So much history, so little time.
Sometimes, I take this to be my mantra. At age 63, it's easy to ponder how many more novels I'm able to crank out--especially when so many periods of history fascinate me. When I published my Antonius Trilogy, I thought I'd probably be writing ancient Rome for a good long while. Then COVID-19 descended upon us and I had to choose a new project that I could research from my armchair. That's how WEST OF SANTILLANE came to be. And now? I am captivated by the American West and my next project will take place in 1864 along the Oregon Trail.
Will I write ancient Rome again? A lot of people have been asking me that question, for my Antonius books are quite popular in both the UK and in Australia. Well, the good news is YES. I already have an idea in mind for another novel--a stand-alone--book that will take place pretty much where the Antonius Trilogy left off.
But in the meantime, the West beckons. And honestly, I can't wait to share more about my current project, which is full of challenges and will hopefully stretch me as a writer the same way my other projects have. I only wish I had as many years of writing ahead of me as E.J. McKenna, a gifted young author from the UK. And here's something intriguing--she is into American history! We've all heard of "Spaghetti Westerns", but perhaps McKenna will invent the "Beef-Pie Western", written by an English woman with a passion for the Victorian Age.
Welcome to American History, E.J. I can't wait to see where you go with your Western novels.
Read ON, everybody!
ALL ABOUT THE BOOK
Annie Schaeffer is no stranger to violence. Born of an outlaw father, she was sold to a traveling show at the age of six, now finally escaping as an adult.
On the run and wounded, she finds an unlikely ally in Nathan Healey - a member of the Needham Boys gang.
As she earns her place among the outlaws, Annie’s survival hinges on her lethal skills and growing bond with Nathan.
Nate's moral compass shifts with his circumstances, especially when those he loves are involved. Upon meeting Annie, he finds himself drawn to a woman determined to live differently to the expectations others place upon her; to live freely and fairly. The way he has always wanted.
Annie's quest for independence takes a dark turn as the gang begins to collapse. Betrayal runs deep, and the cost of trust is high.
No Good Deeds is a gripping tale of resilience and retribution in the untamed West, where loyalty is fleeting and justice is won at the barrel of a gun. Annie Schaeffer's story is one of fierce determination, as she battles her past and the outlaws who seek to control her fate.
SPOTLIGHT EXCERPT
By: E.J. McKenna
Annie turned quietly. “You know,” she whispered, shifting onto her haunches; rifle butted to her shoulder, “I don’t believe it when folk say, “it’s better to have loved and lost”. I ain’t ever loved and I really don’t think I’m missin’ out.”
With a CRACK of her rifle, and the distant thud of her target, she pulled herself on to her feet. “I mean, there’s enough pain in this world through other means, I don’t need more.”
ALL ABOUT E.J.
E.J. McKenna is a freelance writer in the UK with a great interest in American History, and a degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing from the University of Kent.
At the end of 2023, she co-created a creative writing app for people of all ages to improve their writing skills in a fun, relaxed environment.
Born and raised in the UK, but a lover of traveling, she has a fascination with all social history across different countries and cultures. One of her favourite historical periods is the Victorian era, especially with United States history.
"The juxtaposition between the established countries of Europe, and the new world of America is fascinating to me. So many people trying to survive harsh frontier life, while trying to continue the uptight decorum of Victorian society."
A huge advocate for feminism and human equity, her writing centres around determined female protagonists in traditionally male roles, tackling the perceptions of women in history. Her strong female protagonists go out of their way to change their society's expectations for the fairer.
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Thank you so much for hosting E.J. McKenna, with a snippet from her riveting novel, No Good Deeds.
Take care,
Cathie xo
The Coffee Pot Book Club