Julia's first novel for children is THE SALT-STAINED BOOK a seafaring adventure in the tradition of Arthur Ransome but with some very modern twists. It is published by Golden Duck and is a tremendous read. Satisfying in itself it nevertheless cleverly leaves enough loose ends to lead on seamlessly to the second book in the Strong Winds trilogy, THE RAVELLED FLAG.
Set in East Anglia, the trilogy introduces us to Donny, his deaf mother Skye, his boating mad friends and his outrageous Great Aunt, who has sailed across the world from China to become embroiled in conspiracies involving people-trafficking, exploitation and other criminal conspiracies.
Julia herself is highly marketable. Not only is she a fine writer, but she has extraordinary connections to the subject of her story through her family’s ownership of the boat that once belonged to Arthur Ransome. In addition she is very well placed in media circles, being the partner of Francis Wheen.
Julia is also the author of the highly acclaimed biography THE ADVENTURES OF MARGERY ALLINGHAM.
