Heidi Wirth is a self-published author who has just released a children’s book, History’s Heroines, for ages 8-12. Here, Heidi explains why she wants to shine a light on lesser-known women in history
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Heidi Wirth, a local author based in Norwich. I have written two books (so far), the latest just released and is a book for children ages eight upwards. History’s Heroines is all about amazing women in history, from the very first civilisation through to the 1800s. It’s packed with full page illustrations, maps and interesting facts – as well as the stories of over 40 women from all over the world.
Are you Norfolk born and raised – what do you love about living in the county?
I have lived all my adult life in Norwich, Norfolk, although I grew up in London and Essex. I came to Norwich when I was 19 and just never left! Norwich is such a vibrant city to live in, and it’s great for writers with its rich literary community. I love our independent bookshops, which I visit on a very regular basis. I also love the coast, and going to the beaches is one of my favourite things to do.
When did you realise you wanted to be a writer – and what was your first book about? What do you love about Reiki?
I always wanted to be a writer. It was the first thing I said I wanted to be when I was growing up. My mum read to me regularly, so books were always a part of my life. As an only child, books were my favourite pastime, and they became my escapism. I spent hours in the local library, and I remember coming out with a pile of books. Books have always been a form of magic to me.
I wrote my first book during Lockdown. As terrible as that time was, it gave me the impetus to finally write a complete book. At the time, I was a practitioner of Reiki, so my first book was about that – ‘A Question of Reiki: Beyond the surface of healing energy’, published in 2022. It was a real sense of achievement to finally publish a book. I wanted to bring a common-sense approach to a practice that is often misunderstood. I love Reiki because it’s like a form of meditation that helps to bring calm and balance to body and mind. I am no longer a professional practitioner, but I still enjoy Reiki as a holistic practice as a balm against stress.
What led you to writing History’s Heroines and what is the thinking behind it?
I love history, and particularly enjoy learning about women throughout history. I realised there were quite a few women who I came across, that did not have their own space – their own books, or stories. They were a ‘glimmer’ amongst a background of men’s achievements. With children of my own, I knew there were books written for kids about women in history, which is fantastic. Many of those books feature more modern women – women in science, medicine, television, for example. But what about women in ancient times? There have always been women who carved a name for themselves and broke the rules of their society, and they are who I wanted to write about. Women like Enheduanna, from the very first civilisation; Lozen, an Apache warrior; Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians; Njinga of Ndongo, who fought the Portuguese… and so many more. But I wanted children to be engaged with their stories too, so the book is full of illustrations, as well as maps, and interesting facts that give extra snippets about the times and cultures of each woman, as well as mentioning further interesting women. I absolutely loved writing this book!
What two East Anglian heroines are included?
Of course I could not leave out Norfolk’s own celebrities! I had to include Boudicca of the Celtic Iceni, as she has always been a personal favourite. And Julian of Norwich, because of her reputation as the first English female writer – an incredible achievement.
What is your next book going to be about?
My next book? So many ideas! I already have a list of women for a ‘volume 2’ of History’s Heroines, but it may have to wait a little while. I am currently working on an adult fiction novel that is based on British myth. I don’t want to say anymore right now, as it is very early stages, but myth and folklore is another subject I love, so I’m very excited to be writing this one too.
History’s Heroines, by Heidi Wirth (published by alpheccabooks.com), is available to order from Amazon and bookshops. Follow Heidi Worth on Instagram and Facebook.
Featured image of Heidi Wirth – supplied
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