Norfolk


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/rachel.hore-norfolk-author.jpg" alt="Author Rachel Hore" class="wp-image-69116" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/rachel.hore-norfolk-author.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/rachel.hore-norfolk-author-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/rachel.hore-norfolk-author-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-congratulations-on-your-new-book-the-secrets-of-dragonfly-lodge-what-s-it-about">Congratulations on your new book, <em>The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge</em>! What&#8217;s it about?</h4>



<p>Thank you! It’s about a young journalist, Stef, investigating the life of an elderly zoologist, Nancy, who lives alone on a Norfolk wildlife reserve and is hiding a painful secret. Through Nancy’s story, we go back to the 1950s and follow her as a bright, ambitious student of zoology determined to become a research scientist &#8211; despite the pressure on women to marry young and abandon their careers. In the present, Stef is facing her own crossroads, and as she uncovers Nancy’s past, she finds surprising parallels with her own life. And yes, there’s a love story or two as well.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gotta-have-a-bit-of-romance-in-there-what-inspired-the-story">Gotta have a bit of romance in there. What inspired the story?</h4>



<p>It was inspired by my mother and her twin sister, both scientists in the post-war years. They&#8217;re 95 now and have recently started sharing stories from that time, which led me to interview them. Their experiences gave me a foundation to build on, but my character Nancy eventually took on a life of her own. I also sourced old zoology textbooks from the era and decided to set the modern thread of the story in a Norfolk wildlife reserve to richen the zoology matter. Although it&#8217;s inspired by one or two real life reserves, I&#8217;ve made it fictional, partly because there&#8217;s a few less-than-kind characters in the book, and I’d rather not get sued!</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-your-mother-and-aunt-like-the-book">Do your mother and aunt like the book?</h4>



<p>Yes! They were excited once they understood the idea. I shared early drafts with them, and my mother, being sharp-eyed, helped catch small details like the name of a dragonfly I had got wrong. Their input kept the book authentic. Thankfully, they both liked it, which was a relief &#8211; I didn’t want to upset them. It was a unique research experience, and I’m pleased with the result. Hopefully, the rest of the family will enjoy it too.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-husband-is-also-a-writer-does-he-read-your-work-or-do-you-keep-your-work-separate">Your husband is also a writer. Does he read your work, or do you keep your work separate?</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1032" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-at-Holkham-Beach-with-husband-and-youngest-son.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-69172" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-at-Holkham-Beach-with-husband-and-youngest-son.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-at-Holkham-Beach-with-husband-and-youngest-son-775x800.jpg 775w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-at-Holkham-Beach-with-husband-and-youngest-son-969x1000.jpg 969w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-at-Holkham-Beach-with-husband-and-youngest-son-768x793.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rachel with one of sons and her husband, the writer D. J. Taylor, at Holkham Beach</figcaption></figure>



<p>It can be tricky since we write very different books for different audiences. I used to share more with him, but lately less, partly because I’ve gained confidence and our styles differ so much &#8211; he focuses more on language, I on visual scenes. Despite this, we’re very supportive of each other&#8217;s work and often appear together at events. Living with another writer is a privilege because he truly understands the challenges and the ups and downs of the creative process.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-you-hit-a-writing-roadblock-what-helps-you-get-through-it">When you hit a writing roadblock, what helps you get through it?</h4>



<p>Taking a break &#8211; like going for a walk or leaving it until tomorrow &#8211; can help. Even on tough days, I try to write something, no matter how rough, so I can revise it later. The blank page is the most frightening bit, especially when the story is uncertain or my mind feels slow. Interestingly, those slow moments when your brain is like treacle are great times to write because the subconscious takes over.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-go-for-a-walk-where-do-you-go">If you go for a walk, where do you go?</h4>



<p>We live near the River Yare in South Norwich and walk there often. You can head toward the UEA Broad or <a href="https://www.norwich.gov.uk/info/20230/parks_and_open_spaces/1734/nature_reserves/7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marston Marshes</a> from here &#8211; both beautiful. I’m part of the <a href="https://yarevalleysociety.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yare Valley Society</a>, which protects the area and promotes biodiversity. It’s inspiring how much local people care and work to preserve nature. Sometimes I wish government ministers saw this passion &#8211; it might change their perspective!</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-very-true-the-norfolk-broads-inspired-the-nature-reserve-in-your-book-do-you-spend-much-time-there">Very true! The Norfolk Broads inspired the nature reserve in your book &#8211; do you spend much time there?</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/nwt-hickling-elizabeth-dack.jpg" alt="Hickling Broad" class="wp-image-44276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/nwt-hickling-elizabeth-dack.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/nwt-hickling-elizabeth-dack-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/nwt-hickling-elizabeth-dack-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/nwt-hickling-elizabeth-dack-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NWT Hickling Broad</figcaption></figure>



