I have had two novels published with independent presses: Work For Four Hands (Starborn Books) and A Diamond in the Sky (Honno). New Books Magazine, now nb.magazine, said of Work for Four Hands: ‘A wonderful, cleverly written novel.’ Oxford Magazine said of A Diamond in the Sky: 'Pelling has an enviable knack for catching the cadences and inconsequentiality of everyday speech.' My published novels are set in the present day and can be classed as general fiction.
Trafalgar’s Other Admiral is my first historical novel. I wanted to give Admiral Villeneuve a voice, because in most accounts of the period his perspective is somewhat glossed over. It’s Nelson who is centre stage, not his adversary. Also, I relished the challenge of building a story around actual people and events, exploring how the constraints of historical fact can be turned into opportunities to develop both plot and character.
My research for Trafalgar’s Other Admiral took me to the Admiral’s house in Provence, where I was given much useful material by the (late) Comte André de Villeneuve, a descendent of the Admiral. I unearthed further material at the Archives Départementales at Digne-les-Bains. (My French isn’t startlingly fluent, but it’s adequate for the purpose.) The book includes a short author’s note outlining context and sources, which I can send if you are interested in considering this novel for publication.
As for general CV, my background is in academe and the Civil Service. I have a doctorate in astrophysics and much experience in advising Government Ministers, albeit in quieter times than the present.
