Mother-of-three pens debut historical novel
A CRAWLEY author has had her first book published.
Paula Lofting, 50, from Three Bridges, penned Son of the Wolf after being inspired by the story of a local Sussex man who lived during the Norman conquest.
The novel follows the story of 11th century landowner, Wulfhere, who is recorded in the Domesday Book as holding five hides of land in Horstede, now known as Little Horsted near Uckfield.
Mum-of-three Paula said: “Not much is known about Wulfhere and that inspired me to make a story for him. I have created a family for him and so it is all fiction.
“It is set during the Battle of Hastings and relays historical events and battles.
“It has always been an ambition of mine to write ever since I was a kid, but work got in the way and so did life really. You know you get a job, fall in love, have children, and I didn’t really have the time.
“I felt that I was in a good place in my life to start writing the book. I have always attempted to write, but would never finish the stories I had started.
“I have always been interested in history and particularly intrigued about the Battle of Hastings and what happened at that time.
“It always seems that the Anglo-Saxon period was not really considered a big part of our history. It inspired me to learn more about our past and how Sussex developed and it was a really interesting and exciting part of history.”
Paula juggled looking after her family, training to become a nurse, and her hobby as a re-enactor, while she was writing the novel, which is the first of four.
She said: “The novel took me six years to write. It was quite a long time as I was studying nursing as well as looking after my family! It didn’t leave time for much else.
“I am a re-enactor with Regia Anglorum and take part in historical re-enactments of battles. I got involved because it looked like a lot of fun and something that I would enjoy.”
Paula’s novel is published by Silverwood and is available to order online at Amazon.
She will be appearing at Waterstones in the town centre on September 1 to sign copies of her book.
Paula is also launching her book at Crawley Library with a party for 60 on October 3. It is a free public event and will include a reading and demonstration of the life of an 11th century warrior lord and his lady.
For more information about Paula and her novels visit www.paulalofting.com
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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