It gives me enormous pleasure to welcome Jane Buckley onto the website today. Jane is the author of the Stones Corner series of novels that chart life amidst the struggles during those dark days of the early 1970s in Northern Ireland, right up until the Good Friday Peace Agreement in 1998. The first two of the quartet, Turmoil and Darkness have been released. The next two, Hope and Light will be released next year.
Alex: tell us a bit about yourself, Jane.
Jane: I was born in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in the late 60s and I'm the author of the Stones Corner tetralogy, the first two of which, Turmoil and Darkness are out now.
Like many of my generation, I had no choice but to leave Ireland to find work. At the naïve age of 17, I moved to London, where I lived and worked for over twenty-five years before moving to Nice, France. However, four years ago, I moved back home with my husband John to Ireland and now I live and work in Co Donegal.
My previous career allowed me to travel worldwide, where I soon learned that most didn't understand why or how the conflict in the North of Ireland began and continued for three decades. I found this particularly frustrating and decided to take it upon myself to help them and others understand, by writing a historical fiction series based on not just my own childhood experiences but events from this shocking period in Ireland's history.
Since I lived predominantly in London throughout the awful time known as 'The Troubles', it was apparent then – and is today – that not all the facts of the horrific events in Ulster – perpetrated from both sides of the warring factions – were presented in an accurate and unbiased way. Regrettably, this bias was especially true in mainland Britain.
Alex: tell us a bit about yourself, Jane.
Jane: I was born in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in the late 60s and I'm the author of the Stones Corner tetralogy, the first two of which, Turmoil and Darkness are out now.
Like many of my generation, I had no choice but to leave Ireland to find work. At the naïve age of 17, I moved to London, where I lived and worked for over twenty-five years before moving to Nice, France. However, four years ago, I moved back home with my husband John to Ireland and now I live and work in Co Donegal.
My previous career allowed me to travel worldwide, where I soon learned that most didn't understand why or how the conflict in the North of Ireland began and continued for three decades. I found this particularly frustrating and decided to take it upon myself to help them and others understand, by writing a historical fiction series based on not just my own childhood experiences but events from this shocking period in Ireland's history.
Since I lived predominantly in London throughout the awful time known as 'The Troubles', it was apparent then – and is today – that not all the facts of the horrific events in Ulster – perpetrated from both sides of the warring factions – were presented in an accurate and unbiased way. Regrettably, this bias was especially true in mainland Britain.
Alex: Tell us about your Stones Corner series.
Jane: The Stones Corner novels to date, Turmoil and Darkness, detail the everyday realities of life from the initial dark days of The Troubles in the '70s. Light and Hope take us from the early ‘80s to the Good Friday Peace Agreement in April 1998.
I began to write in early 2017 and completed my first novel, Turmoil, like many upcoming authors have, during the first COVID lock-down. At first, I found writing a frightening project – the prose was entirely new to me - but, being the person I am, I was determined to complete it. Nonetheless, following a lot of research and understanding that it would take more than one novel to cover the 30 years of The Troubles, I found myself writing and planning not one book but four! Turmoil (2021), Darkness (2021), Light (2022) and Hope (2022/3).
Alex: How important is research?
Jane: It's vital. After researching and during the writing of Darkness, I found it challenging to remain genuinely objective. As a result, Darkness, like Turmoil, have proved to be realistic tales based on actual events. Countless hours have been taken up by watching documentaries and reading books in my search for a greater understanding of what occurred in Ulster and why.
Alex: How do you find the writing process and how would you describe your writing?
Jane: Fortunately, I find the writing process natural. I like to keep things simple and love the ability to create characters where I can not only decide their fate but how they appear, behave, love, hate, and so much more. I guess I'm a little bit of a control freak so having the power to create characters and do what I wish is pure magic!
When I sit down to write, my ideas are rampant. I can almost hear my main characters asking, 'What's going to happen to me? What are you going to do about so and so or this and that?' Their unanswered questions sometimes keep me awake at night! Thankfully, I'm sleeping better now that I’ve begun to write Light, and the ideas and storyline are coming through nicely.
Alex: Are you one of these writers that plans a detailed synopsis or do you just have a rough idea in your head and let the thing unfold and evolve as you write?
Jane: I'm not always sure where I’m going, but somehow my imagination and typing fingers seem to produce a storyline of their own accord! The outside world disappears for me as I find myself talking, listening and encountering everything my characters experience. It's truly bizarre!
Alex: What was the first book you read?
Jane: One of the first books I’ve read and, that has remained with me is Daphne du Maurier's excellent book, Rebecca. I loved the vulnerability of the young bride and her quest to be happy and please her husband (I guess I’m old fashioned). I thought it beautifully written and have read it many times since. I also love Sebastian Faulks's, Birdsong. I'm fascinated by historical fiction, especially based around WWI, and have been to Ypres, where I found and laid a rose on my great-grandfather's grave. No one from the family had ever visited, and I broke down in tears – it was poignant for me.
