Nicola Moriarty: younger sister of popular author siblings Liane and Jaclyn, reveals the heart of their family life

Coming from some serious fiction writing pedigree, Nicola Moriarty, younger sister of popular author siblings Liane and Jaclyn, is celebrating the success of her sixth book, You Need To Know.

“I have made some panicked phone calls to them in the past, saying, ‘Oh my God, this story is absolute rubbish, I need to change everything,” says Nicola.

“Luckily, I have sisters who say, ‘OK, let’s talk about this calmly before you delete everything’.”

Nicola says her best work is often done in cafes, well away from daily chores beckoning in the family home in Sydney’s north west.

“I find I am easily distracted at home, I’ll just put a load of washing on or find something else that needs doing. Getting out of the house and going to a cafe is also lovely because it means I am a part of the world,” she says.

Nicola, who grew up in North Kellyville, moved back to the area three years ago settling on a home and land package.

“We built around the corner from where I grew up, although when I was little I was running around on a big five-acre property. It’s nice to be able to take my girls to the bush where I used to play, but so much of the area has now been developed.”

AT HOME WITH … NICOLA MORIARTY

Who: International best-selling author Nicola Moriarty.

Where: Newly-built property with husband Steve Menasse and their children Maddie, 13 and Piper, 10.

Favourite thing: Once we put the pool in there wasn’t much room, but I insisted we needed this day bed. Sitting back on this I can pretend I am anywhere. It’s a little luxury when you can’t travel.

Inspiration: Modern and neutral with pops of colour.

Home is: Where I am comfortable and safe.

Sasha, the puppy

I didn’t have a dog and had always wanted a puppy, so my friends got me one for my 21st birthday as a joke. Now Maddie has taken her and she sleeps on her bed.

Wood puzzle

This is another thing that reminds me of my dad, he always had these on his desk. I still can’t do it, but Steve and Piper can. Maddie and I on the other hand …

Archer’s artwork

Archer is my nephew on my husband’s side. He is on the spectrum and non-verbal, and does art to express himself. He painted this when he was eight, which is just incredible.

Wine glasses

These belonged to my parents, and my dad gave each of his daughters a set on their wedding anniversary. My dad passed away last year and these glasses are so important to me. I am very careful with them.

Cushion and throw

I love anything with bright colours. I bought these things during our last Covid lockdown, when everything was dark and horrible, to cheer me up a bit.

Wine bottle candle

My husband and I lived in a dinghy flat in London 15 years ago. It was so horrible but we tried to give it atmosphere. Every time we finished a bottle of wine we would pop a candle in it.

Figurine

My parents got me that for my 16th birthday because I wanted to be an actor when I was younger. I did theatre out of high school and this was a bit of inspiration.

Children’s artwork

Kids bring home all kinds of artwork all the time and I never knew what to do with them. Now I put them in a frame and swap them out every six months. Though Maddie noticed the other day that Piper had more. Crap, I need a re-do.