In 1924, the German film director visited New York and the iconic skyscrapers became an influence for his film the following year. The design of Metropolis features high-rise buildings with Art Deco prominent. The film took two years to make and went well over budget. A principle reason being Lang demanded many scenes to be re-shot, much to actors and film crew’s annoyance. The film is featured in the forthcoming novel set in Berlin titled Upheaval. Claudine Dubois, the protagonist, has a role in the film which leads to controversy.
On 13 March, an attempt was made to overthrow the social democratic Weimar Republic in Berlin. Led by ex-army officers and soldiers, nationalists plus monarchists, it eventually failed. (From the forthcoming novel Upheavel)
On this day in 1940, the plan to invade France was staged in a war game at Mayen, East Germany. Devised by Erich von Manstein. certain generals in the Wehrmacht had their doubts it would work. However, going through the Ardennes proved decisive. (From the forthcoming novel Upheaval)
The forthcoming storyline moves from Paris to Arisaig in the Scottish Highlands. A location used during WW2 to train people for espionage activities in Europe. The image of the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct is on the route to the rail station at Arisaig.
A day when enemy troops laid down their weapons to celebrate Christmas. The forthcoming novel tells the story of a couple living in Berlin from 1912-1939 and their attempts to to cope amidst economic and political turmoil.
With the popular event imminent, looking forward to participating at the Angus Book Festival and visiting Hawick Library for a presentation to their book group.
Saturday, 4 November. A host of authors and and various genres. Tickets available but going fast. Check out the festival website for authors and event location.
On 24th October 1929, the largest sell-off for US shares in one day occurred, and it became a prelude to The Crash. The republished Deliverance is about a couple who reside in Upper Manhattan and as events unfold, their lives are altered as a result of deceit and murder. Available from Amazon main sites. (eBook, Paperback and also Hardback) Link: http://www.timejigsaw.com/books.
A scene from the forthcoming novel, Upheaval. One of the characters, a schoolteacher, is sent to the camp for criticising and disobeying government instructions, as well as not joining the Nazi Party. Schoolteachers were ordered to attend summer camps and indoctrinate the Hitler Youth. The camp was initially used to house communists, social democrats and opponents of Hitler, but later as a forced labour camp.
An article from the Northern Times concerning last weekend’s festival. On the final day following author presentations, there are school pupil competitons where authors form a panel to decide winners. I’m third from left.
My thanks to the librarian and staff for a warm welcome on Monday afternoon. A distinguished building, not only outside but also inside, where a particular room had been selected for the author talk. Originally an all-boys school, the headmaster’s study which could seat forty hosted the event.
Location for the next author visit on 10 August. Appropriate, as the first three novels have scenes within the establishment. The talk will include reason for Ardrishaig as a location, plot formulation for each novel and influences. There will be a Q&A session plus the opportunity to purchase signed copies.
A scene from the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin. The event features in the forthcoming novel. Hitler declared certain races could not participate and when a number of countries threatened a boycott, he had to back down. Before the Games began, anti-Semitic signs and slogans had been removed to portray a hospitable city. After the closing ceremony, they were back in place.
Today is the 10th anniversary of my debut novel (edition 1) being published. Little did I realise another four would follow. A copy can be purchased from bookshops or Amazon, who also have a special download edition for all five books.
My thanks to Ann, who organised the author talk at Astley Hall in Arisaig on Thurday evening. The village features in the forthcoming novel. Also, the Heritage Centre in Mallaig received a visit. My gratitude to them for suppling information about the previous novel (Georgina) which has its conclusion in Mallaig, circa 1947.
The above locations received a visit yesterday. The library and Argyll Bookshop in Lochgilphead, plus the Grey Gull Inn at nearby Ardrishaig. For those who have read books 1 aand 3 in my series, the inn is mentioned frequently. My thanks to people I met on a warm sunny day in scenic Argyll.
My thanks to the people of this Scottish town set in the highlands for their welcoming attitude. A successful visit in terms of profile-raising and book purchases. However, during my visit, the town’s high street was a lot busier.
