It must be fate...

An interview with York-based author Elizabeth Marshall

August sees the start of our online serialisation of 'When Fate Dictates', a time travelling, magical and romantic romp of a novel, by York-based author Elizabeth Marshall. Swooning at the prospect of brave Scots and historical wanderings through our fair city, we caught up with Elizabeth, AKA Deborah-Ann Brown, for the low-down on her book.

"Although much of the novel is set in York and features famous York locations, at the time of writing I was living in Scotland and had no idea I would soon actually be living here!" And it is a long journey that Deborah-Ann has taken to get here, originally starting life in a Monastery hospital in Natal, South Africa.

Travels

"I grew up in South Africa, living on a farm with my family. My father was originally from Macclesfield, but my mother's family were from Edinburgh. I remember lots of holidays to visit these places and being truly amazed by the beauty of Scotland." But Deborah-Ann would also occasionally visit York on her travels and the city left a lasting impression. "York has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. It's an inspiring city with a fascinating history to draw upon."

'When Fate Dictates' follows Corran MacDonald, who is forced to flee into blizzard swept mountains one night in 1692. She mysteriously defies death only to come face to face with one of her enemies. With her family massacred and her village destroyed, Corran must trust the man when he offers to help her escape. But things aren't quite what they seem…

Myth and magic

Describing the book, Deborah-Ann says, "Oh, it's myth, it's magic, its history and twisted fate - all wrapped up in an alternative reality." But what inspired her to write the story at all, apart from the sweeping landscapes of Scotland and the winding medieval streets of York? "To write I think you have to be curious about people and want to bring characters to life.  I love nothing more than wandering around York at night, being inspired. In the book my main characters live in the house we now know as Barley Hall. It was a perfect home for them as I could actually see the couple living there!"

And now that Deborah-Ann has made the move to York? "I love it here, I'm really enjoying it. York is a great place to be bringing up my five children, the youngest of which is only five. I'm being constantly inspired by the city and not just to write fiction; I'm currently working on a guide to York, filled with all the fun things one can do with family and friends. I'm really happy here - and it truly was fate that dictated!"

The first part of 'When Fate Dictates' is available to read here.

The paperback edition is available to order from Amazon.

About the author