Hessians at New York

 Fun Fact:

Of the 30,000 Germans who fought for the British during the revolutionary war, about 65% came from Hesse-Kassel and Hesse-Hanau. 8,000 Hessians arrived at Staten Island in August of 1776 and engaged in action shortly thereafter in The Battle of Long Island. With the help of the Hessian auxiliaries, the battle was a tremendous success for the British.

Howe had divided his forces into three divisions. Howe set out with Clinton and half his army toward Jamaica Pass. At sunrise his two other divisions, British Regulars under General James Grant and Hessian troops under General Philip von Heister, began an artillery barrage and attack on the American lines. The Americans held until Howe's troops appeared on their flank as the redcoats and Hessians attacked from the front. Panic took the Americans. They broke and ran. Many Americans sought out redcoats to offer their surrender because it was rumored that the Hessians gave no quarter.

Hessians under Colonel John Rall led the attack on the Americans at White Plains. Rall's charge scattered the militia on the American right which exposed the flank to attack, and the Americans were forced to retreat. General Wilhelm von Knyphausen had secured King's Bridge between Manhattan and White Plains. 

At Fort Washington, when American Colonel Robert Magaw's adjutant, William Demont, defected to provide the British crucial information about the status of the fort, Hessians under Knyphausen and regulars under Cornwallis and Lord Percy assaulted the fort. It was a rough climb to the fort, and Knyphausen led his men in heavy fighting. Knyphausen allowed Colonel Rall the honor of requesting the fort's surrender. As the Americans left the fort, Hessians stripped some of them of their baggage and beat them.

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I've started writing chapter 5 in Book 6 of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. This one is loaded with excitement. Alex and Lucette face deadly peril in a bold move to give the cause of Liberty a fighting chance. I haven't settled on a name for this one yet. I expect at some point a phrase will leap forth from the prose and demand to be made into the title.

On the miniature's front, I've got a cardboard tavern in the making for my skirmish game. It's got stairs, railing, banister, rugs and chandeliers, along with tables and chairs, a fireplace, and a bar--everything required for tavern swashbuckling. The invitees to the festivities are yet to be determined.

Lars Walker

 Interview with Lars Walker

Author of

The Year of the Warrior, King of Rogaland, Wolf Time, and more

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

For many years I’ve been working on a series of historical fantasies set in the late Viking Age. [I’ll list the books published to date, because there are multiple publishers, which makes everything confusing for the book buyer: 1-2: The Year of the Warrior (a double volume), 3: West Oversea, 4: Hailstone Mountain, 5: The Elder King, 6: King of Rogaland.] This series is based on a real historical character, Erling Skjalgsson of Sola, who was one of the most powerful chieftains in Norway around the year 1000 AD. Now I’m in the planning stages for Book 7: The Baldur Game, which (at least as I see it now) will bring it all to a climax. Erling, a defender of the old Norse democratic system of governance, will have his final showdown with his mortal enemy, King Olaf Haraldsson. After that, I’ll describe Olaf’s own last, fateful battle. It’ll be epic, if I can get it right. Bigger than anything I’ve written up to now.

 

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

I’ve wanted to write about a Viking since I was a kid. Always had a vague idea about the hero I wanted to immortalize. As an adult, I found a character in Snorri Sturlusson’s great book Heimskringla, the sagas of the Kings of Norway, who met my requirements pretty closely. That was Erling Skjalgsson of Sola, a Christian and a fierce enemy of the autocratic monarchical ideas coming in from the continent at that time. So in broad outlines I follow the saga story – though there are large undocumented stretches in Erling’s life where I let my imagination fill in the blanks.

 

 Do you write in more than one genre?

No. I’d love to write a mystery, but my brain just doesn’t work that way. What I do, though, is translate Norwegian to English. I translated Viking Legacy, a book of history, by Torgrim Titlestad. I also do TV and film scripts. I worked on “Atlantic Crossing,” a miniseries they ran on PBS Masterpiece last year, and “Narvik,” a movie coming soon on Netflix. This is production script translating, by the way, not subtitles.

 

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

A lifetime of historical research, I guess, and a passion for words. I’m also a Viking reenactor; I think that helps me get into the period. I even reenacted in Norway briefly last summer. I should probably add that I aspire to write a little above the usual standard for Christian literature. My first sales were to a mainstream publisher, and I try to write for a broad audience.

 

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

I’m not sure I’m the best person to judge that. I hope my Christian faith comes through in an honest way. I believe strongly in traditional virtues, and try to showcase those.

 

 What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

 I can wiggle my ears.

