Posted on 11 Comments

#WriteRoundOZ w/ Susanne Bellamy

2011 - headshots HOTO_HH_rszAt home with… Susanne Bellamy 

Welcome to my home, Jenn!

Hi Susanne, thank you for letting me park my rig on your…ahh…

Home on the range?!  (Yes, I guess you are right up there. I remember the spectacular, although very misty, morning view. But I will NOT be parking in your driveway!)

 

What’s that I see written on your ‘welcome mat’?

Come in for wine and good conversation.

 

Downsizing my life into a 24 ft caravan meant leaving lots of things behind in boxes. What (or who!!) would you have trouble leaving behind if you took off in a caravan?

Hubby and a supply of books and notebooks (or laptop and charger!). And a stash of salt and vinegar chips.

Whose home would you like to visit in your caravan and why? 

Shirley Wine – she lives in a stunningly beautiful part of New Zealand that I want to explore. Of course, my caravan will be able to fly across the Pacific Ocean, carried beneath a hundred colourful hot air balloons.

(Of course. I, too, have done this! Have some more wine…)

 

Country curiosities…

My latest novel, Season of Shadow and Light, has a strong horse theme. (I love what horses can teach us). If you were an animal what would you be?

An eagle. I’d love to have that view of the world. My husband gave me a hot air balloon flight for my last birthday and I’m looking forward to taking it in a couple of weeks!

You’re cooking and your food going up against the best cooks from the CWA (Country Women’s Association). What would be your winning dish?

Main meal: Lasagne

Dessert: Pears poached in red wine

About you…

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Planning! I start with a broad outline but as I get to know my characters, they shanghai my plans. Followed by the title. My husband came up with ‘Heartbreak Homestead’!

If someone was to write your biography, what do you think the title should be?

Give a Woman Half a Chance and a Single Malt and Stand Out of Her Way.

You’re a fiction writer. Tell us a secret (any secret – about you, your books, etc) and we’ll guess if it’s true or not.

I featured as a dancer in a television special when colour TV burst onto our screens in the 70s.

Favourite four…

Favourite place in Australia: Aside from home? Melbourne

Favourite holiday destination: Italy, especially if I can return to Amalfi and Sicily.

Favourite movie: Casablanca

Favourite quote: “We’ll always have Paris.” (Of course!)

If I said to you, “Just entertain me for five minutes, I’m not going to talk,” what would you do?

I know you love dogs so I’d bring Freya (our German Shepherd) in and show you her tricks. (Yay! Perfect.)

Time for… Fact or fiction?

You’re a fiction writer. Spin us a yarn and we’ll guess if it’s true or not.

Did Susanne feature as a dancer in a television special when colour TV burst onto our screens in the 70s?

True or fiction, folks? 

About Heartbreak Homestead – out 1 March 2016

After her brother’s death, the last thing Lizzy Wilmot wants to do is to return to her family’s property but Alex Carter, his former business partner, needs her help to locate some missing files. Alex doesn’t trust Lizzy and the feeling is mutual but when they find themselves back at the homestead in the midst of a bitter custody battle for Lizzy’s baby nephew, sparks begin to fly.

Who is trying to harm Lizzy?

Can they both learn that trust will overcome heartbreak?

Heartbreak Homestead (Hearts of the Outback Book 2) eBook

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Laura wins an ebook copy of Just One Kiss (Hearts of the Outback Book 1) eBook Just tell us:

Want to know more or connect? You can find Susanne at the following:

  1. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/susanne.bellamy.7
  2. Twitter https://twitter.com/SusanneBellamy
  3. Website http://www.susannebellamy.com/
  4. Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/susannebellamy/
  5. Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6869630.Susanne_Bellamy

 

Posted on 3 Comments

#librarylove #freeandfair

Library Lovers 2016I’m a library lover. Are you?

Libraries are a place to connect. A place to feel connected.

Libraries are community and compassion – always with an ear to listen and a hand to hold.

Libraries don’t discriminate. They welcome diversity and discussion. If you walk into a library and you can’t read they’ll embrace you and admire you for your courage.

