When I founded my indie publishing house, Starflower Press, the name felt less like a choice and more like a gentle, celestial calling. As an author, an Australian, and a long-term resident of the breathtaking, rural landscapes of Cumbria, my life has always been a jigsaw of different horizons. But beneath the soil of my current life lies a long, unbroken root system stretching back through generations of German ancestors and ancestresses.
Lately, I have been looking closely at the brilliant, five-pointed blue blossoms that give my indie publishing house its name. In English, we call it Borage or Starflower.
But if you travel back into the folklore of my ancestral homeland, you discover that this humble plant (known there as Borretsch) carries a powerful spiritual medicine. I find it so interesting that this medicine mirrors the alchemy of writing, storytelling, and the courage it takes to put ink to paper.
For my page here, at Ink and Starflower, I want to share a few beautiful threads of German folklore that reveal why this blue star is the perfect patron for our creative journeys.
The Remedy for Schwermut (Melancholy)
In traditional German herbalism, heavily influenced by the mystic Hildegard von Bingen, borage was affectionately called Herzfreund: the Friend of the Heart. This flower was grown and gathered to banish Schwermut, that stagnant melancholy that can cloud the human spirit.
Every writer knows the weight of Schwermut, and the self-doubt that whispers before we begin a new chapter. We know all too well the fear that our words aren’t enough. In the German tradition, Starflower is the antidote: a botanical reminder that the stories we tell have the power to lift the heavy heart, bringing vital energy, joy, and light back into the darkness.
Mut: The Warrior’s Courage to Create
Long before it was cultivated in cottage gardens, ancient European warriors used borage to brew teas that would conquer fear before battle. They knew this as the herb of courage (Mut).
To be an author, and to choose the path of independent publishing, is an act of quiet warriorhood. I know from years of experience that it requires immense bravery to pull a story from the deep, invisible well of your soul, and then offer it to the world. When I press ink to paper, under the banner of the Starflower, I’m invoking that ancestral courage. I’m choosing to be brave with my truth.
The Amulet in the Schoolbag
An old, domestic German custom involved parents tucking fresh borage leaves into their children’s Schultaschen (school bags) as they headed off to lessons. The starflower was carried as a living amulet for mental clarity, confidence, and academic triumph.
At Starflower Press, I like to think we’re doing something similar for our authors and readers. Every book midwived into existence is a sacred talisman sent out into the world. Each one carries clarity, wisdom, and the triumph of the human imagination. We’re packing the “school bags” of the world with stories that enlighten, educate, entertain or empower.
A Ritual for Eternal Commitment
In regional German romance lore, the starflower was used in water-divination to test the depth of love. A single blossom was placed upon the surface of a moving stream. If the delicate blue flower tossed erratically, the love was fleeting. But if the blue star rested completely still against the current, it symbolised an unchanging, eternal devotion.
This is how I view the relationship between Ink and Starflower. The printed word is a way of standing still amidst the chaotic currents of modern life. A book is a commitment to a truth, a poem, imagination, memory, love, or a piece of history. Perhaps it is the wedding celebrant in me who likes to think it’s a ‘vow’ that this particular story matters enough to be preserved forever.
Cultivating the Seventh Herb
In Germany today, Borretsch is celebrated as one of the strict, non-negotiable “seven sacred herbs” used to create the iconic, traditional Grüne Soße (Green Sauce), a dish that symbolises the return of Spring, renewal, and local pride.
Storytelling is our cultural renewal. Just as the Earth relies on these ancient herbs to awaken after a long Winter, our culture relies on independent voices to stir the spirit and bring about a collective Springtime.
Leaving Our Mark
From my ancestral German roots, across the oceans to Australia, my years living, marrying and becoming a mother in New Zealand, and into the mist-wrapped fells of Cumbria, the Starflower has followed me. This simple, beautiful blue flower links my past to my present, and my heritage to my craft.
The next time you hold a book from Starflower Press, or read a line of ink spilt from a brave heart, look closely at the invisible blue star stamped upon it. It’s there to bring you courage, to lighten your heart, and to remind you that your story, too, is part of a wondrous, celestial design.
Whether you’re here because you came across my work many, many years ago, back when I published The Mother magazine, hosted family camps, and home-educated our girls, or from my days editing The Celebrant magazine, or because you’ve been to one of my workshops, or heard me speak at a conference, or I’ve officiated a ceremony for you, or you’ve had an astrology reading with me, saw a post on social media, or perhaps trained with me as a celebrant, or maybe you read my books, you’re most welcome here.
This post is a seasonal catch-up about my writerly life. Thank you for being here. May your Autumn (or Spring, to those Down Under!) bring you colour, creativity and comfort. Veronika x
The Dark Months: A Writer’s Creative Incubator
No doubt one of the main reasons I have a moment to write this newsletter is because it’s no longer balmy weather. I’m such a 35C-in-the-sunshine sort of girl, but the longer I live in England, the more I get used to the dark of each year. I’m now in my 27th year of living here, so I should be an expert. I’m not!
What I do love about the darker months, though, is that more than anything, it’s dedicated writing time. Of course, I write year-round, especially in my work as a celebrant. The big difference is that at this time of the year I’m not sidetracked by basking in sunshine or pottering in the garden. During the warmer months, I spend a lot of my writing time under the porch. It’s my favourite place to pass away the hours.
As storm season approaches, I’ll be tucked up by the crackling wood stove. This Autumn and Winter, I intend to finish writing two novels, both in the genre of magical feminism. (I’ve been writing a series of blogs on the topic of magical feminism if you want to learn more about the genre: https://veronikarobinson.com/blog/) One of the books is The Irish Dollmaker, which is a critique of the systemic abuse in the Irish Mother and Baby Homes. I can tell you, that it’s been quite the challenge balancing the heaviness of the topic, including factual accuracy, alongside lighter elements of the story. I’m getting there, though!
The other book, A Change To Remember, actually started off as non-fiction about the impact of menopause on marriage (or is that the impact of marriage on menopause ha-ha!). This manuscript was a psycho-biological spiritual reflection on menopause. And then, lo and behold, one day I woke up and thought, “No, no, no, no, missy, you’re not destined to be non-fiction. You’re a novel!” I could almost feel my shoulders drop with relief. I can’t tell you why, other than something feels right about taking it in a fiction direction. I’m excited to finish this novel now. There are several interesting characters in the story who are all going through their own version of ‘the change’.
If I manage to finish those two before Spring (once it’s warm again, I want to be outside pottering in the garden!), I’ll have some time to start writing my next novel: Daughters of the Ancient Bloom. This is set here in the Eden Valley, Cumbria, and is a critique of society’s surveillance of women’s bodies, primarily their wombs. I’ve pencilled out the draft, and so all that remains is some undisturbed writing time to get all those thoughts and storylines in one place.
My books have a naughty habit of choosing their own timelines. I like to think I’m in charge and know the chronology of writing and publication, but I’ve been caught out several times by an incoming book dominating everything. Honestly, they can be so darned bossy! “Me, me, me! I’m your favourite. Choose me NOW!” Think of it like an ‘unplanned’ baby. Although that’s a whole other topic, because I don’t believe any baby is unplanned/an accident. I believe books already exist, fully formed, somewhere (who knows where) and my job (any author’s job) is simply to take dictation.
As a working celebrant, when I’m called to officiate a funeral I pretty much have to drop everything I’m working on so that I can make arrangements to visit the bereaved, spend a couple of hours with them, come home and write the ceremony, spend hours rehearsing the approved script, and officiate. Some weeks are busier than others, but it can make my writerly life (in relation to books) a bit all over the place.
By nature, I’m disciplined and can be quite prolific when left on my own. 🙂
Wanted: Advanced Readers and Reviewers
Thank you to those who’ve already reviewed some of my books or are currently reviewing one. If you’re interested in reviewing any of my upcoming titles, simply drop me an email and let me know your genre preference.