The forthcoming novel is set in Berlin between 1912 and 1940. One of the main characters, a young actress, has a role in an iconic film released in 1927. Shot in the German capital, the actress is caught up in a scandal.
Prinzenstrasse, Berlin. A scene from book 6 which is set in the German capital from 1912-1940. Claudine is a young French actress who is spotted by a German film director in Paris. After being offered a lucrative contract, she moves to Berlin and experiences the highs and lows of the most turbulent period in German history.
Deliverance (Book 2) had a chapter dedicated to a Christmas dance for the book’s era. Here is an extract and if you want to read more, download the price promo book from Amazon. (Click)
A tall thin man stepped forward with his admission money. “What time does the bar close?”
“When the drink runs out!” cried his friend next to him.”
“We have a special license to consume alcohol until 10.30,” said Evelyn. “An additional thirty minutes.”
Both men and several others behind them in the queue cheered. Whilst Evelyn continued to take money, she once more glanced at the function room clock. The band had not appeared. Then, five young men in long unbuttoned dark coats and hats, black suits, white shirts and dark neckties carrying instruments approached Evelyn. One member raised his hat. “Apologies, our transport broke down.”
“Can you start at eight.”
“No problem, we’ll set ourselves up right now.”
“Terrific,” said Evelyn, smiling.
The bandleader looked towards the stage. “I see the piano is in place.”
Evelyn nodded.
Band members took their instruments plus a drum kit to the function suite stage situated adjacent to the bar. Whilst they awaited customers, Vivien and Charles looked on. The five musicians removed their coats and hats, then placed them in a neat pile on two chairs put together.
“They appear on the young side,” said Charles.
One bespectacled member opened his case, took out a guitar and then placed it against a chair. He stood back and stumbled over the case. Another member grabbed him and prevented a fall.
“One of them also appears unsteady,” said Charles, as he smiled.
“I bet he’s had a skinful,” added Vivien. “He would fit into a Laurel and Hardy sketch.”
As Charles laughed, the drummer positioned his kit, pulled over a chair to sit on and bumped into the cymbals. When they crashed to the ground, revellers laughed and whistled.
“Is this the cabaret, or a band?” said Vivien, as she shook her head.
“A bit of both,” said Charles cheerily. “Pre-dance entertainment.”
Revellers who infiltrated the function suite approached the bar and a queue formed. The first customer looked at the band and then Vivien. “At least the piano can’t be knocked over.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” said Vivien.
The customer laughed.
After they bought a drink, revellers would head for tables and chairs in which to sit. The band began their preparations to entertain them. The pianist, trumpeter, drummer, bass and clarinet player familiarised themselves with their individual instrument of music.
A young woman moved forward and handed money to Evelyn. “What time does the band start?”
“Soon. They play until 8.45 and then have a break for thirty minutes when snacks will be served. The band resumes at 9.15 until 10.15.” Evelyn handed her a ticket.
“Are the snacks free?” said her friend.
Evelyn nodded.
“What do they consist of?”
“Sandwiches and sausage rolls.”
“Don’t lose your ticket, Doreen.” She nudged her friend.
Evelyn looked at the metal cash box full of money. She spotted a nearby empty bucket a short distance from where she sat. An observant male guest in the queue approached her. “Would you like me to fetch it for you?”
“Please.”
The young gentleman walked over to the bucket, picked it up and carried it to where Evelyn sat. She smiled. “I’m grateful.”
“Do I get in for free?”
“No, but you will receive food free of charge.”
He laughed and handed over his admission money. Evelyn took his money and dropped it into the bucket. “Next please.”
“Busy evening?” said a lady.
“Hello, nice to see you again.”
The lady glanced at her acquaintance. “This is my aunt, she persuaded me to come along.”
Her aunt stepped forward. “I am Isabel, Elizabeth has told me a lot about you.”
Elizabeth handed over money, then glanced around the room. “Not many spare chairs left.”
“We will squeeze in somewhere, Elizabeth,” said Isabel.
Evelyn gave Elizabeth two tickets. “Have a terrific evening.”
“Thanks,” said Elizabeth, as she took the tickets. “When does the band start?”
“Soon.”
