Picture a British storyteller who swapped harp strings for heartstrings, weaving tales that warm the soul—meet Hazel Prior! A Celtic harpist turned bestselling author, Prior crafts uplifting novels that blend quirky characters, environmental themes, and a touch of whimsy. Her journey from Exmoor’s moors to literary fame is as enchanting as her stories.
Born in Oxford, England, Prior’s life is a tapestry of music and words. Her novels, like the beloved How the Penguins Saved Veronica (known as Away with the Penguins in the UK), have charmed readers worldwide, earning spots on bestseller lists and book club picks. With a knack for storytelling that feels like a cozy chat by the fireside, she’s a literary gem worth discovering.
The Making of Hazel Prior
Hazel Prior’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. Growing up in Oxford, she fell in love with the Celtic harp as a young adult, a passion that led her to perform professionally despite initial nerves about playing publicly. Her eclectic career included teaching English in Italy, working for the National Trust, and even acting. Writing, however, was a lifelong dream. In her late forties, after overcoming a serious illness, Prior embraced her creative calling, proving it’s never too late to chase dreams.
Living on Exmoor with her husband and a giant ginger cat, Prior draws inspiration from her surroundings and experiences. Her early short stories won nine UK writing competitions, hinting at the talent that would later shine in her novels. Her persistence through the grueling publishing process—complete with rewrites and editorial tweaks—culminated in her debut, marking the start of a remarkable literary career.
Hazel Prior’s Unforgettable Stories
Prior’s novels are like a warm hug—character-driven, lyrical, and brimming with heart. Her debut, Ellie and the Harpmaker (2019), is a tender tale of love and self-discovery set against Exmoor’s rugged beauty. It follows Ellie, a housewife gifted a cherrywood harp by Dan, a solitary craftsman, sparking an unexpected friendship. Critics praised its lyrical prose, calling it a “love song of a story.”
Her breakout hit, How the Penguins Saved Veronica (2020), introduced Veronica McCreedy, a feisty 85-year-old who journeys to Antarctica and finds purpose among penguins. A Richard & Judy Book Club pick and #1 bestseller, it blends humor with environmental messages. Its sequel, Call of the Penguins (2021), continues Veronica’s adventures, while Life and Otter Miracles (2023) explores community and nature through a young woman’s bond with otters. The upcoming Gone with the Penguins (2025) promises more of Veronica’s charm.
Prior’s style is uplifting yet profound, tackling themes like aging, autism, environmental conservation, and personal growth. Her settings—Exmoor’s moors, Antarctica’s icy expanse—feel alive, reflecting her love for nature. Translated into 19 languages, her books resonate globally, offering readers hope and a reminder to embrace life’s surprises.
Why Hazel Prior Matters
Hazel Prior’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that uplift and inspire. Her novels, blending humor and heart, appeal to book clubs and casual readers alike, offering a refreshing antidote to heavier fare. By spotlighting environmental issues through charming narratives, she raises awareness without preaching, making her a quiet force in contemporary fiction.
As a late-blooming author, Prior is a beacon for aspiring writers, showing that dreams don’t have expiration dates. Her dual career as a harpist and novelist adds a unique layer to her legacy, blending music and storytelling into a harmonious whole. With each book, she invites readers to find joy in the unexpected, cementing her place as a beloved voice in uplifting fiction.
- Born: Oxford, England
- Key Works: Ellie and the Harpmaker, How the Penguins Saved Veronica, Call of the Penguins, Life and Otter Miracles
- Awards: Richard & Judy Book Club Pick, #1 eBook and audiobook bestseller
Snag How the Penguins Saved Veronica and dive into Hazel Prior’s heartwarming world of quirky characters and penguin-powered adventures!