I write books that explore living life in a way that doesn't make me want to scream."

I am a former company CEO turned novelist and I live between two beautiful parts of the world, Paris and France's Loire Valley. If you've never visited either, I urge you to go, you won't be disappointed. My life is mainly writing, reading and travelling. I am passionate about exploring our fascinating planet, and whilst my novels are not autobiographical, the people and places I am lucky enough to meet along the way greatly influence my work.

My Writing

I write about modern women - interesting and complex women who are sometimes uncertain, who can feel vulnerable, who struggle, who are nonetheless creating spaces in which they can fully express their strength as women. It is important to me to explore the issues and questions that modern life raises - questions of identity, equality, the ideas and assumptions that inform the ways we live our lives underpin my stories and the characters that live them . What I hope to achieve through themes of uncertainty, loss, obsession, power, change, fear, and of questioning life and the self, is that the reader travels with my characters on an inner journey that is fundamentally satisfying because it could equally be their own.

News

Giving up her home and job, Sian travels alone to rural France to begin a new life. Will her odd encounters with an enigmatic sculptor encourage Sian to admit a truth she has avoided for years?

June 2018 sees the publication by Cinnamon Press of Hazel’s latest novel Undressing Stone. To celebrate, we have a year of book launches, readings, signings and talks in the UK, France and further afield. Tap here for details, and check back regularly as more dates are being added. Tap here to read a sample chapter and to order Undressing Stone.

Watch the Trailer Order Undressing Stone

A woman of our time - The Geranium Woman is a sublime read which explores our understanding of the challenges and strengths of women in leadership roles.”

"Kanyakumari can only have been written by one who travels with her senses wide open. She beckons us to do the same.”

Listen to Hazel on the BBC Listen to Hazel on World Radio Paris

Connect

I very much hope you find something of value in my books. Please do check back for updates on my forthcoming titles. My 'Tweets' are below. If you also 'Tweet', you can follow me at @HManuelWriter