Weymouth-based author Dilly Court has reached a significant milestone in her writing career with the publication of her 50th novel, The Snow Angel. Known for her best-selling historical sagas, Court has built a loyal following over the years, with many of her books topping the Sunday Times bestseller list.
Court, who has lived in Weymouth for the past 45 years, credits much of her success to her unique approach to writing. “I never plot,” she explains. “The story unfolds in my mind like a film. I can see the characters, hear their dialogue, and even smell the environment around them. I simply immerse myself in this world and let the words flow.”
This method has contributed to Court’s remarkable output, with some of her novels reaching up to 120,000 words. She describes her work as “ripping yarns for ladies,” rejecting the more traditional label of “historical saga.” Her novels, often set between 1850 and 1950, are known for their rich historical detail, which Court carefully researches through period maps, history books, and online resources.
Her latest novel, The Snow Angel, is set in a fictionalized version of Weymouth called Abbotsford. The plot centers around Rose Northwood, a young woman determined to uncover the truth about a mysterious boy found abandoned in a nativity display. As Rose embarks on a journey to unravel his past, the novel takes readers to France and London, filled with suspense and romance.
Court is meticulous about historical accuracy, ensuring that her novels reflect the proper language, customs, and settings of the time. “I’m very particular about slang,” she says, recounting a moment when a book set in the 18th century included a phrase, “goody gumdrops,” which she noted was a World War II-era expression. “Those kinds of inaccuracies drive me crazy.”
While her novels often feature strong female characters, hardship, and a sense of community, Court also enjoys the lighter moments of life. When she’s not writing, she enjoys watching game shows with her grandchildren, and she is an avid supporter of her family’s creative endeavors. Her daughter, Milly, helps with the books’ proofreading and manages her social media, while her granddaughter Talia is a budding artist.
Despite her literary success, Court remains humble and focused on her family. “Success to me means I’ve been able to help my family,” she reflects. Her modesty extends to her recognition in the local community, where many neighbors are unaware that a bestselling author lives among them.
Court’s writing career began later in life. After leaving school at 16, she worked in television advertising before discovering her love for writing. Her breakthrough came at the age of 65 when her first book, Mermaids Singing, was published. Since then, she has penned numerous historical novels, as well as works under the pen name Lily Baxter, which include World War II-era sagas.
Now 84, Court shows no signs of slowing down. “As long as the characters keep talking to me and I can still write, I’ll keep going,” she says with a smile. With millions of readers worldwide, her fans will be glad to hear that her literary journey is far from over.
Dilly Court’s The Snow Angel is available now.
