Author Archives: Vanessa in France

Eleven o’clock on the eleventh day of the eleventh month

  “But now, for the first time, I see you are a man like me. I thought of your hand-grenades, of your bayonet, of your rifle; now I see your wife and your face and our fellowship. Forgive me, comrade. We always see it too late. Why do they never tell us that you areContinue reading “Eleven o’clock on the eleventh day of the eleventh month”

Of Mountains and Men: How Corsica’s Landscape Shaped its History

Corsica’s terrain is a feature that has had a significant influence on its history and culture. The island is one big mountain range that rises 2,706 metres from the sea at its highest point, Monte Cinto. These are comparatively young, jagged mountains, not yet rounded by erosion.

Iconic Corsican Places: the Church of San Michele, Murato

Open any guidebook about Corsica and you’re likely to come across a picture of this exquisite Romanesque church in Murato. Prosper Mérimée, who was Inspector of Public Monuments, said in 1839 that it was “the most elegant and the most attractive church he had come across on Corsica.” We visited the site in 2014 andContinue reading “Iconic Corsican Places: the Church of San Michele, Murato”

Introducing Ocelot Press

Ocelot Press has been going for a couple of months, but now we have a shiny new website, so I can announce it officially and you can find out more about our authors and our books. We already have a number of titles published under the imprint. What is Ocelot Press? It’s a group ofContinue reading “Introducing Ocelot Press”

Alternative Endings & Unanswered Questions: Guest Post by Sue Barnard

A few months ago, Alison Morton was my guest, talking about alternate history. Today I’m very pleased to welcome back my friend, author Sue Barnard, who’s talking today about alternative endings to famous stories. Her latest novel, Heathcliff, was published yesterday and it’s a great read. I know, because I had a sneak peek aContinue reading “Alternative Endings & Unanswered Questions: Guest Post by Sue Barnard”

Iconic #Corsican Places: the Paoline Tower, #Nonza

It’s no secret that I’m a Corsicaphile. I’ve visited six times (not nearly enough!) and never cease to be inspired by its history, culture and landscapes. This is the first in a series of posts about inspiring places on the island. Some of them appear in my books; others don’t yet. I’m starting with aContinue reading “Iconic #Corsican Places: the Paoline Tower, #Nonza”

D-Day: the Beginning of the End

Today marks the anniversary of D-Day, 6th June 1944, the Allied invasion of German-occupied France. Down here in SW France, the weather is equally damp today, but perhaps not quite as cold and windy as it was on that significant day back in 1944. The decision to go or not to go that Eisenhower hadContinue reading “D-Day: the Beginning of the End”

Wartime Secrets in Tuscany: an Interview with Katharine Johnson

I’m delighted to welcome back Katharine Johnson, whose historical mysteries make engrossing reading. She’s already told us a little about her latest novel, The Secret, when it was a work in progress. Now, publication day is approaching on 1st June, and I’m looking forward to The Secret popping onto my Kindle that day. The bookContinue reading “Wartime Secrets in Tuscany: an Interview with Katharine Johnson”