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Whether you always wanted to build your family tree but never found the time, or started one and got stuck, you might find something here to take your research forward. And if you’ve never been interested in the idea…think again! 1) Getting the Basics Right You’ll need to decide which ‘side’ of your family you’re going to investigate: your father’s or your mother’s. This will save on confusion further down the line. However, if you hit a brick wall, as they’re called in fa

Sea Lake is the name of the small frontier town where the heroine of my novel pitches up after evading her erstwhile lover at the harbour in Melbourne in 1910.  At that point, the town was the last stop on the Kulwin railway line, a relatively primitive settlement, but becoming something of a boom town. Bill Boyd photographed it extensively with basic equipment and self-taught.  The results are remarkable and hugely evocative of the environment into which Chrissie and her thr

Last month my step-son and his partner had their first baby: the adorable and quite perfect Poppy Rose.  They aren’t married.  In 2025 this is the opposite of a big deal - in fact it doesn’t even warrant a mention.  However, if we go back to the 1880s when the heroine of my novel gave birth to her first child, Anthony Atkinson Whitfield, the situation was very different.  Anthony was a child born out of wedlock and this was reckoned to be the single greatest source of shame f

This was a question I found myself asking when I discovered that the heroine of my novel, Mrs Maydwell, aka Christiana Whitfield, ran just such an establishment in the Australian outback in the early twentieth century. It turns out that so-called coffee palaces were another name for temperance hotels which came into vogue in England in the 1850s and really caught on in Australia in the late 1870s. Coffee houses first became popular back in the 1600s when coffee was a new beve

Historical fiction offers a unique way to explore the past by blending real events with imaginative storytelling. Writing in this genre challenges authors to balance accuracy with creativity, making the story both believable and engaging. If you want to create historical fiction that captivates readers, this guide will provide practical tips and insights to help you build vivid worlds, develop authentic characters, and weave compelling narratives. Understand the Historical Co

Writing a historical novel is a unique challenge that blends creativity with careful research. Unlike other genres, historical fiction demands accuracy in portraying the past while crafting a compelling story that resonates with modern readers. This post explores the key steps and strategies authors use to bring history to life on the page. Choosing the Right Historical Period The first step in writing a historical novel is selecting the time period. This choice shapes the en

Historical fiction offers readers a unique window into the past, blending real events with imaginative storytelling. Yet, authors and publishers face distinct challenges when bringing these stories to life and to market. From research demands to market positioning, the path to success in historical fiction publishing requires careful navigation. This post explores the key obstacles and practical strategies to overcome them, helping writers and publishers connect with readers