Historical Fiction: how accurate do you need to be?

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At this year's When Words Collide Festival for Writers and Readers, I participated in a panel titled Historical Fact and Fiction: what can and can't be changed. Moderator Lori Hahnel began by asking how and where to find accurate historical facts. My fellow panelists, John Corry and Donna D. Conrad, talked of the challenges of historical research for novels set centuries ago. John's novel about British author Geoffrey Chaucer takes place in the 1300s; Donna's retelling of the story of Mary Magdalene in the first century. 

Donna said she used sources from different countries and religious perspectives to get the most accurate spin on Mary Magdalene. John noted that he had to be careful about dates in his research, since most countries changed from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar after his novel's time period. 

My historical novel, A Killer Whisky, set in 1918 during World War One, felt modern in comparison, and I had more research tools available. While I found that reading historical fiction and non-fiction was useful, I learned the most from material published at the time of my novel. I signed up for a one-week free subscription to Newspapers.com and devoured the headlines of the day as well as ads for groceries, houses, jobs, and more. Online, I combed through the 1,000+ page 1918 Sears catalogue for images and descriptions of fashion and other consumer goods. Novels and memoirs published in the early twentieth century provided details of daily life, attitudes of the times, and words and expressions used. To avoid language anachronism, I suggested that the panel audience check out Google Books Ngram Viewer. You plug in a word or phrase and a graph tracks its usage in books from 1800 to 2022. For instance, the word "groovy" barely registered before 1960, when it peaked. Then it dropped and hit a higher peak this century, perhaps from people writing about the swinging sixties. My WWI characters would never say "groovy." 

Unless I try my hand at writing alternate history. 

Lori asked what we thought of television shows like Bridgerton, a Netflix series based on Julia Quinn's novels set in early 19th century London. Main characters include wealthy and aristocratic people of colour who are totally accepted in high society. 

I said I liked Bridgerton. Everyone watching knows the world wasn't like that then or even now, but Bridgerton makes you think, what if this alternate world were true? Donna said she enjoys these kinds of shows but cringes at the historical inaccuracy. 

Lori brought up her second concern about historical fiction: the abundance of WWII novels. Is the market saturated? Will people ever get tired of reading about that war?

John and Donna thought the trend would continue because writers are constantly finding new angles about the war. I suggested that WWII endures because it is arguably the last heroic war and it is still close to many of us whose parents or grandparents fought in or lived through the war. Perhaps, interest will wane for the next generations, until writers rediscover and reinterpret that momentous time.    

As to the panel topic question: what can and can't be changed? We all agreed you can't change major known facts. I wouldn't change key dates about WWI, even though it would probably work better for my novel-in-progress if the war had started a month earlier. John and Donna said they wouldn't change dates that Chaucer or Mary Magdalene were known to be in particular locations. 

I pointed out that Chaucer and Mary were their novels' main characters, but it might be okay for me to write a novel set in 14th century York and have Chaucer make a cameo appearance despite no evidence that he'd ever gone there. Small changes like that wouldn't significantly impact history or my main characters and themes, although I think it's more interesting to readers if the historical figure really was present. We all like to pick up factual trivia from our reading and history is ripe with interesting tidbits. 

My historical novel-in-progress begins in Karlovy Vary (aka Karlsbad), a spa town in Czechia (aka Czech Republic). Somewhere I read that Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis was in Karlovy Vary at the outbreak of World War One, when my novel takes place. Unfortunately, I've lost the reference. (Advice to historical fiction writers: keep your references). The Psychiatric Times confirms that Freud visited Karlsbad more than once for health reasons and I'll do my best to find my missing reference. But if I can't, would it be wrong to make him a character in my novel? Freud's interactions with my fictional characters would be interesting and relevant to the story.     

WWC 2025 Historical Facts and Fiction panel

        

Fun with Research by Eileen O'Finlan

 

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A lot of research is involved when writing historical fiction. Most writers of this genre will say that the research is nearly as much fun as writing the novel. I am no exception. I love doing historical research. For me this normally includes reading a lot of historical non-fiction both primary and secondary sources, watching videos, visiting pertinent historical sites and museums, and talking with professional historians. All of this is usually very interesting and informative.

Recently, however, I found myself doing research unexpectedly and sort of by accident.

Lately,  I have been reading and taking copious notes on the American Civil War, everyday life during the mid-19th century, and specifically, the history of Worcester, Massachusetts at that time in preparation for writing the third novel in my Children of Ireland series. The first book in the series, Kelegeen, is set in 1740s Ireland during An Gorta Mor (the Great Hunger aka Potato Famine). The second book, Erin's Children, is set in Worcester in the 1850s after some of the characters from Kelegeen emigrated. The third book (no title yet) will also be set in Worcester but in the 1860s. Most recently I have been going through the Worcester City Annual Reports for the 1860s. The names of several of Worcester's prominent citizens appear from time-to-time in these reports.

In something totally unrelated, or so I thought, my neighbor and I recently went on a night time tour of Rural Cemetery, the oldest cemetery still in use in Worcester. Billed as Rural Remains, the tour was given by Preservation Worcester. Never having been on this tour before, we assumed it was Halloween- oriented since it was to take place in an old cemetery at night in late October. I suppose that actually was the intent. However, for me, it quickly turned into a research opportunity.

As the tour guide walked us by lantern light and flashlights through the winding paths of the old graveyard, she called our attention to the grave sites of some of Worcester's early prominent citizens. It wasn't long before two of those citizens stepped out of the shadows to greet us and tell us their stories.

Imagine my surprise upon meeting Doctor John Green, one of Worcester's earliest physicians and the founder of the Worcester Public Library and his brother, pharmacist Meltiah Green. In the annual report for 1865, which I had just been reading, the Mayor of Worcester noted the death that year of Dr. John Green and his generous donation of hundreds of books to the library including nearly all the books that made up the medical library. Now, here was Dr. Green standing before me. History come to life! (Well, sort of)

Dr. John Green (left, played by John Riccio) and Meltiah Green (right, played by Fran DeNicola).

As we moved on, we soon encountered another pair of brothers, James Prescott Hamilton and Edward Bangs Hamilton. James was a successful banker, eventually becoming the President of Worcester County Institute for Savings Bank. His brother, Edward, did not fare so well. After a serious injury he became addicted to opioids and eventually murdered his family then took his own life. This was a sad and sobering tale that is all too human.

James Prescott Hamilton (standing, played by Shane Sampson) and Edward Bangs Hamilton (seated, played by Patrick Crawley)

As the tour continued we visited with George Bancroft, a historian, statesman, and founder of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland along with his sister, Eliza Bancroft Davis, wife of Governor John Davis.

Eliza Bancroft Davis (played by Ana Santos) and her brother George Bancroft (actor's name not given)

Then it was on to two sisters, Anna L Foster and Cora Mercy Foster. Though neither ever married and both were sixth grade teachers, these ladies were as different as they could be. Anna loved to travel and longed for the finer things in life. Cora was more of a homebody. She eventually became a Jehovah's Witness. Due to her religious views she refused to salute the American flag which led to no little controversy in the school where she taught.

Anna L. Foster (left, played by Erica Cawley) and Cora Mercy Foster (right, played by Monika Mangsen)

One of Worcester's mayors graced our tour. The respected and well-liked James Barnard Blake was elected mayor six times. At age 18, he entered his uncle's firm, Blake and Darracott, which had charge of Worcester Gas Works, the first gas works in Worcester. Sadly, one evening just before Christmas in 1870, he went to visit the gas works when a spark jumped from his lantern causing an explosion that took his life.

Mayor James Barnard Blake (actor's name not given)

Our tour ended with a visit from Caleb and Roxana Metcalf. After the devastating loss of their three year old son, they dedicated their lives to the education of children by founding the Highland Academy for Boys in 1856. With the onset of the Civil War, the name was changed to the Highland Military Academy and remained open until 1912.

