I’ve published ten novels now, but every time I am never quite prepared for the post-writing busyness. My next book, Where Stories Lie Buried, launches on 25 September, and the closer it gets, the more I’m doing things that have nothing to do with writing at all. Nobody warns you about this part. You imagine…
Continuing the theme of my previous blogs on historical research for my current novel, I discovered that 1852 was a quite a significant year. Did you know that Arthur Wellesley (né Wesley) was twice Prime Minister of England and was given a state funeral at the insistence of Queen Victoria? Do you know who he…
In my previous blogs I’ve mostly talked about the women. They are the stalwarts of the time: staunch, loyal and committed. But let’s talk about some of the occupations their menfolk undertook to feed the household. Do you know what a cordwainer was? It’s similar to a snobscat. Or a cooper, or bodger? No…? Here’s…
This week, let me introduce you to Harriet. Every time I follow the life story of Victorian women I am amazed at their stamina and adaptability. Only seven years younger than Queen Victoria, Harriet knew little about the reign of Kings George IV or that of William IV and lived her life knowing only Victorian’s…
Are you ready? Lucy, the determined suffragist, is on her way. She’ll be here soon, but it’s a long way from 1893. But first, do you know Emma? Let me introduce you. Emma lives in New Zealand. She loves her job as a genealogist who researches other people’s family histories. Her willingness to help others…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Recently, a conversation with other historical fiction writers convinced me that time travel is possible – at least, in your head. We talked about how, especially in the early morning half way between sleep and waking, we can find ourselves living the lives our characters’ lived in whatever era, dimension or state they come from….
