Today my guest is Sophie, the lead character in Christine Stinson’s wonderful new novel, IT TAKES A VILLAGE, released by Pan Macmillan. I read Sophie’s story on flights to and from Sydney recently and could only be grateful I had empty seats next to me both times. I cried and laughed and cheered with Sophie. Continue reading
Tag: Hachette Australia
Mandy Magro’s Station
My blog guest today is debut author, Mandy Magro, who’s a fellow North Queenslander. Her novel, Rosalee Station, is published by Penguin Australia who have a strong tradition of contemporary rural stories with established authors like Rachael Treasure and Fiona Palmer. Mandy brings a younger voice to that genre. Mandy, welcome to my corner of the internet Continue reading
What conflict should not do…
Last week I had a look at what conflict shouldn’t be. Today, ably assisted by Zeus, I’m contemplating what conflict should not do to your hero or heroine. Conflict shouldn’t demean them. The conflict can and should challenge them, change them, because we want our characters to grow with the story, but it shouldn’t paint Continue reading
When is conflict not a conflict?
In between partying at the RWA NQ Roadshow and finishing off the first draft of ‘Burning Lies’ I’ve been judging a few contest entries. One of the common issues I see is conflict that doesn’t last the distance. I’m finding conflict that could (and should) be easily resolved. The conflicts aren’t bone deep, soul deep, Continue reading
Romantic Book of the Year Finalist
CAIRNS WRITER HÉLÈNE YOUNG NOMINATED FOR THE ACADEMY AWARDS OF ROMANCE WRITING The accolades just keep coming for local author Hélène Young who has today been short-listed for the RUBY Award – the Romantic Book of the Year – known in the industry as the academy awards of the Australian romance writing world. Read more…
A dog’s secret life
Ever wondered what your dog does when you’re at work? For the last week I’ve been on holidays (read that as ‘not flying aircraft but chained to my computer to sort Burning Lies out’…) so I’ve been privy to my dog’s secret life. I thought this was how Zeus spent the vast majority of his Continue reading
Scout Hat – to those in the know
I grumbled at 5 am this morning when I swung my leg over my bike and started pedalling, but we were on a photo mission. For those who’ve read Wings of Fear (hopefully all of you now reading this!) Haycock Island, off Palm Cove, figures prominently in the action. The locals call it Scout Hat – Continue reading
A Fragment of Lily
Today I welcome Lily to my blog. Her story, as told by Phillipa Fioretti in THE BOOK OF LOVE, took me on a journey through Antiquarian Bookshops and the streets of Rome. All the while I battled to contain my vintage frock envy… She re-introduced me to the delights of jam and toast (I’d fallen Continue reading
Lauren’s story
The following interview took place before Shattered Sky was written so this is a glimpse into Lauren’s world before she had a run in with the Nemesis Out-Lawed Motorcycle Gang. I’m hoping to catch up with her again soon to chat to her about her latest story. Lauren, thanks so much for standing in at Continue reading
Safe journey
It’s Easter and the flights out of Cairns are at maximum capacity with happy little travellers. If you’re one of the lucky ones flying somewhere for a break then spare a thought for the army of people who make each flight possible. You arrive at 5 am for a 6 am departure, but that army Continue reading