Jane: The Stones Corner novels to date, Turmoil and Darkness, detail the everyday realities of life from the initial dark days of The Troubles in the '70s. Light and Hope take us from the early ‘80s to the Good Friday Peace Agreement in April 1998.
I began to write in early 2017 and completed my first novel, Turmoil, like many upcoming authors have, during the first COVID lock-down. At first, I found writing a frightening project – the prose was entirely new to me - but, being the person I am, I was determined to complete it. Nonetheless, following a lot of research and understanding that it would take more than one novel to cover the 30 years of The Troubles, I found myself writing and planning not one book but four! Turmoil (2021), Darkness (2021), Light (2022) and Hope (2022/3).
Alex: How important is research?
Jane: It's vital. After researching and during the writing of Darkness, I found it challenging to remain genuinely objective. As a result, Darkness, like Turmoil, have proved to be realistic tales based on actual events. Countless hours have been taken up by watching documentaries and reading books in my search for a greater understanding of what occurred in Ulster and why.
Alex: How do you find the writing process and how would you describe your writing?
Jane: Fortunately, I find the writing process natural. I like to keep things simple and love the ability to create characters where I can not only decide their fate but how they appear, behave, love, hate, and so much more. I guess I'm a little bit of a control freak so having the power to create characters and do what I wish is pure magic!
When I sit down to write, my ideas are rampant. I can almost hear my main characters asking, 'What's going to happen to me? What are you going to do about so and so or this and that?' Their unanswered questions sometimes keep me awake at night! Thankfully, I'm sleeping better now that I’ve begun to write Light, and the ideas and storyline are coming through nicely.
Alex: Are you one of these writers that plans a detailed synopsis or do you just have a rough idea in your head and let the thing unfold and evolve as you write?
Jane: I'm not always sure where I’m going, but somehow my imagination and typing fingers seem to produce a storyline of their own accord! The outside world disappears for me as I find myself talking, listening and encountering everything my characters experience. It's truly bizarre!
Alex: What was the first book you read?
Jane: One of the first books I’ve read and, that has remained with me is Daphne du Maurier's excellent book, Rebecca. I loved the vulnerability of the young bride and her quest to be happy and please her husband (I guess I’m old fashioned). I thought it beautifully written and have read it many times since. I also love Sebastian Faulks's, Birdsong. I'm fascinated by historical fiction, especially based around WWI, and have been to Ypres, where I found and laid a rose on my great-grandfather's grave. No one from the family had ever visited, and I broke down in tears – it was poignant for me.
Alex: What are you reading at present?
Jane: The one disappointing side-effect of writing my novels has been my inability to read for pleasure other than research. Instead of embracing and enjoying the stories, I seem to pay more attention to the authors' style, words, and descriptions. I, therefore, find I don’t embrace the story full stop. Focusing on this is something I must change as I dearly miss reading for fun.
Alex: How do you market your books?
Jane: I find there are not enough hours in the day to write as much as I’d like, as the remainder of my time is spent researching, marketing and promoting the series! Facebook and Instagram are my two favourite online platforms and, if used correctly, can be rewarding to the extreme. I've also discovered Premium Linked-in, which is expensive for a poor author (aaahh) but allows you access to journalists, authors, columnists etc., which can prove highly fruitful too.
Alex: Can you give us a brief overview of the narratives in your first two books in the series?
Jane: In volume one we are introduced to Caitlin, a Catholic girl from the Bogside and a Protestant heir to a prominent local employer. In her youthful innocence, Caitlin believes their love can overcome the triple obstacles of politics, class, and faith.
Meanwhile, Robert, newly recruited to British undercover forces, is closing in on a terrorist strike in the heart of the city centre. In the backdrop are two opposing psychopaths set on the same destructive and violent path and one that can only conclude in nothing but a tumultuous and fateful encounter.
In volume two we are given a taste of the early '70s - the darkest years of the troubles in Northern Ireland and the catastrophic fall-out from the doomed Derry City Hotel meeting.
The impact of the disaster follows the lives of so many, from the wealthy, vibrant James Henderson to the love-struck factory girl Caitlin McLaughlin and her family.
The guerrilla war in the province rages as it extends to mainland Britain and the Irish Republic. Darkness takes us from the dank hellhole of the overpopulated Victorian Armagh Women's Gaol to London's lavish, opulent private clubs.
An unmerciful and harrowing tale, it endeavours to illustrate what life was like for Ulster's war-torn, sectarian communities. It captures a story of conflict, survival of the fittest, and victims who attempt to live and love against a background of chaos and carnage.
Hope is lost and forgotten until the power of love, truth, and justice steps in to create Light and a new beginning.
Alex: I get a sense that these books are far more than just compelling naratives for you. They are love letters to your birthplace and the community you were brought up in. A community that has had its fair share of incredibly hard times, but whose spirit has survived in tact. A community to which you clearly have a very strong emotional attachment.
Jane: While we need to move on from 'The Troubles' as a country, we must never forget how and why they occurred. In recognition of the hardship and suffering endured by so many of our friends, family, and neighbours, the people of Ireland should continue to embrace the healing and reconciliation process.
