such Thing As...

The books sell exclusively online, remember - we can't afford bookshops! Various newspapers, radio stations and magazines have included reviews and interviews and Peter's first podcast is due in December, but it's still necessary to put the word out.

Please tell your friends, put a link yourself to the website, tweet away, get it on your blog, lobby your MP or Senator - have a tattoo, hire a plane with a streamer or send a carrier pigeon! To be talked about is - well, what did that Oscar Wilde know about publicity...

ALL HELP GRATEFULLY RECEIVED - AND HONOURED ! 

Well Worth A Look

Birthday Time

“Alone With Glory” – the first of the Ties of Blood series – was published in October 2008, picking up on the 200th anniversary of the Corunna campaign and is selling well. The second story, “The Colour Of Blood” is now out (launched on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Talavera, July 2009). 

“A Different Kind Of War” follows in summer 2010, with "The Hardest Fight" coming along in Spring 2011.

We'll try to hit the 200th anniversaries of the/a major incident in each story.

Food for Thought

There has been a lot of interest in the food and drink mentioned in the books. We have added a "Food" button for the site, with info on local dishes, the English country house table, and the food the soldiers ate. Yes, we've even had a go at tripe!!!

More recipes will follow as our hungry friends eat their way about the Peninsula!

You could also check out "Lobscouse and Spotted Dog" by Grossman and Thomas (pub. Norton). This has recipes for what the sailors ate at the same time, inspired by the books of Patrick O'Brian. It includes dishes such as Dog's Nose, Drowned Baby and (honest) Boiled Shit, as well as more well-known delicacies...

Salmagundi (big salad thing) being researched in Youds kitchen at present (Nov 09).

Reconnaissance Mission

In November 2008 Peter came back from a trip to Portugal where he visited some of the places you will read about in "The Colour of Blood" and also looked at various locations which might feature in books three and four. No hints!

'It was fascinating visiting some of the places I have read so much about,' says Peter.'There is also the bonus that the people are wonderfully friendly and the countryside stunning. I love writing the stories but looking at the locations in Spain and Portugal has given Helen and I the opportunity to see parts of those countries tourists wouldn't necessarily choose. Some of the driving was "interesting", but to get to those amazing places it was well worth it.' 

'The next jaunt is in the planning, picking up on some of the places to be featured in forthcoming books - hopefully plus one or two ommissions from the the early ones!'

Addictive business, this historical fiction...

1812 Overture

Peter has been approached by a couple of Canadian readers to consider expanding the Ties of Blood stories to include the War of 1812. Tricky one this, with the needs of His Majesty's forces in Europe. But the history is compelling, with such good true stories to look at.

Never say never...