NOW AVAILABLE
A novel set in an 18th century fictional town on the Sussex coast
£13.95 including p&p
A little bit about me and the book
I began this project in the early 1980s. In 1986, after many research trips to the Hastings library, I finished the first draft. I entered this in the Ryman New Writers’ Awards, a national competition where each entry received a critique. This resulted in some very useful comments, good and bad, that prompted another edit. The manuscript then languished in a drawer for many years. In 1989, I wrote several short stories and entered some competitions. I was delighted to win second prize in The David Gemmell Cup, a competition that was organised by the Hastings Writers’ Group. At the prize-giving, we were able to chat one-to-one with David and gain valuable advice. Over the years, writing became sidelined, but in 2019, I had the urge to revisit my old manuscript. I began more research, aided this time by the internet, and decided to rewrite the story. After many edits, this is the result!
Locals will recognise that my town of Oakdean is loosely based on the Old Town of Hastings in the 18th century, but all characters and events in the town are wholly fictitious. I was born in the East End of London, but have been lucky to live most of my adult life beside the sea in Hastings, St Leonards, and more recently, just along the coast in Bexhill-on-Sea. I am always happiest when walking along a beach or coastal path!
Creating my characters has been great fun, and having grown fond of them, seeing them in print is a thrill.
Fiona Rawlings
2026
Locals will recognise that my town of Oakdean is loosely based on the Old Town of Hastings in the 18th century, but all characters and events in the town are wholly fictitious. I was born in the East End of London, but have been lucky to live most of my adult life beside the sea in Hastings, St Leonards, and more recently, just along the coast in Bexhill-on-Sea. I am always happiest when walking along a beach or coastal path!
Creating my characters has been great fun, and having grown fond of them, seeing them in print is a thrill.
Fiona Rawlings
2026
Contact:
Preview
I've included a preview of the first two chapters as a taster of more to come.....
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks,
Fiona xx
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks,
Fiona xx
© 2026 Fiona Rawlings
