When I was a little girl, I started to get interested in the legend of Robin Hood. I found it fascinating that the stories had been around for almost a thousand years, and had survived all this time. I became obsessed with finding something that represented me, but every variation of Robin Hood, either in novels, films, TV or even plays, were not what I envisaged.
I started to dream up different scenarios if I were Maid Marian, living in the late twelfth century. I researched into the time period, and developed a fascination for all medieval history, but especially the eras of King Richard I and King John. Inspired by my imagination, I began writing, not sure where it would take me.
Over ten years, I lived in the world of Marian, and upon finishing, I realised I had more than one story in me, just as there are so many variations of the Robin Hood legend. Robin Hood inspired me to started an MA in Medieval Studies to find so many incredible real women from history that deserve to have their stories told. I want to delve into the lives of real people, not just legends, but those who are lesser known, who deserve to be heard.
I hope anyone reading this, will join me on my adventures as I delve into the lost heroines of the medieval world, and inspire others as Robin Hood inspired me!
Bethan Jones 