When you write historical fiction and are invited by a group of historians (both Pākeha and Māori) who research and live (and whose ancestors lived…) in the exact area you’ve written about in one of your historical novels… well, you might forgive me for being a bit nervous. Perhaps even historically terrified!

It was well received, but one never knows if it’s politeness or not… but after the email I just received, well… it makes it all worth it.
Not meaning to skyte, as we say in New Zealand, but I’m going to. 🙂 Here it is… :)

“Lizzi Tremayne was guest speaker at our monthly meeting in July 2017.
We chose Lizzi as one of our members had recently read her series of books, the third of which was Sea of Green Unfolding.

That novel followed the journey of Aleksandra and Xavier in New Zealand in 1863 at the beginning of the Waikato Wars. They travelled from California to the East Coast of the North Island where they were separated following a shipwreck. Most of the tale chronicles the solo trek of Aleksandra from Coromandel to Auckland via the Hauraki swamps and North Waikato.

Near Miranda (Pūkorokoro) she came across the newly built defensive Redoubt and was then escorted by soldiers through the district to Auckland.
The Mangatangi Historical Group has its base in the area through which her trek was made. As such we were very interested in how Lizzi recorded the history of our patch, 150 years later.

Lizzi has a fascinating writing style as she wraps verifiable history into an adventure novel.
She writes with accuracy and a rare talent for describing events and places. A fourth book is awaited with interest.

As a public speaker Lizzi rivals her talent as a writer. She has an engaging personality and an enthusiasm for describing her life and works.
I would strongly recommend her as a guest speaker to any organisation with an interest in history. You won’t be disappointed.”

M. Reid
Mangatangi Historical Group
New Zealand

Wow.  Some days it’s just so worth opening the inbox.
This week I requested (biting my lip) a one- or two-liner regarding my talks from a few of the historical societies and libraries at which I’ve spoken… and this came out of that request.

Have a wonderful day!

xx
Lizzi Tremayne