Roxana and Caleb Metcalf (actors' names not given)

Others on the tour may have found being greeted by ghosts who appeared to have just stepped from their graves a bit spooky, but for me it was a fascinating glimpse into the lives of some of the people who shared the city with my characters and, in some cases, may even have an impact on their lives.

Found: A Book Lover's Paradise by Eileen O'Finlan

 

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A friend recently told me of an incredible place to buy used books. It's called The Book Barn, and it's in Niantic, Connecticut. It has three locations all within minutes of each other. Once I heard about it, I knew I had to go. So, on a recent, gorgeous fall day, my friend, Katie, and I took a ride south to check it out. 

Oh my, what a place! If you are a book lover and you're in the area, you must give the Book Barn a try. It's not just a store. It's an experience. Besides the main buildings of the three locations, there are loads of smaller buildings and stalls filled with books. Because they are all used books, the prices are low.               

The main site has an enclosure with some friendly goats available for visiting. Fortunately, they do not have the pellets available for (over)feeding, but you can purchase a few carrot sticks for 25 cents if you want to give the goats a treat.

Oh, and they also buy books at the Main Barn, so if you go don't forget to bring some books to sell. You can get a check or credit for them.

At Chapter Three, the site just 100 feet from the Main Barn, live several beautiful cats who patrol the store and sometimes even allow petting.

 These two sites are both on West Main Street. Then there's the Downtown Store on Pennsylvannia Avenue just about a mile away set in the heart of this lovely seaside town.

If you don't live are don't plan to be anywhere near Niantic, try to find a unique book shop somewhere. It's a balm to the book lover's soul.

My book haul for the day: 13 books. My joy level: Through the roof!

History in the Footnotes

 

                                                                            

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I love finding history in the footnotes of my research. Did you know that Native Americans have used a now disgraced symbol in their art? For the first peoples of the American southwest, the symbol is the whirlwind or whirling log. But with the rise of the Nazi party in Germany its benevolence turned deadly. 

It is, of course, the swastika.

    Realizing the growing threat to the world, four nations--the Hopi, Navajo, Apache and Papago decided to have a ceremony to renounce its use. In 1940, representatives signed a proclamation which read:

Because the above ornament which has been a symbol of friendship among our forefathers for many centuries has been desecrated recently by another nation of peoples,

Therefore, it is resolved that henceforth from this date and forevermore our tribes renounce the use of the emblem commonly known as the swastika or flyfot on our blankets, baskets, art objects, sandpainting, and clothing.

 Here is a photo of the event:

Did I use this in book 3 of my Navajo Code Talker Chronicles, All of Me? Of course I found a way to work it in!

Since then, some artists and craftspeople have reclaimed their ancient benevolent symbol, which exists in many cultures throughout the world. Others think it should stay buried, because of the trauma it engendered by the Nazis.

What do you think? 

Reading by Season by Eileen O'Finlan

                                                                                                                                                                   

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Over the years, I have noticed an interesting phenomenon. At certain times of the year, usually at the change of seasons, I get the overwhelming urge to read specific types of books. Often, just as we are sliding into summer, I get the hankering for historical fiction set during either the American Revolution or the American Civil War. I've no idea why the warmer weather induces such a fancy. After all, those are hardly what most people would call beach reads, but there we are. 

I've never been into the typical "beach read" anyway. The last time I read a book on the beach (many, many years ago), it was The Shining by Stephen King. I was so into it that I completely lost track of time - a common occurrence when I'm reading a good book - and didn't realize that four hours had gone by. I'd been laying on my stomach, propped up on my elbows. I got a massive sunburn and wore the outline of it on my back from my low, scoop-back, one-piece bathing suit for the next two years! Yes, Stephen King books can be dangerous!

Now that we are heading into fall, the temperatures here in New England are beginning to dip, the days are getting shorter, and autumn is definitely on its way, my book cravings are turning to the supernatural. I'm beginning to amass a "to be read" pile of such books, having just finished two of the genre's classics - Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House and Henry James's The Turn of the Screw.

