Bernice Barry talks to Cheryl about the magic of writing, the ways readers connect to stories, the complexities of historical fiction, Bernice’s transition from nonfiction to fiction, botany, Bernice’s writing routine, and more. Her new book, The Names of a Hare, is out now
About the author:
Bernice Barry is a writer and historian with a background in education. Her previous books, The Mind That Shines, A Lady’s Pen, Sarah Evans, include historical fiction and non-fiction, reflecting her passion for discovering and telling women’s stories where truth has been dimmed or obscured by time. Originally from Cornwall in the UK, Bernice has lived for twenty-five years on Wadandi country near Wooditjup/Margaret River, researching local history, nurturing a native garden in the bush and spending as much time as possible at the place where land meets ocean. She is a regular presenter and speaker on a wide range of topics from wildflowers and botany, writing and publishing, to history and heritage.
The discussion with Bernice Barry highlights a fascinating connection between historical fiction, botany, and the creative writing process. Her ability to blend historical details with knowledge of plants and nature adds depth and authenticity to her storytelling. It shows how research and personal interests can enrich a writer’s work and make historical narratives more vivid for readers. Overall, her perspective is inspiring for aspiring writers who want to combine different fields of knowledge to create meaningful and engaging stories. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSbPZ_GZtPyzS6PtTaKkrBQNHDgf0nB7pexEowPI33yHy5CSLVtvBUHRUdkmoq281VJBNoRASEIw4H3/pubhtml