Welcome to the Blog, Nola! Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Thanks for inviting me on the blog today, Laurie. I was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, but I’ve lived in a large inland town in southeast Queensland for more than 30 years. My husband Tim and I were both lecturers at the local university for more than 20 years. In 2013 we left those jobs and started a home-based freelance writing and editing business called The Write Flourish. Since then, I’ve focused more on my writing and I’m enjoying the freedom of being more creative. I write fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry, and have had more than 150 short pieces published. Scattered is my first novel.
Describe your story in 5 sentences or less:
Nineteen-year-old Maggie sets sail for Nova Scotia in 1882 to search for her young brother and sister who were mistakenly sent to Canada as part of the Home Children Migrant Scheme. She’s shipwrecked en route, and the trail to find her siblings has gone cold by the time she reaches Halifax. An industrialist offers her assistance, but he has his own reasons for keeping Maggie’s siblings from her. With the help of a dashing newspaperman, she starts sorting through the secrets and lies, but lives will be on the line as they continue their quest. There’s adventure, mystery, and romance along the way, and Maggie has to learn to trust God no matter the outcome.
What is the inspiration behind your story?
The story was inspired by two separate incidents on a trip to Canada in 2012. First, I learned that Sable Island was known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic because more than 350 ships had been wrecked there. They weren’t running tours to Sable Island at the time, but I became fascinated with the shipwrecks, the lifesaving station and its colony of wild horses. Then when we went to Prince Edward Island, I heard about a man called John Willoughby who had helped reunite many of the descendants of the British Home Children with their families. It took me a while to work out how I could weave all of those elements into a plot, but the seeds of the story were planted.
What book do you wish you would have written?
I may as well start at the top and say To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it as 16-year-old because it was required reading for school, but I loved it. Coming from Australia, I knew very little about the Civil Rights Movement at that stage, and it was an eye-opener for me. I could feel the injustice as an innocent man was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. The subplot with Boo Radley also touched me because it showed how easy it is to misjudge someone because they’re different. To write a book that challenges injustice and still resonates with readers decades later would be my dream.
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
As the story is set in 1882, I was always discovering something new. Some of them were pleasant surprises, but others had me pulling my hair out. For example, for the first few years that I was writing Scattered, my villain was going to operate a trade route between Halifax and Boston. Then I discovered almost by chance that there were high tariffs at the time, making it unlikely that he would embark on such a venture. So I had to do a lot of research to work out where he could have gone instead. In the end, I think it worked out better for the plot, but I had to completely rewrite large chunks of the story.
Who was your favorite character to create?
I’d have to say my heroine, Maggie. She has depths of resilience she never dreamed she could have. As I got to know her better and saw her working through the many obstacles placed in her path, it also made me wonder what I would do in her situation. She has to grapple with God and come to accept that when things are at rock bottom, He is the one who will never let her down. I think it’s a lesson we all need to learn at some point.
Are you a plotter or a panster?
I’m a tweener. I like to have the main plot points in place so that I know where I’m heading, but I also like some of it to emerge organically as I write. I’m trying to do more plotting for my next novel before I begin, but I’ll never be the kind of person who has it all mapped out in minute detail beforehand.
Are you part of a writing group?
Yes, and I couldn’t get by without them. My main writing group, The Quirky Quills, have been with me through thick and thin and we’ve all encouraged each other on our writing journeys. We all live in the same town, so manage to catch up regularly. However, I’m also involved in some wonderfully supportive Christian online communities—Christian Writers Downunder, Omega Writers, and Australasian Christian Writers.
What’s next for you as an author?
I’m currently plotting a sequel that will take place 13 years after the first novel. I don’t want to say too much at this stage, but the heroine will be one of the secondary characters from Book 1. I also have some smaller projects on the go, including a series of devotions on lessons learned from COVID-19 that we can take with us into the future.
Here is Nola’s stunning cover for SCATTERED and a brief excerpt:
This section is from Chapter 1:
The lifeboat slammed into the water, bow first, sending a wash of white foam over their feet. The stern slapped down a second later, jolting Maggie sideways. Essie and Ruby howled, but Maggie could do little except hold them. She couldn’t think. She couldn’t speak. She couldn’t breathe.
The rope attached to the stern snapped and recoiled like an angry snake. Maggie’s head whipped around to the bow where one remaining line tethered the lifeboat. Each wave twisted their stricken vessel, threatening to smash it against the crippled Excelsior.
‘I can’t free the line.’ Higgins leaned over the side to get a better reach. ‘It must be snagged.’
A surge of water rammed the lifeboat, crushing Higgins against the side of the ship. A cry ripped from Maggie’s lips as she reached for him. The line released. Higgins slid into the murky sea.
Mrs Plowhurst beat her chest with her hands. ‘We’re doomed. We’re all doomed.’ Maggie’s heartbeat ratcheted up. The lifeboat’s oars were still on the deck of the Excelsior, and she and Mrs Plowhurst were adrift with the children. There were no words to offer. No hope to give.
