I write stories shaped by real life: the hard bits, the beautiful ones, and the moments that remind us that even in the darkest seasons, there is always a way forward. Whether you’ve come here through my memoir, my cosy mystery‑in‑progress, or my newsletter, I’m glad you’re here.My work weaves together themes of heart, hope, and second chances. I write about family, recovery, resilience, and the long thread of love that connects us across generations.
Taking some respite - a visit to family
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Dear Reader Taking some respiteFamily matters took me to Brisbane for a visit recently. It never ceases to amaze me how we can find joy even when we are feeling overwhelmed. And during the few days I was there, there were many moments of joy. For example: My daughter Amy lives close to a place I spent some of my childhood and while she and her partner,Jamie, and my other daughter, Suraya, took off for a bit of exercise more strenuous than appealed to me at the time, I took the opportunity to meander and enjoy some parts of nature that always lift my spirits. I love that the beach is never the same - whether it's the same location or the beach in any other part of the world. Its diversity is what draws me, feeds my soul, and calms and restores me. Years ago when I was challenged by someone saying that I couldn't possibly have a relationship with the land because I wasn't of first nation heritage - my answer was: "That may be so, but all I know is - trees and water - without them I die!" It's how I still feel. And here I was, being revived again through my relationship with the earth - trees and water! Since those earlier days I've researched my ancestry and find that I actually do have first nation heritage - through my Irish and Scottish roots as well as through my Australian Aboriginal lineage. Not that it gives me a unique claim to a special relationship with the land. We all can lay such claims if our hearts cry for it, regardless of our DNA heritage. We are all children of Papatūānuku - the Earth Mother in Māori tradition. She nourishes us and in return we honour her and care for her. My little day out had another gift. Remember those caricature photos my grandson Eli made at Christmas time that I shared? Here's a caricature that Amy made out of a photo she took that day at the beach. I love this picture because it emphasises my love of writing in nature. Perhaps there's a future book titled Tales by the Sea with my name on it? Family means the world to me. I have so many memories of being a mother, watching my sons and daughters grow into their own persons. That I can still play with them and enjoy their good humour is a treat I can not get enough of. I say the same of the time spent with my nieces, Jane and Maddie. And especially with my dear sister Megan. I love the way we slip into the old familiar ways of being when we are together. Almost speaking in a code that requires few words and that is embellished with heart-felt love and kindness. I'll be returning soon, to share in more of this loving exchange. Until mid March - with love, always, Why I Write - for you and for me too. Some stories come from lived experience, like navigating my son’s addiction and the long road of recovery. Others are shaped by imagination, like the cozy mystery I’m writing, set in a small café where trust is both tested and rebuilt. Some of my life stories still bring tears. Others make me smile. And many are filled with memories that warm my heart. I write for anyone who’s ever carried a burden across generations, and for anyone who longs to heal forward. I write to bring a little encouragement, comfort and joy into my life and yours. With love, My thoughts for Living Life in 2026 and beyond: "My religion is kindness" Dalai Lama “Cast your bread upon the waters and it will Doris May Payne - my mother "Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing" Helen Keller “Write it on my heart that every day is Ralph Waldo Emerson "Remember that sometimes not getting “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela Read past Newsletters and, if you enjoy them, www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com FOLLOW ME |
Hi! I'm Stephanie Hammond
I write stories shaped by real life: the hard bits, the beautiful ones, and the moments that remind us that even in the darkest seasons, there is always a way forward. Whether you’ve come here through my memoir, my cosy mystery‑in‑progress, or my newsletter, I’m glad you’re here.My work weaves together themes of heart, hope, and second chances. I write about family, recovery, resilience, and the long thread of love that connects us across generations.
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