WHEN Birkdale author Rachel Sweasey stops to look at the water off Beth Boyd Park at Thorneside, she is possibly drawing inspiration for her next novel.
Water, she says, is firmly a source of creativity. Rachel, 53, has had two novels published this year, both centred around Poole, in Dorset, England the second-largest natural harbour in the world and a place where she grew up from age five, returning to live in Australia 20 years later.
“I have sailed that harbour, walked the hills and explored the villages,” she said. “I know these places. The place is almost like another character in my books and I have kept the true names, although the characters are fictional.”
Rachel said the natural beauty of the Redlands was also an influence.
“One time I wanted to describe the sun setting on water so I sat and watched a sunset at Wellington Point in order to form the words,” she said.
In her second novel, she also talks about Stradbroke Island as one of the holiday destinations for the central character.
Her novels Last Boat Home and Island Girls were released in May and October and are described as historical fiction “with a touch of romance”.
“There are two stories being told side-by-side about 50 years apart and they eventually merge as an old mystery is solved 50 years later,” she said.
Rachel said she was signed for a three-book contract with English publisher Boldwood Books and is currently working on her third novel, also set during war time in Dorset. Her first draft is due at Christmas.
“Working as a secondary school English teacher helps – I do most of my writing during the school holidays,” she said. “I do have to tell any students who are interested that this is adult romance and not something for them to read. My ultimate goal would be to be a full-time writer, but at the moment, I have the capacity for both.”.
She has since been asked to consider a saga of three more novels, using historical war references.
“This is still at the germination stage, but readers apparently can’t get enough of the war,” she said.
Rachel said the books had been published in every English-speaking country in e-book, hard cover and audio.
“I’ve always written short stories but never imagined a full novel. I have worked in publishing and that has helped. It is thrilling to hold your own book in your hands for the first time,” she said.
