141 entries.
wrote on October 16, 2010
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11:50 am
Chris: I'm so glad you liked the book. And yes, I am a huge fan of Turkish food! As for a sequel… I'm currently writing a trilogy about the Crusades (the first book, EAGLE, is out in March), but I'll get back to the ongoing adventures of William soon enough.
William: You are right! There should be some westerns on my favorite movie list. Of course westerns are historical fiction, and I love the genre. To make up for the oversight, I'm working on my list of favorite westerns, which is topped by The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
And George: I hope you're enjoying the rest of the book, and I hope that I am indeed destined to be a great writer… or at least a popular one.
wrote on September 21, 2010
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2:55 pm
Just finished the first chapter of Siege and already i know you are destined to become a great writer. Keep up the good work.
wrote on September 13, 2010
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3:38 pm
Hi Jack, just bought your book today at Waterstones and am looking forward to reading it. Welcome to the HF club, your in good company. I've had a look at your fav films list and am suprised not to see any Clint Eastwood films there. My fav is The Outlaw Josey wales.
wrote on August 26, 2010
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9:35 am
Well, I've finished it and as I promised, I'd give you my opinion.
Well, only two things to say really –
1st – well done. Lovely flowing story, without getting bogged down in too much technical content, as so many authors seem to do.
2nd – you really like Turkish food I noticed – I think on 3 occasions you described meals with mouth watering accuracy. It was so realistic that I took my partner, on our way last night to see Jesus Christ Superstar (appropriate dont you think – the religeous theme!) at the Playhouse in Brisbane, to a great Turkish Restaurant on Grey Street, Southbank (hows that for advertising – LOL).
I did enjoy the yarn very much Jack – especially when you realise that most of it actually happened. By the way, couldn't find where William passed Sofia's message on to Longo after the Turks got secretly into the city – guess I missed in in the general thrill of the impending climax to the story.
So, William and Portia – do they get up to something after Longo's death? Is there a follow up – a series perchance??
wrote on August 4, 2010
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2:48 pm
Thanks to all of you for writing, and I'm glad you're enjoying SIEGE! (Although I decline responsibility for any book-induced marital friction it may have caused.) I too have often wondered why there are not more historical fiction novels about the fall of Constantinople: I just tried to do this incredible event justice. And as to Chris's question about what's next: I'm currently working on a trilogy about the Crusades. EAGLE, the first in the trilogy, comes out next March. I hope to get back to the characters from SIEGE, and the amazing city itself, in the not-too-distant future. All the best, Jack
wrote on August 2, 2010
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1:40 pm
Hi Jack
Have just ordered your new book from Goldsboro Books in the UK. I’m a fan of the area having visited after finishing Uni in the UK in the early 70’s. Actually arrived at the same time that Turkey invavded Cyprus (1974) – we three lads walked into a huge adventure!! Walked all over Istanbul, the market, the palaces, the Bridge etc etc – including driving to Troy, Epheses, Pamukale and finally, 3 weeks later, Marmaris and on to Rhodes via a 2 masted yatch ('cause the ferries had been cancelled). I have also thoroughly enjoyed Jason Goodwins crime based books based in Constantinople, although his are set in the 19th Century – dam good reads nevertheless. Will send you feedback when I’ve finished yours. Whats the next project – or will there be a series based on the time and period?
All the best
Chris
Brisbane
wrote on July 12, 2010
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8:24 pm
Hi Jack
i was excited when I saw mention on the Historical Novel Society's list of forthcoming books that there was a novel in the works about the Fall of Constantinople. It's always surprised me that no one has tackled this as an HF subject since Mika Waltari's "Dark Angel", published back in 1952.
I'm enjoying your book very much, and will be keeping an eye out for the "Saladin" trilogy.
All the best,
Annis
wrote on July 11, 2010
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5:20 am
Jack ,what an amazing book.i took it on holiday and the wife thought she'd been widowed as i couldnt put your book down ..thannk you
wrote on June 1, 2010
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2:55 pm
Hi Jack – just went into Waterstones Trafalgar Square where there are multiple copies of Siege facing the door – right next to Alison Weir and other new releases. So prime marketing spot. I've bought a copy and have a couple of long train journeys coming up so will let you know my verdict soon. Jill
wrote on May 25, 2010
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8:27 pm
Congratulations Jack. You might actually get me to read something other than Drudge or Web Development books and blogs. It sounds like the book took you through a tremendous life journey. Enjoy your success!
wrote on February 2, 2010
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2:30 pm
Stella – I couldn't agree more! The siege of Constantinople definitely deserves to be seen on the big screen. And don't worry: there's still plenty of great Byzantine history out there for you to write about. I would love to read a novel about Justinian and Theodora.
wrote on February 2, 2010
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1:51 pm
Hey I was supposed to write this but you got there first! 🙂 Finally this theme is written about, hope it will get popular enough to become a movie as well. Byzantine history and especially this event are far too exciting to be as ignored as they are…
wrote on January 4, 2010
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12:38 pm
Very exciting period in history.
I know you will be a successful and perhaps compete with Dostoevsky my favorite writer.
wrote on December 29, 2009
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4:28 pm
This is so exciting!! We are very proud of you and can't wait until it's out!!
wrote on December 19, 2009
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6:02 pm
About "About". Yes, but I gave you Dumas. Love, Mom
wrote on November 15, 2009
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1:00 pm
Hello Jack,
Congratulations on having your book published. Cate sent Susan the link and Susan forwarded it to me. As I told you 3 years ago when you first mentioned the book at Thanksgiving I would like to buy a copy. The link to buy is only for the UK though; is there a US link yet?
wrote on November 12, 2009
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10:22 pm
What, no RSS feed? How will I be able to keep up-to-the-minute? Loving the blog; can't wait for the release of Siege!
wrote on November 12, 2009
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9:06 pm
This book sounds great! Can't wait to read it, Jack. Thanks to Cate for forwarding on your website!
wrote on November 12, 2009
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7:28 pm
Love the graphics! I know the book will be as good!
wrote on October 20, 2009
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3:14 pm
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave me a message!