Batemans Bay woman Moira McAlister had turned a nonfiction family research project into her first published fictional novel.
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The novel Izzy was launched online this month and will be officially launched at an event in Canberra on December 9.
The book is a fictional retelling of the life of the wife of Dr Barry Cotter, the first doctor in Melbourne in the 1830s.
Moira, whose maiden name is Barry-Cotter, descended from the third child of the couple, and came by the idea while researching the life of her ancestor.
That research became a a piece of nonfiction writing titled Dr Barry Cotter: The first doctor in Melbourne that can be read online, and inspired Mrs McAlister to write about his wife, Izzy.
"While I was writing (about Dr Cotter), I found some very interesting, but few, facts about his wife, and I realised then any writing about her would have to be fiction," she said.
"There just weren't enough facts to sustain a nonfiction account of her life.
"My research found their marriage only lasted six years, so they lived essentially separate lives."
The novel is a work of historical fiction, but not without a solid foundation of fact and research.
"I've been at pains to research all aspects of the historical settings in the novel," Mrs McAlister said.
"It begins in Ireland, quickly transfers to Australia for the first illegal settlement of Melbourne, then goes back to Ireland just before the famine and ends up in England in the 1840s.
"The research was a fascinating journey, and I didn't really know what it would turn up when I started. It's been a very enjoyable experience."
Mrs McAlister said writing the novel, which was completed last year, only led to the most challenge part of the process.
"The publishing is the real challenge, the rest of it almost pales in comparison," she said.
"The book is self-published through a company called IndieMosh in Katoomba, and they've been very helpful and patient with all the changes I've made.
"I did try the usual channels of traditional publishing, and came close about four times, but I eventually decided self-publishing was best for me.
"It would allow me complete control of the book and it's much better than being rejected by traditional publishers."
Moira, who lives in an apartment overlooking the Clyde River, said the region was the perfect place to write.
"We live in Batemans Bay, but we also spend a lot of time in Canberra because that's where our family is from," she said.
"It's a very peaceful setting here in the heart of Batemans Bay."
Izzy is available for purchase on most online booksellers.