Black History Month: Writing Stories Rooted in Black History
- Fran Clark
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
October is Black History Month in the UK and every year I find myself reflecting not only on the stories of the past but also on why I write the kinds of books I do. Much of my inspiration comes from the lives of Caribbean people who made the journey to Britain, their struggles, their hopes, and their triumphs.
I grew up hearing stories from my mother about her own migration and about life back home in the Caribbean. Those voices stayed with me. Over time I realised I wanted to capture them in fiction, to give space to women whose journeys were often quiet but so powerful. That’s how many of my novels found their roots in Black history and its connections to the UK.
Wherever You Will Go – 99p this month
My most recent novel, Wherever You Will Go, tells the story of Essie, a young Dominican bride who travels to London in 1948 after the war. Her husband had gone ahead of her on the Empire Windrush but vanishes without a trace. As she searches, Essie uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew. It’s a story of love, identity, and the hidden truths of the Windrush generation.
To mark Black History Month the eBook is just 99p, so if you’ve been thinking about reading it this is the perfect time.
In 5 Days’ Time – free for my subscribers
This novella was inspired by the real-life Trinidadian singer Mona Baptiste, who at the age of 20 boarded the Empire Windrush and came to England. Her story is extraordinary. In my fictionalised version I explore an almost love story set during her voyage. It’s short, emotional, and a glimpse into a fascinating real-life figure. The novella is free when you join my mailing list and I love being able to share Mona’s story with new readers.
The Island Secrets Series
My debut, Holding Paradise, became the first in a four-part series, The Island Secrets Series. The books move between the Caribbean and London, and at their heart are women making difficult choices, carrying family secrets, and seeking belonging. The series was born out of my fascination with migration stories and the ways in which the past echoes through generations. Writing these books gave me the chance to explore both the islands’ vibrancy and the challenges of settling into life in the UK. This and so much more. There is a look at life after slavery on the island of Dominica, plus the contribution of West Indian soldiers in World War 1.
Why It Matters
For me, writing these stories is about honouring the voices I grew up with, remembering the journeys of those who came before, and showing how history shapes the lives we live today. I hope that when readers step into my books they connect with those journeys and carry them forward.
This October, I invite you to celebrate Black History Month with me through stories. Start with Wherever You Will Go while it’s 99p, or join my mailing list for your free copy of In 5 Days’ Time.
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