Toni Morrison BelovedI am delighted to be appearing on Annabel Smith’s blog today talking about one of my favourite works of fiction, Beloved by Toni Morrison. To read the piece in full, click here.col-md-2

CourageThe Sea is MeI write in the lounge room, in my bedroom, at the dining table, at the cafe, at the library, on the train, sitting outdoors, sitting indoors, swinging in the hammock, and very, very occasionally in my designated writing space, aka our study. The main reason for this being that the study is directly off our kitchen/lounge area, which is often busy and noisy.  However, I admit that I can’t access my preferred brain food – hot chocolate and/or cake – so readily from my study, hence the local cafes all know me well. Sometimes I prefer quiet surroundings, while at other times I like writing with a hubbub of people around me. I have fantasies about a studio – a room of my own, with wall-to-wall bookcases, and inspirational images and quotes all over the walls. However, while I’m working on that I have found that good things can come out of being nomadic – sometimes my location, the weather, or something I witness can really influence a scene.

Pictured are a few things in my study that are there to inspire me, in life and in writing.

Unbroken Spirit

Unbroken Spirit by Alison Dearborn

And now on to my fellow writers, Annabel Smith, Emma Chapman, Dawn Barker, Amanda Curtin and Natasha Lester. Can you guess which writer I’m referring to below? Visit their blogs to find out more!

PWFC author collage

Which writer has a beautiful new studio decorated with Florence Broadhurst wallpaper? Find out here.

Which writer wrote her first novel in the domed reading room at the State Library of Victoria? Find out here.

Which writer likes to bake with loud music on to get her into the zone? Find out here.

Which writer has crayons and a fairy doll on her desk? Find out here.

Which writer’s studio was once the storeroom of a shop? Find out here.

 

 

 

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CBTM SB collageThere are a range of special offers going on this weekend, online and offline, to celebrate Mother’s Day:

Come Back to Me is FREE all weekend on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for international readers. (Offer starts 12 am Pacific Standard Time on 11 May and ends 11.59 pm Pacific Standard Time on 12 May.)

Shallow Breath is down to $4.99 on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for international readers.

FREE Postage Australia-wide from gorgeous independent bookshop Beaufort St Books in Mount Lawley, Perth, and they are offering Come Back to Me FREE when you buy Shallow Breath, and will even throw in wrapping. Call 08 6142 7996 or visit them at 567 Beaufort Street.

Buy Shallow Breath in WA at Dymocks Hay Street, Dymocks Morley, Dymocks Joondalup or Dymocks Karrinyup, and get Come Back to Me FREE.

Books are also on sale Australia-wide on my website store.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

 

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Dear MumI was delighted to contribute to this gorgeous little book, full of Australian writers’ and personalities’ letters to their mums. Having read quite a few of the contributions, I can tell you that there are letters to warm your heart and a few that will move you to tears. It’s a great Mother’s Day present, and what’s more, all the royalties go to the Royal Breast Cancer Foundation – so you can treat mum and support a worthy cause at the same time.

Here’s the full blurb:

In this wonderful collection of letters from celebrities to their mothers, Australian sporting stars, musicians, models, cooks and famous authors reveal what they would like to say to their mothers before it’s too late, or would have said if only they’d had the chance.

From Kaz Cooke to Kate Ceberano, Anna Meares to Reg Mombassa, Julie Goodwin to Matt Preston, Di Morrissey to Jessica Watson, Australian personalities celebrate their mothers in a unique and heart-warming way.

Their letters range from the deeply moving to the downright hilarious, from the quirky to the sentimental, but each offers a rare insight into the personal lives of our favourite celebrities and the special relationship they have with their mother.col-md-2

13.04 Giveaway Collage

Many congratulations to Jess Fitzpatrick, winner of the 12-book giveaway held recently in collaboration with writers Natasha Laster, Annabel Smith, Amanda Curtin, Dawn Barker and Emma Chapman. Hope you enjoy the books, Jess! It’s been great fun hosting the giveaway, so if you missed out this time then I’ll keep you posted on more in the future.col-md-2

CBTM SB collageIn the following couple of weeks you’ll find various specials going on for Come Back to Me and Shallow Breath:

1) Beaufort St Books are offering free postage Australia-wide, and Come Back to Me for free, if you buy a copy of Shallow Breath. Find they at www.beaufortstreetbooks.com.au or call 08 6142 7996.

2) Various stores around WA – including Dymocks Joondalup, Dymocks Morley and Dymocks Hay St – are offering Come Back to Me for free when you buy a copy of Shallow Breath.

3) I’m looking into online promotions for the books, which I hope to run next week.  Stay tuned!col-md-2