Shona Riddell – Writer

Kia ora (hi)! I'm a writer, swimmer, podcaster and certified SwimMastery swim coach from Wellington, Aotearoa NZ.

My books (about female lighthouse keepers, the subantarctic Auckland Islands, and a war tortoise) are available worldwide.

I’ve been interviewed about my books on the radio, on TV, for newspapers, and on podcasts
(see Media).

• Want to improve your swimming? Get in touch

• Want to buy one or more of my books? Head to my author page on Amazon, visit Exisle Publishing, or ask at your local bookshop. (And thank you for your support!)

• You can also listen to my Swim Chats podcast.

Reviews for my latest book, Guiding Lights:

'Guiding Lights is a beautiful, clever book, capturing the stark, wave-lashed ruggedness of lighthouse-keeping.'
– Kete Books (NZ)

'This past week I've been obsessed with reading Guiding Lights ... Many of these doughty women did it tough, not just as helper to their lighthouse keeper spouse, but often running
the show.'
– The Australian

'A unique, eloquent, and impressively informative study.'
– Midwest Book Review (USA)

'This fascinating book is highly recommended.'
– Australian National Maritime Museum