My ancestor, the Viscountess Frances (Fanny) Nelson has had her character maligned at the hand of “accepted” history. So I was pleasantly surprised to be contacted by a young American academic asking about Fanny a few years ago. She recently contacted me again sharing the good news that one of her studies on Fanny has been accepted by The Nelson Despatch, the foremost Journal on all matters to do with Nelson. Find out more in my blog

After years immersed in the world of the ‘Nelson and His Son’ series, I’m now writing the final pages of the finale ‘Nelson’s Inheritance’ which continues Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson and his stepson Josiah’s story. But finishing the manuscript is only the beginning.

As many people use the New Year to reflect on the past to shape resolutions for the future, I found myself reflecting on history from an alternative historical fiction perspective. I attended a lively debate at the Australasian Pioneers Club on the actual contribution of Governor Arthur Phillip to Australia which has fuelled my reflections including on the death of Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson.