Better Weather

My grandson, who has been poorly and did not go to school, went for a walk across the green behind my house and on into the woods. We took Oscar  with us. He is a small, delightful 6 month old puppy my grandson and his family are looking after.

The weather is mild, the air crisp but the ground underfoot squelchy after the recent heavy rain. The woods are full of birdsong and we saw squirrels scampering across the ground and in the trees. Oscar enjoyed it and barked for us to throw sticks for him to fetch.

As a historical novelist I imagined our experiences taking place in the past and made notes.

Ideas for My Novels

I'm sure many novelists are asked where they get their ideas for their novels. I am not an exception. My novels are often inspired by historical research, reading non-fiction or visiting a place of historical interest, after which my imagination takes over.

While writing I draw inspiration from many things, including poetry. Yesterday, after reading the following verse, I went to sleep with the words in my mind.

Her gentle motion and her smiles,
Her wit, her voice my heart beguiles,
Beguiles my heart, I know not why,
And yet I love her till I die.

Anon (17th century)

Who are you?

Yesterday, while I made green tomato chutney and considered my store of homemade jam, jelly, chutney and pickles with satisfaction, a fair-haired slip of a girl came to mind. She was making a conserve (of what?)when a servant rushed into the still room saying: "the soldiers are coming." At that point I sensed the anxiety of the girl, who loved her home, her garden, her still room and other country pursuits. Who is she? What is her name? Was she real or is she a figment of my imagination?
For a long time I have been considering writing a novel centred around a garden, perhaps my mystery girl will feature in it. At the moment, I want to get to know her.

Ups and Downs of Being Published

From early childhood my world has been inhabited by imaginary people, and there have always been stories in my head, not all of which I committed to paper.


When my first novel was accepted and I was delighted. I assumed I was on my way to a career as a Historical Novelist. Sadly, the novel was not published. After many setbacks, I stopped writiNevertheless, the stories were still in my head. Eventually, the compulsion to write them became too strong to resist.

With my late husband's encouragement I wrote novels. Rejection, followed rejection. Like many other authors I could paper a room with them.

At long last my former publisher accepted my novel, Tangled Lives, but in a short time went out of business. This time, I continued writing and receiving rejections until my publisher, MuseItUppublishing accepted Tangled Love aka Tangled Lives, which has been followed by Sunday's Child, False Pretences and my new release Far Beyond Rubies.

Writing is incredibly hard work but I am so glad I persevered.