I'm sure I'm not alone in turning to these types of books at this time of year. It makes sense. (Certainly more than yearning for Revolution and Civil War books just because it's summer.) Come the holidays and the long, cold winter, I'll probably start looking for something more cozy. But from now through Halloween, bring on the vampires, ghosts, and haunted houses. 

While it took a year to write The Folklorist, (after at least six months of research), I really got into it the most during the fall. It was exciting to craft a novel that could have been on my own autumn TBR list at the same time I was craving that type of book. I think it helped me write the kind of book I most wanted to read at that moment.

Included in this fall's reading will be books from BWL's Paranormal Canadiana Collection. If Nancy M. Bell's Night at the Legislature is any indication, they are sure to induce plenty of spine tingles!

Of course, I might throw a book or two by Stephen King into the mix. At least at this time of year, I won't be risking a sunburn.

The beginning of my fall TBR

My Changing Author Photo

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When my first novel, A Deadly Fall, was published in 2011, I decided to get a professional author photograph for book promotion. A friend recommended her friend, Deb Marchand, a local Calgary photographer who specializes in portraits, family pictures, and special events like graduation photos. 

I contacted Deb, found her cost reasonable, and arranged a photo session. Deb likes to shoot outdoors and prefers the evenings for better light. We picked a date, but that summer kept getting hit with evening thunder showers, and we had to cancel our first date. The next time, another storm loomed, but we agreed to chance a downpour. 

Deb chose a location on a park ridge. I had asked her advice on clothing for my portrait. Since it would be a head shot, clothes only mattered from the chest up. Deb said a plain coloured top with a rounded neckline would be best. I had also read that it's best to avoid jewellery in portraits since it detracts from the face, which is what people most want to see about the person. 

I looked through my wardrobe, couldn't find the perfect top, and threw a bunch into a bag with the plan to discretely change on the ridge until we found the top that worked. Fortunately, on that evening of looming clouds few people were out walking in the park. After taking numerous photos of me in several tops, I went to Deb's house, in the rain, to go through the selections on her computer. An agonizing choice when so many photos looked similar and I'm not the biggest fan of pictures of me. 

In the end, I settled on a photo of me wearing a white top with a V-neck. I liked the look so much that I had the photo enlarged for my family room wall. 

Deb and I became Facebook friends. She came to my book launch and read A Deadly Fall and my next two novels. In 2019, I realized my eight-year-old photo was out of date and asked Deb if she'd be interested in another photo shoot. This time, we met on a clear, spring evening in Calgary's St. Patrick's Island Park, and I had the perfect top--red with a rounded neckline.  

 

Six years passed. I published three more novels, let my hair go naturally gray, and. thanks to cataract surgery didn't wear glasses anymore. Every time I sent out my author picture, I felt it didn't look like the current "me." I messaged Deb who was enthused about working with me again. She suggested Prince's Island Park downtown for our third photo shoot.  

Deb asked if I'd prefer a city or nature backdrop. I chose nature because I liked the greenery in my past photos and thought high rise buildings in the background would portray the wrong image for my shift to historical fiction. Deb thought a light-coloured top would be a good contrast to nature colours. I chose a pale pink rounded-neck T-shirt top. 

On a warm, slightly windy and smoky evening in June, we walked around the Prince's Island Park and caught up on each others' news. Deb photographed me on a staircase to the Bow River and in front of trees and flowerbeds. She had me do models' poses--chest out and swish your arms down your hips to your thighs--and fussed with my windblown hair. It reminded me that I wouldn't want to be a model. 

After the session, Deb emailed me a longlist of photos as well as her five personal favourites, from which I chose my two author photos. Here they are:

  

When I want, I can crop the bottoms of these photos for more close-up views, which works especially well when the promotion image will be small.  

Deb also sent black and versions:   

 

Deb and I shared a few laughs during the photo shoot. She said that, as a bonus, she'd add a joyous portrait as her gift to me. "It will be one of those great laughing photographs that makes me smile as big as your smile in the photo." 

I was touched when she gifted me with two joyous pictures. Thanks to Deb Marchand Photography for all these years of great author photos. 

