I write books I want to read: stories of women and their creativity, travels stories that are relaxing, and history that is easy to read and enjoyable.
I don't do crime, porn or murder.
I write books that are positive and fun. The kind of stories I’m happy for my daughter to pick up and read, at 5 or 25. Books that explore, celebrate and honor.
When I was 9, my grandmother gave me a postcard set of Venice, Italy. The postcards that are all connected: they drop down, concertina zig-zag style. Then fold back up into a little book. Great fun!
But what left the impression on me were the photographs. They were a glimpse into another time and place, far from the suburban brown of the 1980s.
Red velvet gondolas, 14th century Gothic buildings, Carnival and lace: how could I not fall in love? Little did my Nana know the real gift she gave me.
It became my passion to travel through time and place looking for beautiful cities, gorgeous textiles and fascinating people. This meant I traveled as soon as I could and read books, lots of them!
My quest led me to teach history, because I love it. I’m curious about the stories we weave and the people who have gone before us. For me history was never about the tiny little details but about the grand narrative that is us, our human story and our world.
I then became a museum curator, because I love stories and beautiful things. To me, museums are story telling places. Things may be on display in a museum like dresses, machines and paintings. But to me, each of them tells a story.
Now I am very thankful that I can write about beautiful places and fascinating people. And that you read it.
Recently at a book signing, a woman held out Jane Austen’s Sewing Box for me to sign, saying, “My mother has gone blind. I read her this and she loved it.”
That makes me very happy. I love that I can create a little bundle of happiness that is a book. I love that I can give that to you.
I update my website here with new stories. I only post when I have a story to tell, or something new to share. Sign up for my newsletter over at the side.
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