There’s a particular sensation that comes when you near the end of a story set in another century – a sense of stepping out of lamplight and back into daylight, carrying traces of the world you’ve been living in. And after so long living alongside Louisa, there’s a tenderness in these final stages, a sense of walking beside a character who has grown more real with every draft, every doubt, every small breakthrough. I feel as if I have loved Louisa into being, and letting go is its own kind of courage, and its own kind of love.

_{Embracing Louisa, an Historical Novel: Reflections on Release 25th March 2026}

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Louisa: an historical novel by Gwen Wilson — a stirring historical tale of courage, resilience, and the quest for independence. Set against the vibrant backdrop of late 19th-century Australia, follow Louisa Whitley, a determined Englishwoman who defies societal expectations and embarks alone on a voyage to New South Wales, seeking freedom and a new life beyond the constraints of her past.

Louisa will be soon going on the road. Back in March, after receiving Louisa as a book, rather than the manuscript I’d sent off a year before, I shared my hope that “readers will embrace her story” and “all I can do is hope (the world) will be kind to her.” Since her official launch on May 29th, I’ve had lots of positive feedback, including a wonderful review from fellow blogger and author, Luanne Castle, which I haven’t had time to share yet.

Why? Because I’ve spent every spare minute corresponding with librarians in New South Wales, and with thanks to the Regional Library Services Officer of the Macquarie Regional Library, the first of these author talks will see us head west to Narromine and Dubbo on Wednesday 5th August 2026.

Louisa is inspired by the life of my great-grandmother and other women of 19th-century Australia. I would love you to come along and hear how this novel emerged from family and historical research. Please share the news and spread the word about these two talks to all your friends and family in the area.

If you are reading this from distant shores, you might enjoy a look back on earlier trips to this part of the world – which had nothing whatsoever to do with writing the next great Australian novel. They will, however, give you a taste for the area we are travelling to.

Exploring NSW: Forbes to Dubbo | GWEN WILSON, Author, aka The Reluctant Retiree

Exploring NSW: Dubbo | GWEN WILSON, Author, aka The Reluctant Retiree

Egret Park Dubbo | GWEN WILSON, Author, aka The Reluctant Retiree

Louisa is published in Paperback and Digital, by David Reiter of IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) under their Glass House Books Brisbane imprint. Available from many channels including:

• Direct from the publisher Louisa: an Historical Novel by Gwen Wilson – IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd).

• Your bookshop can order through sales@ipoz.biz.

• Amazon in Australia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom, etc.

Reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and so on are always welcome!