  

  

 

                                 

 

They Don't Make Them Like That Anymore by Eileen O'Finlan

 

                               

Whenever I do research for a new historical novel, I always find things that surprise me. Currently, I'm working on the research for the third book in my Children of Ireland series. Like Erin's Children, this one will also be set in Worcester, Massachusetts but a decade later during the American Civil War.

Naturally, I have to research the politics of the time, life in the military and on the home front, as well as the war itself. Equally important is research on everyday life at that time. That is my favorite type of research. I find it fascinating to learn about how people lived, what they wore, what they ate, what they did for work and leisure, and what things they had in their homes.

Recently, I read about some types of furniture that were common in the mid-19th century. I was amazed to learn that patent - that is, convertible, collapsible, or folding furniture - was all the rage in American middle-class homes. These included such items as sofas and lounges that converted to a bed, a bed or a bath tub that converted to a wardrobe, or a bench that doubled as a table.

Wanting to see for myself what some of these furnishings looked like, I did an online search for images of 19th century American patent furniture. My favorite is the Wooton Patent desk. Closed it looks like a intricately carved work of art. Open its double doors to reveal a multitude of drawers and cubby holes, many of them on the inside of the doors, and a pullout platform for writing. It is a masterpiece of a desk.

Another favorite is the metamorphic desk chair. Closed it's a round table, but pull it open and you have a chair with a rounded back attached by a hinge to a half-moon table with a drawer.

These are just a few of the innovative designs of 19th century furniture. I would welcome either as additions in my own home. I'm sure I will find a place for some of these items in my next novel. Meanwhile, I have more research to do. I wonder what else will surprise me.

There's Always a Silver Lining by Eileen O'Finlan

 

 

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Recently I've been dealing with some very serious health issues. In early April I was hospitalized for almost five days with peritonitis. I was released after the IV antibiotics did their work, but the cause was still unknown. After more tests, I was back in the hospital by mid-May having major surgery. It turned out that I had ovarian cancer. Thankfully, my very skilled surgeon was able to remove it all. So, now I'm off from my day job for six weeks while I recover from a full hysterectomy.

It has been a rough couple of months, but they have not been without several silver linings. First, if I hadn't had the peritonitis, I would not have had the tests that led to the surgery and I would not have known I had cancer. It was caught and removed in the earliest possible stage. Had I not had those tests and that surgery I'd still be walking around with cancer unawares, probably until it was too late. Having a very painful case of peritonitis probably saved my life. That, along with three amazing doctors who would not give up on finding out the cause and then moving on it extremely quickly. Thank you Dr. Kelly O'Callahan, Dr. Leah Rothstein, and Dr. Larissa Mattei. I am forever grateful to you!

The other silver lining is that not being able to go to work or do much of anything for several weeks means that I've been spending a lot of my time camped out on the living room couch with books and notebooks doing research for my next historical novel. I still don't have a working title, but it will follow my Irish characters from Kelegeen and Erin's Children. Like Erin's Children, it will be set in Worcester, Massachusetts but moving forward into the 1860s. This means that it will in large part include the American Civil War. This entails a lot of research for which I had previous been finding little time to accomplish. Suddenly, I have loads of time to devote to what for me is a fascinating subject.

As usual, I have Autumn Amelia, to help. While she plays nurse and hangs out with me 24/7, I am getting a lot done. No doubt she is also multi-tasking as my Cat Tales muse. I'm sure that as I read and take notes on the history of the War and Worcester in the 1860s, my subconscious mind is whirling with ideas for the third book in the Cat Tales series thanks to her constant healing presence.

A Gift From A Book by Eileen O'Finlan

             

 

                                     

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I grew up hearing lots of family stories from my mom about her youth in Bennington, Vermont. She often spoke fondly of a neighbor named Carleton Carpenter. She was very close friends with him when they were kids in the 1930s and '40s. After high school they went their separate ways - she to college, then a teaching career, marriage and family and he to New York and later Hollywood to act on Broadway and in movies. If you don't recognize his name, you will certainly remember his famous co-star Debbie Reynolds with whom he appeared in several movies.

