Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, is an American icon. But in his time, he wasn't the only one in his family with name recognition. Twain's older brother, Orion Clemens, was a newspaper publisher and had studied law under Edward Bates, who later became President Abraham Lincoln's Attorney General. Orion was appointed … Continue reading Western Trivia: Mark Twain
Author: Gifford MacShane
MOLLIE DARLIN’, Traditional American Folksong
The first time I heard this song, I thought it was Irish in origin, as it has the same appeal. But it was written by William Shakespeare Hayes (1837-1907), a prolific American lyricist who is often compared to Stephen Foster. The more I hear it, the more I love it. You can sing along with … Continue reading MOLLIE DARLIN’, Traditional American Folksong
THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE Character Sketch: Annie Griffiths
Annie is the fiancee of Daniel Donovan, a delicate girl who suffers from debilitating headaches. But Annie is also know as the best baker in their community, and she's volunteered to make a wedding cake for Daniel's brother Frank's wedding to Patricia Flaherty. This excerpt from THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE is inspired by her talents. Daniel … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE Character Sketch: Annie Griffiths
An Answer to That Age-Old Question: What to do with the kitty’s Santa hat when the kitty won’t wear it?
Find a fake kitty who doesn't mind wearing it: OR: or, better yet... HOPE YOUR HOLIDAYS ARE MERRY & BRIGHT!
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Another 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite
This lovely review was written by K. C. Finn. (No spoilers!) "WHISPERS IN THE CANYON is a work of fiction in the historical, romance, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Gifford MacShane. Written as the opening novel to the Donovan Family Saga of books, this work is largely suitable for all readerships, … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Another 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite
THE WINDS OF MORNING, Donovan Family Saga Prequel
Can a young woman save her family from starvation? She’s their only hope & desperate enough for anything. 1848: the third year the potato crop failed in Ireland. The Protestant landlords have absconded back to Britain, leaving the Catholic peasants to fend for themselves, while the English feast on the massive amounts of Irish food … Continue reading THE WINDS OF MORNING, Donovan Family Saga Prequel
Coming in January: THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE
Book 2 of the Donovan Family Saga spotlights the romance between Daniel Donovan and Annie Griffiths. But all is not well in their world. Here's a bit of a teaser for you: Daniel Donovan wants nothing more than to get married, unless it's to restore his friendship with his closest friend, Alec Twelve Trees. Alec … Continue reading Coming in January: THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: A Readers’ Favorite Review
A 5-star review by Cheryl E. Rodriguez [with spoilers removed]: Whispers in the Canyon by Gifford MacShane is an emotionally charged love story. Adam Donovan is deeply rooted in his Irish heritage. He and all of the Donovan clan live by a heartfelt code of conduct. “A man without a family has no one, but … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: A Readers’ Favorite Review
The Hedgerow Schools of Ireland
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish Catholic children attended school to learn English and arithmetic. In densely populated areas, school might be held in an abandoned barn or building, but in the country, the children literally sat in front of the hedgerows that separated one small croft from another. There were few, if any, … Continue reading The Hedgerow Schools of Ireland
An Interview with Gifford MacShane
My Book Place was nice enough to publish an interview I did with them a bit ago... Advice, writing habits, influences, and more about my books is covered. If you have questions they didn't ask, don't hesitate to post them below!
Gifford MacShane, Author 