Bubbling foam cascaded over their feet. The lifeboat twisted and jerked, each wave propelling them away from the ship. Mrs Plowhurst scrunched her face up like a sponge. ‘I’m not ready to meet my Maker.’ She tucked her arms around her heaving bosom and rocked back and forth.
Edward crawled towards Maggie, putting distance between himself and his hysterical mother.
‘We’ll be all right, ma’am,’ Maggie said. ‘They’ll launch the other boat and come after us.’ As soon as the words left her mouth, Maggie knew they were untrue. There was a gaping hole in the ship’s hull a little above the waterline. Their lifeboat was drifting further and further away. No one could rescue them.
A roar rumbled across the sea. Maggie squinted through the pre-dawn haze as the ghostly silhouette of the Excelsior broke in two. The stern reared up before plunging beneath the waves.
The orange splash of daybreak set the ocean ablaze, the captain and remaining crew lost to its fiery cauldron.
Here’s the back cover copy of the book:
To lose her family was unthinkable …
To find them will take a miracle.
While working in Europe, nineteen-year-old Maggie never dreamed that her family would be ripped apart and scattered across the sea, with her young brother and sister sent to Canada as part of the Home Children Migrant Scheme.
Desperation sends Maggie on a search from England to Canada, with a harrowing shipwreck leaving her stranded on Sable Island. Eventually arriving in Halifax, Maggie is devastated to discover the trail to find her sister and brother has gone cold.
An offer of help from industrialist Thaddeus Tharaday seems like an answer to prayer, but is the wealthy Tharaday her benefactor or nemesis?
With the help of a dashing newspaper reporter, Maggie begins to unravel the web of deceit surrounding her siblings’ disappearance. However, the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her quest becomes.
With lives on the line and the threat of everything she loves being torn away, can Maggie entrust the scattered pieces of her heart to the one who will never leave?
Set in Victorian-era Nova Scotia, Scattered weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, faith and romance to take readers on a journey of hope and courage that will resonate with their hearts today.
You can find Nola online here:
Website: www.nolalorraine.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nolalorraine
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nolalorraine1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/nolalorraine1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20499007.Nola_Lorraine
You can buy SCATTERED here:
Book Depository – https://www.bookdepository.com/Scattered-Nola-Lorraine/9781922135506
Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scattered-nola-lorraine/1137329715?ean=9781922135506
OR you can WIN a free PRINT copy by leaving a comment below…have you ever heard of the Home Children Migrant Scheme? This was still going on in the mid-1900’s. My own husband’s paternal grandparents came over as older children and met when they were teenagers working on Canadian farms. Join in on the conversation!
Thanks for having me on your blog today, Laurie. It was great chatting with you. I’ll reply to any comments, but may be a little late due to the time difference.
Can’t wait to buy a copy.I love novels based on some real historic facts.Very proud of you Nola.Sounds like it is full of intrigue.Have never read one of your books and was about to go to your first book launch, but the night before…lockdown started.Would have been great to read during lockdown.Great to see another Aussie author and to learn some history of another country.Good luck.
Thanks Dorothy. Yes it was amazing how we just managed to fit that book fair in before all of the COVID restrictions came in. This is my first novel, but I’ve had other stories published in various anthologies and journals. It’s been quite a journey. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Love the preview can’t wait to read the book
Thanks for that, Deb. Will be interested to know what you think once you’ve read it. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks Laurie for giving our intrepid Nola space to share about her journey on your blog. We Quirky Quills adore her and genuinely admire her wisdom and writerly talents. I can thoroughly recommend ‘Scattered’. It’s as delightful and engaging as its author – a true beacon of hope and encouragement in the midst of a storm (not to mention a diehard romantic with a keen eye for intrigue).
Thanks so much, Mazzy. What would I do without the fabulous Quirky Quills? Thanks for your support.
Great interview Nola. I really enjoyed hearing the background to writing ‘Scattered’. I love stories with adventure, mystery and romance so it sounds like just my kind of read. That section from Chapter 1 certainly grabbed my interest! All the best Nola as you look ahead to the launch. Exciting times and well done my friend. Well done!
Thanks Anusha. Feeling so blessed that restrictions have eased enough for me to have a physical book launch. Hopefully you can reschedule yours soon. Thanks for your support.
When you reconnect with a friend from primary school and she is a printed novelist. Rather impressed Nola 😍😍
Thanks Lyn. Has been great to reconnect with you. Lots of happy memories from those primary school days. Take care xx
NOLA, congratulations on what sounds a really wonderful read. Your teaser has certainly whet the appetite. And thank you Laurie, for a thoroughly interesting blog chat with NOLA-Lorraine
Thanks Deirdre. It was quite a journey, as you know from your own historical novels. Really appreciate your comment.
Well done NOLA. It’s been wonderful to be part of the journey to publication and see the story develop.
Thanks Raelene. It has been quite a journey. Was so good doing Margie’s course with you. Looking forward to cheering your novel on. Thanks for commenting.
I really enjoyed reading this. Interview. Yes, I have heard of the Child Migration Scheme in Australia. There were some at school with us in the 1950’s. I have started to read the novel as we are travelling and am looking forward to finishing it.
