Before WHISPERS IN THE CANYON was published, I received an agent's critique of my query letter and first ten pages that was pretty positive. She said it did a nice job of presenting a complicated plot succinctly. However, she felt the “stakes” weren't quite high enough. If you've read the first article that comes up … Continue reading How Do You Explain a Character’s Moral Code?
Author: Gifford MacShane
Quote of the Week: Aristotle
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Donovan Family Saga Book 1
A valiant young woman haunted by abuse. An empathic Irish immigrant determined to help her. The tragic secret that stands between them. 1880s Arizona Territory Shunned by the village for her outlaw brother's deeds, Jesse Travers is not sorry to hear he's been killed while robbing a bank. Strangely enough it’s Adam Donovan, the man … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Donovan Family Saga Book 1
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Leonard Nimoy
The miracle is this: the more we share, the more we have. Leonard Nimoy (1931–2015)
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA: Cast of Characters (3)
You can read about the main characters in WHISPERS IN THE CANYON here, and about the Donovan elders here. Now let me present: The Siblings John Patrick and Molly Donovan had ten offspring, Adam and Brian being the eldest and twins (see Cast of Characters 1). When her sons were born in Ireland, Molly had … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA: Cast of Characters (3)
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Historical Novel Society Review
I am so proud to announce that the HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY printed a review of my debut novel in their magazine of May 2020. (Note: I removed the spoiler sentence for those who haven’t read it. Otherwise, it’s a word for word transcription.) WHISPERS IN THE CANYON Review by Brodie Curtis The Donovan family, led … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Historical Novel Society Review
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (2)
THE PARENTS & “GRAN” MOLLY DONOVAN: When An Gorta Mor (the Great Famine of Ireland) began in 1845, Molly (nee Mary Agnes O’Brien) lived with her two younger brothers and her parents. Within two years, her parents had starved to death; she and her brothers were close to following them. Excerpt from WHISPERS IN … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (2)
Quote of the Week: Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly. - Langston Hughes (1901-1967)
ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES, American Folk Song
American folk songs often present both positive and negative facets of life. This traditional lullaby is no exception, as it exemplifies the chasm that exists between the “haves” and “have nots”. The baby fortunate to be born to the manor will have cake for breakfast, while the poor child lies crying, and probably dying, in … Continue reading ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES, American Folk Song
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (1)
The cast of characters for these family novels is fairly large, so I'll begin with the main characters in WHISPERS IN THE CANYON. ADAM DONOVAN. This 32-year-old bachelor is considered by his family to be a cowboy with a poet's soul. He's tall, dark and (yes) handsome (what Irishman isn't?), and has a quick hand … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (1)
