Barbara Unković Biography:

I was born in Whangarei, New Zealand.  My father was Croatian and my mother is English.
I am, in fact D H Lawrence's third cousin.

I now live in Račišće, a small fishing village of 200 people on the island of Korčula in Croatia, the original home of my father's family.  My lifestyle here in Croatia is very simple and revolves around the land and the seasons.  My husband and I grow all our own vegetables as well as herbs, flowers, olives and grapes.  Once a year we press the olives and grapes to produce our own olive oil and wine.   I also enjoy hand making olive oil soap, drying herbs to make tea, baking bread and cooking various traditional Croatian dishes using our home grown organic produce.

This way of life also enables me to have the freedom to write, exploring my imagination and extending my creativity.

My first book 'Adriatic Blue' is a collection of 30 short stories published by Old Line Publications from Maryland USA, in July 2010.

My second book entitled 'Weeds in the Garden of Eden' paints the picture of my return to Croatia, seeking out my ancestors and my subsequent purchase of an uninhabited 200 year old stone house where I now live.  It was published by Old Line Publishing in February 2011.

My 3rd book, 'Naughty Noosa Meets the New Neighbours', a full colour illustrated book for children aged 4-8 years was published by Old Line Publishing in September 2011. This is the first in the series of 'Naughty Noosa' books. Watch out for 'Naughty Noosa's Nautical Nightmare' and 'Naughty Noosa and the Nasty Noises,' which will be coming soon.

My fourth book, a collection of short fiction which includes 9 award winning tales, and is entitled 'Moon Walking' was published by Old Line Publishing on 6 December 2011.

I am currently working on 2 new books.  A novel called 'Goddess of the Moon' and 'The Adriatic Kitchen,' a seasonal recipe book inspired by the abundant ingredients found flourishing in around my home in Croatia.  I expect these to be released in 2012.