TR: At some point, I’d like to hear the long one. It would most likely be there still if a number of friends hadn’t coaxed, cajoled and persuaded me to do something about it.

I put the finished manuscript in a desk drawer and it stayed there for over fifteen years. It was much too soon, the troubles were on-going, the time wasn’t right. When the book was finished I knew it couldn’t be published. The research took far longer than the actual writing. I asked many questions, and bounced ideas around. Back then, as a journalist, I was able to talk to people in authority, in government and security circles and from both sides of the country’s sectarian divide. It nagged at the back of my mind and wouldn’t go away. The germ of an idea took root-an outlandish, improbable, off-the-wall solution no government, nor any right-thinking person could ever countenance. I watched a succession of peace initiatives flounder as good men and women strove to find an amicable solution to the centuries-old problems of one of the most beautiful countries on earth.Īs the years went by I got to thinking. As a journalist and broadcaster I reported the troubles first hand. I was one of those who lived through the troubles. There are complications-well, there would have to be, wouldn’t there, or else it wouldn’t be a story? Like Ireland itself, there’s a share of violence and mayhem, tears and laughter, love and loss. More than that, it’s the story of an attempt by four men to end them once and for all. “Role of Dishonour” is about the troubles in Ireland. The short one isn’t really all that short. The long one is so complex and meandering I’m not sure I understand it myself. TR: So, What was the inspiration for “Role of Dishonour”?īF: There are really two answers to that Thomas-the long one and the short one. TR: Good morning, Brad, and thanks for being here.īF: Morning, Thomas. My wife of almost three years – and the love of my life – is responsible for my entry into writing – so, if you don’t like my stories, blame HER!

During the time I was tracing my family tree, I discovered that one of my ancestors served in the military during every war or conflict the United States has entered, beginning with the Revolutionary War.ħ. I have a cousin who is quite famous (future blog post :))Ħ. During that time, I had the honor to climb Mount Fujiyama, one of the sacred mountains of Japan.Ĥ. When I was in the Marines, I spent a year in Okinawa and Japan. Since my dad was adopted out of that family, we do not share that name – however, when I finish my first YA fiction, my pen name for it will be Thomas Siverling.Ģ. Their family name was Sauberlich, but over the years, it was changed and Americanized to Siverling. My father’s ninth grandfather sailed to America in 1753, and settled near Erie, Pa. In keeping with the VP tradition, here are seven facts about me:ġ.

Man.what a day 🙂 Many thanks to Ron, who is a faithful follower of my blog, and never fails to leave comments and likes.

The Clearing by Thomas Rydder