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Tales around the fireside as a child instilled my lifelong love of storytelling. My grandmother didn’t believe in televisions, she believed in the power of a child’s imagination.

I grew up near Bronte Country, so we make regular trips to the village of Howarth and the surrounding moors which inspired The Bronte Sisters. The landscape is still as brooding as they described almost two centuries ago, and it somehow weaves itself around you until it’s impossible to ignore.

I always say I was born too late as I would have loved to have lived in days gone by. Much like my grandmother, I’m drawn to firelight and candlelight, never happier than when I’m by the fireside reading or writing. It seems obvious now that I would be drawn to write historical fiction so I’m able to immerse myself in the past so often.

My publishing journey began four years ago with my first book, which had been six years in the writing. Unlike my later work, it has a more recent setting but still with a moorland backdrop. I submitted directly to small publishers and was lucky enough to be offered three contracts. I chose a new northern publisher, but the company unfortunately folded before I signed. It was a blow but allowed me to rethink and decide historical fiction writing was the path for me. I went on to write six books (soon to be seven) which were self-published last year. I now know how crowded the market is and it can prove tricky to find an audience. I will say that I’ve had huge support from authors on social media which I value and try to return. I’m constantly learning new skills and a wonderful opportunity like this is rare, so I’ve grabbed it with both hands. Some writers have instant success but for most publishing is a ‘long game’. I always remember a book is forever and even a small step forward is a step in the right direction.

My tales are love stories rather than purely romance. I’m driven to explore all kinds of love, such as the love between family members and friendships rather than only romantic love. My tales are character-driven, and I delve deeply into their psyche, thoughts and emotions, but I recognise the value of a strong plot to encourage readers to turn the page. There’s a sprinkling of northern grit to bring a touch of realism for good measure… but not too much.

When I think back to my childhood, I realise I was being taught by a storyteller who knew how to create suspense, layer a plot, and make you care for a character without even knowing she had such a gift. These were my favourite times and as my brothers were much older, I could have my grandmother all to myself.

I would go back to that time in a heartbeat and feel very privileged and lucky to have such memories.

Website: https://womenofoldyorkshire.com/

Books: http://booklinker.com/

Instagram/Threads/TikTok: @women_of_old_yorkshire