Puddles of Love by Netty Morgan

Q: Welcome to the Fossend Publishing blog Netty.  Can you give the readers a brief overview of your book, Puddles of Love.

A: Madeline Kalvos was much loved, respected and admired on the island of Zakynthos. When she died and left her estate to a long lost niece, everyone was aghast. Helen Hardy, recently widowed, is shocked to discover the truth about her long, forgotten Aunt Maddie. A bizarre and watertight clause in the will instructs Helen to spend thirty days on Zakynthos. Join Helen and her ditzy friend Dotty as they land on the beautiful Ionian island and immerse themselves in the wonderful and often eccentric world of the Zakynthian animal lovers. Helen has just thirty days to make the most important decision of her life, with a few individuals determined to chase her off the island, it certainly won’t be all wine and roses. 

Q: What inspired you to write Puddles of Love?

A: In October last year, I took my granddaughter over to Zakynthos to attend the annual ZAWF dog show. Idly chatting to a friend, I was gazing around at the busy scene, and a minor disturbance caught my eye. A tiny woman was being dragged through the crowds by a large, over-excited St Bernard. It really was a “light bulb” moment. The book that I’d always wanted to write was there in front of me. 

Q: Why was it important for you to write Puddles of Love?  

A: Puddles is real; he lives with my daughter and son-in-law. Sadly he is not as intelligent as Helen’s Puddles, but he is safe, happy and very much loved. The plight of the dogs and cats on the island is also very real, and I wanted to raise awareness of the incredible work the volunteers do throughout the year. I also wanted to let the tourists know how simple the process of adoption is. From a personal point of view, I have wanted to write a book for over thirty years, for no other reason than to prove to myself I could do it and tick off another item on my bucket list.

Q: Did writing Puddles of Love involve any research?

A: Oh gosh, yes. Having adopted two dogs and a cat from the island I knew the process well, and visiting Zakynthos so many times meant I could describe the place well. That’s where my knowledge ended, and every day, as I wrote, I would be checking things. From the correct spelling of towns to the medical details of animal illnesses, and everything in between, involved a lot of research. I have so much respect for authors of bygone years. I was able to send an email, message a friend or trawl through the internet to gather my research very quickly. Past authors must have spent months, even years visiting people, places, and libraries to enable them to write.

Q: Why did you choose to write a book set on Zakynthos?

A: I love reading books set in places I know. It was, therefore, an obvious choice for me to write about a place I know and love so well. Zakynthos has an aura that draws visitors back again and again. Often when I first meet other tourists, the first thing asked is “Have you been here before?” and always the answer is “Yes, many times.” I find it quite difficult to put into words that feeling of “coming home” when you first step off the plane. It’s a feeling that so many others understand, though, they feel it too!

Q: What’s the best memory you have from your time on Zakynthos? 

A: Oh, there are so many special memories. Two of my children have chosen to get married in Zakynthos. Both weddings were vastly different but both so very special. There was a moment on the day of my son's wedding in 2009 that sticks in my mind. We chose to spend the day by the pool as a family and as I watched my four children, granddaughter, and husband having so much fun I realised how very blessed I was to be surrounded by so much love and laughter.

An overwhelming memory, which will never leave me is the day we drove away from the hotel towards the airport. That was the holiday that Puddles found us. He had followed us for a week, sleeping every night on our balcony. As we drove away, I glanced behind, and he was chasing the car up the road, barking furiously. I can’t recall ever being so heartbroken as I was at that moment. Luckily that story had a great happy ending!

Q: The book shows how much you know and love Zakynthos, what makes the island so special? 

A: That is such a difficult question and one that I guess many would answer in different ways. For me, it's not about the green mountains or golden beaches or even the glorious Ionian sea. It’s also not about the friendliness of the locals or the mouth-watering food. For me, it's all about that perfect moment when I step off the plane and Zakynthos wraps it’s arms around me in a warm embrace and whispers “Welcome home.”

Q: Do you read?  If so what type of books do you read? 

A: Yes. I am a prolific reader and cannot fall asleep unless I am reading. Apparently, I learnt to read aged 4, and I will be forever grateful to my mum for showering me with books and encouraging me to read. I don’t have a favourite genre when it comes to reading. I love romance, mystery, intrigue, historical, detective and autobiographies, in fact, as long as a book grips me in the first chapter, I will read it to the end. I do enjoy books that are part of a series. When a book ends, I want to know what happened next? What became of a particular character?  

