You know how it is, any budding or accomplished authors. You are trying to think of the ultimate creation, the ultimate storyline - and one that isn't already taken. You rack your brains so hard, you start to spin a pen between your fingers when you have a keyboard!
Excuse me, then, whilst I rant and rave about my success in finding a decent plotline that's not been done and re-done so many times it's almost as stretchy as rubber. I will need your advice and assistance of course, and will give mine in return, but for now just let me gloat, okay?
© 2009
'In the strongholds and island paradises of the Last Gaelic Empire at the height of its power, the music of the clursach and the sennachies is drowned out by the sub rosa conversations of two of the most powerful men in the British Isles. Their conversation is, in turn, drowned out by the screams and cries of a collapsing kingdom and culture. The Gael is thrown into its darkest days since the ancient legends...'
***********************************************************************************
Consanguine Curse is set in the medieval era, when the socialist melting pot, and Irish Sea superpower, of the Lordship of the Isles wielded might capable of crushing all other states in the British Isles. Its armies of fierce Gaelic-Norse warriors have, in living memory, crushed the Norse and Scots, and their thousands upon thousands of galleys dominate the Atlantic waves.
But the glorious days of great warrior-emperors and merchant-kings are over. The collapse of a great hall brings the collapse of an empire. A chief of a parvenu Clan Campbell approaches the successor of his nemesis with a proposal - the Lordship of the Isles becomes a client kingdom - thinly disguised as a plea for an alliance.
Days and nights of fire and terror follow, as the government brutally suppresses all opposition both in its own ranks and amongst the civilian population. A few escape the carnage, and seek shelter behind the walls of the fortresses of Niall, King of Ulster.
Among them is Seonaidh Mac an Sporrain - the hereditary purse-bearer to the Lords of the Isles. He takes it as his role, both for the sake of clearing his family's name of treachery and reclaiming the Gael's birthright, to raise an army and sweep MacCailean Mhor from his ancestral lands - all the while protecting a disillusioned Irish princess, who is the one thing the Campbell chief needs to make the otherwise illegal treaty official regardless of battle.
The book is written with great attention to historical accuracy, and is a true image of medieval Gaelic life in the Last Gaelic Empire, and I suppose is something of a representation of the current situation of Gaelic today.
I take pride in my characters being human and believable, and not some superheroes with special traits or unique differences. At first they'll seem rather boring, but when you realise that they're as in-depth and unique as you, you'll relate to them and find them intriguing, I guarantee it.
***********************************************************************************
I need the help of you, other budding authors or random net-nerds, to advance my writing skill and assist with my work - I shall assist you in return. I've put links to previews of my work at the side of this page, which you can comment on and evaluate.
Tapadh leibh,
Gallogladh