As some of you may or may not know, I have recently self-published my second book of a trilogy ‘The Blossom or The Bole’. Book 1 was a huge success in 2017, so with encouragement of the amazing reviews from my readers and my fellow writers I embarked on writing Book 2 in 2018.
I had often heard of writers block but had never experienced it until I quite literally lost the plot halfway through. I was on the brink of giving up altogether.
I was attending an excellent, Women Aloud talk in Enniskillen with like-minded writers and asked if they could recommend anyone who might be interested in helping me out. Jenny Brien approached me after the talk ended. Jenny and I had met before through Fermanagh Writers and Omagh Open Door Poetry, so I was delighted when she offered to work with me. After a further meeting we discussed fees and agreed a working contract.
Jenny was a very patient and exacting editor. She immersed herself in the story and her unswerving help right up until the final draft of the book was excellent. She has agreed to work with me on what will be the last of this trilogy.
I am delighted that we are to have the spring edition of Corncrake Magazine and I wish Jenny every success.
Keep safe and never give up, good friends are priceless.
Pheme Glass
Friendship is very much a theme of The Blossom or the Bole as it traces the story of two neighbouring families in the Glenelly Valley of Tyrone through the period of the First World War. The childhood friendship of William and Paul is tested not only by sectarian prejudice but by their new responsibilities as soldier and father, by secrets told and untold, and by their fathers’ involvement with the UVF and the IRB. Interspersed with comtemporary cuttings form the local papers, the story builds to a climax with clandestine preparations for the Easter Rising. In its aftermath new friendships are formed and old ones come under pressure, until the secret that the two young men share leads to inevitable tragedy.
Pheme has a talent for portraying the humanity of her characters even when they hold conflicting positions. I may be biased, but I think it is a good read and I am looking forward to working on the final book of the trilogy.
Jenny Brien
Editor
Books 1 and 2 are now for sale direct from the author .
If you have a story you need help with, you may email me at editor@corncrakemagazine.com.
