Hannah Hulme Hunter
Writer of literary historical fiction set in the Great War (First World War). Revising my first book, writing the next, seeking representation. Mountaineer, gardener, traveller, off-road runner. Africa, modern history, coffee, roses, and unrealistic romance. NHS midwife in a former life.
Tag Archives: writers
Testament of Mary (reading-as-a-writer 9)
I had to read Testament of Mary by Colm Toibin (2012) twice; the first time to get to the end of a gripping story, the second time to read the words. In between sittings, I studied the reviews and interviews, … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged fiction, historical fiction, point of view, readers, style, women, writers
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A Whole Life (reading-as-a-writer 8)
I really don’t want to write about A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler (trans. Charlotte Collins 2015). I’m afraid I won’t do justice to it – or that thinking too hard about this exquisite book will somehow spoil it. Fundamentally, … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged characters, fiction, historical fiction, history, literary fiction, readers, style, writers, writing techniques
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Field Service (reading-as-a-writer 7)
I first read Field Service by Robert Edric a year ago as part of my research into the aftermath of the #GreatWar. I reread it this week as a writer. This is the first book by Edric I have read. … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged fiction, Great War, historical fiction, readers, soldiers, war, writers, writing techniques, WW1 or FWW
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Brooklyn (reading-as-a-writer 6)
I didn’t want to read Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín because 1950s, small-town, Irish emigre, coming-of-age stories are really not my thing. (Plus, although I loved the clothes I found the film pretty insipid.) Then a writing friend urged me to … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged characters, fiction, historical fiction, readers, writers, writing techniques
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Brideshead Revisited (reading-as-a-writer 5)
I’ve just reread ‘Brideshead Revisited’ by Evelyn Waugh (1945) because I really didn’t appreciate the brilliance of this novel when I read it a decade or so ago. It feels mean-spirited to condense such bounty down to just #ThreeGifts for … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged fiction, historical fiction, readers, style, writers, writing techniques
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A Month in the Country (reading-as-a-writer 4)
Where to start with “A Month in the Country” by JL Carr (1980)? Would it be hyperbole to say this is one of the most exquisite short novels ever written? Another long, hot, post-war summer; another traumatised ex-soldier (yes, looking … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged fiction, historical fiction, readers, style, writers, writing techniques
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A Winter’s Child (reading-as-a-writer 3)
My #writinginspiration: “A Winter’s Child” by Brenda Jagger. Why – oh why! – is Brenda Jagger no longer widely read? Published in 1984 this post #WW1 novel (and Jagger’s other eight Victorian/Edwardian era books) beats most current #historicalromance hands down … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged fiction, historical fiction, readers, romance, style, writers, writing techniques
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The Polish Officer (reading-as-a-writer 2)
#justfinishedreading “The Polish Officer” by Alan Furst. To my joy, just one of a dozen or so books by Furst on similar themes; this title published 1995, most recent 2016. Resistance, #espionage, bravery, lust and occasional love in Europe in … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged fiction, historical fiction, readers, style, writers, writers' problems
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Nineteen Twenty-One (reading-as-a-writer 1)
#justfinishedreading “Nineteen Twenty-One” by Adam Thorpe. One of those books that makes me as a writer just feel inadequate! It’s the long hot summer of 1921 and Joseph, who missed active service, is holed up in a derelict cottage in … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Process
Tagged fiction, historical fiction, literary fiction, readers, style, writers, writing techniques
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Three brilliant Great War blogs
Erudite, witty, and beautifully written, this blog never fails to fascinate and move in equal measure. Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Research
Tagged history, poets, soldiers, war, women, writers
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