Thanks for that, Heather. Yes we certainly had a lot of child migrants in Australia too, called The Forgotten Generation. So many sad stories. It must have been very difficult for them to come all the way from England without their families. I’m glad you’re enjoying the novel so far. Thanks for commenting.
Can’t wait to read Nola’s book. I knew her when she was a young lecturer at the university. Who knew she would set this book in North America?!
Thanks for that Brigitte. I’ve been to Canada four times and just love it. I went once to visit my cousin in Saskatchewan, once for a conference in Halifax and twice on holidays with Tim. It just gripped my imagine, and I had to set the novel there. Hard to believe it’s over 30 years since we first met in New Zealand. Thanks for commenting.
A wonderful interview that makes me all the more curious about this book. I’ve just started watching When Calls the Heart (which is set in Canada), which now has me all abuzz for more wholesome, intriguing stories based in wilder frontiers in the 18th and early 19th century periods.
I’ve never heard of the Home Children Migrant Scheme; there’s no doubt so much fascinating puzzle pieces of history one can explore and uncover, and I must say fictional adventures is one of the best ways to deliver it.
Also, the cover is so lovely!
Thanks for that, Naomi. It’s funny you should mention ‘When Calls the Heart’. I love that TV show. A couple of people who’ve read my novel think it should be turned into a movie or TV show like that. And yes, there are always so many historical stories to tease out. Fiction’s a great way to explore them in an interesting way. And I’m glad you like the cover. My publisher Deb Porter did a great job on it. Thanks for commenting.
Wow. You’ve done it now. That chapter extract had me hooked. Very much looking forward to reading this 🙂
Thanks Sue. You probably saw some Margie-isms in there. I’ll be interested to see what you think. Looking forward to reading your novel too. Thanks for commenting.
A blend of adventure, mystery and romance. Can’t wait to wrap my fingers around the cover and turn the first page.
Thanks for that, Linda. I hope you enjoy it. I’ll be interested to know what you think. Thanks for commenting.
I’m excited to read your book Nola!
I have heard of the Canadian Home Children Migrant Scheme, how heart wrenching for families to be seperated in this way, particularly thinking it was for the best. I can’t wait to see how Maggie goes trying to find her brother and sister!
I hope the book is a huge success for you.
(Great interview!)
Hi Dianne – Thanks for your good wishes. When I first heard about the Home Children, it really touched a nerve with me and I had to find out more. Some of them had good outcomes, but there were a lot of sad stories. I hope Maggie finds her siblings! Thanks for commenting.
Good interview, and well done, Nola. I’m with Susan J. that extract got me too. I’m not into romance… but the adventure sounds great. I might even have to get a copy. God bless.
Thanks for that, Ray. There is a romance, but there are also a number of male characters who get up to all sorts of things. My hubby really liked it, and he was the one who encouraged me to add more adventure. I know he’s biased, but another male neighbour read it and he enjoyed it too. Thanks for your encouragement.
Wow Nola, I could feel the spray on my face and taste the salt! I love it! Especially at this time it’s great to be transported to another place and time. It makes me realise how blessed we are, despite all the challenges. I’m just starting on my writing journey but I’m inspired by the way you describe your characters and action. Thank you!
Thanks for that, Teri. Yes, it is good to be transported to other places and times through story. In spite of everything that’s happened this year, we are very fortunate. And that’s great that you’re starting on your writing journey. It’s all a learning curve, but there are some great writing groups out there and also a lot of good books and courses on writing. I find there’s always more to learn, but supportive writing friends are a great help. Best of luck with it, and thanks for commenting.
Hi Nola I hope writing the book was more enjoyable than frustrating!
Hi Lana – There were certainly some times when I was pulling out my hair, but it was more enjoyable on the whole. I was really fascinated with the era and I had to keep going with Maggie’s story. Writing a novel was harder than I thought it would be, but it was well worth it. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for the broad outlook on your book…I’ve been waiting and watching for the release! Love the personal reference to ‘life matters’ cannot wait for mine ❤️
Thanks for that, Crystal. I really enjoyed some of the historical info I came across while I was doing it. It’s been a long journey, so I’m happy to finally be able to send it out into the world. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Oh this novel sounds right up my alley! Congratulations on your first novel, what a thrill!
Thanks for that, Catherine. It took me a lot longer than I thought it would, but it was also a lot of fun and I learned a lot along the way. So good to be at the finishing line though. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you all for stopping by and for the wonderful conversation! Raelene Purtill has won Nola’s giveaway of a print copy of SCATTERED and she will be in touch with you directly, Raelene.
And if you do grab your own copy of SCATTERED, remember that authors appreciate a short review – even a couple of sentences – on Amazon or Goodreads to help other readers find them! And ask your library to carry this lovely book as well.
Thanks again for having me on your blog, Laurie. And thank you to everyone who stopped by to comment. Laurie will be on my blog with her latest book in December, so stay tuned!
This sounds so good! I can’t wait to read this, Nola.