 

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

I guess I’d point people to some older books. If you’re interested in the Viking Age, read Heimskringla – it’s the most readable book of history written in the Middle Ages. You can’t always take it as straight fact, but it’s a tremendous narrative, with a surprisingly modern sensibility. I also recommend some of the older adventure writers. Try John Buchan and H. Rider Haggard. They don’t always fit contemporary mores, but that provides an excellent opportunity to practice real multiculturalism – if the past isn’t a different culture, I don’t know what is.

 

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

My two first novels seem to draw the highest praise, and they’re a good introduction to my work. The Year of the Warrior begins the Erling series and establishes ongoing themes. Wolf Time is a near-future fantasy, influenced by C. S. Lewis’ That Hideous Strength. It kicks off several loosely connected contemporary fantasies, all set in the same small town in Minnesota. I’ve lived long enough to see some of its predictions come true – to my grief.

 

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

Long, long ago, George H. Scithers, editor at the time of Amazing Stories Magazine, along with Darrell Schweitzer, published an article on how to write for fantasy and science fiction magazines in Writer’s Digest. I followed their instructions to the letter and sold them the first story I submitted. In time they became my agents. George is gone now, and I miss him.

 

 

 What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

“Would you consider a six-figure offer to option one of your books for the screen?”

 

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

“Oh Lord, grant that I may always be right, for Thou knowest I am hard to turn.” (Old Scottish prayer, supposedly.)

It’s the story of my life. Not recommended

 

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Thanks to Lars for participating.

To celebrate Lars' interview, I'm giving away a book in my Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. Click here to enter the giveaway. 

 

 

Moses Hazen

 

Fun Fact

Moses Hazen is the subject of the fun fact. I came across him while doing research on Benedict Arnold:

He served as a lieutenant and then a captain in Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian Wars where he was characterized as ruthless and courageous. Following an action in which he ordered the execution of 6 prisoners and the burning of a building with 4 men, 3 women and 2 children locked inside, he was made a permanent captain by General Jeffery Amherst.

Hazen and his rangers were called upon frequently by General James Wolfe and referred to themselves as "cowboys" for driving cattle along the St. Lawrence as food for the British army. After the wars he settled in Montreal. He engaged in land speculation and cutting timber, which wasn't always on his own land. He had an attitude of doing what he wanted in war, commerce, and other matters. When he was sued for seducing another man's wife, he used his influence to have the man imprisoned for a non-existent debt. He and his business partner parted ways and became embroiled in legal action against each other. 

Hazen married in December of 1770 and turned his attentions to farming--which generated few lawsuits. His land in the Richelieu River region was on the north-south invasion route between Canada and the American Colonies. Hazen offered to renew his services to the British and was sent to deliver dispatches to General Thomas Gage. When he returned he observed Benedict Arnold's night attack in May of 1775 on the garrison at St. Jean and capture of supplies. Hazen went north to Montreal to report the matter. Major Preston authorized Hazen to raise troops for the British, but Hazen instead met with the advancing American general. He made a pessimistic report to the American general, but another individual provided a more optimistic report and provided 300 souls to fight on the American side. As a result, Hazen fell under suspicion and the general had him arrested. 

Hazen was released only to be arrested by the British when he reported. He languished in jail in Montreal until Carleton fled, taking him to Quebec and releasing him there. Upset at his treatment, Hazen joined the Americans, accompanying Montgomery on his approach to Quebec. After the failed attack and Montgomery's death, Arnold sent Hazen to Philadelphia to report. 

Congress had approved the raising of two Canadian regiments. Hazen persuaded Congress to let him command the 2nd regiment. 

Hazen's clash with Arnold began in May of 1776, when the officers supported Hazen's counsel to wait rather than crossing the Ottawa River to rescue some captives. Arnold ordered Hazen to prepare the line of retreat along the Richelieu River. Arnold also sent merchandise he had seized in Montreal. When it arrived, Hazen refused to accept it. This did not improve Arnold's disposition toward him. The wikipedia article on Hazen indicates that the Hazen recognized the goods as belonging to his friends in Montreal, and that's why he refused to accept them. The goods were plundered and lost in the retreat.

In July, Hazen brought up the rear guard of the American retreat. When he arrived at Crown Point, Arnold had him arrested for disobeying orders and neglecting the merchandise. While trying to oversee the construction of boats with which to defend Lake Champlain, Arnold proceeded with the court martial of Hazen. Arnold lashed out at the jury and officers requested an apology. Arnold refused. General Gates and the court acquitted Hazen. Hazen and his regiment were sent south to Albany. 

Hazen's regiment of men from Canada, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey fought in the Battle of Staten Island in August, and the Battle of Brandywine Creek in September of 1777--losing over 40% of the regiment's strength in the process. They lost more men at the Battle of Germantown in October of that year. 