“Let us find a seat, Elizabeth, my feet ache.”
As Isabel and Elizabeth wandered off, Evelyn welcomed more revellers to the popular event. A queue stood outside the function room entrance and only a few vacant chairs remained. A group of young men approached Evelyn. The tallest cast his gaze around the room.
“We are short on chairs,” said Evelyn.
“We don’t need them, we’ll stand.”
“Are you sure?”
“We’re sure,” said the smallest member of the group.
“If Shorty says it’s okay, miss,” said the tallest member, “that’s fine by us.”
Evelyn handed him the last five tickets and the group followed the leader to the bar. She looked around the suite, then at the queue. As the empty ticket book was laid on the table, Evelyn looked at a young man. “Sorry, we’re full up.”
“Can you not let us stand around the floor?”
“No. However, there is room in the other two bars.”
Male and female guests made for both lounge and public bar entrances. Evelyn lifted the heavy bucket and metal box onto a small trolley, then wheeled it into her office. She opened the safe, put the admission money into it and locked the door.
Revellers sat on every available chair and those who did not, stood around the dance floor. The band commenced at 8.05 and soon the sound of laughter and chatter diminished. They played a selection of melodic good-time tunes and revellers tapped their fingers on tabletops.
“That band sound good,” said Elizabeth.
“It is all new to me this jazz stuff,” said Isabel.
“I went to a club in St Louis and witnessed something similar. However, the American musicians had a professional background whereas these guys will be part-time.”
“Look, Elizabeth! Its James.” Isabel pointed.
“James?”
“Yes, from the hospital.”
“The porter?” Elizabeth frowned.
Isabel nodded. “The chap in a dark suit.”
“Most of them have dark suits.”
“The chap with the beard. Next to the small guy in the bar queue.”
“Yes, I see him.”
“I will introduce you.”
“I’m not desperate!”
Note: 23 year old Evelyn is the future mother of Emily, a main character in the current release, EARTHMAN.
From north to south. After a visit to the highlands earlier in the week to celebrate Scotland’s literary event, seaside Largs hosted a talk on The Time Jigsaw novels. Another enjoyable and rewarding occasion.
Kingussie High School and the local library received an author visit yesterday. My thanks to the event organiser and staff for a warm welcome. An enjoyable day in the highlands.
High School
Kingussie Village
The second of this week’s visits will be in another picturesque location. and beside a sea.
My thanks to the organisers for inviting me to participate in the festival held last weekend. A well-organised and enjoyable three days. A member of the committee interviewed yours truly on aspects relating to research, writing and marketing.
October 1962 turned out to be a poignant period in time. Not only for the planet avoiding a nuclear war, also the first James Bond film and debut single by a group from Liverpool. With the forthcoming novel set in 1962, Earthman will give you a flavour of that year.
In this month 60 years ago, medium-range missiles were shipped to Cuba and if armed, could reach America. Thus began the Cuban Missile Crisis which culminated in the above newspaper headline. The forthcoming novel is set before and during events and will be released in October to coincide when the crisis reached its peak. Details to follow.
My thanks to those in the library’s book group who attended the Meet the Author event earlier today. An enjoyable evening in a historic building and one which I would term as a traditional library.
My thanks to the staff and those who attended the talk on The Time Jigsaw books yesterday evening. Not a traditional library, but one custom-built for the public, plus both local primary and high schools.
This is a scene from the main street in Largs – 1905. However, I visited the vibrant seaside town yesterday to promote my novels Georgina and Awakening. With it being a jubilee holiday and as the latter novel has scenes in the capital’s Royal Mile, appropriate. My thanks to locals for a kind reception.
The above Rothesay bookshop is one I’ve visited in the past. A similar outlet in Fife will host a reading and book-signing event in June relating to the Awakening and Georgina novels. Independent bookshops have suffered due to online retailing and the pandemic, therefore give them your support.
A story of romance, espionage and intrigue with compelling characters during WW2 on the island of Crete. Order or download the latest book in The Time Jigsaw series.
A story of romance, espionage and intrigue with compelling characters during WW2 on the island of Crete. 
The Time Jigsaw 