- AUTHOR  and MEMOIRIST -

 Stephanie Hammond 

Briefly, I've been a teenage mother, an Avon lady, a volunteer, a mum of seven, a widow, a divorcee, a mature student, a town planner, a book author and publisher.  

I was born in Australia and now reside in Hamilton, New Zealand, with my husband, Neil, and find inspiration in our life together. 

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A more in depth look at 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.

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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! Life took some unexpected turns, and I became both a widow and a divorcee. 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.

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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.

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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. And now, my latest literary gem is a memoir that tugs at the heartstrings – An Addict in the Family: A Mother's Tale of Heartbreak, Courage, and Resilience.

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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.

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I simply adore sharing my thoughts and experiences through words. The taste, feel, and sound of language are like a symphony to me. My hope is that my words will inspire and nourish others, just as I've been nurtured by the words of countless authors.

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Now, here's the exciting part: I have dreams aplenty! There’s another Beatrice story in the wings along with a rewrite of Last Days in Atlantis and a memoir about lessons learned along the way. I'd love to delve into writing about how my relationship with religion evolved from my childhood love and devolved to a more spiritual perspective in my older years. I recently discovered my Indigenous Australian heritage in the Wonnarua people. I can't wait to explore this newfound layer of complexity in my writing. Looks like writing is here to stay!

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In everything I write, I draw from my own life experiences, weaving my strengths and imperfections into the tapestry of my stories. Even in the fictional world of my novel Last Days in Atlantis, you'll find a piece of me in the characters of both Mari and Serena.

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What about the roller-coaster ride of the past few years? Supporting my adult son battling methamphetamine addiction has been my toughest challenge yet. Navigating the justice and rehabilitation systems has been like trying to decode a maze. Putting these experiences into my memoir has been daunting, to say the least. Am I exposing my family to ridicule and pain? I sincerely hope not. It’s therapeutic to write of these things and healing and peace follow.

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I hope my love shines through in every word of my story. Addiction touches so many lives, and my struggles mirror the experiences of countless families. My hope is that my story becomes a source of inspiration and strength, not just for those in similar circumstances but for my own family too.

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And what’s next? The writing journey continues! In addition to what I’ve shared already, new titles are percolating, waiting to be born and shared with the world. So, stay tuned for more adventures and heartwarming stories. Thanks for joining me on this literary ride!