H G Bailey

Hannah Georgina Baily (H.G. Bailey) was born in London in 1969. I moved to the south coast of England in 2021 with my partner and two dogs. We spend a lot of time visiting the stunning countryside and coastal venues of the UK.

My passion is writing and entering short story writing competitions while drawing on my experiences of the vibrant, gay community in London of the 1980s & 1990s for inspiration. Gay Clubs such as Stallions, in Tottenham Court Road, and the Green Dragon, in Leytonstone High Street, used to be two favourite haunts.

My characters are based on anonymous people of the time, who were infamous for their activities in and around the clubs.

Working for local government for many years in London was great fun and where I met Sally. We moved to Sunderland in 1992.

My first novel, 'The Circle' is set in Richmond, Surrey, published by Amazon in 2019. 'Beyond The Circle' is a sequel continuing the story of Sarah and Stevie, the two main characters, after a space of three years.

'Fireworks & Flowers' is set mainly in Dorset. Its theme of finding out her partner is cheating on her drives the main character to take immediate action.

'I'm Not What You Think I Am' is slightly shorter than my other novels but also set in Dorset where I've spent a lot of time over the last few years.

'Rescued by an Angel' is inspired by events that occurred after a back operation resulting in a lot of time spent in hospitals. The light at the end of the tunnel did happen!

'Billion-Dollar Heiress' was born after events that happened while traveling on a double-decker bus in London. Intrigued by a girl seen hanging out of a window in a Language School, who looked as though she was dripping money, I thought it would be interesting to imagine the type of life she led!

'Butterfly Lady' resulted from events that occurred after a major operation changed my perspective on life completely after being medically discharged from the Royal Army Logistics Corp. It made me realise that the career path you set out on is not necessarily the one you will follow when events conspire against you.

'French Frocks & Frolics' is considered to be one of the best. Inspired by events when working as a temporary Administrator in London and receiving a request for a topless gardener from a lesbian couple, who were bored and wanted some stimulation to their love life. At that time in 1988, it would not have been possible to employ such a person but now there are several agencies who will oblige with such a request (if you know where to look!)

'French Frocks & Frolics - Return to the Château' follows on from the first book. Inspired by events that happened when a friend who thought they had achieved all they wanted to be successful in life had an accident and what happened when they retreated from the world feeling themselves to be a failure.

'In the Shadows of a Distant Past,' reflects on the stigma that still surrounds being a lesbian. Some people, usually the younger generation, are quite comfortable with their sexuality but some of the older generation tend to be more secretive. Is being straight with two point four kids snapping at their ankles really the norm?

'Everyone Deserves a Second Chance'. When a friend found themselves to be homeless after losing their employment. Desperate to survive, she took a job in an animal charity, only to encounter more problems on falling head over heels in love with her boss.

'Houseboat Heaven' covers the subject of domestic abuse. In novel no. 12. To get over this fear the main character does the obvious thing and buys a houseboat. The one she chooses - a dilapidated heap on a canal in West Sussex does exist.

'The Miller's Daughter' is actually inspired by seeing a ghost in the grounds of Chichester Cathedral! This made me think about the many lesbians of the past who would never dare reveal their sexuality to family or friends for fear of being cast out by their community. In this the 13th novel, the 21st century meets the 19th with humour rather than horror.

'Thanks for Dessert' - is a naughty novel inspired by a stopover at a pub in the Lake District that was having a 'gay swingers night' but only those in the know had any clue as to what was going on.

'A Perfect Ending' is another naughty one based on the adventures of a past friend who funded her education by taking her kit off for a living. She enjoyed it so much she never actually used the degree in design she worked so hard to get.

'Lady Ellingham's Foot(wo)man' considers the problems encountered by women who had to pretend to be men to get work in the early part of the last century and didn't want to have to go into service, especially if they were disabled.

'Choices We Make'. When someone loves their partner so much they can't bear to tie them down on realising a terrible health condition will render them disabled, possibly for life, what other choice do you have?

'Cruising to Love' inspired by a friend who went on a cruise alone and had a right old laugh when her cabin was double-booked.

'The Secret' evolved from two friends who were soulmates at university. When one accompanies the other home for a week’s holiday, a devastating secret is revealed and their world comes crumbling down around them.

'When the Stars Align' reflects the changing career of a bored policewoman who becomes a much sought-after personal security guard until she accepts an assignment in the US.

'Time to Love Again' What do you do if your partner wants to end their life in a Swiss clinic? There are only two options - neither of them acceptable when you have to live with the consequences.

If you would like to read more of my work, one chapter of selected novels is available on my website for free. Go to www.hgbailey2019.wixsite.com/website.

Thank you for showing an interest in my work! I hope you enjoy reading it.