Romance author M W Arnold joins me today to chat a bit about his Broken Wings, Air Transport Auxiliary Murder Club, World War II historical mystery series.
During his virtual book tour, M W will be giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bio:
Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England and spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of HM Queen Elisabeth II in the Royal Air Force before putting down roots and realizing how much he missed the travel. This he’s replaced somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels.
He’s the proud keeper of two Romanian Were-Cats, is mad on the music of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and loving his Manchester-United-supporting wife.
Finally, Mick is a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. A Wing and a Prayer is his second published novel, and he is very proud to be welcomed into The Rose Garden.
Welcome, M W, Please tell us about your current release.
My current book is titled, I’ll be Home for Christmas. This is the third book in the Broken Wings series.
Shortly, I expect the fourth book to be published, In the Mood.
What inspired you to write this book?
Christmas in World War Two was a strange affair, somehow more so if you were a stranger to the shores of the United Kingdom. The byword was, ‘austerity’. Reuse, don’t go overboard etc., not that this was possible, for the most part. I’ve learned so much about that time of the year during my research for this book, though I don’t think my suggestion we have a chicken-wire Christmas tree to create the correct atmosphere put up whilst I wrote this book, went down too well.
Excerpt:
“Mind the duck!”
Mary’s warning was a smidgeon too late. Betty turned her head toward the shout just when she needed to do the exact opposite and keep her eyes on the path.
“Aargh!” cried Betty as she was sent sprawling to the ground.
A loud, angry, “Quack! Quack!” was followed by a flurry of wings and feathers as the slightly stunned duck half flew and half staggered to the sanctuary provided by the river.
“I did tell her to watch out for the duck,” Mary muttered in her own defense as they rushed to help Betty to her feet.
Penny and Doris took an arm each as Mary reached to retrieve Betty’s handbag. It had landed precariously close to the edge of the river, and the dastardly duck was snuffling at it before Mary seized it and handed it back to Betty.
“Mary!” cried Betty. “Grab that envelope!”
Swiveling, Mary saw a large brown envelope and stooped for it before it could fall into the water. “Got it!” she yelled, waving it in the air. Unfortunately, the envelope being upside down, the contents spilled onto the ground around her, luckily missing going into the river. She bent down to pick them up and was surprised to discover they were all newspaper cuttings.
What exciting story are you working on next?
It’s the first in a completely new series titled, ‘The Lumberjills’. During both world wars, when the lumberjacks went to fight, this left a void and the trees still needed to be felled. This is where Britain’s women came in, hence; ‘The Lumberjills’. I can’t give too much away about them as yet, but I can give you a heads up on the tagline – “Life for the Lumberjills is filled with love and friendship, but also adventure and danger, where to relax their vigilance could be the last mistake they ever make.”
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I can’t write when it’s quiet. I tend to write whilst on the sofa, with the television on in the background. I’ve tried writing without and can’t seem to do anywhere near as well. Plus, when it comes time to do the edits from my publisher, I tend to listen to the greatest hits of AC/DC.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I didn’t have a clue! All we were told when we were at school was, go and work in an office, or the like. I loved history, still do, and didn’t even think about following up that love further. So, I ended up joining the Royal Air Force, and staying for sixteen years.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Only that an author is nothing without readers. We truly are thankful for each and every review that comes our way.
Links:
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Thanks for hosting!
Hi Lisa! Many, many thanks for having me!
I think the cover looks great. Sounds like a good book.
That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you, Sherry!
I enjoyed the interview and the excerpt, Broken Wings sounds like a series that I want to read! Thanks for sharing it with me and have a wonderful day!
It’s not being too bad, thanks. I do hope you enjoy it!
I think that this is a series that I would enjoy reading!
So do I Nancy 😉 Thank you.