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?
Irish family saga
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 Review: P. Laughlin
for WHISPERS IN THE CANYON, by author P. Laughlin I really enjoyed this book! Have you ever been to a new friend's house and fell in love with their family and wished they were yours (sorry Mom and Dad!)? That's what this book did for me. This large, close-knit family overflowed with love, humor, … Continue reading Whispers In The Canyon Review: P. Laughlin
Whispers in the Canyon: A 5-Star Review
A lovely review of WHISPERS IN THE CANYON. By: Martin Lyons I enjoyed getting to know the Donovan clan, a family of upstanding Irish immigrants that fled their homeland to flourish in America and to share their good fortune with those around them. Much has been written about the Irish that populated the cities of … Continue reading Whispers in the Canyon: A 5-Star Review
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON Now Available!
I am thrilled to share the news that WHISPERS IN THE CANYON, the first book of the Donovan Family Saga, has been released by Soul Mate Publishing and is now available on Amazon! In the 1880s Arizona Territory, Jesse Travers' father dies and leaves her with a bankrupt ranch and a deep well of distrust. … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON Now Available!
My Debut Novel To Take Flight!
1880s Arizona. Damaged almost beyond hope, Jesse inherits a bankrupt ranch. Survival comes at an inconceivable price: she must learn to trust the man who killed her brother. That's the logline from my debut historical novel, WHISPERS IN THE CANYON*. I am absolutely delighted to report that it will be released in late August by … Continue reading My Debut Novel To Take Flight!
Muirsheen Durkin (aka Molly Durkin)
This song about the Irish emigration was made popular in the late 19th century; it is hopeful and upbeat as many of the emigrant songs of the times were, as stories of gold to be found in the streets of America were common. The reference to “many a house besides” is probably a reference to … Continue reading Muirsheen Durkin (aka Molly Durkin)
The Valley of Knockanure
#irishmusic #irishhistory #amwriting Stemming from an incident in Gortagleanna during the War of Indepence (1921), there are several versions of this song extant. These lyrics are based on a poem by Bryan MacMahon, which in turn is based on oral histories and older poems, some of which are lost today. A haunting version of this … Continue reading The Valley of Knockanure
Oft In The Stilly Night
This poem, written in the early 19th century by Irishman Thomas Moore, was set to music by Scottish composer Sir John Stevenson. It was perhaps most famously played at the Queen Mother's funeral in 2002. I also feature it in my manuscript WHISPERS IN THE CANYON, as the favorite song of Katie Donovan, the clan … Continue reading Oft In The Stilly Night
What If You Get a Call to Revise & Resubmit?
If you've noticed that the blog has been quiet for the past few weeks, it's because I got a request from a publisher to “revise and resubmit”. You might think publishing houses accept a manuscript “as is”, but reality teaches us differently. Almost everyone is asked for some revisions to their manuscripts, whether it's to fall in with a … Continue reading What If You Get a Call to Revise & Resubmit?
