Clinton Mhic Aonghais

As a New Zealand designer, portrait artist and part-time author I have a passion for genealogy and military history, particularly little known accounts of interesting individuals.

At 59 years of age I was introduced for the first time to my only paternal cousin Leslie McInnes, from England. Les had been born during WW2, and as it transpired it was a pivotal moment in my life, inspiring me to take on the challenge of writing the book 'For Fifteen Bob a Day'. This is the account about his father, (my uncle and namesake, Clinton McInnes), whom Les never got to know, as his father was killed flying a Spitfire for 485 Squadron in late 1944 when Les was only 5 months old.

This was my second published work, with my first effort being the award winning book titled, 'The Baker Boys'. This is a WW1 account that also finds resonance in our family history, and was part of its inspiration.

As an author I write under my Gaelic surname of 'mhic Aonghais'. Additionally each of my books incorporates hundreds of images to support the script. I have always believed that kids show an interest in written history when it is coupled with images they can relate to and that pertain to any account. On the subject of other titles, I have several other books underway with the next almost ready for publishing. This work is titled 'The Amulet', and it is my first attempt at writing a WW1 historic novel. This book's plot is woven into a true backdrop of WW1 espionage where all of the characters, and their history, are authentic other than two.

In learning from my first book I like to think that this plot too also moves along without bogging itself down in detail. Further, it also definitely has resonance with occurrences in the Middle East today, and as such I would be interested in your thoughts when this publication becomes available.

As a final comment let me say that I sincerely hope u enjoy my books. I have always believed that it is a poor fool who cannot learn something new each day and I welcome your suggestions on how I can improve my efforts for you as a reader.

Clinton