Family Tree

In my first novel, Katie is wrongly accused of a crime and sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia. Over the years readers have asked me if there are any convicts in my ancestry and I've always answered, "I don't know."

Well, now I do.

This month our church's fellowship lunch had a missions focus and DH and I decided we would provide food from Ireland. In the past we have done the Shetland Isles, and Wales, places from which his ancestors emigrated, and I figured it was time that we did a country from my side.

However, the Irish connection has always been a little vague since details of my maternal grandfather's heritage have always been rather sketchy. Whether this was because his mother died when he was eighteen and a lot of that information was never handed down, or whether it was because his father had little time for worrying about those who had already died when his focus was on providing for the living, or whether for some other reason, even my own mother was not aware of how she was related to several individuals in our community and even in our church. Just that she was related. Somehow.

My previous foray into researching my family tree had turned up some links to individuals born in Ireland and I thought that was as much as I was going to discover. But then, only last night, as I was looking again at my family tree I noticed that a distant relative had been born in Australia prior to 1800 and I commented to DH that it was likely that his parents had been convicts or else his father a soldier. DH and I then proceeded to search and within minutes we were astonished at what we learnt. 

In 1791 John Tucker Snr (my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather) was accused of stealing almost five hundred yards of linen. Although he tried to protect his step-mother, she was accused of receiving stolen goods and both were sentenced to transportation to New South Wales, Australia. He arrived as part of the Third Fleet in 1791. 

In 1794 he married Ann (Heratage) Vales/Viles who had also been transported for receiving stolen goods from her then husband. Her husband and two daughters appear to have died on route to Australia or shortly thereafter.

John and Ann had two children, John Jnr and Charlotte. When John Snr moved to Newcastle to the closed penal colony (even free persons needed permission to enter or leave the town) to take up a position as the first storekeeper his children were the first colonial-born children in Newcastle. He held this position on and off for several years.

In 1812 John Snr began to farm land on the Paterson Plains where his son had been working as a sawyer (cutting cedar logs to fulfil government orders). It has been suggested that land was not granted to his son either because of his youthful age or because of an earlier indiscretion (he had tried to leave Newcastle without permission). John Jnr's first wife drowned only days after their wedding, and his second wife was a convict who had worked as a nurse and absented herself without permission and was consequently sent to Newcastle (as a secondary penal colony and a closed one at that, it was far harder to escape from Newcastle than Sydney).

So, it would appear that there are at least three convicts in the family tree on my maternal grandfather's father's side from whom I am directly descended. Since we know that there are also some Irish connections on my maternal grandfather's mother's side as well as on my maternal grandmother's side (as well as a lot of individuals whose parentage/heritage is at this stage still unknown), it's possible that a few more convicts may come to light. However, I have a vague recollection of one or more of these Irish relatives being granted assisted immigration which possibly means that they had a relative who had earlier been transported to the colony, or else they decided to take up the government's offer of assisted passage and hopefully make a new life for themselves in a distant land.

Only more research will reveal the truth. Meanwhile, I feel that I must apologise to each of my daughters-in-law who unknowingly married into the family unaware of its criminal history.

For a sneak preview of the farm that my ancestors originally settled and which is now a wedding venue go here. According to their website, Albion Farm was the first land settled in the Hunter Valley and is the oldest, continuously farmed land in Australia (some sources say outside of the Sydney basin, others omit this, but either is impressive).

For a slightly more in depth look at the history of John Tucker senior and Junior go here.

And to purchase any of my books, go here.

More Books

This past fortnight I had reason to order another fifty copies of my first book from the publisher. At the time, I still had one left. It's now gone.

I remember when I purchased the first one hundred: I was afraid I was going to have them left on my hands for ever. Since then, I've had to place several orders, yet each time I wonder if I'll be able to sell them all.

After my second book launch, my second granddaughter, then aged about three or so, asked me one day, "Do you remember when you had all those books you were trying to get rid of?" I explained that I'd written the books and that on that particular day I was signing them for people who wanted to buy them. She was unimpressed, as are all my granddaughters when I mention that I've written books.

