Author Archives: Vanessa in France

A Poignant Anniversary: the Armistice of World War I

Every village in France has its war memorial, the lists of names a sad litany of those “morts pour la France”. The longest rollcall by far is that of World War I. Few families were spared the tragedy of deaths, sometimes multiple, injuries and enduring mental scars. More than a century later, the memory stillContinue reading “A Poignant Anniversary: the Armistice of World War I”

History People: The Muses’ Darling – Christopher Marlowe

I’m very pleased to welcome fellow historical fiction author D.K. Marley to the blog today. She explains the genesis of her first novel, Blood and Ink, about that enigmatic contemporary of Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe. On a dark night in Deptford in 1593, the astounding and controversial playwright, Christopher Marlowe, is said to have died asContinue reading “History People: The Muses’ Darling – Christopher Marlowe”

Ocelot authors write about their favourite historical figures

Originally posted on Ocelot Press:
Who’s your favourite historical figure? There are plenty to choose from! Some are eternally famous, while others might have been prominent in their own time but have slid from recognition today. Starting today, the Historical Writers Forum is organising a blog hop over a fortnight, in which seven historical fiction…

History People: Nancy Jardine and the Celtic Fervour series

I’m delighted to welcome fellow Ocelot Press author, Nancy Jardine, to the blog today. She published a new book this week in her gripping and thoroughly researched Celtic Fervour series, set in Roman Britain. I’ll let Nancy tell you about it. Thank you for inviting me today, Vanessa, to share a little about Beathan TheContinue reading “History People: Nancy Jardine and the Celtic Fervour series”

A Novel Approach

I’m delighted to welcome my friend and fellow Ocelot Press author, Jennifer C. Wilson, to the blog today. Her latest book, aimed at writers, A Novel Approach, was published yesterday by Ocelot Press. She tells us how the book came about and what it aims to do. I’ve had a sneak peek, and I knowContinue reading “A Novel Approach”

Five on Friday with Vanessa Couchman @Vanessainfrance

Originally posted on Jill's Book Cafe:
Today I’m delighted to feature author Vanessa Couchman. Vanessa has lived in Southwest France since 1997. Being a self-confessed history nut, this is absolutely the right place for her since its perched villages and medieval towns are steeped in history. If like me, love France, Vanessa has a…

Doorways to the Past

I’m delighted to be involved in Ocelot Press‘s latest venture: Doorways to the Past, a collection of historical short stories and character interviews from five Ocelot Press authors, will be released on 30th July 2020. There’s something for all historical tastes in here. Sue Barnard, myself, Cathie Dunn, Nancy Jardine and Jennifer C. Wilson haveContinue reading “Doorways to the Past”

The Treaty of Versailles, 28th June 1919

On 11th November 1918, the armistice that ended the fighting on the Western Front came into force, although the conflict continued elsewhere. The human and economic costs of the Great War were colossal. An estimated 9.5 million soldiers and 12 million civilians died, while a further 21 million military were wounded. The total financial costContinue reading “The Treaty of Versailles, 28th June 1919”

The Story Behind the Story: the Corsican Widow

Originally posted on Ocelot Press:
This week, Vanessa Couchman takes over the blog to tell us about the story behind her second Corsica novel, The Corsican Widow. I am a self-confessed history nut. I’m lucky, then, to live in Southwest France, which is absolutely steeped in history. Some of my novels and short stories are…