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#MGMonday... Middle Grade Settings

 Middle Grade Settings: An Introduction Having photos in front of you can help you write about your settings I’m going to make a confession. Settings are not something I often spend time planning. Perhaps my stories are the poorer for it, but the settings come as I’m writing or editing. The Glass Room, in Taking Wing, is not something I planned before I started writing. Personally, I’m a very visual writer, seeing my characters as though they are a video in my head, and I write what I see. As such, the setting just happens! There are benefits and drawbacks to this. The main benefit is that the writing process is more interesting. Not everything is set, and my story can still give me surprises. The drawback is that, similar to AI, I cannot know that I’m not stealing settings from films and books I’ve seen/read previously. I certainly don’t mean to plagiarise but the concern is a real one! With that in mind, I have started to at least have a vague idea of my settings before I start t...

#HistFicThursdays - But One Life: The Story of Nathan Hale - Samantha Wilcoxson

 Today it is my absolute pleasure to share with you Samantha Wilcoxson's new release, But One Life: The Story of Nathan Hale. I have to admit, being from this side of the pond, Nathan Hale is not a name I was familiar with, but I have loved sharing in Samantha's posts in the lead-up to the launch and feel I now know this inspiring individual rather well.

Let's meet the book...

Revolution. Friendship. Sacrifice.

But One Life: The Story of Nathan Hale is an intimate retelling of the life of a great American patriot. As a young man, he debated philosophy at Yale and developed his personal politics of the revolution. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Continental Army and volunteered a spy in 1776. How did Nathan become a man willing to sacrifice himself with just one regret – that he had but one life to give for his country?

Experience the American Revolution alongside Nathan, his brother, Enoch, and good friends like Benjamin Tallmadge. They dream of liberty and independence. But at what cost?

Friendship, faith, love, and loyalty motivate young Nathan to become a name recognized throughout America as the quintessential patriot.

If I had ten thousand lives, I would lay them all down.


***You can buy the book here: Universal Link***


Praise for But One Life:
[taken from reader reviews]

I am so honored to have read this book and my life is richer for having consumed it. Samantha Wilcoxson is very gifted and I thoroughly enjoyed reading But One Life.

If you've not had the pleasure of reading any of Samantha's books, I urge you to start with this one as an example of her beautiful, emotive writing. Will you have your heart stomped on? Most definitely, yes. But the pain is worth the bittersweet beauty you'll uncover on the way. And you'll make a new friend in Nathan Hale.

The author does a masterful job of imagining the life of Nathan Hale and the choices that he made to help gain independence for our nation.

Now, let's meet the author...

Writer of historical fiction and sufferer of wanderlust, Samantha enjoys exploring the past. She strives to reveal the deep emotions and motivations of historical figures, enabling readers to connect with them in a unique way. Samantha is an American writer with British roots and proud mother of three amazing young adults. She can frequently be found lakeside with a book in one hand and glass of wine in the other.

You can keep in touch with Samantha on these links:

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