I’m a lover of antiques, old photos and memorabilia and, as such, they are often included in my storylines. When I’m engrossed in the business of writing, I often forget to get up from my chair. When I do, the joints moan and groan for a while until I get moving again. There is a…
I had a conversation recently with someone who said they didn’t know who their grandparents were and asked why I bothered doing all the research. My immediate response was, for their stories. Finding out about our ancestors and learning where they lived, the times they lived in and the work they did also tells us…
Earlier blogs talked about the historical characters of Sarah and Martha and the tragedy of them losing so many children, and the difficulties women faced when they lost their husbands. But then women – and children – were considered, if not expendable, then of less importance as it was not unexpected when they died. Life…
Editor’s note: Martha’s story is coming in 2027. Sign up to my newsletter to be the first to know. Happy St Patrick’s day to you all… and especially to those with Irish heritage. It’s such a fascinating history. Did you know…? Along with Patrick and Columcille, Brigid is one of three patron saints of Ireland. More…
Editor’s Note: Sarah’s Destiny was released in 2025 Tuesday 7 March 2023, is census day. For me, and every other genealogist a census a crucial link to the past and the way we trace our histories and discover those who are a part of us. As a case in point, I’d like you to meet…
A writer’s life varies from day to day. The ups and downs can be exhausting but then there are days, like today, when an email bring so much joy. I am honoured and delighted to announce Gwenna The Welsh Confectioner has won a GOLD medal in the Women’s Historical Fiction Category for The Coffee Pot…
July has been an amazing month with several book talks, a radio interview and an addition to our orchid family. I was delighted when the local MoreFM station made contact and invited me to chat with Brent about walking along the beach, getting inspiration and my writing style. I had a lovely session before heading…
As many of you know, I delve into the past quite a lot. I’m always looking for a story – an anchor for my next character to get involved with – and found myself fascinating by the late 19th century, a period of time with many ‘firsts’ in this country, especially for women. Achievements we…
Apart from having an addiction to travelling, I long ago discovered genealogy was in my bones, or should that be blood? Whichever way you describe it, I can spend hours online looking for the who’s who of family, and how they are connected, clicking away to my heart’s content. I’m like a bloodhound. I can…
I’ve spent quite some time running down rabbit holes recently looking for people and their stories, discovering what life was like in the 1920s here in New Zealand, and connecting a few dots. What struck me most while doing this research, is how similar life is today to then, as it was fifty or a…
