The Vessel Of Scion, a riveting thriller, is now available for your reading pleasure. I met with local author, Holly McClure, who developed the story for this fascinating book after speaking with a Cajun gentleman whose family fled to Nova Scotia when the Cathar’s were persecuted in France centuries ago. They eventually found their way to the state of Louisiana, making their home in the famous bayou state that now offers such a French flavor in both lifestyle and food. Holly tells a story of suspense and intrigue as to what actually happened with the Cathar line and any of its survivors. If you like the writing of Dan Brown, get ready, this book takes the theories of conspiracy to an all new level. The story begins in the Louisiana bayous where the whirlwind of mystery and suspense is activated as a young woman is taken from her home to Rome. On to France, back to other parts of Italy and to a chamber of Cairn on a mythical island on the North Sea. Who is this beautiful woman? Why is she of such interest to a certain religious group, so much so that she is being tracked down with the intent of ending her life? A colorful cast of characters blend to create a story you will not be able to put down!
Montsegur
Holly put years of research into the writing of The Vessel of Scion. As her friend I was pleased to be a part of the end of this process, reading each update and rewrite until it was just right for submission to publishing houses. When the book finally found its home with a company in the UK celebration was in order. One thinks that books just happen, the truth is far different! The actual process of a well written book is one of months and most likely years invested in the final product. A trip to France to visit the area around Montsegur and other parts of Southern France known to have been inhabited by this Christian group who believed in the battle between darkness and light contributed to Holly’s well written story. The Cathar’s posed a threat to the powerful Roman Catholic church who saw to their final demise over seven hundred years ago. No one really knows for sure how many survived this brutal slaughter to continue the stories and the history of this brave group of Christ followers. But the story Holly weaves gives the reader much to consider and to think about upon finishing the final pages.
Rural North Carolina
This is not the only book Holly has penned. Her ability to use her talent in various genre’s never ceases to amaze me. Upcoming will be a trilogy in the Young Adult category, The Hanover Hall Mysteries, that is full of mystery, the supernatural and ultimate fun as a pair of imaginative twins put their heads together with their grandmother, ala Shirley McClaine, finding one adventure after another! Holly’s book Conjurer has just been accepted at Mercer Press for publication. Her life as the daughter of a full blooded Cherokee mother and a Scottish father probably added to her ability to spin a compelling tale. Raised in Robbinsville, North Carolina, Holly was encouraged to share her dreams, visions and stories with the elders who included her grandfather, also a great storyteller. The tribe nurtured their children by letting them expand their imaginations rather than curb them. Conjurer is a powerful work Holly created that takes place in her beloved home state, another page turner that will capture your interest as the story develops and characters explode off the pages.
Holly McClure
Holly’s life has led her in many directions. Work as a nurse, a mother of three and a life that included helping others with addiction led to her current life as a writer. She lives on St. Simons Island with her lovely husband, Jack Gonzalez, who is a rare book dealer. Holly owned the Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency until Lexium Entertainment in Atlanta acquired the business from her in January 2013. Lexium is a large agency with offices in both Atlanta and Chicago. Sullivan Maxx is now under their large umbrella as the literary/film division with Holly still keeping her “finger in the pot”, guiding the direction and growth of her brain child. She offers invaluable help to fellow writers who have a work that is almost, but not quite, ready for submission to potential publishing houses. She works with clients to put the finishing touches on their manuscripts so they are ready to sell. Holly also does writer’s workshops and plenty of public speaking at various writer’s meetings and conferences. Her busy schedule includes a writer’s workshop in Mobile, Alabama April 3 – 5th and the Atlanta Writers Conference in May for which there is already a stand by list for aspiring and published writer’s who seek her expert advise.
Holly’s Ordination
You might question her vast knowledge of various religious paths as you read her latest book. Holly is a Gnostic scholar as well as a Celtic Christian Priest. She is a wealth of information on matters of the spirit with an insight into the human condition not held by many. The Vessel Of Scion is available through Amazon. You can also order this book through any of our local bookstores. Read more about Holly and her other books here: www.hollysullivanmcclure.com. Holly is my dear friend and one of the most talented writers I know. I think you’ll love her books!
