Roses of Winter is a story I felt compelled to write. It was inspired in part by the real-life experiences of several family members who lived in Glasgow, Scotland and served in the British merchant navy during World War 2. More importantly, I wanted to document a time, place and people that have not received the literary attention they deserve. As someone who grew up in that culture in the 1950s and 1960s I felt that I could bring a personal background and perpective to the story that would make it a rich and satisfying account. I wanted Roses of Winter to function as an engaging story. The detailed research conducted for the book had to enhance the tale, be woven in to create a sense of place and culture without being intrusive. My goal was to create the effect of total immersion in the story. The most rewarding comment I have received thus far came from an individual who lived through the time period and served in the merchant navy. He told me my scenes of everyday life brought tears to his eyes. There can be no more satisfying thing for a writer to hear.
I wanted Roses of Winter to function as an engaging story. The detailed research conducted for the book had to enhance the tale, be woven in to create a sense of place and culture without being intrusive. My goal was to create the effect of total immersion in the story. The most rewarding comment I have received thus far came from an individual who lived through the time period and served in the merchant navy. He told me my scenes of everyday life brought tears to his eyes. There can be no more satisfying thing for a writer to hear.