Margaret has worked as a nurse (general and mental health), social worker, public health advocate and journalist, both internationally and throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is now a fulltime author and volunteer hospital pastoral carer. She has also edited, and with her mother Gill, published her deceased father RR Lycette’s two novels, Fragrant Harbour and Red Dragon in a Green Circle.

Raised in New Zealand, Margaret has always been passionate about reading and writing, and curious about people and their cultures.

Following her marriage to George Atkin a Solomon Island journalist in 1976, and life as a nurse and journalist in the Solomons, Margaret became a Christian and an advocate for women’s health. Although their marriage ended in 1984 when Margaret and their sons Brian and John left the country, Margaret and George remain friends.

Margaret spent a month with George in Tawatana village in Makira in October 2022, where he has retired. Brian keeps in touch with him, and both sons support him. Margaret would like to encourage and support Solomon Island writers, including George, to publish.

Margaret is very proud of Brian and John. Both work in very senior roles in Australia and both are dedicated husbands and fathers. She is also proud of her five grandchildren. Brian is the founder and owner of a cacao company, Makira Gold.

Frigate Birds is available for purchase online including at Booktopia