A dream come true for girl from Kurri

Now 46, D.J. (Deirdre) Blackmore has been accepted by an Australian publisher and her debut novel, ‘Charter to Redemption’, is due for release on May 1.

D.J. grew up in Kurri and began writing at the age of 14. She said she would often remember a family member telling her that only the very good, and the very lucky end, up as published authors.

It sparked a determination to continue, regardless of opinion – writing was a flame within her that never died.

She was accepted by a respected and acclaimed agent in North Carolina, and after what seemed like too many rejections to count, D.J. was accepted by an Australian publisher.

‘Charter to Redemption’ takes a fresh look at life in colonial Newcastle. A harsh penal colony for second offenders, Newcastle’s convicts were given over to strict discipline and meagre rations, but it was men and women such as these who laboured to shape Newcastle into the picturesque harbour city it is today.

Here is a glimpse:

‘Emma charters a ride to Australia with a promise of marriage to a man she has never met. She discovers instead the harsh reality of Newcastle in the 1800s. Here Tobias learns the rations, the regulations, and the reprisal, though he longs for redemption and hope. Neither Emma nor Tobias bargain on the repercussions.’

D.J. is currently editing the just-finished sequel, Consider the Ravens.

If you’d like to contact the author, visit her website djblackmore.com.au.