About

Welcome – I’m so glad you’re here. I write stories shaped by real life: the hard bits, the beautiful ones, and the moments that remind us that even in the darkest seasons, there is always a way forward. Whether you’re reading my memoir, exploring my historical fantasy of Atlantis, or following my reflections in The Long Thread on Substack, you’ll find heart, hope, and second chances woven through everything I write.

’m a New Zealand author of memoir, cosy mystery, and children’s fiction. My work is rooted in honesty and resilience, shaped by the long thread of family, faith, recovery, and the unexpected turns that make us who we are. I believe deeply in the healing power of story — the way it helps us feel seen, supported, and less alone.

My writing journey began years ago during a three‑year adventure living in the United States, where I drafted my first novel, Last Days in Atlantis. Since then, my creative life has expanded to include the Beatrice children’s series, following a young angel‑in‑training who learns about compassion, joy, and the quiet acts of kindness that change lives.

My memoir, An Addict in the Family: A Mother’s Tale of Heartbreak, Courage, and Resilience, is the most personal work I’ve ever written. It traces my experience supporting my adult son through methamphetamine addiction and navigating the justice and rehabilitation systems. Writing it was both painful and healing, and I hope it offers comfort, clarity, and companionship to others walking similar roads.

My writing journey began years ago during a three‑year adventure living in the United States, where I drafted my first novel, Last Days in Atlantis. I’m currently rewriting and rebranding that book for a new release. I’m also working on Threads of Trust, a cosy mystery set in my hometown — a project filled with warmth, community, and the gentle suspense I’ve always loved.

I’ve also written a children’s book, Beatrice, about a young angel‑in‑training who learns about compassion through small acts of kindness. Although I once imagined it as a series, the first book now stands on its own — a story close to my heart.

Before becoming a full‑time writer, I worked as a Town Planner – a profession I loved and once imagined I’d do forever. Life had other plans. Along the way I’ve been a teenage mother, an Avon lady, a volunteer, a widow, a divorcee, a student, a traveller, and now a matriarch to a large, multigenerational family. These experiences shape my writing as much as any formal training ever could.

I share personal reflections every two weeks in my newsletter, The Long Thread. It’s where I write about memory, meaning, family, recovery, and the small moments that reveal who we are. If you’d like to follow along, you’re warmly invited to subscribe.

Thank you for being here. I hope you find something in my words that speaks to you, lifts your spirit, or simply reminds you that you’re not alone.

Two-weekly Newsletter

I email snippets from my life every two weeks. You can join the newsletter here to have them delivered straight to your inbox, or read them here on the site.

Some Things About Me

Here’s a little glimpse into the rollercoaster of my life – and if you know me, you’ll know I’ve worn quite a few hats along the way! I kicked things off as a teenage mother, which was like diving into the deep end of adulthood. Along the way, I channelled my inner entrepreneur as an Avon lady, bringing beauty products and smiles to doorsteps. Volunteering was another one of my early passions, still is, and it’s amazing how giving back lightens my heart.

​Life kept unfolding, and I ended up as a mum of seven. Yes, seven incredible souls who’ve filled my life with more love and chaos than I could have ever imagined or wished for! Life took some unexpected turns, and I became both a widow and a divorcee along the way.

That’s life’s way of making us stronger, I guess. Now, as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, I enjoy the kaleidoscope of a large, loving family.

​In my 30s, I decided to embark on a new adventure – pursuing a Masters Degree and falling into a successful career as a Town Planner. Learning never stops for me, no matter my age. It was during this time that I packed my bags and journeyed across the globe, from the UK to China, India to Tibet, and even lived in the USA for three adventurous years.

It was during my American adventure that I penned my very first novel, Last Days in Atlantis. My creative spirit has also given birth to enchanting children’s stories featuring Beatrice, the angel with one large wing. My memoir is one that tugs at the heartstrings (mine forever) – An Addict in the Family: A Mother’s Tale of Heartbreak, Courage, and Resilience.

I am currently writing a mystery called Threads of Trust, set in my own home town. I’m enjoying the fun of creating the characters and bringing their world to life.

Books and reading have always been my sanctuary. I remember those Friday evenings as a kid when Dad would take us to the book exchange, igniting my lifelong love affair with stories. Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Secret Seven transported me to far-off places, sparking my sense of adventure.

Now I read widely, fiction and non-fiction. I love memoir, mystery, and everything that illustrates the human experience.

My daughter Phoebe Wilby and I established Delahoyde Publishing Co Ltd to publish our own writing.

We’ve taken the name for the company from the Delahoyde branch of our family. Click on the logo to go to the Delahoyde Publishing site and read about our ancestor, John Thomas Dullahide, son of Edward Delahoyde, our first ancestor from this side of our family to arrive in Australia from Ireland.​