<p>Yes, quite regularly. We&#8217;re members of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and often visit their reserves. We&#8217;ve also been on special trips, like an early morning boat ride on <a href="https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/HicklingBroad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hickling Broad</a> one May to hear the birdsong &#8211; it was magical in the dawn light. The Broads are such peaceful, hidden places. Hickling is also one of the few homes of the rare swallowtail butterfly, and we&#8217;ve visited during Swallowtail Day hoping to spot one &#8211; this actually made it into the book.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-your-14th-book-in-three-words-how-would-you-sum-up-nbsp-the-secrets-of-dragonfly-lodge-nbsp-for-your-longtime-fans">This is your 14th book &#8211; in three words, how would you sum up&nbsp;<em>The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge</em>&nbsp;for your longtime fans?</h4>



<p>Mystery, romance and drama.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-place-and-setting-play-a-big-role-in-your-novels-do-they-usually-come-to-you-first-when-developing-a-story">Place and setting play a big role in your novels &#8211; do they usually come to you first when developing a story?</h4>



<p>Yes, often they do. For example, <em><a href="https://rachelhore.co.uk/books/the-glass-painters-daughter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Glass Painter’s Daughter</a></em> was inspired by a walk through the backstreets of Victoria and Westminster, where I used to work in my twenties. It had just rained, the streets were glossy and atmospheric, and it struck me as the perfect setting for a gothic story. The area&#8217;s Victorian churches, stained glass, and history of social contrasts offered rich material. From there, the characters and plot naturally followed. Cornwall is another recurring setting for me &#8211; it’s where my father was from, and we spent many childhood holidays there. Its wild beauty sparked a deep sense of romantic longing in me, especially as a teenager. It felt like the perfect landscape for a Victorian heroine.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-anywhere-else-in-norfolk-you-d-like-to-set-a-novel">Is there anywhere else in Norfolk you&#8217;d like to set a novel?</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/harry-borrett-dxjCk3nO9pY-unsplash.jpg" alt="Arial view of Norwich" class="wp-image-69114" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/harry-borrett-dxjCk3nO9pY-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/harry-borrett-dxjCk3nO9pY-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/harry-borrett-dxjCk3nO9pY-unsplash-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/harry-borrett-dxjCk3nO9pY-unsplash-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Norwich</figcaption></figure>



<p>Definitely. As an incomer &#8211; I&#8217;ve lived here 23 years &#8211; I often write from that perspective. My husband’s Norfolk roots go deep, but I still see the county with a romantic lens: the beauty, the secrets, the eccentric characters. I&#8217;m especially drawn to small villages &#8211; with a church, a river, maybe a manor house &#8211; where there’s a real sense of community and history. I don&#8217;t usually write about real places directly, but create fictional versions inspired by them. I love weaving in local stories and legends when I can. I&#8217;d like to write more about Norwich. I live on its edge and find it fascinating, but writing about it in the present feels too close. I think I need a bit of distance &#8211; a sepia tint &#8211; to bring it to life in fiction.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-your-writing-day-look-like">What does your writing day look like? </h4>



<p>I treat it like a regular job &#8211; you have to show up for it. My husband and I usually walk the dog first thing, then head to our workspaces &#8211; mine’s the dining room. When I’m writing from scratch, I aim for 1,000 words a day, though they often need shaping later. Sometimes I write in local coffee shops like Waitrose or Notcutts, I leave my phone behind, don’t connect to Wifi, and the background buzz helps me focus. I’ll usually write for about three hours, then stop around lunchtime. Afternoons are often for admin or edits. Right now, I’m just finishing a manuscript &#8211; the writing’s done, and I’m in the final round of checks before sending it off.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wow-you-ve-already-written-your-next-book-do-you-aim-to-write-one-a-year">Wow, you’ve already written your next book! Do you aim to write one a year?</h4>



