News

It’s that time of year when I’m privileged to participate in many bookshop events and book club discussions, this time of Parting Words. This is my favourite part of being a writer: connecting with readers, and listening to their thoughts and analysis of the characters and plot in my stories. Parting Words is generating a lot of contemplation around letters, legacies, loss, regrets, intergenerational trauma, ageing and the relationships between generations, the importance of speaking your mind, and the thorny topics of betrayal and forgiveness. I get so much insight out of other people’s interpretations of the story, and sometimes questions and comments surprise me! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: An extract of Parting Words is available FREE on all Virgin Australia flights in the month of December!

Plenty of upcoming opportunities to say hello and ask questions about Parting Words. Please check the Events Calendar on the left. I will visit several BCC Libraries around Brisbane, there’s an open bookclub at Avid Reader, and I’ll be reading at some events. My first Melbourne gig is planned at Eltham Bookshop on Wednesday, 25 October, when I will be in conversation with the fabulous Toni Jordan – don’t miss it!

Thanks to everyone who attended Riverbend Books and especially Ben Hobson who hosted a thoughtful conversation about Parting Words. Lots more upcoming Brisbane events- check the calendar. And look out for details of an event in Melbourne in October!

The launch of Parting Words at Avid Reader Bookstore was a SOLD-OUT SUCCESS – thanks to everyone for making it such a great night. Special thanks to author Sally Piper for her insightful and thoughtful speech. If you couldn’t make this event, please come along to my in-conversation evening with author Ben Hobson at Riverbend Books in Bulimba on 21 September (details on Events Calendar / book through Riverbend).

Please join me to celebrate my second novel, Parting Words, launched by author Sally Piper at Avid Reader Bookstore, West End at  6pm on Friday, 1 September, and also at an in-conversation event with author Ben Hobson at Riverbend Books, Bulimba on Thursday, 21 September. Please see Events Calendar to book. All welcome. Thanks to University of Queensland Press.

I’m thrilled to announce that my second novel, Parting Words, will be released by my wonderful publisher UQP on 28 August. So excited to continue working with UQP, particularly publisher extraordinaire Madonna Duffy, and my fantastic editor, Ian See. Thanks to both for their confidence in me and my work, and their unwavering support and encouragement.

Last year, and again in 2017, I will be available by appointment for consultation on manuscripts, preparing for submissions and author networking, through the QWC Writer’s Surgery program. Contact QWC for details.

I am absolutely delighted that The Promise Seed was longlisted for this international award, along with nine other amazing Australian authors. The award recognises 147 books from 109 cities in 40 countries, written in 19 languages. There are 6 judges and 1 winner … all adding up to a world of readers.