Emma Batten -
Author of Historical Fiction set on Kent's Romney Marsh.
I am a truly local author. Living in and writing about Romney Marsh means I can fully engage in the history of the area and connect with my readers. I learn about an event or custom – the great storm which changed the coastline, the body of a monk being secretly carried across the marsh, magical qualities associated with hagstones – and use these to create a whole novel. Fictional characters are put in recognisable settings as we follow the story of their lives. The eras range from the 7th to the 20th century, giving me an opportunity to explore so much of our history through writing. That local feel to my books now extends to them having distinctive covers with original artwork by artists from Greatstone and New Romney, making the books even more special for me.
More recently I have been providing unique writing workshops. These are created by myself and give attendees the opportunity to learn about our history as well as produce their own piece of creative writing.
What's happening in 2021?
I hope to be able to return to craft fairs and WI talks later in the year.
'The Voices of Midley' workshop is ready to run as a whole day or a series of morning sessions, and 'The Black-Robed Monks of Bilsington Priory' will return as a day's workshop.
My novel The Sacred Stone - a sequel to The Pendant Cross - has been published in the spring, and I have started writing a sequel to Still Shining Bright.
All novels are available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and as paperback novels.
The paperbacks are for sale in the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, Mary's Tearooms (Dymchurch), The Chocolate Deli (Hythe), Salts Farm (near Rye), The Cosy Kettle (Hamstreet), Waterstones Ashford (check first). Also by clicking on the links below or if you live locally please contact me through this website as I can offer the best price. Prices below include postage. If you would like more than two books please contact me as I can offer a reduction on postage.