When I was a guest on the Briggs on
Books podcast, I had the opportunity to reflect on my childhood during
World War II—a time of immense struggle and uncertainty. Growing up in such a
tumultuous era shaped me in profound ways, and those experiences have deeply
influenced my writing, particularly in my novel Charles and Charlie. It
was a pleasure to share the personal stories and challenges that shaped the
themes in my work and to connect with listeners who value the power of
storytelling.
The Stoker Trilogy is the culmination of years of reflection and imagination. It
explores the intertwined lives of Charles Stoker and his son Charlie, starting
with Charles and Charlie, which is set against the harrowing backdrop of
World War I and the transformative 1920s. Through their journeys, I wanted to
capture the complexities of love, loss, and resilience, as well as the
unyielding bonds of family. The story continues in The Tallyman and
concludes with The Soldier, each book delving deeper into the trials and
triumphs of the Stoker family. My hope is that readers will not only see
history come alive but also find themselves deeply moved by the humanity of
these characters.
Writing became my passion later in life,
after a fulfilling career in management and the chemical industry. Publishing
my first novel at 81 was a dream realized, and since then, I’ve devoted myself
to bringing the early 20th century to life through my stories. I invite you to
begin the journey with Charles and Charlie—a tale that I hope will stay
with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
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