I had a great day at my book launch for Where Stories Lie Buried, last Friday. With every chair taken, and people engaged, the energy in the room was high. Questions were asked, and a delicious morning tea enjoyed. People purchased books in one corner while others stood and chatted long after I’d finished speaking….
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…
I’ve been jumping up and down with joy since the certificate arrived for Elinor, Book 2 in The Art of Secrets series. It’s such an honour to be chosen by readers to qualify for a BRAG Medallion. Thank you to all involved. As I sit at my window watching the sun glinting on the water…
Women today have much to be grateful for, thanks to the endeavours of women like Kate Sheppard who led the New Zealand Suffrage movement, and Amey Daldy, a major character in Lucy, book 3 of The Art of Secrets series who co-ordinated the women of Auckland. Without these women standing up for their rights, women…
Do you use social media? How often and for what purpose? I’d love to know. I’m a Facebook user but after I was hacked, I’ve lost confidence. I’m being encouraged to join Instagram but I’m questioning what difference it makes if I use it or not. How do you – the readers – get to…
Do you know what a back is? Or a key? I’m sure you would tell me a key is used to unlock doors, or possibly a vital clue in solving a problem. Maybe even a button on a phone or computer keyboard, or even associate it with music – it has many definitions. If you…
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…
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…