There’s a full list of my books, arranged by genre, at the end of this newsletter to give you a sense of what I write. (veronikarobinson@hotmail.com).
Amazon Bestseller in Three Categories
Despite having published over forty books (a handful of celebrant-training books are not for public distribution; and my first two books [an anthology of verse, and a history of the RSPCA in New Zealand] from the early 90s are out of print), to my great surprise one of my titles recently became an Amazon Bestseller in three categories.
Under The Starflower: A Book of Blessings – Word Medicine for Cremations, Traditional and Woodland Burials, Interments, and Grieving Hearts is a collection of original verses for use by bereavement celebrants, and for those needing comfort during their time of grief. This anthology has been beautiful illustrated by Philippa Mulvany.
2026 Starflower Press Publications
There are countless benefits to being an indie author and publisher. Two of those are:
1.) no two-year waiting list for a publication date
2.) full creative authority over your work.
Here’s what I’ve published (and will publish) this year through my publishing house, Starflower Press. www.starflowerpress.com is where you can order signed copies.
Write That Love Story:A Wedding Celebrant’s Guide To Creating Compelling Narrative Kindle and pbk
Grandmother’s Button Tin (magical feminism novel) Kindle and pbk
Under The Starflower: A Book of Blessings – Word Medicine for Cremations, Traditional and Woodland Burials, Interments, and Grieving Hearts Kindle and pbk
Measure Your Life By Creativity:The Five Elements of Everyday Inspiration (Kindle only)
Little Black Apples:A Whimsical Witch’s Wisdom for Creating a Beautiful Life Through Dark Storms and Wild Healing (publishing this week!) A non-fiction women’s book with full colour illustrations by Laura Whalen. Kindle and pbk
Write That Wedding Script:A Masterclass in Crafting Ceremonies (publishing September)
Starflowers at Sunset. This is a companion volume to Under The Starflower. Prose pieces for bereavement. (publishing December) Kindle and pbk
Choosing Publication Dates
While Write That Love Story was timed to coincide with St. Valentine’s Day, most of my books’ publication dates are astrologically themed. They might even have a bit of literary magic thrown in, too.
For example:
Little Black Apples is publishing under the Witch-Apple Moon (New Moon Virgo, September 2026)
Measure Your Creativity was published under the Cosmic Inkwell Moon.
Under The Starflower was published on August 25th (my husband’s and granddaughter’s birthday, and my maternal grandmother was born on the 26th)
Write That Wedding Script is being published on the Hearts-in-Balance Equinox (Sept. 26)
Starflowers at Sunset is publishing on the Silver-dew Solstice (December 2026)
Grandmother’s Button Tin featured on The Book Rex
To my delight, my novel Grandmother’s Button Tin has been featured this week on The Book Rex.
If you’re not familiar with The Book Rex, it’s a wonderful, dedicated platform that helps readers discover books based on the exact moods, tropes, and subgenres they’re craving. As an indie author, finding platforms that genuinely champion unique stories is a breath of fresh air.
And finally, in case you’re new here, here’s a current list of my publicly available titles. Happy reading!
Non-Fiction Books
The Celebrant Collection
Write That Eulogy
Write That Love Story
Write That Wedding Script
Funerals for Children
Under The Starflower: A Book of Blessings. Word Medicine for Cremations, Traditional and Woodland Burials, Interments, and Grieving Hearts.
