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Message Board Hi, and welcome to my website. To leave
a message or to comment on my novels, please send
an email and I will post it under Readers' Reviews and
Messages signing only your first name, if you prefer. ________________________________________________________________________________________ E-books: My three novels can be purchased for very reasonable prices on the e-book website Smashwords. Links to the books: Chaudière Falls: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/736420; McNab: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/11063; DUEL: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10052. Please send the links to people who prefer reading e-books. And, in case you're interested, here's the link to my profile page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/dm69. *** Ottawa Residents: Have my Novels Delivered Directly to You or a Friend: Givopoly is Ottawa's gift delivery company. For a small fee, you can purchase signed copies of Chaudière Falls, McNab and DUEL, and have them in your hands, or those of a friend, within 24 hours. Besides making them available for individual purchase, Givopoly is now offering McNab and DUEL in a package: both books for $35.00, a saving of $5.00 off the combined retail price. On the Givopoly website you'll find the novels below my bio: https://givopoly.com/pages/seller-profile/david-mulholland Click on a book's cover for more information. *** Other Purchase Options: Chaudière Falls, my sesquicentennial novel of dramatized history, is based upon the founding of Canada's National Capital Region, and how Ottawa became the nation's capital. It's available in two formats: Trade Paperback and as an e-book. Along with McNab and DUEL, it can be purchased from my publisher and from other booksellers. Click the Purchase tab to see the options. *** Library: For residents of Ottawa, Ontario, my three novels are available in the Ottawa Public Library: Links: Chaudière Falls: ttps://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/search?locale=en-CA&t=keyword&q=Chaudiere%20Falls; e-book: https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1057722026; McNab: https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/481711026; DUEL: https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/560515026. If the library in your community doesn't have them, most libraries will accept patrons' requests to purchase books. *** Report: Here's the link to a comprehensive article by Inside the Ottawa Valley (Perth Courier edition) reporter Desmond Devoy following my December 6/17 appearance before the Probus Club of Perth: https://www.insideottawavalley.com/whatson-story/8005038-the-past-haunts-us-still-author-talks-about-past-decisions-shaping-today-s-canada/ *** Profile: Hometown News reporter and feature writer Jane Hobson has written a profile. Here's the link: http://www.hometownnews.ca/arnprior-raised-author-promotes-latest-novel-carleton-place/ *** Website Feature: It is now de rigueur for companies to promote themselves through a website, but it's rare for a business to include a page featuring people such as myself who work at an artistic endeavour. That, however, is what Nick Milito does on his website. Nick is the owner of Ideal Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning in Ottawa, Ontario. Assisted by his friend, Anil Balaram, his monthly newsletter includes just such a page, and in this year's (2017) February and March editions, yours truly is front and centre. At Anil's request, I've written a synopsis of Chaudière Falls. You can read my introduction to the story, a very brief summary of what takes place in parts one, two and three, and a short biography by clicking here: https://www.idealcarpetcleaning.ca/chaudiere-falls-part-1/ The concluding summaries of the novel are posted here: https://www.idealcarpetcleaning.ca/chaudiere-falls-part-2/ If you're wondering whether or not this epic would interest you, reading the synopsis, which takes only a few minutes, should help you decide. My thanks to Anil and Nick for featuring me. *** A note to book clubs: I'm willing to attend discussions of my novels. It's a way for me to get input from people who don't feel obligated to be complimentary. If at least five club members purchase books, signed copies can be had at a saving of $5.25. Chaudière Falls retails for $35.00 + 5%HST ($36.75); so $31.50, no HST. McNab and DUEL retail for $19.95 + 5%HST ($20.95); so $15.75, no HST. I've attended discussions at a few clubs; there was no kicking and screaming. (I waited until I got home.) If your club is interested, please send an email and I'll get back to you. Thanks A note to historical societies: I've put together a presentation entitled How Historical Fiction Complements the Historical Record. To support my hypothesis, I read short excerpts from McNab and DUEL, as well as draw upon the work of two other authors of historical fiction. The presentation is approximately 25 minutes in length, after which I usually spend some time answering questions. I'll also read excerpts from Chaudière Falls that demonstrate the breadth of the story. If your group would be interested in having me as a guest speaker, please send an email and I'll get back to you. Thanks The Author's Journey: Every writer's journey to getting published is unique. I'm pleased to join fellow authors, Joelle Hubner-McLean (http://corvusandme.com/), Claudia Radmore (https://claudiaradmore.com/), and Sandra Nikolai (https://www.sandranikolai.com/) in describing the challenging road to bringing our creative efforts to appreciative readers. Libraries, book clubs, writers' groups, etc. Contact one of us to book our informative and entertaining panel. There's no fee. We'll have books on hand for anyone interested in purchasing a copy. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Readers' Reviews and Messages ________________________________________________________________________________________Having read his three novels
of "dramatized history," I find Chaudière Falls
to be David Mulholland's finest work. To follow Jedediah Jansen's story,
from the age of 10 to 70, is to live an alternate life; making your
way to adulthood and a precarious living while, at the same time, watching
a swath of wilderness gradually transform into an industrious town.
His clever telling of history through his characters' experiences draws
you into both the challenges in their personal lives and the social
and political changes that take place in Bytown/Ottawa during one person's
lifetime. In the beginning, I found the depth intimidating. But as I
got deeper into the story, it rolled along with surprising ease and
gave me a rewarding experience.
I appreciate that you took the time to send me your thoughtful comments. David ________________________________________________________________________________________
Well! Chaudière Falls took a bit of reading. The work, the research, that went into this prodigious "Novel of Dramatized History," I cannot imagine. The read is well worth it. I found the story to be a fascinating, sobering, informative account of the lives of settlers in the early to mid-1800's. As an immigrant (1974), I was intrigued by the political meanderings that led to Ottawa becoming our nation's capital---before Canada became a country. (Sorry, Toronto, Montréal, and Québec City.) Especially fascinating was the recounting, in-depth, of the ups and downs of family life at that time. David transports the reader into his characters' real, personal investments in their hard, simple, yet, at times, complicated lives. A long journey. Well worth the effort. (Dr.) John Jones _______________ Thanks very much, John, for taking the time to send me your thoughts on my novel. It's appreciated. David ________________________________________________________________________________________ I really enjoyed McNab. The characters are enduring, and while learning about clan customs, I could feel the pride of their Scottish heritage. It was fascinating to watch MacGregor, the piper, struggle between undying loyalty to his chief while gradually becoming aware and acknowledging the man’s tyranny. MacGregor is an emotional point of view I could really latch onto. The novel is also a revealing look into the history of the Ottawa Valley. It made me reflect on what life must have been like for my grandparents and great-grandparents settling in the wilderness of Northern New Brunswick.
Shawn _______________ Thanks, Shawn. It's gratifying to know that this novel, my first, which was published many years ago (2006), continues to attract readers. Thanks for taking the time to send me your thoughts on the story. David ________________________________________________________________________________________ Chaudière Falls, a dramatized history of early beginnings of Canadiana in the Ottawa Valley, depicts the lives of settlers in a rugged and harsh land. Their joys, determination, and personal tragedies are vividly displayed as they courageously confront severe and numerous challenges. The early development of Ottawa/Hull and surrounding areas is accurately described through portraits of several historical figures from that era.
Your novel gives readers another opportunity to explore and reflect on the complex history of our great country.
Terrance Gnesko _______________ Hi Terrance, Thanks very much for taking the time to send me your thoughts on my novel. I do appreciate it. David ________________________________________________________________________________________ I bought McNab during our international gathering of the Macnab Clan at the Waba Cottage Museum in White Lake, Ontario, Canada. I very much enjoyed reading it. Initially, I thought your characters' dialect might distract from the story. It doesn't. In fact, it adds quite a bit of color to the mind's eye. Congratulations. You might want to look into the life of Archibald's uncle, Francis, 16th Chief. He was another larger-than-life character and the one Archibald modeled himself after. Regards, Robert Macnab, _______________ Thanks for your comments, Robert. I remember speaking to you on that occasion. That's a long way to come. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially listening to Museum Curator Jim Austin's entertaining stories about Archibald. Note to readers: The 2019 international gathering of Clan Macnab was held in Canada, including a stop at the Waba Cottage Museum. Waba Cottage was Chief Archibald McNab's home from 1835 until he left his eponymous township around 1849. Website: http://www3.sympatico.ca/jsktyrrell/museum.html David ________________________________________________________________________________________ Ottawa author David Mulholland's latest novel, Chaudière Falls, is a gem of a book for readers who glory in dramatized history. He seamlessly meshes a romantic novel with a meticulously researched history of what was formerly known as Bytown, Wrightsville, Aylmer, New Edinburgh, and Billings Bridge. The author fleshes out such historical figures as Philemon Wright, the American pioneer who founded Hull Township, Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the Commanding Royal Engineer in charge of building Ottawa's Rideau Canal, Bytown's primary land owner Nicholas Sparks, intrepid stonemason Thomas McKay, and Braddish Billings. The reader learns about the hardships and perils of the Irish navvies whose labour built the canal, the lumbermen who hurled down mighty pine trees and built the rafts that transported them to market, the violence in Bytown by the Shiners, which surpassed the reputation of America's wild west, and the intense rivalry between the burgeoning towns of York/Toronto, Kingston, Bytown/Ottawa, Montréal, and Ville de Québec to become Canada's National Capital. All in one enthralling story! Charles Fairhall _______________ Hi Charles, Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to write a comprehensive and insightful review. I very much appreciate it. David ________________________________________________________________________________________ I just finished reading Chaudière Falls. It's certainly
a long novel, but I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, and
I highly recommend it. It would have helped to have had a 19th century
map of what is now our National Capital Region to locate some of the
story. The chapters depicting the turbulent personal life of your main
fictional character and how he deals with the shenanigans of the timber
trade are a welcome contrast to all the political scheming. Well done!
I look forward to reading your next novel. Hi Ace, Thanks very much for taking the time to send me your thoughts on the story. I do appreciate it. The idea of including a map didn't occur to me, but, yes, it would have made a complementary addition to the text. David Hello David, This is to let you know how much I appreciate your recent review of my book, Off in a Cloud of Heifer Dust—Some Ottawa Valley Yarns. It is the first review that I have received on any of the four books that I have had published, and it has really put a spring in my step. I hope you don't mind if I shop it around a bit. I would like to talk to you. My number is (phone number removed). Regards! Brent Connelly Hi Brent, You're most welcome. It was a pleasure to read. I'll be in touch. David Dear Reader, Here's a link where you'll find information on all of Brent's books:
http://burnstownpublishing.com/?s=off+in+a+cloud+of+heifer+dust&post_type=product
I just finished Chaudière Falls. I found it to be an intriguing portrayal of how truly difficult and dangerous life was in the 1800s in what is now our national capital. The characters---fictional and historical---come alive on the pages of the book. It's educational, but not pontificating. I learned a lot. Your detailed research really pays off. It's a great read! I certainly recommend it. Norman K. Takeuchi Thank you, Norman. Your comments are very much appreciated. David Combining meticulous, historical research and fictionalized characterization, Chaudière Falls brings to life a significant pioneering period in the Ottawa Valley. It captures the events and daily lives of an era under appreciated in Canadian literature. The author is to be commended for cleverly assembling an engaging novel from very demanding research, and for succeeding in giving readers delightful insights into a past we still share today. Robert W. Thank you, Robert. I very much appreciate your complimentary observations, and that you took the time to post them. David I'm interested in buying the book McNab; it has a bit of history for me. When Chief McNab came to Canada, he brought with him James Storie, who was among the first 20 settlers to arrive on The Niagara with Laird McNab's group. That was the first shipload of twenty families in 1825. James was my great, great, great grandfather. Please help. Thanks, Karen Kozak (email address removed) Hi Karen, Thanks for your interest. I'll get back to you. David Hello David, I purchased your book McNab in Perth at the Christmas Craft Fair and put it in my stack of to-read books. I started reading it recently and did I ever enjoy it! You certainly know how to tell a story! My ancestors came from Scotland and settled, first, in Glengarry, and then in Renfrew County because of free land grants. Although they were not under the McNab thumb, your story told their story, too, in many ways. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it, and I will keep it to read again. Jayne Sigmund Hi Jayne, Thanks very much for taking the time to post your comments; I do appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed the novel. All the best, David Hi David, I just finished reading McNab. Congratulations! What a delightful book. I could hardly put it down. You state that it is fiction, but it sure rings of a true story. The Scottish dialect and accents with which you have imbued it is amazing. One can hear the voices in one's mind as if it was a live stage play or movie. What a great platform for a TV mini-series this would make. I have ordered several more copies to offer as Christmas gifts. Thank you for such a wonderful contribution to Canadian literature. Sincerely, John Robillard, Hi John, Thanks very much for your positive appraisal. Glad you enjoyed the story, and I really appreciate that you took the time to let me know what you thought of it. You've made my day! David Hello, I work at the Pembroke Public Library. I was wondering if you would be interested in doing a presentation here some time in the future? (email address removed) Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. Have a great day. Janet Morel Thanks for the invitation, Janet. Yes, certainly! I'll be in touch. David I read both McNab and DUEL. Your use of the Scottish dialect in McNab made the story more authentic. And I could see so clearly some of the places you mention because I remember them from when I lived in Arnprior. Showing what life was like in Scotland in the 19th century also added to the story. Living was really hard back then. The blacksmith in DUEL made me really mad! He seemed honest enough in his business dealings, but a liar and conniver in his personal relationships. I was enraged by his despicable behaviour! He should have been man enough to take responsibility. His letters to Mary echo throughout the story. I was angry when I finished the book because of what happened to Lyon. I thought both books were well written, and I look forward to your next one. Mimi Hi Mimi, Thanks for your interesting appraisal of both novels. David I talked to the author at the Ploughing Match, and was promised a
good read. Well, it certainly was! I enjoyed the book from beginning
to end. Dear Reader, Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed the story. But I'm wondering which novel you read: McNab or DUEL? David When I met you at the Perth Museum, where the high school history class were screening their historical documentaries on Perth, I was intrigued when you said your book was based upon a document written by a blacksmith some 50 years after the duel between Lyon and Wilson. Having read it, I see that both your book and my documentary, Daniel's Journey: History Rewritten, deal with the question: what is truth? Especially in history! Commonly held historical beliefs might be altered, or completely shattered, when a new document comes to light. How then do we deal with the historical record? How is history rewritten? I became more curious when told at the Booknook in Perth that feedback from readers said they found your book a little risqué. How can a book about a fatal duel be risqué? I knew a bit about the duel itself, and many of the characters described in your book, but you provide details about the life and times in early Perth that brought the characters of Rev. Bell, Matheson, and the other players of the time back to life. I found your premise-the newly discovered document-the most interesting part of the story. How did such a document come to light? Is it real? The photos in the book of a few pages of the blacksmith's letter . . . ah, but you leave it up to the reader to form any final opinions about that letter. I found the story quite fascinating, a good read, and, in some ways, a parallel to the story line in my documentary. You give us a feel for what life was like in Perth at that time. Was it risqué? In early puritanical Perth, could anything be risqué? I'll leave it up to your readers to form their own opinions on that. Well done, David! Hugh Chatfield Thanks for your insightful comments, Hugh. Dear Reader, The link to Hugh's website on Daniel Daverne is under my Links tab. David Dear David, I enjoyed reading the material on your website. Some of your ideas, and the comments of others, gave me a real nudge to look into the fascinating world of historical fiction. I always thought historical fiction was just fiction built into a certain era. I did not realize the work was based on facts, happenings, and people of a certain era. Thank you for your insight. It's exciting to start on a new adventure. Mimi Hi Mimi, Thanks for your comments. Hope you enjoy many more novels of historical fiction.. David I found DUEL interesting. The blacksmith's description of small town gossip and rivalries gave me a look into what it was like to live in a small town at that time. The hand-written examples of his essay were a nice touch. His complaints about his arthritis giving him problems writing the report added credibility to the story. The references to Richmond Road and his staying at the hotel in Bytown were fun to read, and gave the story a sense of local history. The name change for Rideau Ferry from the original name was interesting. The description of the public hanging was informative. I did not realize that a person was hanged from anything other than a gallows. This hanging from a garret was quite gruesome. The large crowds and festive atmosphere made it all the more bizarre. They didn't have much entertainment in small towns in those days. Moe Thanks for your insightful observations, Moe. David Thanks for writing the book, David. My Name is Dan Wilson; John Wilson was my great, great grandfather.
We have this documented in our family bible, but I'm looking forward
to reading a different take on that part of his life Hi Dan, For others who may be reading your post, you're referring to my novel, DUEL, which is based upon the duel between your great, great grandfather and Robert Lyon that took place in Perth, Upper Canada (Ontario), on June 13, 1833. Hope you enjoy the story. Thanks for writing, David It was a joy to read David Mulholland's latest novel, DUEL . While the account of the events leading up to and including the duel are fascinating, what really appealed to me was the way in which the writer of the report (aka Mulholland???) fought to remember the details surrounding the event some 50 years later, and the charming way in which he expressed those thoughts. As he relates his remembrances of events, his thoughts twist and turn and sometimes go off at interesting tangents. The novel affords us some interesting and compelling insights into rural life in the 1800's, and includes some insights into relationships between young folk at the time that are sure to evoke memories in those of us living many years later. This is a very good read, and I highly recommend it. (Dr.) John Jones Thanks, John. I appreciate your observations. David I've often visited Perth, but your novel DUEL made me see the town in a whole new light. I got a real sense of what day-to-day life was like for Perth residents in the 1830s: a hotbed of gossip and a place very much under the sway of the moralizing Presbyterian minister. DUEL is also a wonderful exploration of how jealousy can drive a thwarted lover to extreme and fatal action. The book offers an intriguing look at the complex emotional and social dynamics that resulted in Canada's famous "last duel." Wendy Thanks for your comments, Wendy. David Great book (DUEL) again, David. I don't know how you do it. You truly bring to light the Puritan angst of the period. Congratulations. Art Thanks, Art. David Hi David, We are very pleased that you are coming to the Scottish Festival. When I contacted you about coming, I forgot to find out if you needed to have a tent provided, or if you have your own tent. Could you please call us to let us know what you require. Wonderful that you are going to sign copies of your novels that day. Boyd MacLaren, co-chair, Scottish Festival (phone number removed) Hi Boyd, I'll be in touch. David Hi David, I am organizing an Arts in the Park event in Stittsville for June 1. We'd love to have you visit, read, sign. If you would like more info, let me know. Look's like a great day! Doug Sutherland (e-mail and phone # removed) Hi Doug, Thanks for the invitation. I'll be in touch. David ________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear Mr. Mulholland, My name is Leslie Richardson and I am the treasurer for the Huntley Township Historical Society. We were wondering if you would consider giving a presentation to our society on any of the following dates: April 15, May 20, or in October. I can be reached by email at (e-mail address removed). Thank you. Hi Leslie, Thanks for the invitation. I'll be in touch. David ________________________________________________________________________________________ Hello David: I read DUEL a few months ago, and I enjoyed reading a novel set in Perth. I teach a Local History course (we study Perth) at Perth and District Collegiate Institute, and I would like to extend an invitation for you to come to my class and speak about the duel and about how you did the research for your novel. I would very much enjoy having you speak to the students. I do hope that this is something you will consider doing. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Cheers, Tim Zander Hi Tim, I'd be happy to speak to your students. I'll be in touch by email. David DUEL was an excellent read! David Mulholland has a way of turning a phrase, and also the ability to almost give out tidbits of information and then pull them back. The pages turned faster than I wanted them to, and I was sorry when I reached the last page. Both DUEL and McNab brought history to life, and the colourful characters are great! Glenda Ferguson Tippins Thanks, Glenda. David ________________________________________________________________________________________
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