Local author Maureen Ulrich is celebrating the release of the third book in her "Winds of Change" series, a young adult historical fantasy that blends adventure, romance, and technology.
With one more installment planned, Ulrich hopes the series provides an engaging escape for readers while grounding them in historical realities. Unlike many fantasy novels, "Winds of Change" does not rely on magic. Instead, Ulrich incorporates historical technological advancements—such as the printing press, the microscope, and the steam engine—compressing centuries of discoveries into a shorter timeline.
“I tend to use technology and science the way others use magic,” Ulrich explained. “Even in the 17th century, no problems were solved with magic. It was always ordinary people using ingenuity to overcome obstacles.”
The series follows protagonist Gabrielle Marsh, who starts as the daughter of a landowner but finds herself at the center of significant change after her father’s murder. As the series unfolds, Gabrielle uncovers secrets about her family's past that affect her own status and influence in the world.
Ulrich intentionally chose a female protagonist to challenge traditional narratives where male heroes dominate. “Women’s voices aren’t always heard. Even today, we hear about women breaking barriers, and I wanted Gabrielle to do that too,” she said.
With three books released, Ulrich is actively working on the fourth and final installment, aiming for a December 26 release. Her writing process is methodical, starting with outlining in the early months of the year, drafting in the spring, and revising through summer and fall.
Beyond writing, Ulrich enjoys engaging with readers. She recently hosted a reading event in Estevan, attended by members of her writers’ group and local book enthusiasts. While turnout was limited due to the cold weather, she appreciated the insightful discussions about writing and storytelling.
At its core, Ulrich wants "Winds of Change" to provide an immersive experience that teaches lessons using history. “History can be dark. A lot of things didn’t turn out well. And, of course, history is always told by the conquerors. I want young people to really feel something when they read these books, and I want them to feel hopeful,” she said.
Ulrich’s books are available in libraries, bookstores, and online. For more information about her work and upcoming events, readers can visit her author page on Facebook.