Where history (and myth and legend) becomes story
My books and many of my shorter pieces start with a kernel of truth (widely interpreted). That might be a piece of history, often little known; or legend and myth, especially local to where I live; or events handed down in family lore. The blog posts under each of the headings below explore the inspiration behind the stories. Have a browse, and enjoy these snippets.
Forest of Dean and River Severn History, Folklore and Myth
This part of the world is rich with heritage and history, with ongoing institutions and traditions dating back 800 years. And then there is legend and myth, such as that of the River Severn which the Romans named Sabrina, and deemed a goddess. A rich seam for an historical writer and drawn on heavily in The Wise Women series and many of my short stories. It was more recent history which inspired The Guardians series. And the trees themselves are always an inspiration as I walk the Forest paths.
Herbal Lore and Healing Traditions
The Forest, fields and the River Severn itself are a rich resource for (legal only please) foraging – mostly these days for eating, but medicinal and beauty uses are not unknown. Wise men and women, or cunning folk as they were often known, have existed for centuries across England, and it was the true story of one such Forest woman which inspired River Witch.
Women’s lives through War and Change
Both world wars saw huge changes in society, especially for women, with opportunities for protagonists such as Rose in The Gift of Belonging to test herself in the often terrifying and horrific unknown of The Great War. Explore the real life challenges she faced in these posts.
The Landscape of Australia
Post World War II heralded more change. In Australia this meant a huge influx of people from England and many other European countries, invited there to help build the nation’s future, including its infrastructure. The Keepers series is set against this background, inspired in part by my own family lore.