Hello and welcome to my latest newsletter! It’s been a busy few months for me with the promotion of The Spyglass File and the research and writing of the next instalment in the Forensic Genealogist Series, so I’m looking forward to a short break for Christmas. Don’t worry—Morton won’t give me too much time off! The next book! Well, as I’m sure you are all aware, the next book in the series is a novella set in America. I’m really pleased with the progress so far, and hope that you will all enjoy it, too. The current word count is 25,172 words, so just under two-thirds written. I’m hoping it will be available (in Kindle and paperback) early February…fingers crossed! |
|
|
Trip to America In October I took a trip out to the East Coast of America (purely for research purposes, Mr Taxman). Having landed in Boston, my research began on a chilly-but-sunny day in Boston. The library there was just amazing—the biggest I’ve ever encountered. In fact, I needed to ask at three separate help desks for directions to the genealogy section. Once I’d finally found myself in the correct place, I spent a good few hours there looking through old newspapers for Cape Cod and surrounding areas. I also paid a visit to the City Hall, where birth, marriage and death certificates can be purchased. The day ended with a lovely meal in Legal Seafood, as recommended by Gail—one of Morton’s biggest fans! |
|
|
Although unrelated to this next book, I spent a couple of days exploring the old battlefields around Lexington and Concord, where the first battles of the American Revolutionary War took place in 1775. Who knows, perhaps this might be the backdrop for a future book… Next stop on the tour was Hyannis Port on Cape Cod—probably my favourite place in America (still only for research purposes, Mr Taxman). I visited Jack’s house in Iyanough Avenue then had a great afternoon in Sturgis Library, Barnstable. The library is the oldest in America. I can’t tell you the types of Archives that I looked at, as it would spoil the plot! Suffice it to say, it was a very successful expedition! |
|
|
Sturgis Library, Barnstable |
|
|
Whilst in the area I had the pleasure of meeting the Cape Cod Genealogical Society Writers Group. A lovely group of people who were keen to discuss my books, writing and Cape Cod genealogy. It was great to be able to pick their brains and get some of my questions answered. |
|
|
The Cape Cod Genealogical Society Writers Group |
|
|
Further research took place in Provincetown and Barnstable Town Hall. I think the clerk there was a little perplexed at my wanting to purchase a death certificate, ‘irrespective of the person named on it!’ Apart from a trip down to New York (look away now, Mr Taxman), it was back to Boston to fly home and get on with the writing! Reviews & Interviews As mentioned in a previous newsletter, back in May I was interviewed for a piece in Kent Life magazine, where I discussed how I got into writing, my routines and all about the books. You can read the full article here. One question that I was asked, but which didn’t get printed, was ‘Under which Kent building would I bury a fictitious body?’ My answer (after considerable deliberation) was Canterbury Cathedral. I figured that another body in the crypt would likely go unnoticed…I then had to message the interviewer when, on 18th July, KentonLine ran a story that a body had been unearthed within the Cathedral grounds! Not guilty, Your Honour… |
|
|
I was also interviewed for the November edition of Your Family History magazine, where I answered questions about where my interest in history began, the transition from factual writing to fiction, research methods, etc. More positive reviews have been coming in for The Spyglass File. One of my favourites was this, written by the Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory (Australia): ‘I always think I will read one of these Morton Farrier stories slowly, taking careful notes as I go, but of course that never happens. It's more like "Stop the world! I have to finish this book" It is another page turner. You know how good a book is if you are annoyed when you have to answer the phone or your little fat dogs start doing tricks to get fed.’ I’ve loved hearing from readers who, having read The Spyglass File, have been inspired to seek out new angles of research into their own family histories. One lady emailed me to say that she had started looking into her father and father-in-law’s wartime records: ‘Until I read your book I wouldn't have thought to take this priceless research further.’ I’m so pleased that my books are enjoyed for both their fictional storylines and for their genealogical hints. Website Update Finally—some news on the website! There are still a few things that need adding and upgrading, but there are now several maps of the locations featured in each of the books. The maps are found under each of the individual book’s pages and are interactive. You can move the maps around, zoom in and view photos of the place in question. Family History I recently took advantage of the special trial that the GRO were running in the UK. It was a three-week pilot, where certain birth and death certificates could be purchased for £6 instead of the usual £9.25. The new indexes at the GRO have also had me revisiting my old research as now all births 1837-1915 feature the mother’s maiden name and full middle names. Deaths 1837-1957 now feature full names and age at death. Now might be a good time to start / revisit your family history! Writer’s Cabin There are still a couple of finishing touches to do, but they can wait now until Spring! Here is a photo of the inside. |
|
|
Last newsletter’s competition The two winners of the last competition to review the Forensic Genealogist Series are: S.Wansbrough and Oz-Bods. Please get in touch to claim your prize! That’s all the news and updates for this newsletter. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. Your support this year has been very much appreciated. I shall be back in the new year with details of the next book! Best wishes, Nathan Links to previous newsletters: - goo.gl/k84tg0
- goo.gl/mCKmaI
- goo.gl/adwv3S
|
|
|
|
|
