Historical Romance set in the US and Outback by Susan Horsnell

 Hi All

I’m sorry to learn that Romancing the Genres will be coming to a close and hope all those involved continue to provide information for readers in some way. I was privileged to be asked to provide one last post and needed to wrack my brain on what to say as I have so many stories about where I live and travel. So…First of all, I shall introduce myself.

My name is Susan Horsnell and I’m a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author. I first published waaay back in 2011. I’m a British Australian and I grew up under the influence of a father who loved history, particularly anything to do with the American West. It would come as no surprise to those who know me that my first books were Historical Romance based in the Wild West. My husband of 51 years, and a Navy vet also of 51 years and Commodore in the Australian Navy, and I travelled throughout the Dakotas, Texas, and numerous other states where I documented much of the history for future books.

 
https://books2read.com/BlazesBrides

Although I have a great love for US and UK History, I also love the country where we are now full-time travellers, poking our noses into every nook and cranny as we cross the continent in our caravan (RV). I have learned so much about this country, much which has been lost to time, or neglected in the teachings of educational institutions. I find it sad, and disturbing, when history is swept aside, painted over, or completely overlooked. It makes the hardships, the struggles, the achievements of our pioneers irrelevant and I think that is not only tragic but unforgiveable. Without the past, we would not have the present.

Apart from writing Historical Romance, I also write Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Gay Romance, Sweet and Spicy. I have also published my aunt’s experiences in Bergen-Belsen during WW2 and have written a young adult story based on our nephew’s suicide at the age of 12. I have a lot going on in my head…stories demanding they be told. I definitely do not ‘stay in my lane’ as some persist in saying I should.

Writing for me is, and always has been, a passion. It will never be a job or a business because I believe if it was, the fire and passion I feel to write freely would die. Writing to specific deadlines or word counts would never suit my way of life. I often wonder if the reason author’s suffer writer’s block is because they are putting themselves under such pressure. And why would you swap one job for another? Just my thoughts.

Back to our travels…

Recently we stayed nearby the site of the Eureka Stockade. It was something I learned about in school but being older, I now understand the relevance and importance much better. I hope you will find the following peek into a piece of Australian history interesting…

Taken from information available at the Eureka Centre Ballarat.

The Eureka Stockade was a 1854 rebellion of gold miners in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, protesting against the colonial government's administration of the goldfields, particularly the cost of mining licenses and brutal police tactics, culminating in a clash with government forces. 

·         Grievances:

Gold miners, or "diggers," were unhappy with the high cost of mining licenses, the brutal methods used by police to collect them, and the lack of representation in the Legislative Council. 

·         Escalation:

Tensions increased after the murder of a digger, James Scobie, and the acquittal of his alleged killers by a government board of inquiry. 

·         Formation of the Ballarat Reform League:

In response, diggers formed the Ballarat Reform League to petition the new lieutenant governor, Charles Hotham, for redress of their grievances. 

·         Building the Stockade:

Diggers built a rough stockade at Eureka Lead, a hillside area in Ballarat, to defend themselves against the police and government forces. 

The Battle:

·         Location:

The battle took place at the Eureka Stockade, a hastily constructed fortification on the Eureka goldfield. 

·         Date:

The battle occurred on December 3, 1854. 

·         Casualties:

In a short but violent clash, at least 22 miners and 5 soldiers were killed. 

·         Outcome:

The miners were defeated, but the Eureka Stockade became a symbol of resistance and a catalyst for democratic reforms in Australia. 

 

Legacy:

·         Birthplace of Australian Democracy:

The Eureka Stockade is often seen as a pivotal moment in the development of Australian democracy, with the miners' struggle for rights and representation paving the way for future reforms. 

·         Abolition of Mining Licenses:

Within a year, the hated gold license was abolished and replaced with a less expensive Miner's Right, and miners gained the right to vote. 

·         The Eureka Flag:

The Southern Cross flag, flown by the rebels, became a symbol of the Eureka Stockade and a potent symbol of Australian identity. 

·         Peter Lalor:

Peter Lalor, an Irish digger and leader of the Eureka Rebellion, was wounded in the battle and later entered the Victorian Parliament, where he made a major contribution and served as Speaker almost until his death. 

·         Eureka Centre:

The Eureka Centre, a museum and memorial park, is located on the site of the Eureka Stockade, allowing visitors to explore the history of the rebellion and its significance. 

 

The Eureka Memorial on site

I hope you have enjoyed reading a little about me and my home. If you would like to check out my books you will find them at:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-Horsnell/author/B00BXR5FMM

Social Links and Newsletter info are at:

https://linktr.ee/SusanHorsnell

or say hello at horsnells@yahoo.com.au

Some books are also available at all platforms and more are being added.

I would like to thank Judith and Sarah for having me and wish them both all the very best for the future. Sue Horsnell

Blaze's Brides: https://books2read.com/BlazesBrides

The Undertaker: https://books2read.com/TheUndertakerMOTW