Newsletter #1
Welcome to my brand new, shiny newsletter in which I bring you up-to-date with news and events, offers and giveaways. I’ll invite you to take a peek at my author life and the nuts and bolts of writing novels, and ask you about what you like to see in a historical novel and why.
And while this is a handy way of keeping everyone informed about the writing life of one author, what I really want to do is to keep in touch with the many people who, like me, are fascinated by writing, history, literature, music, the natural world, gardening and… chickens. So if you have any questions or want to get in touch, do message me.
Although we are well into 2024, I suppose a usual thing when beginning a new year and a new newsletter is to take a moment to look back at the old. When I think about it, I wonder how I managed to fit it all in. But we do, don’t we? Not only do we get done many of the things we planned, but we also squeeze in all the unexpected little things that crop up as well. It makes for an interesting life.
Last year was such a year, when not only did I launch one new thing, but two.
First of all was the long-anticipated release of Wheel of Fortune - the first book in The Tarnished Crown series. I have been working on this first novel in my historical Wars of the Roses series for over a decade. I wrote the opening lines in Cornwall on a wild and blustery day having planned it over the previous few years. At the time, I was still writing the Secret of the Journal series, which I adored. The Wars of the Roses, however, has been under my skin since childhood and itching to get onto the page, so, while the wind battered the eves and sang in the chimney, I began the novel - as yet without a title - that became Wheel of Fortune.
Wheel of Fortune
The Wars of the Roses is a period bursting with strong personalities, intense loyalties and intrigue. Lack of leadership from the reigning King Henry VI led to a battle for power among the greatest magnates in the land, ultimately leading to a change of ruling house under the leadership of young, vibrant and charismatic Edward IV. The struggle to maintain control didn’t end there, and over the next thirty years or so, the crown changed hands a number of times - raising some up while casting others down, only for them to rise again. In medieval terms, the goddess Fortuna - blind to the ambition of men - turned her wheel upon which men’s fortunes rose and fell. In their battle to maintain their position and security in life, men and women resorted to whatever means were available to them to protect what they had and promote their interests. Advantageous marriages, spotting - and backing - the rising stars, careful contracts, were all employed within every echelon of society. But step away from the history for a moment and take a look at the people. Because, ultimately, history is about people - their hopes and fears for themselves and their family in their current life, and for the future of their souls. Above all, they echo the very same concerns that we share today, such as relationships, income, health, so when people say ‘what is the point of history?’ I say, we all are. The point, that is. Your concerns are those of anybody living now, in the past, or in the future. If you are interested in people, you will be interested in the lives of those who went before because it is they - and their actions - that have shaped who we are and what we believe and how we behave today.
15th century image (from Portfolio of 15th century dresses, Hope Greenberg)
Let me introduce you to Isobel Fenton - a young woman who has little ambition in life other than to tend her garden - oh, and to marry Thomas Lacey - a young man she has known for years but to whom she has given little consideration. Her world is that within her manor’s walls and why should she care what happens outside it and which king sits upon the throne? But as unseen witness to a summary execution, Isobel finds herself pitched into the heart of the political turmoil that is to shape her future and that of those closest to the Crown.
Like Isobel, we all know that life is far from predictable and it is how we respond that moulds our lives and ourselves.
This is a story about one young woman’s battle for survival, but it also reflects the struggles of a family, a region, and a country - and those who seek to rule it.
And the second new thing accomplished last year?
Resolute Books
May 2023 also saw the launch of a new publishing enterprise - Resolute Books - where a group of writers came together with one vision: to build an independent consortium of experienced authors, professional editors and talented designers to produce engaging and inspiring books of the highest quality for readers everywhere. Now almost a year in, Resolute has gone from strength to strength, and I am proud to be counted among its authors.
This year is proving to be equally busy with the release of the sequel to Wheel of Fortune - Sun Ascendant - the second book in The Tarnished Crown series in May. But more on that - and much more - in my next newsletter.
Until then - from a sunny Dorset - keep safe and well and happy reading!