Q: Do you have a favourite author?  If so, who and why?

A: I have a few favourite authors. Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Nicci French to name a few. Since the onset of the self-publishing world, I have discovered many less well-known authors. Jana Deleon’s books have me in stitches, well worth a read. My guilty pleasure though is Dick Francis novels. My mum used to get the Readers Digest Condensed books, and that’s where I discovered the famous ex-jockey. I was deeply saddened when he died but his son Felix is continuing to write in the same style as his famous father. I have the whole collection of his books and especially love delving into a Dick Francis when I’m travelling. 

Q: What’s next for Netty Morgan?  Will you be writing more books and if so, can you give us an idea of what they will be about?

A: I am currently working on the sequel to Puddles of Love, “One Step Forward.” The book will continue Helen’s story but also introduce a couple of new characters including her twins James and Annabelle. The opening prologue describes the moment a body is found! As to who’s body? and how they died? Well, I’m afraid, that’s all your getting; my lips are sealed.

It took me four months to write Puddles; the process took over my whole life and every waking moment was focused on telling Helen’s story. I learnt a valuable lesson from this, and I am taking my time writing the sequel. Life is very busy at the moment. My eldest daughter gets married in three weeks time, and I have been working hard on my allotment all summer. I have also recently taken on my perfect part time job managing our local community centre. All these things though are fueling my imagination for future novels. 

Quick fire round

Sweet or savory - Sweet

Beach or countryside – Beach but I do love the countryside

EBook or paperback – Both but always a paperback on the beach.

Cream tea or Fish and Chips – Cream tea

Classic or modern - Modern

Sun or Snow - Sun

About the Author

Netty Morgan is a happily married Mum to four wonderful grown-up children and “Nanny” to three gorgeous Grandchildren. Netty lives in Berkshire with her husband, cats, and dogs. Taking early retirement from a career in teaching Netty finally had the time to fulfill her lifelong wish to write a novel.

Two of Netty’s biggest passions are the beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos and the stray dogs and cats that relentlessly roam the streets. Going through the process of adopting two dogs and a kitten Netty has made many special friends who live on Zakynthos and devote themselves to rescuing, fostering and rehoming the strays.

To learn more about Netty, friend her on Facebook. 

You an also learn more about the book on facebook or on Netty's website.

Magical Cornwall

Rolling waves at Fistral Beach

Cornwall is a place unlike any other. At the farthest south western tip of the UK Cornwall is mix of amazing beaches, ancient history and enticing myth's.

When writing my book Among the Olive Groves I wanted Kate's home town to be based in Cornwall, somewhere that complimented the Greek island of Zakynthos, and Newquay was the perfect choice. It suited her character and the lifestyle she lead growing up. 

Tintagel

I really enjoyed writing about Cornwall, it is such an inspirational place, as well as being a great holiday destination. There is so much to see and do. 

It is full of history, with amazing places such as Pendennis and Restormel Castles, Stone Henges and Megaliths dated to around 10,000 to 2,500 BC, and Mines from Cornwall's past Industrial history.  

One of my favourite historical places to visit is Tintagel. This fantastic castle is the fabled 'home' to the legend that is King Arthur, but it also has an interesting history stretching back to the Dark Ages. Perched on the edge of the cliffs, you climb up and down jagged rocks that lead to an isolated clifftop defensive settlement. Walls, ground works and even the ruins of an old church remain, and it is incredible to think that people lived on the top of this cliff. 

The Lower Courtyard

A view of The Upper and Lower Courtyard, from the island

The Great Hall, Tintagel

The Upper and Lower Courtyard

Cornwall also has an interesting literary link, many books have been set in the county, the most notable are Poldark by Winston Graham and the varied works of Daphne Du Maurier. One of those works Jamaica Inn, is one of my favourites.  

Bodmin Moor where the Inn is situated, is a wild but beautiful place. A large unspoilt moor topped with granite Tors that overlook marshy bogs and valleys. Jamaica Inn itself is a step back in time to a bygone era that gives any visitor a brief impression of what Cornwall would have been like in the days of highwaymen and smuggling. 

Hawks Tor Pool

Jamaica Inn

Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor

Cornwall has one of the best and varied coastline's in the UK, with numerous beaches and coves. There are great places for surfing, watching the sunset or relaxing on the sand with friends and family. 