About seven or eight years ago, I found out that Carleton Carpenter had written a memoir called The Absolute Joy of Work: From Vermont to Broadway, Hollywood, and Damn Near 'Round the World so I purchased a copy for my mom knowing that she would be interested in reading about the life and career of her old friend.

I got to thinking how great it would be if I could reconnect these two childhood friends now both in their nineties. It took some doing, but I finally managed to track down an address for Mr. Carpenter and wrote to him explaining who I was and why I was writing. I didn't tell my mom that I was doing this. I didn't want to disappoint her if it didn't work out.

Before long, I got a letter back. Well, two letters actually. He wrote one to me thanking me for contacting him and another letter to my mom. I'll never forget how surprised and delighted she was when I explained what I'd done and gave his letter to her. He also included his phone number. So began the renewal of an old friendship through letters and phone calls in which they caught each other up on all that had happened in each of their lives during the decades since they'd last seen each other.

Carleton Carpenter passed away on January 1, 2022. By then my mom was in a nursing home due to Alzheimer's Disease. I chose not to tell her since she spent most of her time living in her childhood and to her, he was once again her neighbor and playmate. Mom passed away in December of 2023.

Recently, while looking through my book collection, I came across the copy of The Absolute Joy of Work that I'd bought for my mom and decided to read it. The first part of the book is about his childhood in Bennington, Vermont. Mom had underlined the names of people and places that, obviously, she remembered from her own childhood there. 

Reading this part of the book was not only interesting in and of itself, but it also gave me an added connection to my mom. I love the stories she told of growing up in Vermont. I've been trying to keep them alive in my memory. My mom had a fascinating life and I would like to fictionalize her reminiscences for a future novel. She was the last of her siblings to pass so there is no one left to ask about that time and place. I must rely on only what I remember her telling me. 

Seeing the places in the book that my mom had marked have added to my cache of knowledge about the time and place of their childhoods. It was an unexpected gift as I felt as though Mom was speaking to me again, telling me more about her stories, sharing more details of her past, and letting me know that she's never truly gone from my life.

I consider books among the greatest gifts in life. Sometimes, they bestow their treasures in the most unexpected ways.

 

More Book Launch Plans

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My book launch for my new mystery novel A Killer Whisky is less than two weeks away. I've spent the past month on preparation, and there's still plenty to do. 

An easy task was to create a Facebook Event Page and invite about 160 Facebook friends who live in the Calgary area. So far, nine have said they're going. This might not seem like a lot, but some will bring a friend, not all attendees confirm, and part of the purpose is to let people know my new book is available. I drop into the Event Page daily and make occasional comments to generate interest. One friend told me my Event Page shows up regularly on his Facebook feed, possibly because he presses "like" whenever the page appears. From other "likes" to the page, I notice that friends I didn't invite have seen it. Thus, the page becomes continuous promotion for relatively little effort on my part.  

For friends who aren't active on Facebook, I created a poster that I email to them individually. This takes more time than a mass mailout, but I think the personal approach prompts more people come. People usually reply, whether they can go or not, and it's fun to catch up with those I haven't seen in months or longer. I contact everyone who's shown an interest in my writing and especially those who have attended previous launches. It helps to keep an attendance list and look back at previous launch pictures.  

In addition, I've sent notices about the launch to my writing groups for inclusion in their weekly or monthly newsletters to members. Few people will attend as a result of these announcements, but some might buy the book and read it if it strikes them as interesting. 

I've also started work on the launch program, which will centre on my PowerPoint presentation. I enjoying doing PowerPoints and work hard to find the right image or bullet points to compliment what I want to say. My talk will focus on my inspirations for writing A Killer Whisky, setting locations in Calgary, and the novel's historical background - the story takes place during the 1918 Flu Pandemic, World War One, and Alberta Prohibition. I still need to create more slides and tweak existing ones to make the newspaper headlines, advertisements, photographs, and cartoons more effective. 

