IRISH GOLD



Synopsis

Pat Toomey’s violent father dies, leaving Pat, his mother and four sisters in the Port Phillip District of Australia during the 1850’s gold rush. Pat and best friend, Seamus, are offered a job by Irishman, Michael Macevoy; to transport supplies to miners in Ballarat. They take the job, and Macevoy becomes a regular caller at the Toomey’s home. The boys meet many people who know their boss, and it intrigues them. They also save a Chinese family from a dangerous bushranger, Jack Lawrie, and meet another wanted bushranger, Martin Riley – Michael Macevoy’s best mate.

Jack Lawrie escapes and seeks revenge, surprising the boys one evening, but Martin Riley appears from the dark and seriously maims Lawrie. Whilst transporting Lawrie to Castlemaine, troopers appear, notice Riley, and a chase ensues. Shots are fired and Riley is injured, but Seamus mounts Riley’s horse and rides away. Lawrie and Pat are in custody, a trooper has been shot, and Riley is still free, but Michael Macevoy arrives and Pat is released. That night, Martin Riley dies.

The boys deliver a shattered Macevoy to Pat’s mother’s home, and they step up to run Macevoy’s Transport when Michael enters a period of deep depression. The boys work hard, employ staff, and expand the business to the Bendigo goldfields. Will Michael Macevoy overcome his depression? Why does Michael know so many people?

What is the Tag Line for your book? (A short description of your book in a sentence or two)

A story about the lives, loves and dramas of the Irish on the Ballarat (Australian) goldfields in the 1850's.

Do you write full time or part time

Fulltime

How do you structure your day when you write

Wake up, shower, coffee and get stuck into it.

Why do you write? (Example; For fun, to make extra money, a personal experience you want to share with the public)

I love it. It is a gift. Everyone on this planet has talents and gifts. I don't need much money to survive, but I'd like to make lots of money from my books so that I can set up scholarships for poor kids around the world. To me, the ultimate would be for an author like me to provide an education for kids living in poverty.

What are you working on right now / or your most recent work

I am currently doing the fourth revision of a screenplay for my first book which will soon be a movie.

What inspired you to create this book

The gold era in Australia is my favourite part of our history.

What genre do you write in and why did you choose it

Young adult fiction. Why, because I remember what it was like as a kid.

How much research did you do on your book? (If it applies)

Very little. Most of it came from my memory bank.

How do you think you have evolved creatively from when you first started writing until now

Greatly as a writer, but it is so hard to sell books. Being an author is a tough gig, but you need passion.

What was the hardest thing about writing this book for you

Nothing. Loved writing it and being immersed in the story.

What was the most rewarding

Finishing it, and loving what I'd written. It is a passionate story about people who lived in harsh times.

If you had to start over, is there anything you would do different

Mm ... How long have I got?

How have you evolved from when you first started writing until now

I use social media more often, and also write a daily blog that goes to 168 countries.

Are you a planner type person, or do you prefer to dive right in when you write

I have an idea and it takes off. It is an adrenalin rush.

How much dialogue do you have with your readers

Some. Fortunately, I have some avid followers who like my books.

Do they influence your writing

No, but they encourage me to keep going.

Do you recommend being a part of a support groups to help you with your writing

At first, but eventually you have to bite the bullet and just do it.

Do you work with an editor If so, how much input do they have

I used to but not any more. Now, I have three fabulous proof readers.

Was there anyone in your past that you think influenced your writing

Maybe my grandfathers. They were intellectual thinkers.

Do you have any tips or useful resources on marketing

Do whatever it takes to get your name out there. Don't be shy.

How are you publishing this book? (Indie / self-published, traditional)

Self-publishing paperbacks and e-Books.

What are your thoughts on book series

I have several series going. Your followers can't wait for the next book to be published. They are not as easy to write because you have to maintain the voice of the characters.

How long do you think a book should be? (Pages or words)

The story is the story. That's it.

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers

I've picked up some top reviewers over the years. Many of them are also authors who like my work.

What advice would you give to your younger self today

Persist.

What is your favorite book or film

My favourite film is 'Babe'.

If you don’t already have one, do you have plans to have a book trailer and what are your thoughts on them overall

I've made five but do not see them as a selling agent.

What are you working on next

The third book in the Wiralee Trilogy. It will be called 'Magic Billie'. Also, 'Life Sucks' - book two in the Sam Tyler series.

When you get frustrated, how do you deal with it

Push on.

What advice would you give a writer that is just starting out

Just do it! But, get advice from everywhere.

About the Author

Clancytucker

Clancy Tucker is an award-winning author with three awards in the Australian National Literary Awards. He writes young adult fiction for reluctant readers, but has also achieved success as a poet and photographer. Clancy has lived in four countries, speaks three languages, has photography accepted and published in books in the USA (Innocent Dreams, Endless Journeys & A Trip Down Memory Lane), used as covers for magazines (‘The Australian Writer’ – 2008 and ‘Victorian Writer’ - 2008), has work registered with the International Library of Photography and been published in literary magazines. He’s written more than 146 short stories and has a sizeable collection of bush poems. Clancy’s won, been short-listed, ‘Commended’ and ‘Highly Commended’ in writing contests: 2006, 2007& 2011 Australian National Literary Awards, Raspberry & Vine (twice), Positive words, Australian Writers On-Line, Shaggy Sheep Tale, The Cancer Council Arts Awards (2005 & 2008), The Dusty Swag Awards (2010) and had twelve short stories published in literary magazines (Page Seventeen, Branching Out, Positive Words and The Australian Writer), newspapers (The Standard, Mountain Views & The Advocate), written articles for Kid Magazine in the USA, and won a poetry prize to name a life-size statue designed by renowned Belgian sculptor, Bruno Torfs. Clancy is a full-time writer but has been a speechwriter, senior public servant, farmer and small business operator. He teaches students at the University of the Third Age (U3A), mentors emerging writers, has worked with street kids, and draws on life’s experiences to write entertaining stories for kids. Clancy also writes a daily blog which includes top guests from around the world: human rights lawyers, authors, musicians, artists, illustrators, senior diplomats, young adults and many more: www.clancytucker.blogspot.com.au Check it out. He has also been a guest on dozens of blogs, writes a monthly editorial for a newspaper and contributes articles for literary magazines. Clancy has also been a contributing guest editor for the Australian Prostate Magazine. Not only, Clancy has been a human rights activist and social justice campaigner for decades.