For surfing the north west coast is one of the best areas, and Fistral beach is one of Europe's top surfing destinations. There are also plenty of family beaches and many of them now operate seasonal dog bans. 

Marazion Beach and St Michael's Mount 

North Cornwall Coast

St Agnes Beach/Cove

Pretty harbours are also dotted around the Cornish coast, many of which are still filled with fishing boats; signs of a continuing fishing industry that is vital to the county. Fishing has been the main economical source of income for Cornwall for many decades, something that remains important to Cornish residents. Some must-see harbours are St Ives, Padstow and Charlestown, but there are lots more to be explored.

Cornish Harbour 

Newquay

Fishing boat, harbour

Finally there is the industrial side of Cornwall. A history of the county that lies abandoned, yet visible, throughout the county. These buildings are so iconic and I love seeing them pop up on the horizon. The minute I see them, I know I have  finally arrived in Cornwall. Tin was the mining industry of choice in Cornwall and reminders of its history still remain. The Poldark Mine is a great place to visit. An underground tin mine that is open for visitors and it's a fascinating look into the past of an industry that was once so important to the county.

Blue Hills Tin Mine, Trevellas Porth

Old Tin mine, St Agnes

Blue Hills Tin Mine Chimney, Trevellas Porth

I absolutely love Cornwall, it's a county like no other. It's beauty, heritage and tourist appeal are second to none. There are parts of Cornwall that are so magical and timeless that you feel like you have stepped back in time. I highly recommend visiting Cornwall, once you visit you will want to return again and again.

The beautiful island of Zakynthos

Zante Town

Sitting in the Ionian sea off the west coast of the Greek mainland is the island of Zakynthos. It is a place that has captured the hearts of thousands of tourists over the years, many of whom return year on year to enjoy a few weeks of good food, beautiful scenery and turquoise, sea-lined beaches.

Porto Zoro Beach

I have visited the island, and it now holds a very special place in my heart, I have some great family and friends who live there, and I love it so much that I chose to set a book there. I wanted to show others what a special place it is and why people should visit, that is a wonderful island filled with great hospitality, history and culture.

Chrissie at Porto Limnioas

So, recent stories that describe Zakynthos as nothing more than a party island, or as a place is that is only geared towards the 18-30 crowd it's upsetting for all those who love the island, whether they be a resident or a tourist. Anyone who really knows Zakynthos, are aware that Laganas in the south is a draw for those who like to party. 

But Laganas is one resort. 

Zakynthos is not a party island. Zakynthos is so much more, it is a family oriented island, it is an island where couples choose to get married, it is an island where people choose to visit so that they can relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the many highlights it has to offer.

View across the island towards Mt. Skopos

History

Zakynthos is renowned for its varied history. As well as having an interesting mythological history it has also been ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, French and Russian-Turkish and British.

There are some interesting historical sites on the island that are definitely worth visiting including A Venetian  Castle at Bochali. The Argassi Bridge that dates to around 1800, and now sits half in the sea, half on the sand. A Venetian Tower at Exo Chora and a Venetian watchtower near Tsilivi. Sarakina House, in Mouzaki which is an old ruinous English residence of neo-classical style. And the Vrysakia Aqueduct near Argassi that is thought to be part of an old water system.

There are also many memorials on the island such at the Cross at Kampi and the Jewish Cemetery, as well as commemorative monuments to famous Zakynthos poets.

Venetian watchtower near Tsilivi

Churches and Monasteries

Zakynthos has around fifteen churches and monasteries scattered throughout the island. At the top of Mount Skopos is the Virgin Skopiotissa Monastery that dates to around the 15th Century. In Zante town is the Venetian church of St. Nicholas of the Mole that was one of only three buildings to survive the 1953 earthquake. At the north of the island is St. George Krimnon monastery that was destroyed ground by pirates in 1553, it also has a tower that was used to defend the monastery from attack. 

Bells in tree, St. George Krimnon monastery 

Museums

There are seven Museums on Zakynthos, ranging from Natural History, Byzantine History and Naval history. The museums cover many aspects of the long and chequered history of the island and each one gives a unique insight into a certain period of time on the island. There is also an Exhibition Centre that highlights the excellent work undertaken on the island that helps protect and preserve the endangered loggerhead turtles.

Zakynthian house and cart

Beaches and inlets

Beaches are plentiful in Zakynthos, in fact there are so many that I don't have room to name them all! 

In the south there are fine sandy beaches and warm, clear sea. This area is also home to the endangered loggerhead turtles, so there are some restrictions at certain times. 

In the west/north there are many inlets with crystal blue waters just perfect for swimming in, and Navagio (shipwreck) beach that is only accessible by boat. The boat trip out there is worth the trip though, and I would also recommend a boat trip to the many caves dotted around the coastline.

The east coast of the island is filled with spacious, picture postcard beaches at some of the most popular resorts including Tsilivi, Alykanas and Alykes, that holidaymakers love, and flock to. 

Navagio (shipwreck) beach

Culture

Zakynthos is full of culture. Whether you are interested in Sculpture, Architecture, or Music, Theatre and Festivals, there is something for everyone. It's a great way to get involved and to immerse yourself into island life. 

View from Keri cliffs

So, contrary to recent reports of Zakynthos being nothing more than a party island, you can see that there is so much more to this jewel of a Greek island. So please, tell everyone, show everyone, what an amazing place it is. Let's keep Zakynthos in the hearts of people everywhere, and continue to encourage people to visit this very special place. 

View across the island

For more information about Zakynthos visit: Go Zakynthos or visit TripAdvisor.

Beautiful ancient Egypt

Pyramids - Giza Plateau, near Cairo

I have always had a passion for ancient history, I love reading about the Greeks, Romans and Nabataeans but my heart lies with Egypt. I love history so much, and it's something this been part of my life for a long time. History is important, it's how our ancestors shaped the world we live in today, and it's fascinating to look back at ancient life to see how people lived, worked and what they invented. We have a lot to thank the ancients for, and our lives would definitely be poorer without them.

Chrissie at Colossi Memnon, Luxor

For me Egypt is a place that not only fascinates me, but it also inspires me. So much so, that I have chosen to set my next book Wind Across the Nile there. I have been lucky to visit the country on a number of occasions, and those trips are in my top five of favourite places to visit. Leaving Egypt has always been hard for me, there is something about the country that gets under my skin, stays with me and makes me leave a small piece of my heart behind.

Karnak Temple, near Luxor

Many people ask me what my favourite thing about Egypt is, and it's a tough choice, there are so many amazing things to see, be it the pyramids, one of the many temples or the fantastic museums. If I had to choose, it would probably be a trip along the Nile on a felucca. It is wonderful being out on the water watching the many sights of Egyptian life pass by, but for me sunset is the most magical time to be out on a felucca, as day turns to night and the colours of the day bleed across the sky giving way to inky skies filled with stars, you feel like you are the only person on earth. 

A felucca on the Nile at sunset in Luxor

Chrissie on a felucca in Luxor 

I would definitely recommend visiting Egypt. Until you have stood on the Giza plateau awestruck at the sight of the pyramids, explored the Egyptian Museum learning more about the countries ancient rulers or walked through a temple complex marvelling at the incredible architecture, you can't even begin to comprehend what Egypt is like. It is without doubt, the most historically amazing place on earth. 

The Ramesseum, Luxor

Wind Across the Nile by Chrissie Parker will be released Autumn 2016. To get further updates on this book release join Chrissie's facebook group.

COVER REVEAL!

The Diary of a Broken Father by Sylvia Stein

A message from author Sylvia Stein

Hello everyone I am so happy to be able to reveal the cover to my upcoming book, “The Diary of a Broken Father.” 

This is a prequel to my novella Closure which was published in July 31, 2014.    This details the story from Garrison James point of view and this story will deal with his struggles through AA and direct the story from his own eyes.  

The main reason I wanted to write his story is because I did have readers ask me about him and felt they wanted me to have expanded on him more.  This is his story and all the laments he has for what he is done.  

For now, I hope you enjoy the amazing cover designed by the awesome Natasha Brown. This novella will be out June of 2016. Be sure to check out my updates on the links below:

Website, Facebook and Twitter.

About Sylvia Stein

Sylvia Stein is a published author with several anthologies with her Writer’s group 750 on linked in. Stein obtained a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New 

Hampshire University this past July 2015. She is a mother of three beautiful children Paul 10, Michael 9 and Consuelo 6. She resides in the city of Fuquay Varina with her amazing husband Jeremy. Stein has also published two solo books one was her first novella Closure which she worked on while attending SNHU and published in July of 2014 and the other her first YA 

Chasing Clarity was published this past October 2015 and it was created during National Novel Month (Nano) in 2013. She is currently working on her prequel to Closure which is due out in April 2016. When she is not writing she enjoys time with her children and husband. Her latest work will be out this summer 2016.   A Prequel to Closure entitled, “ The Diary of a Broken Father.” 

