Picture a British-Kiwi storyteller who reimagines Tudor royalty as modern media moguls—meet Olivia Hayfield! Writing under the pen name of Sue Copsey, this historical fiction author spins captivating tales that blend 16th-century drama with 21st-century flair. Her debut novel, Wife After Wife, transforms Henry VIII’s infamous marriages into a juicy contemporary saga, hooking readers with its wit and cultural commentary.
With a foot in both Auckland’s sunny beaches and London’s historic charm, Hayfield crafts stories that bridge time and place. Her unique perspective as a history nerd and seasoned editor shines through, making her a rising star in historical fiction. Let’s dive into her world!
The Making of Olivia Hayfield
Born as Sue Copsey in Warwickshire, England, Olivia Hayfield grew up surrounded by the ghosts of Tudor history, from Anne Boleyn’s haunts to Catherine Parr’s legacy. Her early career took her to London Zoo’s press office, where she wrangled stories (and once chaperoned a panda!). She later became an editor at Dorling Kindersley, honing her craft before moving to Auckland, New Zealand. There, she balanced editing, writing children’s books like The Ghosts of Tarawera, and raising two kids.
The spark for Olivia Hayfield came when her publisher urged a glamorous pseudonym for her adult fiction. Embracing her alter ego, she dove into historical retellings, fueled by a lifelong fascination with figures like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The #MeToo movement further inspired her to explore power dynamics in a modern lens, birthing her signature style.
Olivia Hayfield’s Unforgettable Stories
Hayfield’s novels are like a time machine with a twist, reimagining historical figures in today’s world. Her debut, Wife After Wife (2020), casts Henry VIII as Harry Rose, a charismatic yet flawed media tycoon navigating six tumultuous marriages. Packed with Tudor Easter eggs, the book blends romance, satire, and social critique, earning praise as a “delicious read” for history buffs and casual readers alike.
Its sequel, Sister to Sister (2021), shifts focus to Elizabeth I and Mary, reimagined as rival daughters vying for control of Rose Media. With emotional depth and clever nods to Kit Marlowe, it’s a must-read for royal history fans. Other works like Notorious and Queen, King, Ace continue her knack for blending historical intrigue with modern drama.
Hayfield’s style is immersive, witty, and female-focused, drawing inspiration from authors like Philippa Gregory and Antonia Fraser. Her “full immersion” method—spending time in historic locales—infuses her stories with vivid authenticity. Whether exploring love, betrayal, or ambition, she keeps readers hooked with relatable characters and sharp social commentary.
Why Olivia Hayfield Matters
Olivia Hayfield’s work resonates because it makes history accessible and relevant. By reimagining Tudor tales through a modern feminist lens, she invites readers to reflect on timeless issues like power, gender, and loyalty. Her novels have carved a niche in historical fiction, appealing to both Tudorphiles and newcomers with their blend of glamour, humor, and heart.
As a dual-national author, Hayfield bridges cultures, bringing a global perspective to her storytelling. Her ability to humanize historical figures while critiquing contemporary issues ensures her stories linger, sparking conversations about the past and present. She’s proof that history isn’t just dusty books—it’s a living, breathing narrative.
- Pen Name: Sue Copsey
- Key Works: Wife After Wife, Sister to Sister, Notorious, Queen, King, Ace
- Awards: Notable Book Award for The Ghosts of Tarawera (as Sue Copsey)
- Fun Fact: She splits her time between Auckland and London!
Snag Wife After Wife and dive into Olivia Hayfield’s dazzling world of historical fiction with a modern twist!