Clare Flynn’s Blog
My writing retreat – complete with a ghost!
Reflections on my writing retreat at the wonderful Goddards in Surrey, where I enjoyed time with good friends in a wonderful location…complete with an unexpected guest!
Artworks featured in Jasmine in Paris
My latest book, Jasmine in Paris: Far From Penang, will be released on 30th November. The story follows Jasmine to the Beaux Arts school, and in this blog I explore some of the artworks featured in the novel.
War, Cornwall and Artists: Charlotte Betts discusses her latest novel
My guest today is Charlotte Betts, author of nine romantic historical novels who draws inspiration from the stories of strong women at turning points in history. She's here to discuss her latest novel, The Fading of the Light.Tell us something about you and your...
Everyday Kindness – a new anthology of short stories
Clare introduces Everyday Kindness, a new anthology of uplifting short stories compiled and published by Dark Skies Publishing and raising money for charity Shelter.
The Setting for Sisters at War – and my Childhood Memories
The setting for Sisters at War draws on my childhood memories. My latest novel takes place in 1940-41 in the city of Liverpool, on the high seas of the Atlantic and eventually in Australia. Today, I thought I’d tell you about the area of Liverpool where Hannah and her sister Judith live in a large house, The Laurels, on Moss Lane.
Memories of Living in Paris
Clare Flynn shares memories of living in Paris in the late 80s/90s and how she is drawing on these to inform her work in progress.
Western Approaches Command
When I was a child I grew up on a diet of old black and white movies – standard fodder for rainy Sunday afternoons. I loved the World War 2 ones – and my favourite scenes were those that took place in secret command centres where Wrens and WAAFs pushed model planes...
Changing genre from historical fiction to crime
Changing genre from historical fiction to crime. Clare Flynn finds out why novelists Helen Hollick and Alison Morton each decided to write in a new genre.
Finding Inspiration from Location – in Kenya
Nine times out of ten when it comes to writing a new book my start point is geographic location. It might be a particular country, or geographic area – or it might be a building or a landscape where a story comes to me. This time with my current work-in-progress I am...
How a photograph in a book inspired a character in my first novel
My first novel, A Greater World, begins in a place I have never actually visited. At least not the exact location, although I do know the surrounding area from my time living in the North East of England. The book originally opened with Elizabeth Morton, the main...
Voyage Round the World 6 – Bay of Islands
Yesterday was Valentine's Day and the ship pulled out all the stops to make it a festive occasion – decorating the restaurant in spectacular style. A very good evening. Earlier in the day I was interviewed by a delightful German lady, Irene, who is doing a blog – in...
Liza Perrat’s new novel
I'm delighted to welcome Liza Perrat back to the blog to mark the publication of her new Australian novel The Lost Blackbird. I was fortunate to be asked by Liza to read the book in advance and contribute a quote to go on the cover. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and...