Blog

I am delighted to welcome Irish novelist Jean Grainger to my blog today! She is an academic historian turned fiction writer who specializes in contemporary and historical fiction novels focused on the twentieth century.

She is also one of the contributors to The Darkest Hour anthology, a collection of ten novellas about World War Two Tales of Resistance. Her contribution, Catriona’s War, features an Irish woman who becomes embroiled in the French Resistance to Nazi occupation of France.

I hope you enjoy learning more about Jean’s background and novels. I know I did!

While you’re here, be sure and read my interview with John McKay, also one of the ten contributors to The Darkest Hour.

Spotlight on Jean Grainger

Please tell me a little bit about yourself, your books and writing career.

Hi, my name is Jean Grainger and I am an Irish novelist. The genres I write in are contemporary and historical Irish fiction, focusing mainly on the 20^th Century. I am a full time author and I have twelve books published.

If you were packing for a long trip, which book would you take and why?

I would take Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres. I adore that book – (the movie not so much!)

Do you prefer to write in silence or with background music?

Silence – but fortunately for me I grew up in a very noisy house so I can create my own silence, I can write pretty much anywhere.

Why do you write the kinds of books you do?

I suppose I write what is in my head/heart at any given time. I write what I enjoy reading myself.

Tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with writing?

I am the world’s worst whistler.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

Hanging out with my husband and kids in our motorhome.

What informs your writing?

I am an academic historian turned fiction writer, I was a lecturer, a teacher, a tour guide, so I suppose that is my main influence when writing fiction. The Second World War era in particular intrigues me – hence my involvement in The Darkest Hour Anthology.

What is the inspiration behind your latest novel?

My latest book is called Catriona’s War and it features an Irish woman who becomes embroiled in the French Resistance to Nazi occupation of France. Ireland was neutral during WW2, but Catriona’s father was a journalist writing the truth about the rise of National Socialism, he goes missing, and she decides to try to find him. I wrote it as part of an anthology on the theme of resistance, and all proceeds will go to the Holocaust Museum in Washington.

Thank you for stopping by, Jean! I have already pre-ordered my copy and can’t wait to read all ten stories.

You can pre-order The Darkest Hour anthology now on Apple, Kobo, B&N, Amazon or via the authors’ website. It’s only 99 cents until November 15, 2018. All proceeds will be donated to the Washington Holocaust Museum! Release date is January 22, 2019.

You can learn more about Jean Grainger’s books on her website or Facebook page.

Don’t forget to read John McKay’s interview next. Happy reading!