My favourite reads of 2015

Well another year is almost over and I have read many great books this year. I would love to be able to list them all but it's just not possible. So, I would like to share, in no particular order, my favourite reads of 2015.

Nacreous (Harmony Run book 4) by Sara Elle Emm

Nacreous is book four of the Harmony Run Series. It is a series that I have avidly followed and I couldn't wait for the book's release in August. It was the final book in the series and it didn't disappoint. The series is extremely well written and the story very clever. A must for any YA/Fantasy fan.

Book Description

After two members of the Freedom Front are arrested and interrogated by the UZTA's tyrannical President Nicks, Rain Hawkins and her friends face the alarming reality that their plans to liberate the mixed zones across the United Zones of The Authority might not come to fruition. While the resistance movement is growing outside the walls of the zones, the president's forces are strengthening and putting citizens everywhere in more peril than ever. When Rain receives warnings that her cousin, Calista, has agreed to support plans to kill the mixed zones, and that her life could be in the line at the upcoming pure zone initiation ceremony, she must decide where her loyalties lie and if all of her allies can be trusted. As The Freedom Front use their abilities to unravel the mystery of the ceremony, The Authority captures some of their friends, forcing TFF to either go into hiding, or plan a rescue mission that could jeopardize everything they've been fighting for.

Girl Gone Greek by Rebecca A Hall

A completely unexpected book set in Greece that draws you in and throws you straight into the complexity of Greek life. It is one of those books that you can't put down, it's definitely one for lovers of Greece! This is the first book by Rebecca A Hall and I really liked it. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

Book Description

Rachel is finding it increasingly difficult to ignore her sister's derision, society's silent wagging finger and her father's advancing years. She's traveled the world, but now finds herself at a crossroads at an age where most people would stop globetrotting and settle. She's never been one to conform to the nine-to-five lifestyle, so why should she start now? Was it wrong to love the freedom and independence a single life provided, to put off the search for Mr Right and the children? Perhaps she could find the time for one last adventure...

So with sunshine in mind, Rachel take a TEFL course and heads to Greece after securing a job teaching English in a remote village. She wasn't looking for love, but she found it in the lifestyle and history of the country, its culture and the enduring volatility of its people. Girl Gone Greek is a contemporary women's fiction novel. When Rachel moved to Greece to escape a life of social conformity, she found a country of unconventional characters and economic turmoil. The last thing she expected was to fall in love with the chaos that reigned about her. 

The woman who stole my life by Marian Keyes

I love Marian Keyes books and couldn't wait to read this one. The description intrigued me but didn't disappoint. It had me hooked from the beginning and even though I was desperate to finish it to find out what happened I felt a bit lost once I'd read the final page. A brilliant page turner as always!

Book Description

One day, sitting in traffic, married Dublin mum Stella Sweeney attempts a good deed. The resulting car crash changes her life. For she meets a man who wants her telephone number (for the insurance, it turns out). That's okay. She doesn't really like him much anyway (his Range Rover totally banjaxed her car). But in this meeting is born the seed of something which will take Stella thousands of miles from her old life, turning an ordinary woman into a superstar, and, along the way, wrenching her whole family apart.

Is this all because of one ill-advised act of goodwill? Was meeting Mr Range Rover destiny or karma? Should she be grateful or hopping mad?

For the first time real, honest-to-goodness happiness is just within her reach. But is Stella Sweeney, Dublin housewife, ready to grasp it?

Eve of DeCONstruction by John Manuel

I came across Eve of DeCONstruction on the internet. The story sounded very interesting so I thought I would read it. The story was excellent, with great characters and an even better twist at the end. Definitely an author I'd recommend, and another great book for those who love reading about Greece.

Book Description

Chippenham UK, present day. Eve Watkins is a fairly average modern woman in her early forties with two teenage kids, a loving husband with a steady job and a career of her own. It looks like her average life is fairly uneventful, yet secure. 

Following the death of her mother she discovers things about her own past that come as a complete surprise to Eve, These lead her eventually out to a small village in mainland Greece, where developments soon lead to her life being to deconstruct before her. 

Ought she to have let sleeping dogs lie? Yet she knew she had to find out. She had to know who she really was.

Whatever the cost.

Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery by Joyce Strand

Having read the author's previous series - The Jillian Hillcrest Mysteries, I was looking forward to reading Hilltop Sunset, which features a character from the first series of books. I wasn't disappointed. This author creates excellent mystery books that makes gripping reads. Definitely one for mystery lovers!

Book Description

A mystery set in wine country pitting financial exec Brynn Bancroft against a determined stalker, a troubled love interest, and career clashes.

Brynn Bancroft learns that a former employee who beat her nearly to death has returned to stalk her and her friend, Jillian hillcrest, also a former victim. Recently divorced, Brynn turns to a new love interest only to encounter additional unwelcome issues. Meanwhile, short-timer Brynn, who has resigned from her Silicon Valley company, becomes bored fulfilling her remaining responsibilities there. She begins to prefer supporting the launch of her ex-husband's new hilltop winery while waiting to move to her next position. Between her stalker and her new love interest, Brynn faces a series of life-threatening events. 

I have read so many great books in 2015, I wish I could list them all here but I just wouldn't have enough space or time. I do however recommend flicking back though my archive to see some reviews of books released over the last year. 
I'm looking forward to reading lots more new books in 2016, but before then I would like to wish you a very happy new year and thank you for checking in and supporting me! 

Thank you!

The Homecoming by Dougie McHale

Q: Welcome to my blog Dougie.  Can you give the readers a brief overview of your book, The Homecoming.

Thank you for inviting me Chrissie.

The Homecoming is about Louis Satriani’s discovery that the life he thought he lived and shared turned out to be a lie. He is forced into a journey of self-discovery. It also explores the theme that events and choices people make in the past can often resonate in the present and influence the future. At its essence The Homecoming is a love story where the two main characters try to overcome their conflicts in the face of adversity.    

In an attempt to escape his past Louis travels through Greece, an experience he hopes will help him reconstruct his life and rediscover a sense of normality. Gradually he feels himself connecting to the landscape, sea, culture and people of Greece which begin to shape and influence his life.   When visiting Olympia, Louis meets Maria, a tour guide and she invites him to the island of Zakynthos where he hopes to erase the loss of the hopes and dreams that once galvanized his life?  

The circumstances that have brought Louis and Maria together embroil them in conflicting emotions forcing them to face and confront their feelings for each other, opening old wounds that resonate in the present. The ghosts of Louis’ past are never far and a friend’s revelation leads to the discovery of an event that has powerful ramifications for both Louis and Maria forcing Louis to choose between his heart and head. 

To sum it up, The homecoming encapsulates love, loss, identity, reconciliation and a quest to solve a secret, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh, the Greek mainland and the Ionian island of Zakynthos.

Q: What inspired you to write The Homecoming?

I wrote a travel journal/book of my visit to the island of Zakynthos many years ago. It was my first serious attempt at writing a book but it was never published.  I didn’t know it at the time but it was to influence the writing of The Homecoming which has Zakynthos as its main backdrop. I used that piece of writing as my research when the story line of the novel moves to Zakynthos. The main backdrop in the novel was always going to be Greece that was never in doubt. I’m also inspired by what it means to be human, our thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs and how such things influence our relationships with others and our personal stories.  

Q: Why was it important for you to write The Homecoming?  

It was the book I was always going to write and it grew with me. I wrote it over a period of a few years and during that time my writing developed and improved. Many years ago when I wrote my first ever song I thought it was good at the time, however, as I learned the art of song writing I realized that as a process it takes time and a lot of practice before you finally get it right. Learning to write a novel was the same. I revisited the plot and prose which involved lots of drafts and with each visit it was like getting acquainted with an old friend again. Initially its flaws and weakness were all to evident but with time its strengths and potential matured into a story that I really cared about as eventually my writing improved and I felt competent with my style. It became a potent part of my life.   As my writing progressed, the characters developed into intricate individuals with private and personal sides, their hopes, motivation, dreams and conflicts drove the plot forward. They became like real people to me who I empathized with and who I had watched grow and develop.

Q: The Homecoming is set in a few locations, including Edinburgh, the Greek mainland and the Greek island of Zakynthos. What made you choose those locations?

I’m interested in identifying with a physical place and the feeling of belonging therefore Edinburgh and especially Greece are prominent in my writing. Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it is rich in history, has amazing classical buildings, (the new town of Edinburgh is a world heritage site) and it also has vibrant restaurants and café bars, and last but not least, Hibernian football Club. 

