Normally, I interview real live people. But today, I thought I’d let one of my characters have her say. So joining me on the chaise longue today for some Corsican vin de myrte (myrtle berry wine) and a bit of bean-spilling is my main character from The House at Zaronza, Maria Orsini.
Category Archives: Novels
Ten Inspiring Things About Corsica: Part 1
Restricting this to just 10 things has been difficult. Below are five of my favourite Corsican things, places or experiences: find the next five here. They are all part of the landscape/history/culture that inspired my novels The House at Zaronza and The Corsican Widow and will continue to inspire my future writing about Corsica, whetherContinue reading “Ten Inspiring Things About Corsica: Part 1”
New Departures
Two bits of news. First, after much dithering, I have finally started the sequel to The House at Zaronza. When I say started, I mean that I have begun to plan it in detail. The actual writing comes a bit later.
Milestones or millstones? Or how to stop beating yourself up when your writing goals elude you
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I invariably break them before January is over. And there’s something about these worthy tablets of stone that kills one’s enthusiasm even before they are fully formulated. For a few years, I faithfully used to set out my writing goals for the year. I even tried to make themContinue reading “Milestones or millstones? Or how to stop beating yourself up when your writing goals elude you”
A Corsican Christmas in Times Past
I live in southwest France but I’m very attached to the island of Corsica and fascinated by its culture and customs. My historical novel The House at Zaronza takes place mostly on Corsica during the early 20th century. The main character, Maria, goes to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve with her parents. How did CorsicansContinue reading “A Corsican Christmas in Times Past”
Corsica, Setting for THE HOUSE AT ZARONZA, a Top Destination
Have you been to Corsica? No? Then get there fast: National Geographic Traveler Magazine recently put Corsica in the no. 1 spot out of its top 20 chosen destinations for 2015. I’m not surprised. The island has everything: a wonderful landscape with azure seas, jagged mountains and perched hilltop villages, a fascinating culture and a turbulentContinue reading “Corsica, Setting for THE HOUSE AT ZARONZA, a Top Destination”
Very Close Runner-Up in Flash 500 Novel Opening Competition
I need to point out that this is an old post, written in December 2013. Anyone wanting the results of the current Flash 500 Novel Opening Competition will have to wait until they are officially released. A couple of months ago, I entered the first 3,000 words and synopsis of my novel, The House atContinue reading “Very Close Runner-Up in Flash 500 Novel Opening Competition”
Vanessa Couchman 