“I happened to be watching a documentary on the Air Transport Auxiliary and something stuck inside my head. It was so interesting, I soon found myself reaching for my laptop and researching the ATA. I was particularly struck by the role played by the women pilots.”
– M W Arnold, Author of A Wing and a Prayer
It a pleasure to join M W Arnold on tour today with his second novel (first in new series) A Wing and a Prayer, published with The Wild Rose Press on November 9th. Mick is joining us here today with a lovely guest post about his inspiration for the book so I do hope you enjoy.
[ About the Book ]
When Betty Palmer’s sister dies under suspicious circumstances whilst landing her Tiger Moth, Betty and three other women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary in WWII England unite to discover who killed her and why.
Estranged from her family, Penny Blake wants simply to belong. American Doris Winter, running from a personal tragedy, yearns for a new start. Naturally shy Mary Whitworth-Baines struggles to fit in. Together though, they are a force to be reckoned with as they face the mystery that confronts them.
Against the backdrop of war, when ties of friendship are exceptionally strong, they strive to unravel the puzzle’s complex threads, risking their lives as they seek justice for Betty’s sister.
Purchase Link – http://tinyurl.com/y2xhx4d4
[ Guest Post by M W Arnold ]
I can’t believe I’m on my second book blog tour! Or is it, blog book tour? I’m never sure, but don’t let that bit of terrible grammar put you off reading, ‘A Wing and a Prayer’ – please!
There was a time, not too long ago, where I wasn’t sure I’d ever write again. Ill health had sapped everything out of me and the last thing I felt like doing was picking up my laptop. I’d had a Romance, ‘The Season for Love’, published back in November 2017 and then the (deep and…) hit the fan. I’m a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the members of this wonderful society rallied around like I would not have believed. My author friends encouraged me to pick up my laptop and begin writing. This didn’t work as I made the mistake of trying to pick up unfinished stories, then I was advised to try something new.
I happened to be watching a documentary on the Air Transport Auxiliary and something stuck inside my head. It was so interesting, I soon found myself reaching for my laptop and researching the ATA. I was particularly struck by the role played by the women pilots. Now, I’m not much of a planner, but I soon found myself sketching out a basic storyline and then, as if from nowhere, the main characters rushed out and demanded my attention, especially a black and white cocker spaniel named Bobby. I love Bobby and I really hope my readers will come to too.
Spoiler Alert: Bobby has his own storyline that will run through the entire series. Please don’t tell anyone?
Somehow this book just flowed out of me, as I loved inhabiting the world they inhabited. I found myself relaxing for the first time in ages. I’ve never written as quickly before. My first drafts are, luckily, quite polished, so most everything was there. However, the Prologue came after it had been finished. I thought it needed something to introduce you to the motive of one of my main characters to start with and I’m very glad I did, as it fits perfectly; well, I think so anyway.
Where did the Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club come from then? A very good question and I wish I had an answer. Like I’ve said, I’m not a planner, so I didn’t set out to write a mystery. I think I’ve only ever read one or two in my life, though I do love Midsummer Murders and Agatha Raisin. Like most things, this reared its head of its own accord and before I knew it, we’ve got black market, draft-dodging and all other kind of shenanigans going on.
Where am I now? Well, I’ve sent off book 2 to my editor, a wonderful lady with infinite patience. If anyone wants a sneak preview, the first chapter of this book is a ‘freebie’ at the end of ‘A Wing and a Prayer’! Currently, I’m writing book 3 – the Christmas one! This is proving so much fun as I’m finding out so much about wartime Christmas in Britain.
I’ll leave you with one more thought. I hope that I’ve done these ladies (the men will be appearing) due honour with my story. The bravery they showed day in and day out cannot be understated and as someone who served 16 years in the Royal Air Force, I gratefully salute them.
Finally, my thanks for being a part of this blog tour, I am very grateful and hope we may do it again soon. Take care, all.
[ Bio ]
Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England and spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of HM Queen Elisabeth II in the Royal Air Force before putting down roots and realizing how much he missed the travel. This he’s replaced somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels.
He’s the proud keeper of two Romanian cats, is mad on the music of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and loving his Manchester-United-supporting wife.
Finally, Mick is a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. A Wing and a Prayer will be his second published novel, and he is very proud to be welcomed into The Rose Garden.
Twitter – Mick859
Instagram – Mick859
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MWArnoldAuthor
Great guest post.
I love hearing from the author about their process and inspiration for a book. Great guest post.