It's very humbling.

Several months ago I finished another book but rather than get straight into editing - which is what I've done in the past - I put it aside and begun another book. In all honesty, I don't know what I'll do with the manuscript once it's edited. Perhaps that's why I didn't jump straight into editing this time.

Do I really want to publish again? All that editing and proof reading and deciding on a cover. And then there's the marketing and accounts. If I could just write and let someone else handle the other ... I think that's the dream of every modern day writer who struggles to get their work recognised.  

But if I don't publish, why do I write?

The answer is simple: I write because I can't help myself. There is satisfaction in the act of writing. Through my writing I seek to serve God and others. Writing is an act of worship ... with my writing I seek to glorify the One that created me and Who deserves all praise and glory.

So even if not another single manuscript sees the light of day, I'll still keep writing.

It's what I was created to do.

April 2012 Newsletter

Hello and welcome to my first newsletter. If you have found your way here from my website, thank you for taking time out of your busy day to follow the link here; if you've come via my personal blog, I am grateful for your faithfulness; and finally, if you have come via a search engine, I am humbled that you took the time and made the effort to find me.

Readers have asked me what happens to Katie and Samuel and I feel that I need to respond. There is another book – two actually – in the Distant Land series, but despite all my best efforts, these have not yet been published.

When the second book was submitted to Ark House Press, the economy had taken a downhill turn, and Ark House made the decision not to commit to publishing novels for a time. I found another interested publisher, but to cut a long story short, I recently resubmitted the manuscript to Ark House Press. Currently I’m waiting to hear “Yay” or “Nay”. As soon as I know, I’ll let you know. But be assured that Katie, Samuel and Rhiannon’s story does continue. I hope you will enjoy what is in store.

I know that whatever happens, our God is in control. I trust and believe that there is a reason for this delay … and thank you – my readers - for your patience.

As I write this, I can’t help but reflect on how God has shown His goodness to my family yet again. Less than a week ago my husband, our two youngest sons, a friend of our youngest son, and I were involved in a car accident. Given the circumstances, it’s a miracle that we were all unhurt and able to walk away from the scene. We thank God for His goodness and mercy and everlasting love.

God has also blessed us abundantly in so many other ways. Since To A Distant Land was published, another beautiful daughter-in-law has joined our family and two more gorgeous granddaughters. Another grandchild is due early October. I am grateful that God has allowed us to still be here to enjoy these incredible little beings and to watch our family grow and change.

My husband and I have also experienced a number of changes, not the least our youngest son leaving home. I will not deceive you: we were dreading it. But it has been exciting to see our children mature and go out into the world on their own - confident and responsible - and we have discovered that this is but just another stage in our life together.

If you're interested in learning more about the author who penned the story of Katie and Samuel, please feel free to visit my Personal Blog. Here you will find that I am just a very ordinary person with faults and struggles like everyone else. Please leave a comment if you do drop by.

What does my writing hold for me this year? Well I would love to see my second novel published ... but that is in God's Hands and I will try to wait patiently on Him. I have a fourth novel that is all but finished which I am itching to get back to. And then ... hopefully more ideas, more writing, more words. I love the whole process of writing from the ideas and research to the writing and to the editing. It is when I'm engrossed in writing that I feel that this is what I was created for.

If you have a dream to write: never give up. Keep writing and reading and writing and reading. Pursue your dream. Whether your writing touches millions or just a few, if it's what God has called you to do, don't be sidetracked. Go for it!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NKJV).

Blessings,

Julianne Jones

CALEB Prize Short List is Up

A few months back I entered my novel in the CALEB Prize for published books. Today I received the email with the news that I'm on the short list!

If you want to see who else made the short list (including some well-known Australian authors) check it out.

New Review

Scroll part-way down the page to read the review for my novel that I entered in the CALEB Book Prize. Please feel free to check it out.

Humbling Mail

I've shared on my other blog my fears re sending my "baby" (aka book) out into the world. I was afraid that it wasn't ready, or good enough, that people might take offense or not understand, and I certainly doubted my ability to write anything that anyone would find worth reading.