Funeral Celebrant Ceremony Planner
Wedding Celebrant Ceremony Planner
The Five Elements: A celebrant’s guide to creating beautiful ceremonies and rituals
The Discrimination-free Celebrant
The Successful Celebrant
Starflower Parenting
The Birthkeepers: Reclaiming an Ancient Tradition
Life Without School: The Quiet Revolution
The Drinks Are On Me: Everything your mother never told you about breastfeeding Stretch Marks (Selected articles from The Mother magazine)
The Nurtured Family
Baby Names Inspired by Mother Nature
The Blessingway: Creating a beautiful Blessingway ceremony
Driftwood Bay Books (imprint)
Little Black Apples: A Whimsical Witch’s Wisdom For Creating a Beautiful Life Through Dark Storms and Wild Healing (Illustrated women’s book)
Measure Your Creativity: The Five Elements of Inspiration for Everyday Living
Health and Wellbeing
Cycle to the Moon: Celebrating the Menstrual Trinity
Healing from Adrenal Fatigue
I Create My Day: Simple Ways to Create a Beautiful and Nourishing Life
The Mystic Cookfire: The Sacred Art of Creating Food for Friends and Family
Love From My Kitchen: Gluten-free Vegan Recipes From The Heart
Fiction Books
Moonlight and Motif (magical feminism imprint)
The Soapmaker (magical feminism novel)
Grandmother’s Button Tin (magical feminism novel)
Starflower Press Stories
Sisters of the Silver Moon (Book One, The Gypsy Moon Trilogy)
Behind Closed Doors (Book Two, The Gypsy Moon Trilogy)
Flowers in Her Hair (Book Three, The Gypsy Moon Trilogy)
Mosaic
Bluey’s Café
Sweet Cinnamon Romances
Contemporary romance novels, cosy with medium spice 😉
Love At The Treble Clef Café
Love In A Scottish Storm
On The Wings of Love
Recipe for Love
House of Hearts
Purple Tricycle
(children’s imprint)
Forever in Blue Jeans (Illustrated children’s book)
Fields of Lavender (poetry) and The Compassionate Years are out of print.
You can find my books on Amazon and other online retailers, as well as good bricks-and-mortar bookshops and libraries around the world. Signed copies from Starflower Press. (Postage to UK addresses only) Happy reading!
Do You Have A Moment?
As an indie author and publisher, it would be a beautiful gift if you would be kind enough to leave a review, whether on Amazon, Good Reads, or elsewhere. Thank you.
Yesterday a friend mentioned she baked the lemon cookies from my recipe book The Mystic Cookfire. (Available from www.veronikarobinson.com, www.starflowerpress.com, Amazon and other online retailers, good bookshops and libraries)
Here’s my updated gluten-free version. They’re quick and easy to make, and taste fabulous!
Veronika’s gluten-free lemon cookies
½ cup softened organic coconut oil or organic sunflower oil 2 large spoons of egg replacer or two organic free range eggs Zest of one large fresh lemon (organic) ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon quality lemon or orange essence ½ teaspoon gluten-free baking powder 1 cup quinoa flour 1 cup rice flour ½ cup coconut flour 1½ cups coconut blossom sugar or soft brown sugar
Cream oil and sugar with a whisk, then add the egg replacer/eggs, followed by the zest, essence and juice. Keep mixing. Add the baking powder and flour. Put the dough into the fridge to chill for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 180C. Use baking paper on your baking tray. Place a spoonful of dough for each cookie. Bake for fifteen minutes.
Cool for a few minutes before putting onto a cooling rack.
These cookies are delightfully chewy and perfect at any time of year, whether for a garden party, picnic or lazy afternoon reading a book by the fire.
https://veronikarobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Updated-logo-colour_26-300x138.png00Veronika Sophia Robinsonhttps://veronikarobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Updated-logo-colour_26-300x138.pngVeronika Sophia Robinson2014-10-06 08:44:362014-10-06 08:44:36A taste of Australia
Don’t ask me why Saturday night is dessert night in our home, rather than say Wednesday or Monday…because I don’t know.
Last night we had one of my favourite desserts: pear and coconut crumble. It’s quick and easy to make, and tastes gorgeous!
