Category Archives: Historical fiction

Writing and reading historical fiction

The Swiftness of the Vikings

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Martin Lake

One of the secrets of the Vikings’ success was the speed at which they moved. Their longships were probably the fastest things on earth over long distances and they could land and witthdraw their raiding bands far more quickly than … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Saxon era, Historical fiction, Uncategorized, Vikings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Four years ago today…..

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Martin Lake

Four years ago today I self-published my novel, A Love Most Dangerous.   It was an unusual venture for me who had, up until then, written books about the Norman Conquest, the Crusades and the adventures of the Artful Dodger. … Continue reading →

Posted in A Love Most Dangerous, Alice Petherton, Amazon, Books, Historical fiction, history, indie author, Lake Union Publishing, publishing contracts, Publishing your ebooks, Tudors, Women in historical fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Helen Hollick Where I Write

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Martin Lake

  Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Silly, of course, but a bit of fun which we all need. So, I’m especially delighted that the author of a number of books about pirates is contributing to my series … Continue reading →

Posted in Author's Writing Places, Historical fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

WHERE I WRITE: ANNIE WHITEHEAD

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Martin Lake

I’m delighted to welcome Annie Whitehead as guest blogger for my series Where I Write. Annie writes novels set in the Anglo-Saxon era, a period where many of my books are set. In fact, we’ve both written books which feature … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Saxon era, Authors writing places, Historical fiction, Uncategorized, Writer | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mandy Hager – Where I Write

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Martin Lake

This week, I’m delighted to feature a guest blog from the award winning novelist Mandy Hager. She has written a number of novels for young adults, and a marvel of a book about a boy, a girl and a whale. … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors writing places, Historical fiction, Uncategorized, Women in historical fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Extract from my new Work in Progress

Posted on April 9, 2017 by Martin Lake

I’m in the last stages of editing my new book which is a sequel to Land of Blood and Water. This is set four years after King Alfred’s victory at Ethandun and follows the adventures of Ulf and Inga who … Continue reading →

Posted in Dark Age England, Historical fiction, Uncategorized, Vikings | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

My Writing Place(s) by Carol McGrath

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Martin Lake

Today, I’m delighted to have a guest post by my friend, Carol McGrath. Carol is a very successful historical novelist and is one of the most supportive writers around. This piece made me more than a little jealous. It gives … Continue reading →

Posted in Author's Writing Places, Historical fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Stephen Carver – Where I Write

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Martin Lake

I’m really pleased to have Stephen Carver as my guest blogger today. I first knew Stephen when I enrolled on an online Creative Writing course at my old university, UEA. It was an excellent course and I was very pleased … Continue reading →

Posted in Author Interviews, Flashman, Historical fiction, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Christmas Short Story

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Martin Lake

Here’s wishing you Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year. I’m posting here a short story which I hope you enjoy. It’s bitter-sweet, and based on fact.   THE STRANGER Margaret, Frank and the two boys moved into their new … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Uncategorized, writing | 9 Comments

GILES KRISTIAN – WHERE I WRITE

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Martin Lake

I’m delighted to have as guest blogger the novelist Giles Kristian. Giles has an interest in the Anglo-Saxon period but has also strayed into the English Civil War period, one which is fairly sparsely written about in comparison to its … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Giles Kristian, Historical fiction, Vikings, War | 1 Comment