Blog
My blog on travel, experiences, writing tips and discoveries.
If there is something about the process of writing you would like me to explore in my blog, please contact me.
Reckoning of Rheged: book three, is it the end?
12 Sep 2023
The Reckoning of Rheged is the stunning third novel in Maria Johnson's beautiful trilogy about Daniel and his journey through Dark Ages England. But will it be the last?
The Village People Spy
12 Apr 2023
I am through to round two in the NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge 2023. Not only that - my entry came top in my group. Here's the entry (language warning)
Five Fun Facts: Cornwall
4 Oct 2022
The first in my new series of posts where I delve into the most interesting facts and information I come across while researching my novels. First up: Cornwall!
Green Chutney
1 Oct 2022
As the days shorten and the winds cool, the leaves shift-colour and the clouds gather, a new season is upon us. A time of change, a time of preparation. For my garden a time of harvest and planning - gathering the last of the summer fruits, and planting the new seedlings for the coming winter. Inspired by this time of adjustment, I wrote this short story. I hope you enjoy.
Where the Gulls Fall Silent WINS!
14 Sep 2022
Finalist in the Coffee Pot Book Club Book of the Year Awards 2022 and GOLD for the cover!
A chat with historical fiction author Karen Heenan
8 Sep 2022
And a give away you don't want to miss!
Book signing in Woking
27 Jul 2022
I joined forces with other local authors to run a book signing event at local independent bookstore Lionsheart. It was my first book signing - and I sold ALL my novels! Oh, and met the Mayor!
Writing Presidents by Dan Coonan
5 Jul 2022
Fresh from the release of Another Round, the thrilling sequel to his debut novel Presidential Spirits, Dan Coonan drops by to talk all things writing and following his passion!
Social Media for Authors
11 May 2022
Looking to grow your reader base through social media? Hoping to catch the eye of a literary agent? Want to connect with readers and generate sales? Here are some tips for using social media to find success as an author.
Meet author Maria Johnson
11 May 2022
Author of historical fiction and young adult fantasy, Maria's writing is going from strength to strength as she releases her fourth novel as a gift for readers!
Meet Elaine Stock - Author
24 Mar 2022
Her upcoming novel We Shall Not Shatter is a masterpiece of historical fiction that touches on her own family history. I have had the privilege of reading an advanced copy and I highly recommend. It releases May 15, 2022!
Prologue: Where the Gulls Fall Silent
28 Oct 2021
A small fishing village, a shunned healer, her daughter, tradition, superstition and a world set to change. Intrigued? I've posted the opening to my new historical fiction to give you a little taste. Hope you enjoy!
Tim Hardie
16 Aug 2021
Tim Hardie is a contestant in this year’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog off writing competition (further details are found in the blog of host author Mark Lawrence). His entry, Hall of Bones, is a Viking-inspired fantasy story. He takes over my blog today to tell you all about the inspiration behind his novels and his creative process. So without further ado I pass you to Tim!
Meet author François Stazi.
20 Jul 2021
Author of dystopian/ historical fiction and avid explorer. Meet this indie who is on his way up!
Lovern Kindzierski - author, graphic artist and educator
15 Jul 2021
Author, short story writer, graphic artist and educator, Lovern Kindzierski is a true creative.
Patrick D. Kaiser, indie author of verse novels
14 Jul 2021
Today's author feature is focussed on Patrick D. Kaiser author of thriller verse novels and autism advocate.
Tammy Reese, multimedia content creator / journalist
22 Jun 2021
An independent journalist who gives back to others through mentoring and support, Tammy Reese works hard and believes in uplifting others. With over 20 years in the entertainment business, this is a woman who knows her stuff. Find out more!
Writing and Anxiety
10 Jun 2021
Anxiety seems to be part of the package of being creative. So, what can we do about it? Here are some thoughts I have developed through my own experience.
Author Interview - Meet Sarah J Maxwell
10 Jun 2021
Meet Sarah J Maxwell. Her debut novel, a YA with paranormal elements, Billy Lemonade is creating quite the stir, and I can see why! It is a beautifully written novel, full of poignant moments, sorrow and love. I honestly can not recommend it highly enough. Get yourself a copy now, you can thank me later. I am truly excited to feature Sarah in this newsletter, so without further ado, I will hand over to the author herself!
How to grow your social media following
4 Mar 2021
Social media can be a powerful promotional tool for writers. But before you can make the most of your platform, you need followers. Engaging content, forming connections and inspiring interactions are the tenets of enticing followers. Here are my top tips to make the most of your social media presence to grow your reader-base and ultimately, sell your books!
The Unsound Sister - Chapter One
3 Nov 2020
How do you prepare yourself to meet a killer? Just a little teaser of my new crime novel, The Unsound Sister. Out now through Amazon!
Widow's Lace Part One: Ellie
4 Aug 2020
A hundred year old mystery, the widow left behind, a fallen soldier, an unnamed body and a young student determined to find the truth. This post is the first 5 chapters of my Historical Fiction Widow's Lace for you to read and get a feel for the story and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Edward Barrington. Hopefully it captures your interest!
An Indie Author's Guide to Self Promotion
9 Jul 2020
So you have decided to Self Publish. Awesome! Now it's time to promote your work to the world. But how? Unlike when you go through a traditional publisher – this is up to you. Here are some things I found useful!
Thinking about Self-Publishing? Here are some tips!
25 Jun 2020
Self publishing of books/ novels is becoming more and more common as a way to get a work out there. So why would an author chose to self-publish? And how would they even start? Here are some tips to help!
Inhale
26 Mar 2020
Back in 2009 I started writing an apocalyptic novel - about a world in which everyone needed to live under domes to avoid an air born disease. A strange symmetry with events today. Thought I would share an excerpt. Not sure if I am glad I never finished it, or wish I had!
What inspires you to write?
21 Feb 2020
Does inspiration grab you and physically shake you? Do ideas dance gently across your mind? Is there an intense surge through your core that demands release? Or do you just wake up one day knowing exactly what to write?
5 tips on self-editing your writing
1 Feb 2020
Like writing, how we approach the task of editing can be very individual. That said, I have found the following 5 strategies for self-editing to be very successful. Take a read. Hopefully they will help you too!
How to make time to write
16 Jan 2020
Life is busy. So how do you carve out the space to write? Here are 5 tips I used to make time for my writing. I hope they help you too.
One Night in Glasgow
2 Jan 2019
Early morning my husband and I headed up to Glasgow Scotland for a one night mini escape, and what a great choice it was for a quick trip! We flew from Gatwick and were pleased to find that Glasgow has a dedicated Airport bus that will have to into the centre in around 15 minutes, for only £8 one way.
24 hours in Seville, Spain
5 Jul 2018
Seville is quintessential ‘Spain’: tapas and flamenco! You could spend days exploring Seville, but here are some highlights packed into one day!
Cross section Spain, central to coast in Ronda and Alicante
6 Apr 2018
Spain is a country of vast geographical contrast and beauty. On my recent trip there two places stood out for their stunning views and individual experiences.
River, beach, food and adventure = Goolwa!
8 Nov 2017
Where the river meets the sea. Goolwa is a place of natural beauty, with a long and open beach, river and the Coorong national park to enjoy, it’s perfect for a day relaxing the water or exploring the sights on foot, bike or boat!