Meet the Books (Rose of Culmore)

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Greetings from the cave!

I'm back with a linkup today, hosted by Belle Anne @ Worlds of Ink and Paper. It's one of the last ones that she's doing, so I'm taking full advantage of it by showcasing another old WIP of mine!

So without further ado, lets' get started.


What is the genre?

The genre is Historical Fiction, more specifically a song retelling.


What is the title? Time period?

Title is Rose of Culmore, in reference to the original source material.

The time period is 1840s - right at the time of the Irish Potato Famine. It is a bit of a cliche, but it was the best time period to stick this story in.


How is it written (Point of view, MC, etc.)?

Third person limited, from a male character's POV.


Who are the characters?

John Callahan - the main character. Has taken over running the small tenant farm in Co. Leitram that his family has lived on for generations, because of his father dying.

Riona Callahan - John's younger sister. Ever the optimist, she encourages John to keep going, even as the blight continues to wipe out crops. Is a great help to her mother Nora.

Patrick Callahan - John's younger brother. A bitter pessimist, he is left with relatives for better care when John leaves the village.

Liam and Colm McAndrews - companions of John, who accompany him to Derry. Have an uncle named Sean who takes over the old tenant farm.

Rose O'Neill - a young girl who catches John's eye. Quite unfortunately, she is preparing to emigrate to America.

Sarah Archer - the best friend of Rose, who acts as her confidant....or a maniac pixie girl, however you like to look at it.

Malone - crew boss in Derby.

Fr. Donaldson - parish priest of Culmore

Thomas Kearney - an Irish born poet whom John meets in America. Is based on Peader Kearney and Thomas Moore, two real Irish songwriters. Unfortuntely, the real writer of the source song is unknown, so...some creative license is needed.


What does the plot consist of?

Um, if you know the song "Maid of Culmore"...you have a good idea of the plot.


What is the setting?

Culmore, Ireland is the main setting, but the village of Aughlasheelin, Co. Leitram is also a main setting.

What gave you the idea?

Hearing the Celtic Thunder version of "Maid of Culmore". It's sooo eerie and evocative that I felt that I should write the story.


Who are the favorite characters so far?

Rose O'Neill is the favorite for sure. I have such a tragic backstory for her :)


What is the favorite scene so far?

The first scene, for sure. The next scene is very depressing. And there is not much else.


Any themes of music for this work?

Definitely "Rose of Culmore". I have a whole playlist, mostly made up of Irish music.

Any drawings?

I have avatars!

Riona, Patrick, and Fr. Donaldson

Liam and Colm McAndrews, Sarah Archer
Rose and John



Any snippets?

John Callaghan turned to looked at the ruined crop, raised his head and gave a loud curse to the heavens. He then threw his head into his hands. Stinging hot brine flowed as he felt the touch of a little hand on his lower back.

"Maybe there will still be good potatoes...keep trying." A quiet gentle voice interrupted the melancholy thoughts that raced through John's mind.

He smiled ruefully as he shamefully wiped his face. Ever the hopeful one was his sister Riona. John's own natural high spirits had been dampened by two successive years of bad potato harvests. For two years, he was forced to watch Riona's figure grow slimmer every summer, and to hear his brother Patrick's repeated complaining about the lack of food.  


John hugged his sister to him, and clicked to the horse again. Patrick, with a sour face that matched the stench of the field, started walking through the mass to find any salvageable potatoes.


Strong point in story?

For once, it's probably the plot....since it's kinda developed already.


Weak point in story?

It's so underdeveloped that it's difficult to gauge. I'll have to answer that closer to when I actually draft it. Which....goodness knows when that is.


What are your plans for it?

No plans for the present. It's a great Camp NaNo project idea, but that won't happen for a while. Not while Verden has priority.

Any particular writing habits for it?

Nope.


If it were made into a movie, what would be your ideal cast?

I really don't know. As all of you know, I'm terrible at casting.



And that is that! Only one more Meet the Books linkup for an old WIP left before I start any new ones, LOL.

Your turn to chat! What sort of other baby WIPs do you have lying around? 

Scribbingly yours,

Catherine

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6 comments

  1. Riona seems so nice!! I really like the sound of her character, especially in that snippet!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ooh, this sounds like a really interesting one! I have ancestors who came to the States because of the potato famine, so anything set in that time piques my interest.

    (BTW, thank you for inviting me to do Camp with you! I created an account and sent you a friend request (is that what they're called?) but I'm not sure how to join the Siena group...)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes!!!! I've been waiting YEARS for this child Catherine!!!
    And Thomas Moore! Oh I love him!!!! Have you read his poem "After the Battle"?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hmm, Rose's backstory sounds intriguing... And I already like Patrick and Riona.
    Nice post!

    ReplyDelete

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