Perhaps the scariest thing was wondering what people I knew and loved and respected would think.

I needn't have worried. Perhaps people are just being nice but the response I have had has been overwhelmingly positive (apart from the few editing mistakes which somehow managed to slip through - but even Tolkien had a problem with that and it wasn't his fault - it's also the reason I haven't yet opened a copy of my book to read apart from the dedication and acknowledgements).

It would appear that this simple little story without complex plot or dark overtones has touched people's hearts.

I'd like to share some of the comments with you. If anyone reading this sent me one of these comments I hope you will excuse the liberty I'm taking in posting them here and realise that your words have touched me deeply and possibly beyond the way in which my novel touched you.

[My DH] and I finished the book this evening. You are a wonderful writer. Both of us could not put the book down, had to find out what happened! It has brought [us] closer. ... We enjoyed our time together reading and discussing the characters. I really felt for the people in the book. ... Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful book with me/us. I can certainly see how your next book can continue the story.

I REALLY loved your book. I couldn't put it down ... In fact I was disappointed when I'd finished that I had finished it so soon. ... it was a really gripping story. It left me wanting more ...

I have finished your book and enjoyed it very much. I have ordered a few copies to give as Christmas gifts ...

Wow I have just finished your book. It was very exciting. It is a wonderful message that you wove into the story. I hope that this is only a start and that there are more to come.

Congratulations!!! I seriously could not put your book down... and can't wait for the next one!! My only complaint is the book was too short... but then I'd have got nothing done for even longer! ... Any idea when the next book will be available?

Congratulations on the publishing of your book. It looks great! I read some of it last night ... and was hooked! ... [My DH] asked me what I wanted for Christmas and you can guess what I said. So ... I would like to buy 2 books please. The other copy will be a Christmas present for my stepmother.

I'm totally loving your book! Only 2 chapters to go and kinda sad it's almost over. I might just read slowly for the next few days to prolong the enjoyment! I hope there are more books in the works. You truly have a gift. On a personal note, I've been touched by several elements of the story, not the least of which include Samuel's struggle with God's leading, Rhiannon's reluctance to love after losing Lily, and Katie (and others') struggles with being away from loved ones ...

And from a class of seven-year-olds (twenty-two separate letters in twenty-four separate envelopes - yes some envelopes were empty!):

Thank you for making the book.

You have done a great job on the book.

May the Lord be with you and the book.

And

Please let the new one come before it is Mothers Day.

I wrote my book primarily with 11-14 year old readers (and particularly girls) in mind and yet these comments have come mainly from adults. It seems the teens are enjoying the book but also their parents and grandparents.

It leaves me shaking my head in amazement and makes me feel incredibly humbled that God has taken this little story and used it in this way. I am so undeserving.

I don't understand why He has chosen to use me. I'm just an ordinary person with a desire to write and to please Him with my writing. But already He is answering my prayer that my book will touch people's lives. For that I am grateful.

May I never forget what He has done for me and never ever think for a moment that it was "my abilities" that brought me to this point. It has all been His doing. All I can do is thank Him for His goodness and greatness.

Book Launch

Today my book was launched at our local Christian bookstore. I am humbled by all the people who turned out today to encourage and support me and to help celebrate the launch. It's a busy time of year yet so many were prepared to take time out of their busy schedule and attend. A big thank you to the friend who organised it all.

To A Distant Land Book Blurb

Wrongly accused and sentenced to seven years transportation, Katie Donovan is not the only one leaving behind everything familiar to travel to a distant land …

On the journey Katie finds friends and a new faith but it is in a distant land that her faith will face its greatest challenge. Will she stand the test?

Samuel McKinnon accepts a position as spiritual advisor on a convict ship, intending to return home once the journey is complete but he soon discovers that God’s plans are contrary to his own. Will he have the courage to step into the unknown and trust God to direct his steps?

Rhiannon Sanford immigrates with her family to Australia after a rift between her grandfather and father forces the family to leave everything behind. Her father’s dream of a new life will require sacrifice and challenge. Will the price be too great?