Shona Riddell – Writer

Kia ora (hi)! I'm a writer from Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand who enjoys ocean swimming, maritime history, and science communication.

Over the past 20 years I’ve worked as a teacher, journalist, web writer, and author. My books (about female lighthouse keepers, the subantarctic Auckland Islands, and a war tortoise) are available worldwide.

I’ve written and/or worked for TVNZ, Stuff, The Spinoff, the Sunday Star-Times, NIWA, Predator Free NZ, and many others.

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

• Want me to write an article about ocean swimming, conservation, or maritime history?
  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 subscribe to my newsletter about swimming – it’s free to sign up.

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