I mainly write historical fiction, inspired by what I call ‘the footnotes of history’: forgotten stories or part-legends about interesting people. My first two series are set in very different eras: 18th century China, following the lives of concubines in the Forbidden City, and 11th century North Africa, following the rise of a Muslim Empire across Morocco and Spain. My first novel, The Fragrant Concubine, was Editor’s Choice at the Historical Novel Society and The Cold Palace won the 2019 Novel London award. If you’d like to try my writing, pick up a free novella, The Cup.
I’m currently writing a series set in 1st century AD Rome, following the backstage team of the Colosseum. The first book, From the Ashes, was Editor’s Choice at the Historical Novel Society.
I also get curious about other subjects and have written non-fiction books including 100 Things to do while Breastfeeding and The Happy Commuter, featured on BBC Radio and in The Evening Standard. I wrote a 20min sci-fi radio play which was chosen for the 2019 Page to Podcast competition and produced by the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts. You can listen to Fixed here.
In 2016 I was the Leverhulme Trust Artist in Residence at the British Library, which included writing two books, Merchandise for Authors and The Storytelling Entrepreneur, running multiple workshops and curating two pop-up exhibitions. I now run regular writing-related workshops at the British Library.
I self-publish my books and am proud to be a member of, and work on campaigns for, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), the professional association for authors who self-publish. A global, nonprofit organization that brings together the world’s best indie authors, advisors, and services, ALLi offers trusted guidance on how to self-publish well. Read more and join the Alliance of Independent Authors by clicking on the logo.
I was awarded a PhD in Creative Writing by the University of Surrey which included writing The Garden of Perfect Brightness for my Chinese series and looking at the importance of fiction in historical fiction.
I’m agented by The Liverpool Literary Agency to work on an exciting collaboration: watch this space!
I grew up and was home educated on an Italian hill farm. I now live in London with my husband and two children. If you’d like to know more about me, my research and writing processes, pop behind the scenes.
You’ve seen my writing featured here:
And I’ve given talks and workshops here:
