Before the Reformation, before the Roman Catholic tradition we know today, there was a vibrant, active church called the Cele De, or Culdees - the Clients of God. When you think about St. Patrick's Ireland and St. Columcille's Scotland, this is the tradition you're picturing. It's also the tradition in which I placed my character… Continue reading Friday Fact: The Cele De
Where do great characters come from? How do we take a lack-luster character and make it something special? When I come up with a new character for a story, 9 times out of 10 I draw them. Usually my drawing will tell a fragment of a story, and the whole book goes from there. But… Continue reading Writer Wednesday: Sketching a character
When I was researching my book Legacy of Faith, the Bass Rock was an important part of John Mackilligen's story. He spent three years imprisoned on this barren island, along with many other Covenanters (illegal Presbyterians) at the time. The Rock itself is magnificent. It's basically a cube of volcanic rock that rises steep-sided out… Continue reading Friday Fact: The Bass Rock
I read this one a long time ago, but in light of the new movie coming out, I thought I'd revisit it. If you haven't read it, you're missing out! Here's the newly released trailer for the movie: It looks like it's going to be amazing. It also looks pretty true to the book, which… Continue reading Thursday Titles: Ender’s Game
I'm plugging away at Sons of Alba. Here's my latest scene featuring a bit of a heart to heart between Donnchad and Liosa: This was one such occasion, as he crouched beside Mac Crinan and Mac Bheatha in the bracken, watching breathlessly as Thorfinn sighted along his drawn arrow at a calmly grazing stag. Then… Continue reading Tuesday Critique: Donnchad and Liosa in the woods
In August, I introduced Jennie, and in September you read about William. Now I'd like to present the third real-life character in my work in progress, Legacy of Faith. John Mackilligen was a much earlier cousin of William and Jennie McKillican, but he was likely an inspiration to their faith. The kirkyard in Alness, Ross, where John's church… Continue reading Meet John
