You write alot about the 1930s. What do you like about the time period?

As the instigator of the Our House on Sycamore Street series, I felt I needed to pen the ‘origin story’ for this street of houses in the fictional English village of Eden Cove. Who was the first occupant to build their home there? And why?

It’s 1853. Walter Ferryman is the son of local gamekeeper to the Wingfields, occupants of the Castle on the Hill overlooking Eden Cove. He runs the local ferry service across the River Deben, providing a short-cut to travellers to and from the village. Walter’s hopes and dreams for his future take a dramatic turn after a single mistake he makes – a mistake which forces him from his family home. 

As he struggles with the consequences he must face, Walter discovers the harsh realities of social norms. And finds the kindness of others offering him a fresh beginning.

A few years ago, I subscribed to BBC History Magazine. It was packed full of pages of history, ranging from the grand to the grotesque. My favourite were the articles about normal people and how vast events affected everyday life. One particular article wormed its way into my imagination – and stuck there! The article showcased a current BBC show centred around a terrace house in the north of England. Using this house and its occupants as the backdrop, a fascinating glimpse into British history through the centuries emerged.

My writery brain exploded. What about writing a series of books around this same theme? How about it focussed not on one house, but on a whole street of houses? A street of houses needs neighbours. I didn’t fancy going it alone! And so I pondered some more. And the Madness song, Our House, started to sing in my head. 

A 1980s pop song about a house in a middle of a street, and all the comings and goings…I chatted to a South African writing friend. She liked the idea. I chatted to a few other friends, and friends of friends. We swapped ideas. We built a street. We created a village. And Our House on Sycamore Street was born!

I can’t tell you how exciting, special and emotional it is to watch our ideas forming into the books you’ll be reading. I hope you’ll enjoy the journey as much as we have!

Being English and familiar with my country’s history and landscape, I didn’t have to do a great deal of research, other than plumbing the depths of my memory for details I could include. I did hop onto Google to learn about passenger ferries of the mid-1850s! In the area of Suffolk where Eden Cove is based, these ferries were known as wherries. Many of them were powered by sail. However, I gave Walter the task of rowing across the river.

I also had a quick read-up about 19th century pistols. I’ll leave you to read the book to discover why!