<p>Not initially, I used to teach part-time at the UEA, so writing was slower then. But once I gave that up, I found I could write more consistently. When I signed the contract for this latest book, the publisher asked if I could aim for one a year as it helps them plan, and readers know when to expect the next one. So I’ve managed it this time, and I’ve got a smaller project to do over the summer. I’m expecting some rewrites, as always, and I’m already starting to think about the next book — how to grow a small idea into something full-length. I’ll be diving into that come the autumn.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-find-much-time-to-read-for-pleasure">Do you find much time to read for pleasure?</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-1-by-Alistair-Bolt.jpg" alt="The author Rachel Hore reading " class="wp-image-69173" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-1-by-Alistair-Bolt.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-1-by-Alistair-Bolt-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-1-by-Alistair-Bolt-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Rachel-Hore-1-by-Alistair-Bolt-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Yes, I’ve always loved reading, and I think it’s essential for writers. You&#8217;re often responding to what you read on a deeper level, not by copying, but by engaging with it emotionally or intellectually. It stirs something in you that often feeds into your own work, even unconsciously. Right now, I’m reading&nbsp;<em>Raising Hare</em>&nbsp;by Chloe Dalton, it’s beautifully written and really gets into the mindset of the wild. That kind of writing resonates deeply and becomes part of the creative fuel when I sit down to write. I think of reading and writing as being in conversation with each other &#8211; I couldn’t imagine doing one without the other.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-a-book-you-wish-you-d-written">Is there a book you wish you’d written?</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Untitled-design-6.jpg" alt="book covers of Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton and The Names by Florence Knapp" class="wp-image-69113" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Untitled-design-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Untitled-design-6-800x576.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Untitled-design-6-1000x720.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/Untitled-design-6-768x553.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Far too many! I often admire writers who find clever, inventive ways to tell stories. One recent example is <em>The Names</em> by Florence Knapp. It tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence but does so with real narrative creativity. The story explores three possible outcomes of the same relationship, told from the perspective of a boy given a different name in each version &#8211; Gordon, Bear, and Julian. Each name subtly shapes who he becomes. It’s such a smart way to explore identity and family trauma, without being relentlessly bleak. There’s light and joy in it too and is a real example of sugar helping the medicine go down. I just really admire that kind of storytelling.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-any-rituals-before-starting-a-new-book">Do you have any rituals before starting a new book?</h4>



<p>Not really &#8211; no candles or lucky charms! But I do like to start with a good cup of coffee. That’s about as ritualistic as it gets.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-you-like-to-celebrate-a-new-book-coming-out">How do you like to celebrate a new book coming out?</h4>



<p>I usually head into town for a good cup of coffee, visit the bookshops and buy myself a book and often try and persuade myself I do really need a new pair of shoes!</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-a-favourite-bookshop-nbsp">Do you have a favourite bookshop?&nbsp;</h4>



<p>It’s hard to choose, but we do feel especially attached to <a href="https://www.thebookhive.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Book Hive</a> &#8211; it&#8217;s a wonderful independent. That said, we really appreciate all the bookshops in Norwich. It&#8217;s sad that Jarrold’s book department is closing, and we’re big supporters of <a href="https://bookbugsanddragontales.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookbugs &amp; Dragon Tales</a>, the children’s bookshop, which should be protected at all costs. We visit <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/norwich" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterstones</a> often — I try to spread the love around!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1493" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/the-secrets-of-dragonfly-lodge-9781398518001_xlg.jpg" alt="Book cover of The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge by Rachel Hore " class="wp-image-69100" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/the-secrets-of-dragonfly-lodge-9781398518001_xlg.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/the-secrets-of-dragonfly-lodge-9781398518001_xlg-536x800.jpg 536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/the-secrets-of-dragonfly-lodge-9781398518001_xlg-670x1000.jpg 670w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/07/the-secrets-of-dragonfly-lodge-9781398518001_xlg-768x1147.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong><em>The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge</em> by Rachel Hore is out Thu 31 Jul, you can pre-order it <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/The-Secrets-of-Dragonfly-Lodge/Rachel-Hore/9781398518001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></strong>, <strong>or meet Rachel in person as she is out and about around the county discussing the novel. </strong></p>



<p><strong>Catch her at <a href="https://www.holtbookshop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Bookshop</a> on Sat 2 Aug, and the <a href="https://kllitfests.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King&#8217;s Lynn Literature Festival</a> at the end of Sep. She is also the guest of honour at the <a href="https://wordsandwellnessretreats.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Words &amp; Wellness Retreat</a> in West Lexham, also Sat 2 Aug. </strong></p>


Muddy meets bestselling local author Rachel Hore

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