Penny Haw

Writing biographical fiction has opened my eyes to how many other women have done amazing things we’ll never know because they weren’t written about alongside the history of their fathers, brothers, and husbands. Anonymous, but we applaud and thank you nonetheless.

If you're looking for some weekend reading inspiration and you loved watching Out of Africa, you might enjoy Follow Me to Africa.

There's more information on the book in the link in my bio.

Today, four years ago.

"...this book is no fluff ball." It's one of the most memorable reviews of The Wilderness Between Us, which went on to win the 2022 WFWA Star Award.

Read more about the book here tinyurl.com/39mbfy62

We are delighted to announce that the SA Book Awards 2025 Adult Fiction Shortlist includes 'The Bitterness of Olives' by Andrew Brown! Congratulations, Andrew, and all other shortlisted authors!
karavanpress.com/2025/08/07/s...

Unsolicited Writing Advice, no: 76783.9999: PROMOTION. Trad published authors can usually rely on some promotion from their publishers. However, you shouldn't rely on this: publicists are often overworked and underpaid, and don't have time to think up brilliant ideas for all their authors.

Readers Are Fascinated by Truth in Fiction—and It Matters | Jane Friedman Books might be marketed as fiction, but it’s the truth and possibility thereof that intrigues us and offers understanding and connection.

“Who, among your characters, are real? Did you have to disguise them?”

“Have people recognized themselves in your book? If so, how did they react?”

Books might be marketed as fiction, but it’s the truth and possibility thereof that intrigues people.

Insight from novelist @pennyhaw.bsky.social

Thank you, Bookbub for including FOLLOW ME TO AFRICA as one of your “brightest and best biographical fiction books” for 2025.

The photograph shows 22-year-old Mary and Louis Leakey at Olduvai Gorge in 1935 when she first followed him to Africa.

See full list here: www.bookbub.com/blog/biograp...

I've received some lovely messages from readers about The Invincible Miss Cust, including a graphic reminding me of the similarities between the book and the series, All Creatures Great & Small. Thank you! It's no coincidence that I grew up reading James Herriot books and dreaming of being a vet.

The Invincible Miss Cust was released almost three years ago. Today I was invited to talk to a book club about it and was reminded what an incredible story it is. Thank you for living such an inspiring life, Aleen Cust.

50% OFF The Woman at the Wheel 'Unfortunately, only a girl again.' From a young age, Cäcilie Bertha Ringer is fascinated by her father’s work as a master builder in Pforzheim, Germany. But those five words, wh...

The publisher of the audiobook of The Woman at the Wheel, Recorded Books is currently discounting it at 50%. Bertha Benz’s story is beautifully narrated by award-winning narrator, actor and author, Caroline Hewitt. Don’t miss the opportunity!

www.audiobooks.com/promotions/p...

If you'd like to benefit from preordering THE WOMAN AND HER STARS, here's your chance!

If you have a B&N Rewards or B&N Premium Membership you can save 25% when you pre-order! Rewards membership is free. The offer is until tomorrow only. Use the code PREORDER25 at checkout.

The link is in my bio!

Based on the true story of Caroline Herschel, THE WOMAN AND HER STARS shines a light on a woman who was raised to believe she was worth nothing more than to serve others, but whose genius and resolve made her one of the world’s leading astronomers. To be published on March 3, 2026.

Available for $1.99 for a limited time, FOLLOW ME TO AFRICA is historical fiction inspired by the life of Mary Leakey.

tinyurl.com/45ar879b

I'm excited about the cover and title reveal, and more information about my next work of biographical historical fiction, which will be posted by my publisher on Wednesday, July 9.

The book will be published in March 2026. Watch this space on Wednesday for the reveal!

The Woman at the Wheel in Danish, Czech, Polish and, of course, English. The Author of the Book? Incredulous.

Based on the real life of Bertha Benz, who with her husband Carl, built the prototype automobile that evolved into the Mercedes-Benz marque. A story of perseverance, resilience, and love.

“Patience is the road to wisdom, but hunger is the ditch that rumbles the wagon.” Sophie the Scottie.

“Patience is the road to wisdom, but hunger is the ditch that rumbles the wagon.” Sophie the Scottie.

Join us for A Night in the Serengeti when I discuss Follow Me to Africa with the Third Thursday of the Month Bookclub on Zoom on Saturday 14 June at 17h30 SAST/10h30 CST. RSVP: Third Thursday of the Month Bookclub on Facebook.

Just two giraffes enjoying the view in their uber somewhere in the Karoo in South Africa.

The Kingsmead Book Fair takes place at Kingsmead College in Rosebank, Johannesburg this weekend. Take a look at the full programme at www.kingsmead.co.za and join us if you can!

I chose five inspiring, eye-opening works of historical fiction set in Africa for Shepherd and justified my choices here: shepherd.com/best-books/i...

Thank you, readers!

Fully-edible bookcakes for a Follow Me to Africa event this week. Proof that you can have your book and eat it. 😉

What an enjoyable morning.

50% OFF The Woman at the Wheel 'Unfortunately, only a girl again.' From a young age, Cäcilie Bertha Ringer is fascinated by her father’s work as a master builder in Pforzheim, Germany. But those five words, wh...

Want to learn about Bertha Benz's contributions to the invention and business behind the Benz Motorwagen* alongside her husband, Carl Benz? There's a special on the audiobook, which is beautifully narrated by Caroline Hewitt. *Evolved into the Mercedes-Benz marque. www.audiobooks.com/promotions/p...

Christina Consolino interviewed me about my writing life and my biographical historical fiction, FOLLOW ME TO AFRICA for her Author Interview feature. Read the article here: christinaconsolino.com/2025/03/17/d...

Join me, J.E. Weiner, Fiona Davis and @susanmeissner.bsky.social when we chat to Colin Mustful of History Through Fiction about our new works of historical fiction.

Place: Zoom
Date: Sunday, March 16
Time: 1 pm US Central Time (8 pm SAST)

Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1246517871...

What an honour to have THE INVINCIBLE MISS CUST listed in the 2025 #31titleswomeninhistory celebration of books about extraordinary women in history. Follow #31titleswomeninhistory for a month-long celebration of historical women. A complete list is downloadable here: janisrdaly.com/women-in-his...

Happy International Women's Day! The world is full of strong, interesting women, including these three who have inspired my historical fiction. Thank you!

I had a wonderful evening with Pippa of The Book Revue. Thanks to all who attended.