The Archer's Diary
Book One
by Liam Cadoc
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
THE LEGEND IS REAL
Since the 14th century, Robin Hood has proven to be one of the most enduring and versatile folk heroes.
Medieval historians believed Robin lived during the 12th or 13th century but despite decades of intense
research by contemporary scholars, solid evidence has never been found.
Until now.
Logan Daggett, son of Donald Daggett, well known CEO of one of Australia's largest international
corporations, has his 21st birthday celebrations disrupted by a family tragedy, the revelation of his
mother's decades-old secret—and a birthday gift of a collection of centuries-old family heirlooms. This
series of events contrive to change the course of his life forever.
Accompanied by his two closest friends, the young Aussie sets out to uncover the truth behind the
accident that irrevocably changed his life, and to research the authenticity of the priceless heirlooms,
completely unaware of the adventure and dangers lurking around every corner.
During the course of their journey they uncover irrefutable evidence that causes further turmoil among
the family, spark controversy among medieval scholars worldwide, and the potential of sparking
upheaval to a country's history and creating conflict between two nations.
Liam Cadoc's stunning debut to historical fiction sweeps readers into a ruthless world where greed
and corruption threaten to deprive a nation of historical riches and the world of the truth behind a
legendary hero. This is Book 1 of a 2-book set.
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Book Trailer
Cadoc endeavors to create a feasible balance of historical fact and fiction into his writing in order to meet
his obligation, as an author, to his readers. To that end he spends a large part of his conceptual writing
on researching the world in which the characters will inhabit. "I've always had a fascination with history,
particularly the medieval period of England and the Arthurian Legend. Though my genre is historical
fiction, I hope that my readers will come away with a better understanding and appreciation for how
people survived and endured before the inception of the basic luxuries we take for granted each day."
He penned his first fiction while in high school and was quickly recognized by the English staff and his
class for his vibrant imagination. He was also a talented artist and, after graduating, followed a career as
a graphic designer in the publishing industry compelling him to put aside writing for a number of years.
In 1998, he met his wife-to-be on the Internet when online dating was in its infancy. After 18 months of
long-distance romancing, they wed in Sydney, Australia and he returned to America with his wife to
begin a whole new life together.
Now retired, Cadoc has the time to return to his beloved writing and has spent 9 years working on THE
ARCHER'S DIARY, his first historical fiction novel.
He enjoys bare-bow target archery, reading, writing, kayaking, movies, traveling, and doing the
occasional commissioned portrait of pets or people. He currently lives in central Florida with his
wife.
GUEST POST
1.
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about
yourself and how you became an author?
Okay,
good question. Even as far back (several centuries) as high school, I
had a gift for writing and always earned A+s for my English writing
assignments. The various English teachers I was fortunate to have all
encouraged me to keep writing in order to nurture my gift.
That
said, I decided to take another career path because I also excelled
in art class and turned to graphic design. In a serendipitous way,
several years later I found myself as art director with one of
Australia's major publishers designing and laying out books. Then, a
few decades later, I happened to read an article that inspired a
story idea that took me some 9 years to evolve into my foray into
historical fiction — The Archer's Diary.
2.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I've
always been intrigued by the supernatural and psychic powers. I read
somewhere that we (as humans) utilize only a small portion of our
brain's capacity. This led me to experimenting with my mind during my
commute to my job with the publishing house. The drive took about an
hour and snaked through beautiful bush lands. And for the most part,
oncoming traffic was hidden from view by trees and the numerous
bends. At first all I accomplished was giving myself some hefty
headaches, but over a couple of months, I was able to 'detect'
oncoming vehicles with my mind — even to discern the difference
between trucks and cars, and eventually their colors.
A
few years later, I was introduced to, and subsequently invited to
join, a coven of white witches where each of us possessed an unique
gift and, combined as a group, we worked to help people outside our
group who had physical and mental problems. Unfortunately, being the
inquisitive person I am, all this led me down a rabbit hole of
experimentation that caused me to have a 'psychic breakdown.'
3.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
Following
on from #2 above, I learned the dangers of 'playing' with the ouiji
board, working with mirrors, and the like. I was even invited by
various private schools to talk to their students about the subject.
4.
Where were you born/grew up?
I
am an Australian, born in Sydney.
My parents were living and working in Lae, Papua New Guinea (Google
it) and when the time approached for me to enter the world, my mother
decided to return to Sydney. Two weeks after being born, we flew back
to Lae where I spent the first 5 years growing up.
5.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
This
might be a trifle self-indulgent, but something I would hazard to
guess most — if not all — authors have thought on. I can well
imagine Book One being made into a 2-part movie, with Book Two the
rip-roaring sequel.
6.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
An
incurable inquisitive empathic romantic.
7.
What
are you passionate about these days?
I
believe my compassion for the welfare of innocent animals has
heightened ever since looking into the 'blood sport' of dog fighting,
and its prevalence here in America and around the world.
8.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
As
well as a writer, I am a painter and do commissioned portraits of
animals and people.
My
wife and I are also very keen bare bow target archers; we also love
camping, kayaking, traveling, movies, and catching up with old
friends.
9.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit
animal?
I
can see myself as an Anatolian shepherd dog-sized Border Collie.
10.
What inspired you to write this book?
I
have always had a fascination for historical fiction and medieval
England. After spending 2 vacations driving around England, Scotland
and Wales, the immersion in all that history combined with my love
for the legend of Robin Hood to conjure up an idea that led me to
write The Archer's Diary.
11.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Should
my debut to historical fiction with The Archer's Diary (Book One),
and subsequently Book Two create a substantial following of eager
readers, then I dare say I may well be tempted to remain writing in
that genre for the foreseeable future.
12.
How did you come up with name of this book?
Truthfully,
the title for The Archer's Diary gave birth to itself. I had already
settled on a broad outline for the story and was giving thought to a
suitable name when it just 'came to me.' After all, the diary itself
is the pivotal point of Book One and is the cause of all the mishaps
and mayhem that occur. Then, in Book Two, readers are given the
unique privilege of reading over Robin Hood's shoulder as he pens his
thoughts and deeds in his private diary.
13.
Who designed your book cover?
After
a career of some 30+ years as a graphic designer in the publishing
industry, both here and back in Australia, I plead guilty to having
the audacity to design my own cover — and will continue to do so
while I remain writing. Wouldn't it be crazy to toss aside all that
experience?
14.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
As
much as I love writing, when it came to deciding to tackle my first
historical fiction, it was the thought of the research that stirred
me. Thankfully, with the Internet available at my fingertips, I was
able to achieve a great deal of delving into the background of the
period. But I was well aware others before me had trodden that path,
and it was to their books that I turned for a lot of reference. Then
there were those gracious people who were willing to step up when I
approached them for professional consult — Ian
Richardson, Treasure Registrar, British Museum, London, UK; The
Department of Portable Antiquities and Treasure, British Museum,
London, UK; The
National Archives, Kew, UK; Mark
Strong, Senior Access Assistant, The National Library of Wales,
Aberystwyth, Wales; Pat E., Hay-on-Wye Tourist Information Bureau,
UK; Lynne
Moore, Coflein, National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW);
and others.
15.
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the
lead?
Ryan
Kwanten, or any of the Hemsworth boys.
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