Inspiration for first-time author Pat Backley’s novel Daisy came from an unlikely source – a rather dry factual book about British state housing.
Pat, aged 69, lives in Ōrewa and began writing during last year’s first Covid-19 lockdown.
“My husband of 26 years dumped me and I was on my own during lockdown so I thought ‘why not write a book?’”
She grew up in a state house in the UK and says a book she was reading about those houses triggered the idea for Daisy – a historical family saga.
“I spent two weeks, day and night, writing,” she says.
She recently self-published her book, which she says was “a minefield”. She got through it with the help of The Self Publishing School online, her “publishing shepherd” in the States, as well as an editor, as she wanted the book to be professional.
Set in Alabama, Harlem and London, it spans almost 100 years from 1887 to 1974. It tells the story of Daisy, born into poverty in London, and a young man in Alabama who comes from a wealthy family.
Pat, whose career includes working in a bank, owning businesses, fundraising for charity, being a home educator and consulting to the construction industry, says she has found her niche with writing.
Her memoirs are already with a publisher in the States, she is working on a sequel to Daisy and contributing to two anthologies – including one called Serendipity, which is a fundraiser for Duffy Books in Schools. Her next three novels are partly written.
“A whole new career has opened up, which at my age is so exciting.”
WIN this book
Hibiscus Matters and Pat Backley have two signed copies of Daisy to give away. To go in the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and contact phone number with ‘Daisy Giveaway’ in the message. Or, write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Daisy Giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Avenue, Ōrewa 0931. Entries close Friday, April 9.
Daisy is available at Auckland Libraries, or on Amazon or Book Depository online.
