Poor neglected blog. It has not been updated since November last year. But perhaps a neglected blog is the first sign of a healthy, happy writer. I’ve been busy! All summer I’ve been madly reworking my current work in progress, Ski Season, and it is undergoing final consideration by my lovely literary agent Julia Kenny in snowy New York. She’s is moments away from showing it to my publisher. Meanwhile, I hope not to see that manuscript for a while, as I am entranced by my latest project, an historical novel set in and around Launceston in the 1830s. I did some research over the summer while I was in Tasmania, taking my children around to the various heritage sites, and I plan to do some more in depth research in a few weeks while I am in the island for the Beaconsfield Festival of Golden Words.
Two days ago I was fortunate to be a guest speaker at a Brisbane ladies’ club. Entry is hard to come by, unless of course you’re a member, and I’m told you can only become a member if you are invited to. Apparently it does not do to request membership! The Moreton Club is a beautiful historic nineteenth century home on the Brisbane River where women meet for various activities and endeavors. We had sandwiches and tea, and tasty cakes for dessert, and I talked about my book which they had all read. It’s such a pleasure to speak to readers. I’m so glad to be invited to come.
The day after my speaking engagement, I heard a delivery truck arrive in my street. As I peeped around the curtain to see what my neighbor had ordered, I saw the delivery man walking up my path with a massive hamper! What a surprise – the Moreton Club book club sent me a gift, a beautiful hamper stuffed with treats and flowers, gourmet food and scrumptious biscuits. Thank you Moreton Club book club, you’re very kind! Note to other book clubs: no need to thank me so generously, a glass of wine will suffice!
