Children’s Books
Historical Romance
About Vicki
I’m a freelance writer and author. As a teenager I wanted to be a journalist, a marine biologist and then a primary school teacher. But my desire to explore the world was greater and so deferring university, I found a job that would let me do just that. North America and Antarctica remain the only continents I haven’t travelled.
From my initial foray into working life, roll forward 37 years. After an extended holiday, I decided to take a sabbatical from my corporate career to pursue a passion to write. Perhaps I should have studied journalism all those years ago!
After the course I enrolled in was cancelled after 6 months, I was left with the bones of two children’s stories, 20,000 words of a historical romance and a determination to finish them. And then the pandemic struck!
I was lucky to find a fabulous publishing coach who would hold my hand during 2020 and a fantastic illustrator for my children’s books.
I like to think my stories combine humour and heart. Certainly, that’s what’s in my mind as I write.
When not writing, I’m walking our golden retriever and westie, cycling and drinking chai lattes. Most times in that order!
I’m looking forward to the day my writing keeps me in champagne (or the best Australian sparkling wine)!
Vicki Milliken
News
Upcoming Book
Coming late October 2021!
The second book in the Misses of Melbourne series, Kiss by Kiss, showcases Bec’s journey to happily ever after. If you read the first book, The Battle for Eliza, you’ll remember Bec was instrumental in helping Eliza find love and romance.
And the story? Well, I’m glad you asked.
Melbourne 1925
Bec Cross is a progressive 1920s woman who believes women are capable of far more than men give them credit for. Like her mother and grandmother, she is determined never to be bridled by marriage.
Bachelor Daniel Sinclair is well acquainted with Bec’s feminist views. Brother of her best friend, they are regular sparring partners. He’s an advocate for a married woman confining herself to the role of wife and mother.
When Bec unwittingly emerges as Daniel’s answer to securing a promotion and a stepping stone to a much-prized political career, he is determined to change her mind – kiss by kiss.
Their attraction is undeniable. But Bec’s head has always ruled her heart, and Daniel’s kisses – however beguiling – will never persuade her to settle for anything less than equality in life and love.
How infuriating to find her heart waging its own battle in support of Daniel’s desires. But she’ll be damned before she surrenders to a man peddling nineteenth-century notions.
Kiss by Kiss is planned for release late October 2021.
Latest Newsletter
Bathing Etiquette in Melbourne 1925
Bec’s bathing costume certainly upset Daniel’s equilibrium in Kiss by Kiss.
In 1925, bathing regulations were the responsibility of local councils. The by-laws for Williamstown Beach were conservative and it wasn’t uncommon for offenders to be fined. They forbade the sitting, lying, playing ball games, or loitering on the beach clad only in a bathing costume. Bathers were required to proceed in a direct line from the water to the bathing sheds when clad in their neck to knee costumes.
But Williamstown, it appears was not a patch on Cottesloe in Western Australia which forbade bathing unless attired in ‘a two-piece costume of dark-coloured serge, flannel or flannelette, extending over the shoulders and to the knees.’
It appears though that a blind eye was at times turned to the nature of the costume itself. As reported in the Williamstown Chronicle on January 1924, ‘on holidays it is hardly to be expected that the bathing costumes would all comply with the regulation “neck to knee.” As a matter of fact, the costumes worn were all sorts and sizes.’
And of course, for others the neckline of their bathing costume needed not to compromise their dance and evening frocks. Ensuring the back was cut lower than the front and with a narrow shoulder strap would ensure bronzed neck and arms were shown to best effect, avoiding the “watermark” effect.
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