Greece occupies my heart. Her history, culture, religion, people, landscape, light, colours and sea inspire me every day. There is almost a spiritual quality to it but then maybe that’s just me. Zakynthos is one of the main jewels in Greece’ crown and I’ve always been transfixed by its landscapes, light, sea and ambience. 

In the book Louis finds refuge in the character of the sea, it becomes a comfort to him and he feels connected to its constant presence. He becomes aware of an awakening in himself and this became an important symbol in the novel. 

Q: Did writing The Homecoming involve any research?

Yes it did. I researched Zakynthos’ history of occupation, the earthquake of 1953 and modern day Zakynthos. My time on the island, the places I visited and the people I met helped to inform my writing and hopefully make the parts of the novel set in Zakynthos feel authentic and real. I did some reading on classical Greece, as part of the novel is set in the village and ancient site of Olympia, the home of the original Olympics.  

I also had to make sure that the locations Louis visited in Greece were accessible and geographically correct. I also did a bit of research on the town of Nafplion and relied on my memory for Athens and Kyllini.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about writing?

I love the creative process. I get a lot of satisfaction from writing words that become sentences, paragraphs and finally chapters that have the potential to connect with the reader by conjuring images within their minds eye with the possibility to evoke potent emotions, laughter, sadness, empathy etc.  I like to observe human behavior and mannerisms. I often listen to how people speak and watch the gestures they use to communicate with one another. It informs my writing and characterization. I love the feeling I get when I’m satisfied with a piece I’ve just written.

To know that people are actually reading my book, meeting the characters and hopefully emotionally responding to them and their story is quite humbling actually.

Q: What do you dislike the most about writing?

I’m not one of those authors who can write a book in a few months. I can’t write every day, it doesn’t work like that for me. I often jot down bits and pieces but I need to be inspired to write, I can’t force it. I have lots of paper with ideas, dialogue and scenes prepared before I write on the lap top.  I’d love to be able to write 1000 words a day or even 2000 a week but to do that I’d need to be a full time author; life has the habit of getting in the way. I don’t dislike anything about writing, how can I dislike something I love.  

Q: Do you read?  If so what type of books do you read? 

I love books that have a sense of place and time, which draw you into the social and cultural complexities with ease. I like the characters to speak to me from the page, where I can identify with them, their hopes, fears, conflicts, loves and emotion, for me that is when a character becomes real and it’s at that point that I want to know what is going to happen to them, where is their life taking them in the story.

Q: Do you have a favorite author?  If so, who and why?

I often read Sebastian Faulks, William Boyd, Anita Shreive and Carlos Ruiz Zafon. At the moment I’ve just finished Midnight in St Petersburg by Vanora Bennett. The common denominator is that they all write about what it really means to be human through our relationships with the world and each other. Most importantly they write good stories with beautiful prose. 

Q: You used to be a musician, does music influence your writing at all, and do you listen to music when you write?

Actually I do. I normally put music on while I write it has become an integral part of my writing routine, I have it on in the background. For me, it sets the right mood. I enjoy a wide and diverse range in musical taste but throughout the writing process of The Homecoming I listened to classical music from the Baroque period, especially composers like Corelli and Boccherini. 

Q: What’s next for Dougie McHale?  Will you be writing more books and if so can you give us an idea of what they will be about?

I‘m writing my second book now but at the rate I write it won’t be finished anytime soon. I’m about a third of the way through. I originally had the idea of placing it in Edinburgh and Mallorca but now that I’ve published my first book I’m beginning to think that I should stick with Greece. It would mean some minor changes to the plot and location but it could still work. I’m open to suggestions. 

Quick fire round:

Sweet or savoury – Savoury and spicy.

Beach or countryside – countryside and city.

EBook or paperback – paperback.

Cream tea or Fish and Chips –  strong coffee and wine

Classic or modern – depends on my mood.

Sun or Snow – Mediterranean Sun.

About the author:

In a past life Dougie has been a musician and song writer, playing in several bands, performing live and recording music. He has a degree in Learning Disability nursing and a post graduate diploma in autism. He is a children and young person’s learning disability nurse with a specialist interest in autism. Dougie lives in Dunfermline, Fife, with his wife, teenage daughter, older son and golden retriever. The Homecoming is his first novel, inspired by a love of all things Greek, her islands, people, landscapes, sea, light and ambience all of which are important themes and symbols in his writing.

To learn more about Dougie you can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.