Historical fiction
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Insubordinate Ducks
Image of ducks not in a row ©Ben Andrew, RSPB. I had a few days away with my son last week in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where I grew up. Caught up with family and wallowed in Roman history. Chedworth Roman Villa and Bath summoned us, both of which are still glorious, of course. We also ran… Continue reading
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A New Rabbit Hole
Just a quickie. Whilst waiting for various happenings with the first two novels (there will be some news soon!), I find myself diving nose first down a new and glorious research rabbit hole: the late Georgians, mostly the rural ones. Got to keep my foot on the writing pedal, got to crack on with the… Continue reading
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So. Reading, eh?
I guess it’s the fundamental bardic thing, the telling of stories from the year dot to entertain, educate and comfort the clan around the fire, and we still love it so much today. Just look at the size of the publishing industry, and the hoards of souls (me included) eagerly trying to make their stories… Continue reading
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Slate Heart Faces
The black and white photo is Charles Easton Spooner – splendid fellow, Ffestiniog Railway engineer and secretary from 1856 to 1886. He and his sister Louisa are the ‘real’ people in the story, although sadly I’ve been unable to find an image of her. There are plenty of photos of Charles’ locos, but not his… Continue reading
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January 2026: Life & Writing Updates
I’m a bad person, I haven’t updated the blog for so long, but you know…. life and stuff! LifeWell, I fled my NHS medical PA role back in May 2025 after twelve years in post, stressed to the gills, determined to save my own life (melodramatic, I know, but I was ready to explode or… Continue reading
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Ed Pigot’s from Portsmouth & so am I
…although my parents moved us to Gloucestershire when I was one. However when I was of an age to take note of trips to Pompey, it was like visiting a giant pop-up book, I was so familiar with the place names and many, many family stories. I’ve just returned from a flying visit now, and… Continue reading
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Louisa’s Peacock Dress
I am indulging my love of Dante Gabriel Rossetti with this brief post. In Slate Heart Louisa Spooner explains that her new gown was inspired by Mr Rossetti’s paintings, although Lowri has no idea who that is. In truth the paintings which inspired it for me were all produced post 1863, when the novel is… Continue reading
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Research: Beloved Books
The books listed here are my favourites, the ones I have found most useful. It is not an exhaustive list; I will also have to compose an ‘online resources’ list at some stage. Whilst online resources are of course incredibly useful, I don’t think you can beat having a good old solid BOOK in your… Continue reading
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Louisa Spooner: A Brief History
Louisa Matilda Spooner was born in 1820, the fifth of ten children, to Elizabeth and railway engineer James. At the time of her birth the family lived in Maentwrog, a village a few miles from Porthmadog. It must’ve been a boisterous household to grow up in, full of games, noise and no doubt arguments amidst… Continue reading
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Slate Heart: what’s it all about?
1863 Victorian north Wales, an evolving port town sits in the lap of the magnificent Eryri mountains, the mighty Yr Wyddfa king of all. In its shadow the Blaenau Ffestiniog mines are at the centre of the burgeoning international demand for slate. It fuels the development of the Ffestiniog Railway from a gravity-run trackway to… Continue reading
Jacqueline Day 