Tag: Hachette Australia

Merry Christmas from the Sim!

Helene

I know my husband is convinced I live the high life when I’m in Sydney with work, so just to prove him right here’s a photo from the other night! Cappie (Capt Owen Capp, head of the table in black) has a favourite restaurant – Zia Pina in Mascot – so we all crowded in Continue reading

Of possums and mangoes

Helene

Last night at about 2 am, right after the sixth run of emergency sirens had wailed up Vulture St, the resident possum came galavanting across the corrugated iron roof wearing her hobnails boots. Cranky with the world for keeping me awake I figured I might as well get up and say hello. What else did Continue reading

Sounds a bit fishy…

Helene

I grew up in East Brisbane and coming home to visit always throws up something interesting. I love my early morning walks threading my way through the backstreets, enjoying the changing face of the suburb and smiling at the growing sophistication that’s come to a working class suburb. Nothing shows that cosmopolitan journey more than Continue reading

Magpie song

Helene

For the last three days I’ve been staying at my parent’s home. It always feels a little weird to be in the house alone. The ghosts are a benign presence, more silent guardians than intrusive interlopers. The traffic roars up the road outside in an incessant rumble (dare I day 24/7…) The sounds of neighbours Continue reading

Random acts of kindness

Helene

Today is one of those days when I’m proud to be a member of the human race (and I don’t always feel like that). My mother’s in hospital in Brisbane after falling and breaking her leg (she’s 87 years old so her bones aren’t as strong as they were. She used to bounce right back Continue reading

Hydro at Paronella Park

Helene

Paronella Park is one of my favourite places in North Queensland. Something about the epic struggle between man and nature that’s been raging there for the last eighty years makes me all soft and sentimental. Jose Paronella spent most of his adult life carving his slice of paradise out of the wilderness around Mena Creek. Continue reading

And the winner is?

Helene

Congrats to Catherine Evans, the winner of Fleur McDonald’s lovely book, ‘Red Dust’. It’s winging its way to you now, Catherine and I know you’ll love it!! Thanks to everyone who dropped by and of course a huge thank you to Fleur for giving us some wonderful insights into her writing journey.

Guest Blog with Fleur McDonald, author of “Red Dust”

Helene

Hi Fleur, welcome to my blog. I’m very excited to have you here chatting with me! For those who haven’t already discovered her,  I’d like to introduce Australian Author, Fleur McDonald, and her wonderful book  ‘Red Dust.’ “After the tragic death of husband in a light-plane accident, Gemma Sinclair is left with the daunting task Continue reading

Fleur McDonald – blogging with me 1st December!

Helene

Australian Author, Fleur McDonald will be blogging with me on Tuesday 1st December.  Her wonderful book, ‘Red Dust’, is set in the mid-north of South Australia. Fleur will also be talking about her new book, ‘Blue Skies’ due for release in April 2010, as well as giving some insights into life in rural Australia. Drop by Continue reading