Last night it rained and rained and rained some more – 190 mms in the rain gauge and the swimming pool is full again. This morning the sky is gunmetal grey with a pale blush of dawn, the grass is vibrant green, the plants are standing tall. Maybe the wet season has finally arrived?!
I hit the ground running after holidays and today is my first day off… I think I may be a little tired, but a few good moments today will keep me smiling.
Firstly the edits for Burning Lies are in! Penguin uses track changes so I need to get my head around that, then it’s on with the polishing and the tweaking. I really do enjoy seeing the book bloom under judicious pruning – kind of like my beautiful red gingers that respond to ruthless ravaging 🙂
Today the Australian Romance Readers Association published their short list of nominations for the 2011 awards. Shattered Sky
is on the list for Favourite Romantic Suspense. I’ve also managed to sneak on to the Favourite Australian Romance Author list. It’s such a thrill to be alongside authors whose work I’ve read and collected for years. Thanks to ARRA and for all who nominated me. Congrats to all the other authors on the list as well. I’ll publish a link as soon as ARRA lists one on their site.
Book reviews can be fraught but today Book’t Out is reviewing Wings of Fear and I’m rapt with it. Shelleyrae is a prolific reviewer who is also moderating the Australian Women Writers Challenge on Goodreads. Find her review here. It’s lovely to have a review which really appreciates the story. There’s also a copy of Wings of Fear to be won – I’ll happily sign it for you as well!
Another review I missed recently was by Jayne Fordham on the The Australian Bookshelf site. It’s another wonderful site doing it’s bit to promote Australian Women Writers.
Fellow North Queenslander and Penguin Author, Mandy Magro, is hosting me on Wednesday on her blog. She’s been running an Awesome Aussie Author special for the last few months and if you’re in need of good recommendations for new books then drop by and check her blog out!
Lastly, I’m home! That’s always a great way to start my day. Yes, I’ll be on dinner duty plus the cupboards and fridge are bare, but I woke up in my own bed, I walked Zeus the wonder Staffie on the beach, and now it’s on with the business of writing!
Thanks, Brenda, the review from Shelleyrae is wonderful. Between yourself and the other moderators on Goodreads you do a wonderful job of promoting Australian authors. Even if we don’t say it often enough I know we all appreciate your hard work.
I’m looking forward to meeting you in person in Taree for International Women’s Day!
Thanks, Cathryn, my smile is still in place!! And congrats to you on your ARRA shortlisting!! Fabulous to see your debut novel up there and I’m now hanging out for Heart of the Valley 🙂
And yes, Zeus frequently brings home longer sticks… very funny watching sideswipe bushes all the way home 🙂
Indeed, Sandy, although he tried to muscle a cute little retriever puppy into submission today… sigh.. too much testosterone..
Congrats Helene, that’s fantastic! But not surprising at all:) Shelleyrae’s review was brilliant, wasn’t it..
Congratulations on your double final, Helene. So, so pleased for you.
And how great was that review? That must have put a grin on your face.
Love the photo of Zeus. Do you think he could have found a bigger stick?
Without doubt, Helene! He is a bit of a catch. 🙂
Sandy, I’m sure KC would think Zeus was ruggedly handsome!
Thanks, Suzanne, I’m glad you knew! I certainly had my fingers crossed 🙂 Lovely to be on the list with so many women who inspire me with their stories! Looking forward to the dinner, catching up with everyone and cheering on the winners!!
Congratultions Helene. I knew you would be nominated in the beginning. 🙂
As for the rain…I thought we got a lot in five hours on sunday afternoon, 75ml…nothing compared to your reading. It’s nice though, fills up the tanks.
As for roses, black snakes hang about in them. lol.. 🙂
Could be, she gets cuter every day. 🙂
Thanks, Sandy, a very lovely way to start the day!
I think Zeus may fancy himself as model as he happily changes expression for successive photos… Perhaps he’s till trying to impress KC 😀
Hey, congratulations on the ARRA noms and the book reviews! What a great way to start the week. 🙂
I have to say, Zeus looks like he’s doing a photo shoot! The little exhibitionist. 🙂
Thanks, Cathy!
Great review, and a nice shot of Zeus
Thanks, Cath, I’m a little excited 🙂
Zeus is always a happy chappie if he has a stick in his mouth and sand underneath his paws!
Congrats on being nominated by the ARRAs again, Helene, and being in the fav author list 🙂 And good reviews – Yipee! No wonder you’re having a good day.
Love the photo of Zeus. He looks happy to have you home too. Have a good day!
Cath