Category Archives: writing

Dundee at a Glance

Posted on December 1, 2016 by malcolmarchibald

Dundee is a most dynamic city, always changing, always innovative. Once a major linen centre, then, as Juteopolis, the centre of the world’s jute trade, it was also the port where the best Arctic ships in the world were built, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Dundee, family, folklore, history, Inventions, literature, maritime, Scotland, Shipping, Uncategorized, University, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BOOK LAUNCH

Posted on October 1, 2016 by malcolmarchibald

Autumn is usually a busy period. I have just returned from giving a presentation in Stornoway in the Island of Lewis and now am preparing for a book launch in Dundee. The island of Lewis was pretty spectacular, with some … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, crime, Crime; History, Dundee, Historical Crime, history, Luck, writing, crime,, maritime, police, publication, publishing, Scotland, Shipping, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Scottish Women

Posted on July 10, 2016 by malcolmarchibald

Having been married to a Scottish woman, and having a brace of daughters who are also Scottish women, I have first hand experience of how capable they are. However it appears that they have always been a formidable bunch. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Celtic History, history, inspiration, literature, Scotland, Scotswomen, Uncategorized, women, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Palestine: the forgotten campaign

Posted on April 13, 2016 by malcolmarchibald

When we think of the First World War, various images come to mind, and various names haunt the fringes of our collective memory. We may see the hellish mud of Passchendaele, or the gas clouds of Second Ypres, or remember … Continue reading →

Posted in 1915, Arabs, Australia, Black Watch, First World War, freedom, history, Hope, Israel, Jerusalem, League of Nations, Middle East, military, Military history, Palestine, publishing, Scotland, Syria, Uncategorized, War, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

In this week in Scottish history

Posted on February 9, 2016 by malcolmarchibald

07 February 1603: Battle of Glenfruin. After a raid by MacGregors into Luss, a body of Colquhoun women showed the bloodstained shirts of their slain men to King James VI, who authorised reprisals. The MacGregors struck first, killing scores of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Burke and Hare, Clan feuds,, crime, Dundee, Edinburgh, First World War, fishing, Historical Crime, history, maritime, military, publication, books, author, publishers, Scotland, Shipping, Uncategorized, War, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On this week in Scottish history

Posted on January 13, 2016 by malcolmarchibald

11 January 1918: Representation of the People’s Act gave the vote to all adult males aged 21 or over except peers, prisoners and the insane. Women aged 30 or over could also vote, provided that they were householders or wives … Continue reading →

Posted in Abduction, Books, children, crime, Crime; History, Edinburgh, family, Glasgow,, Historical Crime, history, humanity, maritime, military, Nazi Germany, People, publication, publication, books, author, publishers, Scotland, Shipping, slavery, sport, Uncategorized, War, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On this day in Scottish history

Posted on January 6, 2016 by malcolmarchibald

06 January 1865 Surrounded on three sides by water, and with a host of dependant islands, Scotland was always a maritime nation. But while the sea provided food, trade and jobs, it took a cruel toll of those who used … Continue reading →

Posted in crime, Crime; History, history, life experience, maritime, Shipping, Stonehaven, tragedy, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sergeant Mendick and the themes and influences of Victorian crime novels

Posted on September 8, 2015 by malcolmarchibald

Many years ago I read about a ship named Madagascar. According to the story, this vessel was a clipper that was pirated by her own crew. The loyal hands were murdered and there was rape and pillage. A bit like Treasure … Continue reading →

Posted in crime, family life, history, inspiration, mourning, police, royalty, themes, Victorian values, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Inspiration Knocks

Posted on August 27, 2015 by malcolmarchibald

It has been said that any book is ten per cent inspiration and ninety per cent perspiration, but without that initial spark of something, any written work is drudgery. It is that ten per cent that gives the writer a chance … Continue reading →

Posted in children, family, inspiration, nudity, wife, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

How does one feel after writing a book?

Posted on August 21, 2015 by malcolmarchibald

It is a strange mixture of emotions. On one hand there is elation that a piece of work is completed; on the other there is a sense of loss. Last night I sent my latest effort to a publisher: Fort … Continue reading →

Posted in Dundee, history, hoping, publishing, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments