1. What was the most surprising thing you discovered about yourself while writing this book?
As a British writer, it's quite a challenge to write an account of a war where my countrymen were largely the aggressors! And then to share my interpretation of events with those familiar with the history from a personal perspective, doubly daunting.
2. Was there a scene or character that came to life in a way you didn’t expect? How did you handle that?
There isn't any one scene which springs to mind. But the third part of the novel which follows Wilhelm's journey from farmer's son to desperate soldier impacted me a great deal. Although he is a fictional character, whenever I visit the site of the Battle of Spionkop, I expect to read his name somewhere in the archives!
3. If you could step into the world of your book for a day, what would you do or who would you spend time with?
I think it would be fun to spend some time with the Liverpool supporters who visit South Africa on a combined football (soccer) tour and pilgrimage to some of the Anglo-Boer sites. I'd enjoy showing them around — and watching a match at our local stadium would be quite an experience!
4. What is the one question you hope readers will ask themselves after finishing your book?
I hope readers ask 'what happens next?' There is more to the Remembered Lives story, to the Anglo-Boer War than I could include in this novel. I'm looking forward to sharing the sequel, and offering a glimpse into an aspect of the conflict some may not be aware of.
5. If your book could only be remembered for one idea or message, what would you want it to be?
I hope readers are left with the deep conviction that all lives are valuable, that every hair on every head is numbered and known by the Father - including their own.
6. Which character challenged you the most to write authentically, and why?
All three main characters presented a challenge as they are all men, with lives vastly different to my own! I hope I haven't attached my own thoughts or emotions onto their psyche in a unrealistic way.
7. Did any of your characters surprise you by taking a different path than you originally planned?
I have to admit that I plan where my characters — especially the main characters — will end up, so there aren't too many surprises along the way! Some of the side characters developed in a way I didn't plan. for example Des, in the present day, football fan plot, was far more angry and insecure than I expected.
8. What was the spark of inspiration for this book, and how did it evolve into the final story?
When visiting the site of the Battle of Spionkop several years ago, I was struck by the sight of a small gravestone marked to the Unknown Boer Sentry. But he wasn't unknown, was he? He had a mother and father who loved him, perhaps siblings, a wife or girlfriend.
On another occasion, I met South African supporters of Liverpool FC, who each year held a memorial event for the Hillsborough Disaster of 15 April 1989; 97 people lost their lives as they were crushed into an overcrowded football stadium. Part of the ceremony was to read the name of each victim out loud.
Jesus knows the names of football fans and farmers, and soldiers and citizens.
His became the theme of the novel –
“Are not two little sparrows sold for a copper coin? And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered [for the Father is sovereign and has complete knowledge]. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31
9. What’s the most fascinating piece of research or trivia you uncovered while writing?
I actually only discovered this the other day, but it struck me as quite a coincidence.
The Battle of Spionkop was fought on 24 January, 1900. Unfolding events were observed by a young English journalist and officer, Winston Churchill.
Sixty-five years later, on 24 January, a man who led the free world in its fight against Naziism, passed away following a stroke earlier that month. The man was Winston Churchill.

Where to find Remembered Lives.
Signed paperbacks available from Anna's online store. Shipping in South Africa, the UK and the US. Order your copy here
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