Is it possible to seamlessly fit into farm life? Lorna Sixsmith tackles this question and many more in her new book. A mixture of anecdotes, advice and quizzes, How to be a Perfect Farm Wife takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the reality of being the wife of a farmer.

“It’s a bit of fun with a feminist edge. This book celebrates the wives of farmers and their role on the farm,” explains Lorna.

Originally from Co Laois, Lorna now lives in Co Carlow with her family. Married to a dairy farmer, she drew on her own experiences as inspiration for the book.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I married my husband, Brian, and I was originally from a farm,” says Lorna. “I can’t imagine what it’s like for anyone who married a farmer having never stepped foot on a farm.

Lorna’s first book, Would you Marry a Farmer?, was released late in 2013 and received a positive response both within and outside the farming community, which motivated her to write the sequel.

After years of thinking about writing a book, she decided to self-publish. She raised money for her first novel by crowdfunding online.

“I had the idea to write a book for years. In the end, I decided to just get on with it and write it,” she says.

“Crowdfunding gave me a deadline as I promised everyone who donated that the book would be ready by Christmas – that was in October. I think self-publishing is becoming respected and there are great resources out there, from blogs to groups on Facebook. However, unless you’re JK Rowling you’re going to have to market the book yourself. You also have to hire a really good editor,” she adds.

However, the decision paid off for Lorna, who seems to have targeted a niche through her writing.

“I was bowled over by the reaction. One woman emailed me to say she felt like she couldn’t do anything on the farm. She felt empowered by realising she wasn’t alone,” says Lorna. “A lot of women don’t have any confidence on the farm and don’t realise how good they are and the importance of their role. I’ve had women contact me about all sorts of things - I felt like an agony aunt at times,” she says.

How to be the Perfect Farm Wife will be available in independent bookshops and online on www.lornasixsmith.com