Libraries are free books – legally and morally speaking! Did you know an author receives a small payment every time someone borrows their book from a library? Borrowing a book from the library says thank you to the creator who spent 12 months writing those characters and making that book come to life. It’s free and it’s fair. #freeandfair

With council areas in some states amalgamating, and governments always looking to save money, your local library might be one of the first things to go. The way to save your local library is by frequenting it often. In doing so you’ll make your library an essential part of your community and you’ll be saying ‘thank you’ to an author and loving your local librarian.

This Saturday, February 14 is Library Lovers’ Day in Australia. Share the love.

[Tweet “Where to get free books #librarylove #books #freeandfair http://wp.me/p1zse7-1Wk”]

Jenn’s book are at libraries everywhere. Reserve one today. Or you can request your library stock Jenn J McLeod.

Check out my book room for titles and blurbs.

FB header TOSOTS

 

Posted on 11 Comments

#WriteRoundOz w/ Alli Sinclair

UTSS Feb 2016 Harlequinblack and white photo AlliAn intriguing book title for an author dancing her way to the top. Yes, I am at home with… Alli Sinclair from Victoria

Thank you for letting my park my rig on your….

Veggie patch.  (Oops!)

What’s that I see written on your ‘welcome mat’?

“The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Downsizing my life into a 24 ft caravan meant leaving lots of things behind in boxes. What (or who!!) would you have trouble leaving behind if you took off in a caravan?

I would have major trouble leaving my kids and partner behind (most days …), as well as my trusty laptop and iPad. And I’d definitely make sure the iPad contained all my favourite photos, movies, and books. I can’t do without those!

Whose home would you like to visit in your caravan and why?

I would love to visit my friend Daniel in London. We met in South America twenty years ago (!!) and travelled some extremely remote areas and shared lots of adventures and laughs. I haven’t seen him for ten years and I would love to meet his wife and kids.

Do you REALLY have room at your house to park a fifth wheeler caravan and do you mind visitors? Oh, sorry, you don’t have to answer that one!! 

Ha! You know the offer is always there …

(You might be sooooooooory!)

Country curiosities…

My latest novel, Season of Shadow and Light, has a strong horse theme. (I love what horses can teach us). If you were an animal what would you be?

Without a doubt a llama! I love the way they look down their noses at you and if they’re not impressed, they spit (gross, I know, but we’re talking llamas here!). The fact they have three stomach compartments is weird, and I’m a sucker for weird. Plus they come from South America, the continent of my heart.

You’re cooking and your food going up against the best cooks from the CWA (Country Women’s Association). What would be your winning dish?

Oooh, my quiche! It’s one of those “throw what you have in the house” recipes and it never fails!

(And what do you know? I love quiche.)

About you…

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

First drafts! I detest them more than anything! I’d rather stick hot pokers in my eyes … A tad dramatic? Maybe. But boy, first drafts are painful! I’d rather edit any day, thanks!

If someone was to write your biography, what do you think the title should be?

Alli Sinclair – The Unstoppable Adventurer

You’re a fiction writer. Tell us a secret (any secret – about you, your books, etc) and we’ll guess if it’s true or not.

I once visited a prison in La Paz, Bolivia.

(Okay readers. Give it your best shot. Fact or fiction?)

Favourite four…

Favourite place in Australia – The Great Ocean Road

Favourite holiday destination – Montañita, Ecuador

Favourite movie – Gah! That’s a tough one as it changes depending on my mood. Today it’s Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (never strays far from number one on my list)

Favourite quote – T.S. Eliot “Little Gidding”

“We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.”

If I said to you, “Just entertain me for five minutes, I’m not going to talk,” what would you do?

(Need I ask? Really? I think I know.)

I’d break out into song and dance ala Gene Kelly, but if you threw things at me then I would revert to some seriously impressive break-dancing moves (although my back may not hold up!).

 

IMG_5332 copyGIVEAWAY CLOSED – winner, Mary, advised.

To celebrate the release of Alli’s new book, Under the Spanish Stars, Alli has a beautiful Spanish fan up for grabs. All you need to do is leave a comment for your chance to win! (So… Fact or fiction?)

BUY LINKS

Published by Harlequin MIRA (Australia) http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/product/9781760374181

Under the Spanish Stars is available in print and e-book.

PRINT:  Booktopia   Bookworld   Dymocks   Boomerang books   Fishpond    The Nile

EBOOK: iBOOKS   Amazon    Booktopia   Kobo   Bookworld