“What inspired me to write my novel? My name is Laura Gwendolyn Hill. I am a Sheffield-based author, musician, and mother. I am writing a series of historical fiction novels beginning in 600 AD in the Kingdom of Dalriata (a sea kingdom that includes parts of the Inner Hebrides) and ending around 664 AD with the Synod of Whitby.
The first book, The Saxon Sword, was my debut novel and is available now in all good bookstores and on Amazon. I had the idea to write a song about the Greek Goddess Artemis, retold in medieval England. To my surprise, as I was writing the song, the idea expanded and I had a ‘Big Bang moment.’ The song grew into a story, then into a novel, and eventually a series. Artemis the goddess became a human girl and young woman with the heart of a warrior, whose goal is to find her father and discover her place in the world. I was inspired to write a non-conforming, brave but flawed, female lead.
I was also inspired by the real-life historical events of my chosen time period. The story of the sixth century Princess Acha of Deira and her sons is remarkable, and I was able to introduce Acha and her sons into my own narrative. It is possible that Professor Tolkien based Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings on Acha’s eldest son, Oswald Iding. Common themes between the two include the prince in exile, and the warrior king who must fight in battle to regain his kingdom.
Book Two, Winterfylleth War will be published on the 1st of October 2026.
Artemis becomes caught in the conflict between the Welsh King Cadwallon, who wants to wipe out all Saxons from the land, and the Saxon High King, Edwin of Northumbria.
‘As shield walls clash, the threads of fate unravel and chaos reigns. Artemis must fight through darkness and danger to keep her loved ones safe. Her oath is clear. Her path is not.’
The Anglisc word ‘Winterfylleth’ refers to the month of October and also the first full moon in October which marks the start of winter.
Book Three, White Stag, is in progress! You can find out more here: www.laurawendolynhill.com
