For Chrissie Bellbrae, historical fiction is a way of life. Her first storytelling attempts began at her mother’s feet, the sewing machine humming in the background. Chrissie’s dual narratives transport readers from past to present, inspired by her love of history and fascination with genealogy. Drawing on the lives of her forebears, she depicts characters who live far more remarkable lives than her ancestors experienced.
A Fiona McIntosh Commercial Fiction Masterclass pushed Chrissie to complete her first manuscript, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She enjoys an open fire, an oaky chardonnay, and a great book, often historical fiction. When not reading, writing, ocean swimming, or watching her beloved Magpies, Chrissie looks forward to visits from her children and grandchildren and to sharing her stories with them. She lives and writes by the salt water on the coast of Wadawurrung Country.
The Family Gift is set to be released 5 March 2027 and is available for pre-order now.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I've always been a curious soul and fascinated by history. I spent hours quizzing my grandmother about her life, and was inspired to wonder by her oral tradition of storytelling. By the time I learned to read, all I wanted was to create and share stories of my own. It just took a little longer than I anticipated!
What prompted you to write 'The Family Gift'?
My personal experience with breast cancer and the discovery of an inherited trait was the catalyst for this story. It is largely inspired by family anecdotes and gaps in my ancestry research which were then completely embellished in my imagination.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
I'm currently revising a manuscript inspired by Australia's star actress of the day, Nellie Stewart. It revolves around a talented soprano who will do whatever it takes to command centre stage except reveal she's the daughter of Melbourne's most infamous brother keeper. And I have more stories bubbling...
What is your professional background?
I held down an executive management role in family support administration, coordination and tactical negotiation for several decades, while juggling roles in banking, the charity sector, interior design, textiles and the fashion industry. I finally pivoted to, and completed, a qualification in education.
Any advice you’d like to give to aspiring writers?
Read widely. Anything and everything.
Connect with members of the writing community through writing centres in your state, or organisations such as RWA or HNSA, and make sure to follow authors and bookstagrammers online. There's much to learn.
If you want to see your efforts published - keep writing. It's a hard slog and takes resilience and persistence, but if you have a story you really want to tell and can't ignore the idea of writing it, then you must continue putting words on the page.
Who/what inspires you?
People, the sea, aged buildings and European history. Mysticism, superstition and long-held beliefs. These are just a few of my favourite things!
Contemporary authors - Maggie OFarrell, Karen Brooks, Kate Morton, Kate Forsyth, Ian McEwan, Anne O'Brien, and the past greats - Jane Austen (a given), Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt/Susan Howatch.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
My number one hobby has always been reading. I'm rarely without a book on the go.
I'm an avid ocean swimmer, knitter, and supporter of both my local AFL footy team and - (don't hate me) Collingwood.
Favourite books - Atonement, Rebecca, The Sunne in Splendour, and more recently - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, A Great Act of Love, The Secret Year of Zara Holt - there are too many to mention!
How can readers contact you?
Website: https://www.chrissiebellbrae.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissiebellbrae/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrissiebellbrae
Email: chrissiebellbrae@gmail.com
