Paula Hillman, author

My fourth novel, Chapel Field, will be released at the end of March, 2024. I have to take a step back sometimes, and remember that I’ve only been a published author for a year, though I’ve been writing for nearly five. I wrote Chapel Field in the autumn of 2022. It was the first novel I planned and produced whilst working with my fabulous editor, Clare Law. Her voice in my ear while I put down the words, helped me come up with what I think is my best novel yet. Once again, it is set in Barrow, on Walney Island specifically. The story plays out over a past and present timeline, with some historical flashbacks. I thought a lot, over my years as a teacher, about what it must be like to be an ‘offcomer’ family stuck in a place where no one can see past that label. Those thoughts inspired the Chapel Field story. It’s an emotional read, with a redemptive ending. I hope my fans enjoy it!