Following the surrender of Burgoyne after Saratoga, Hazen lobbied for another invasion of Canada. He was appointed quartermaster in January 1778 for a planned invastion under Lafayette. Hazen went to Albany to assemble supplies and transport and, even though he failed to procure the needed supplies and transport, he wrote to Lafayette that he could provide for an army of 3,000 for 60 days. When Lafayette arrived and discovered the true nature of affairs. He called off the invasion, and Congress agreed.

In July 1778, Hazen went on a spy mission into Canada, and was soon back pushing for another invasion.

Hazen and his regiment were present for the hanging of Major Andre, October 2, 1780. In June 1781 the regiment went to patrol the Mohawk River Valley on rumor of natives gathering for an attack. Within a month Hazen was back at West Point and made a Brigadier General. Hazen and his troops were dispatched to Yorktown.

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Jan Foster

Interview with Jan Foster 

Author of

The Naturae Series

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

I’m in the middle of co-authoring a historical thriller set over World War 2 – both before and after it and spread over Germany, France and New York. It’s an interesting process which I’m really enjoying, this is my first co-author work and I’m excited about trying out a new genre with an amazing, experienced author by my side. I am also plotting out the next book in my Naturae series, which is historical fantasy and will be set during the reign of Henry VI of England, that will be a second prequel to the series, and a romance. So, another new genre as to get to grips with!

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

My Naturae series was born from both a love of history, the Tudors in particular, and a desire to write a story where the adult relationships are well, evolving. My two main characters have already been together for over a century, and yet in book 1 you realise they still have secrets from each other, dangerous ones which they have glossed over whilst trying to remain hidden in the human world.

Do you write in more than one genre?

I started off with a children’s picture book series, and whilst that was being illustrated, I began writing historical fantasy because it was a genre I love to read. If you had asked me 3 months ago if I would branch out, I probably would have said no, but I attended a conference in Las Vegas which opened my mind to how writing in a different genre can stretch you, challenge you, and possibly help you explore yourself as a writer. So when the opportunity arose to co-author, I applied and was very happy to be accepted.

 

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I know I talk about genre a lot above, but my books cross genres more than makes my life simple. I adore thrillers, so it’s a personal challenge to make my characters so compelling, the situations they are in challenging, and the world rich enough to immerse the reader. It makes my heart sing when a reader comes back and tells me they can’t put my book down!

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

Hopefully my curiosity, which I think is quite an attractive trait, although I can see how it can be annoying as I do ask a lot of questions when I am out and about researching locations! Those poor National Trust guides, it must seem a bit odd when someone comes up with a notebook and plagues them with questions, then scribbles away. I’d like to think that my novels make people a little more curious themselves, to ask the big (and the small) questions about the life we have on this world, but that could be just fanciful. Most of my stories start with a ‘What if..’ series of questions though – what if you were a ruler and needed an heir, but you couldn’t get one? What if you discover your wife had a hidden destiny all along, in a realm you had never been to?

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

I write in British English but I quite often use archaic texts for reference. Spell check does not like me and uploading a document containing an olde-english verse or five really throws a spanner into the kindle-making works!

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

The Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean M. Auel. Still a classic to me, still amazing stories. What’s more, the research and theory behind how she imagines life in the Stone Age to have been like still stands the test of time, even though it was written probably 50 years ago by now. It was my first introduction to the kind of story which is also a journey through history and it’s still my go to comfort read.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

I think my latest release, Anarchic Destiny, is probably the work I am most proud of, both in terms of storyline, character development, research into the historical setting and the writing itself I felt has improved with practise!

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

I recently attended a writers conference in Las Vegas. It was a little terrifying as there were sooo many people there, but I really felt it was worthwhile flying across the Atlantic for. I had my mind opened to new ideas to consider (co-authoring for example) but mostly, for the first time in my life, I felt like I had found my tribe. Other people who understood the ups and downs, perks and quirks of being an author. It not only motivated me, but hopefully will pay dividends to the business of being a self published author as well.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

Where can I buy your book!

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

AIS – it stands for Arse In Seat and was one of the earliest pieces of advice given to me when I started writing, and was possibly flailing around a bit and allowing myself to get distracted. Sometimes, especially when you have a lot of other things to juggle, you need to remind yourself that words don’t just write themselves, you actually have to sit down (Arse In Seat) and put fingertips onto the keyboard! I can often be found standing by the kettle muttering AIS, Jan, AIS, to remind myself not to get side tracked into housework, or children or whatever it is that could wait a little longer so I can get some words down!

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Thanks to Jan for participating in the interview.

Although I tried to resist, I was overpowered by the desire to start writing on Book 6 of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. I know Book 5 is still warm on the press, but writing on the series is an affliction I just can't shake.

If you haven't done so yet, check out this free short story.

For your viewing pleasure, here are the covers of books 2 and 3 of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series.

 Check out the series here and get started with Book One: Threading the Rude Eye.