Introducing my Debut Novel

Welcome to my first blog!

I had so much fun designing the cover of my book. Each image, the colours and the chosen fonts are a clue to the historical mid-century story that unfolds between the pages. With this cover I’m making a commitment to you as a reader before you read the first sentence.

Red, Black, and 1960s Style

In the foreground is my protagonist Val draped over a 1968 Mercedes-Benz Pagoda. Her outfit of vibrant red skirt and black turtleneck captures the energy, sophistication and rebellion of a woman ready to take on the world at a pivotal time in history. Through her eyes, we explore the changing landscape of Sydney and her desire to escape the restrictions and expectations placed on women in the 1960s.

And that gorgeous red car! For years I owned and drove a Pagoda we named Ruby. I know exactly how the steering feels, the purr of the engine, and the way her distinctive red duco glows in the sunlight. Like many things in this book that car is a piece of my own history.

You may be interested to know - in the novel, it is not Val who owns this car but her best friend Penny. Val has never had a driver’s licence!

‘It’s just another goal to achieve before my fortieth birthday,’ Val sighs.

Are you a fan of classic cars?

Behind Val and the Mercedes, sits the unmistakable image of Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a grand Victorian villa amid lush lawns and sprawling grounds. This anchors the story to Sydney and a wealthy harbourside suburb.

A weaving of fact and fiction, I will be using this Blog to share behind the scenes research from old Sydney archives, true stories and gossip from recorded conversations and the spine tingling, serendipitous discoveries that lit the flames as I questioned my reasons for writing this novel.

Sit with me and enjoy the ride!