Local author releases fourth book

Emma Batten author of Historical Fiction set on Kent’s Romney Marsh.

After moving to the area in the year 2000, I became fascinated by the evolution and history of the area. This led me to wonder about the people who used to live here and so my first novel was created. I have now written four historical novels. It is important to me that the local and historical details are accurate, as well as creating an engaging and memorable read.

As well as writing novels, I have recently started working for Cinque Ports Publications and am actively involved in Marsh Ink Writers’ Group, where I am the Chairperson and am fortunate to gain a huge amount of support from members.

All four novels – Secrets of the Shingle, A Place Called Hope, What The Monk Didn’t See and But First Maintain the Wall are now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and as paperback novels.

The paperbacks are for sale in the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre ( New Romney), Lathe Barn (Burmarsh) and the Avocet Tearooms (Rye Harbour) by clicking on the links below or if you live locally please contact me through this website as I can offer the best price. Prices below include postage.

Emma Batten – Author of Secrets of the Shingle

By Mike Golding|2018-12-19T17:52:21+00:00December 19th, 2018|Info, Media|0 Comments

About the Author: Mike Golding

Born in Ashford a long time ago I have had a lifelong relationship with Dungeness having spent every year here for a fortnights holiday up to the age of 15. In those good old days there was no electricity and hence no radio, no running water and no adequate sewage solutions. Nothing to do other than enjoy the vast expanse of the Ness and all it offered for the young children of that era. Out after breakfast and back before nightfall. There were lakes to swim in. Same lakes to boat on (well old railway sleepers). A derelict school and long disused railway station in and on which to play. Gun emplacements, underground shelters. Sheer bliss. That all ended at 16 when I joined the RAF, finally purchasing a shack – as indeed it was then – in 1971 for the princely sum of £750.00. Only 15 years prior to that we could not afford the £150.00 asking price for what was then known as ‘Windwhistle’, reported to be one of Queen Victoria’s entourages carriages. Still there today, sold last year (2022) and still awaiting planning permission to re construct, but the original structure still concealed behind painted shiplap. Leaving the mob I travelled, retuning ‘home’ as oft I could, and realistically, only becoming a permanent fixture since 1977. In those days there was a vibrant community here with annual gatherings for the Mayday festival – spit roast and all and open days at the Lifeboat station – with bosuns chairs, zip wires to keep the kids happy. I think Health and Safety put paid to that and other activities, as did the moving away of many locals. The result of which , today there are probably less than 20 families residing here permanently, (I have been told not to use the word ‘shacks’ as now, at £650,000.00 plus they are 'desirable bungalows in a well sought after locale'. So ‘Shacks’ they are! End. P.S A few originals left to rent from £500 per week.