31 Comments

You have a gift of making history readable, understandable and love the quirky anecdotal add ons about people and places…

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Dear Dan,

I indulge my hobby for Medieval History with these blogs but, every once in a while, you strike a different cord that resonates. Your story about Philip Kerr and his loss of mojo is interesting to me because I've felt that loss of passion for a life's work. By all outward signs, I was highly successful in a corporate career but I lost the thrill of coming to work each day knowing that I could be successful with my eyes closed. I'm a natural thrill seeker and the thought of losing my mojo as I slid toward retirement was more unappealing than risking all of my success and wealth on a new venture. I finally packed in the corporate career and struck out on my own. Now the daily thrill (and terror) exists especially as the outcome is never quite clear. I hope you never lose the thrill of writing even if the fear abates. Thanks for the story and the insight.

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Looking forward to a signed copy in the US!

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Sorry...it's Tuesday already & I'm only just catching up.

Such a poignant tale about Phillip Kerr. Yet what an amazing person & author he was. How sad you never got to have another conversation. Can imagine just how delighted he would have been to see you thrive.

When I was completing my book a dear friend said to me, "That's it, immortality beckons"! He didn't mean it would catapult me to fame (it didnt), but that I would be listed in the British Library catalogue for eternity. It's a comment I've thought about often since.

You have so many entries in the BL catalogue Dan. This bodes well for your legacy.

We are all awaiting the TV series with bated breath! Hope it's not too hot in Paris.

PS. My blue hair is now purple!!

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I really enjoyed reading this and I look forward to hearing all about the filming.

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Excited to read your new book!

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Where’s that documentary gonna stream?Don’t say BBC, that doesn’t help us over here

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I can't wait to read Essex Dogs. I've got 2 signed ones the WH Smith and the LE with the stunning page ends, these are getting put away safely and a third one to read and keep on the bookshelf.

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Your books are very readable. I can hear your voice in my head when reading them. You can dip in and out, or read from cover to cover. I am looking forward to hearing your talk in Edinburgh next month and I'll ask you to sign the book. Please don't stop and please keep having the right kind of fear.

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I know that feeling! The first time I held my first published book in my hands I felt the same terror as when my first daughter was born. It's a mix of panic, pride, and responsibility that can't be easily described. Wish you never stop feeling that way, Dan!

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This just makes my day!!! I love you shows and this will be so amazing!

I was thinking yesterday about things in my life that I'm getting complacent about and how to fix that. Sometimes one needs to step back and look from a different angle.

As always, thanks.

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I hope ESSEX DOGS will arrive soon… because I saw that Dan had quoted from it in one of his books, I have been reading THE GOLDEN LEGEND by Voragine . Some interesting stories and legends, but most paragraphs are like descriptions on how to diagram a sentence. I can only get through about 4 pages a day. I think it is time to set it aside for a bit and read ESSEX DOGS!!

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Awesome story... I'm so glad you are still anxious and nervous and possiblity terrified when you receive your newest delivery. That's what makes it all fun, isn't it? Keep writing... you're doing a wonderful job!

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Wow and wow! Documentary on the real Essex Dogs and a behind the scenes to making it! I'm more in love with you than after I read Summer of blood! 😂

P. S. I promise I'm more on love with my husband so don't start looking for Court Orders against me! Or panic when you hit Ely on your tour! 😏

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I love the way you write: non-fiction, fiction, or a bit about how you love to write. Can’t wait for Essex Dogs, I just know it’ll be superb.

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I suppose there’s a time in our careers where we all could possibly feel like that. Glad you haven’t, as there’s many that enjoy the fruits of your labors. Enjoy the trip and can’t wait to hear about it! Happy Sunday!

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