I first wrote about this dessert in my novel, Bluey’s Café:
Home alone on Saturday night, instead of crawling into bed or watching late-night TV, Bluey headed to the kitchen. A small hessian sackful of ripe pears were begging for her to take notice of them. She peeled half a dozen, and sliced their tender juicy flesh in half, laying them in a pan with coconut oil and brown sugar. They began simmering. Their buttery and gritty flesh was perfect for a crumble. Coconut cream swirled around the pears, and a sprinkling of ground ginger dusted the top.
Bluey loved cooking with coconut, and always found it lent an erotic edge to her recipes, not to mention that it reminded her of Cole Hadden, a dashing young English businessmen who had taken her to dinner while in Jamaica several years ago. His kisses tasted like coconut with a hint of cinnamon and Caribbean sunshine. She could never look at coconuts in the same way again.
Serves four to six
4-6 large ripe pears 30g coconut oil (or margarine) 50g coconut sugar (or other unrefined sugar) or maple syrup Juice of half a lemon 500ml coconut cream Dusting of ground ginger
Crumble: 85g solid coconut oil (or margarine, but coconut is better) 100g coconut sugar (or other unrefined sugar) 2 cups jumbo oats 1/3 cup desiccated coconut 100g 80% dark chocolate, broken into pieces (ginger chocolate is especially good!)
Preheat the oven to 180C. Peel the pears, cut in half and remove the stalks and seeds. Drizzle with lemon juice to stop browning.
Melt coconut oil (or margarine) in a pan, and add the pear halves. Add the sugar, and allow to caramelise.
After about fifteen minutes, add the coconut cream. Place the contents into a casserole dish. It will look like there’s too much liquid, but don’t worry, as it will be absorbed by the crumble.
Make the crumble. I prefer not to use flour in my crumble as I’m gluten free, but if you’d like it, use about 80g flour, and half the amount of oats. Rub the oil or margarine into the oats. Add the sugar and desiccated coconut. Add the pieces of chocolate and mix well. Place the mixture onto the top of the pears. Bake for 45 minutes.
On an Autumnal day in New Zealand in March, 1996, I gave birth to my first child at home in a birth pool by candlelight. Mozart’s music played in the room, and she arrived in this world peacefully. She didn’t cry or fuss, but just looked into our eyes and took in her surroundings.
Half an hour later, it was time to cut the cord (if I knew then what I do now, we’d have had a *lotus birth and not cut the cord). She howled and screamed. It has been said that cutting the cord doesn’t hurt, but she clearly felt ‘something’ as our physical connection was severed.
Seconds after giving birth at home, by candlelight and Mozart, to my daughter Bethany.
For eighteen years, we have shared our lives. At seven this morning, we waved goodbye. That umbilical cord was well and truly cut. And it bloody well hurt me too. She’s on her own now. This part of my mothering journey with her is over.
I’m no longer there to protect her, make sure she eats her greens, warn her off certain boys, and prompt a bedtime to ensure adequate sleep. My job is done.
I look forward to hearing all the stories about university life. But today, I grieve. Today I trust the tears which fall so freely to cleanse old wounds.
I have found it interesting in these past few weeks how differently people respond to pain. Those who have attachment parented their children ~ they understand. They allow me my grief without trying to band aid over it.
And then there are people who are quick to remind me that she’ll be home in ten weeks. It’ll zip by, they say. Maybe. But I doubt it.
If you ever miscarry, someone is bound to say ‘never mind, you can try again’ or ‘it wasn’t meant to be’…rather than just honouring the loss. They mean well, of course, but it doesn’t help.
Yes, Christmas might be just around the corner (at my age it’s always just around the corner!)…but that’s more than 150 meals we won’t be sharing together. More than seventy mornings where I won’t get to see her smile or share a cup of tea.
As a bonded family, every day is a lifetime to savour. So, in some people’s world ten weeks is nothing. This morning, for me, it is a long time away.
I appreciate she’s not going off to war or ill in hospital. She’s a beautiful, healthy young woman with adventures ahead of her ~ but that doesn’t make the cutting of the umbilical cord any less painful.
The eighteen years between giving birth and saying goodbye, now THAT has zipped by.