Alex: Have the books been well received?
Jane: I'm pleased to say that volume 1 and 2, Turmoil and Darkness, have garnered rave reviews following their release and are available to view on Amazon and Goodreads.com.
Here are just a couple of sample reviews:
Review for Turmoil…
"I would highly recommend this novel to anyone. It was absolutely thrilling, gripping and often hard-hitting. I have always loved visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland in particular. But as an English lady born and, bred I never really understood what the Troubles were all about. I really do believe that this novel has given me a much greater insight as to what was happening in Northern Ireland during that period. And my goodness, it was both shocking and brutal."
Review for Darkness…
“Having read the first book in this series of four, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and... it certainly did not disappoint! It's a cracking story with well written characters. The multiple threads of the story are crafted with such skill. The last 20% of the book has sub-plots coming thick and fast and yet another cliff-hanger ending which will keep us all coming back for more! I for one cannot wait to read the final two books!
Alex: That's wonderful. I'm going to have to grab my copies. Thank you so much Jane for spending time with us and sharing so much about your fascinating series of Stones Corner novels. I look forward to reading them.
Jane: Thank you, Alex. It's been lovely to talk.
Jane: The one disappointing side-effect of writing my novels has been my inability to read for pleasure other than research. Instead of embracing and enjoying the stories, I seem to pay more attention to the authors' style, words, and descriptions. I, therefore, find I don’t embrace the story full stop. Focusing on this is something I must change as I dearly miss reading for fun.
Alex: How do you market your books?
Jane: I find there are not enough hours in the day to write as much as I’d like, as the remainder of my time is spent researching, marketing and promoting the series! Facebook and Instagram are my two favourite online platforms and, if used correctly, can be rewarding to the extreme. I've also discovered Premium Linked-in, which is expensive for a poor author (aaahh) but allows you access to journalists, authors, columnists etc., which can prove highly fruitful too.
Alex: Can you give us a brief overview of the narratives in your first two books in the series?
Jane: In volume one we are introduced to Caitlin, a Catholic girl from the Bogside and a Protestant heir to a prominent local employer. In her youthful innocence, Caitlin believes their love can overcome the triple obstacles of politics, class, and faith.
Meanwhile, Robert, newly recruited to British undercover forces, is closing in on a terrorist strike in the heart of the city centre. In the backdrop are two opposing psychopaths set on the same destructive and violent path and one that can only conclude in nothing but a tumultuous and fateful encounter.
In volume two we are given a taste of the early '70s - the darkest years of the troubles in Northern Ireland and the catastrophic fall-out from the doomed Derry City Hotel meeting.
The impact of the disaster follows the lives of so many, from the wealthy, vibrant James Henderson to the love-struck factory girl Caitlin McLaughlin and her family.
The guerrilla war in the province rages as it extends to mainland Britain and the Irish Republic. Darkness takes us from the dank hellhole of the overpopulated Victorian Armagh Women's Gaol to London's lavish, opulent private clubs.
An unmerciful and harrowing tale, it endeavours to illustrate what life was like for Ulster's war-torn, sectarian communities. It captures a story of conflict, survival of the fittest, and victims who attempt to live and love against a background of chaos and carnage.
Hope is lost and forgotten until the power of love, truth, and justice steps in to create Light and a new beginning.
Alex: I get a sense that these books are far more than just compelling naratives for you. They are love letters to your birthplace and the community you were brought up in. A community that has had its fair share of incredibly hard times, but whose spirit has survived in tact. A community to which you clearly have a very strong emotional attachment.
Jane: While we need to move on from 'The Troubles' as a country, we must never forget how and why they occurred. In recognition of the hardship and suffering endured by so many of our friends, family, and neighbours, the people of Ireland should continue to embrace the healing and reconciliation process.
Alex: Have the books been well received?
Jane: I'm pleased to say that volume 1 and 2, Turmoil and Darkness, have garnered rave reviews following their release and are available to view on Amazon and Goodreads.com.
Here are just a couple of sample reviews:
Review for Turmoil…
"I would highly recommend this novel to anyone. It was absolutely thrilling, gripping and often hard-hitting. I have always loved visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland in particular. But as an English lady born and, bred I never really understood what the Troubles were all about. I really do believe that this novel has given me a much greater insight as to what was happening in Northern Ireland during that period. And my goodness, it was both shocking and brutal."
Review for Darkness…
“Having read the first book in this series of four, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and... it certainly did not disappoint! It's a cracking story with well written characters. The multiple threads of the story are crafted with such skill. The last 20% of the book has sub-plots coming thick and fast and yet another cliff-hanger ending which will keep us all coming back for more! I for one cannot wait to read the final two books!
Alex: That's wonderful. I'm going to have to grab my copies. Thank you so much Jane for spending time with us and sharing so much about your fascinating series of Stones Corner novels. I look forward to reading them.
Jane: Thank you, Alex. It's been lovely to talk.