A week before the launch, I'll get a dress rehearsal for the PowerPoint presentation at the Pincher Creek Municipal Library, where I'll discuss the historical events relevant to an audience in Southern Alberta. Both the Pincher Creek Author Talk and Calgary Book Launch will include readings from the novel, which I still have to select, practice, and fit into the program.  

Other ingredients for the book launch event are food and drink. Since "whisky" is in the novel's title and plays a key role in the story, I've pursued my idea of serving "wee drams" of whisky and whisky cocktails named for the story's characters. A few weeks ago, I knew little about whisky cocktails other than that I'd liked Whisky Sours when I was younger. From the internet I've now learned about bitters, muddlers, and channel knives for making lemon twists, and I've found cocktail recipes that my husband and I are experimenting with this week. Our first attempt was a success! Cinnamon Maple Whisky Sour will be the signature drink for my protagonist Katharine, a Canadian patriot who supported the Great War.  

Between now and the launch on March 25th, I'll need to shop for snack platters, lemons for my mixers and twists, and door prizes related to the book. I still need to finalize arrangements with my bookseller, Owl's Nest Bookstore. No doubt myriad details requiring attention will come up. Let's hope for no last-minute disasters, like a snowstorm - not unusual for Calgary in March - or a key person like me coming down with the flu.  

Is the book launch worth all this time, effort, money, and stress?

I don't know. 

But it is fun to plan a party. 

Cheers to everyone who loves writing and reading books! 

        

Old Fashioned - our second cocktail experiment 

     

 

Meet Louisa and Vivian by Eileen O'Finlan

 

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Last month I began introducing the new Cat Tales characters with Buster Parker. This month I'd like to introduce Louisa and Vivian.

Louisa is a great blue heron and Jasmine's business partner. If you've read the first book in the Cat Tales series, All the Furs and Feathers, you'll know that Jasmine is a Russian Blue cat and Smokey's best friend, and you may remember Louisa who made a very brief appearance as part of Jasmine's web design team for Oneness Park. In All in the Furry Family, Jasmine and Louisa have teamed up to form Blue Landing Web Design. Smokey's not sure how she feels about Louisa. She finds her standoffish, but if she's being honest with herself, she's really a little jealous of Jasmine's growing friendship with Louisa and worries she'll lose her best friend.

Vivian is a flamingo and an old college friend of Louisa's. When she stops by to visit Louisa on her way to meet her dance troupe for a competition in the Canary Islands, Louisa brings her to a Hunter's Moon Night party at Smokey and Autumn Amelia's cottage. 

In this excerpt from All in the Furry Family, Louisa and Vivian regale their hosts and the other party guests with tales of their college exploits. Vivian has just described a prank Louisa pulled on one of her professors. The guests ask for more stories and Vivian obliges:

"Well, there was the time she had a huge test she was not ready for. So, on the morning of the test, instead of studying, she made a huge banner with the words, 'All classes canceled this afternoon' and flew over the campus with it tied to her tailfeathers, hoping no one would show up for class and the test would have to be rescheduled."

"Did it work?" asks Rivet.

Vivian snorts and Louisa groans.

"No," says Vivian. "But she did get out of the test after she flew straight into a tree and spent the rest of the day in the infirmary."

"Louisa!" Jasmine exclaims.

"Don't remind me," says Louisa, covering her face with her wing. "That was the worst headache of my entire life," she tells Vivian. "You were at that party, too."

"But I did not have a test the next day."

"Oh, yes, the model student. But what about the time we went to the Bahamas?"

Vivian sits taller. "We had a lovely time."

"Sure, until the last night. Remember the beach party?"

"Oh. That," says Vivian, trying to stifle a giggle by wrapping a wing around her bill.

"What happened?" asks Sam.

If you'd like to know what happened, you'll just have to read All in the Furry Family, but let's just say when you party on the beach with drunk iguanas things can get out of control quickly.

If you'd like a chance to win a signed copy of All in the Furry Family, go to the "Giveaways" page on Goodreads to enter anytime before March 30, 2025. Winners will be chosen in April.

Click here for purchase information (just the book, not the cat!)