First a Facebook friend, more recently I had the pleasure of meeting Pamela in person at a NSW Writers’ Centre event, sharing a drink afterwards – a real one. Now, here we are sharing a cyber beer at the Calingarry Crossing pub and having a yarn. Okay, Pamela, here’s a beer coaster! Take a minute to jot down the blurb for your book.
A young woman on the brink of marriage uncovers a family mystery and heads off on a road trip in search of answers to the past and a missing piece of herself.
Miranda McIntyre thinks she has it all sorted. A successful lawyer, she’s planning her wedding and ticking off all the right boxes. When searching for something old to go with her wedding dress she remembers an antique necklace from her childhood, but her mother denies any knowledge of it.
Miranda is sure it exists. Trying to find the necklace, she discovers evidence that perhaps the grandmother she thought was dead is still alive. Ignoring the creeping uncertainty about her impending marriage, and the worry that she is not living the life she really wants, Miranda takes off on a road trip in search of answers to the family mystery but also in search of herself. Ultimately, she will find that looking back can lead you home. A captivating story of family, love and following your heart, from the author of Blackwattle Lake.
Well, don’t just stand there. Grab a pew. What can I get you to go with your beer nuts? (Shandy? Wine Spritzer? Pink Lemonade?) A: Since it’s summer I’ll have an ice cold shandy thanks Jenn. And make it a schooner 🙂
(That’s my girl!)
Hey, did you hear the one about …
A: I’m absolutely hopeless at remembering jokes so I’ll pass on that and leave it to those who are actually good at it.
I’m a beer nut nut! What bar snack would you be and why?
A: Definitely a potato chip. Salty with plenty of crunch.
Ahh, that shandy hit the spot. Let me slip a drink coaster under your glass while you tell us—on a scale of 1 to 10—as a writer are you a messy desker or tidy desker?
A: Don’t even have to think about that one. I’m a very messy desker, probably around an 8 
out of 10. There’s a small space in front of the computer that’s clear but a couple of growing piles on either side and the rest of my office isn’t any better. But I do occasionally go on a rampage and clear some space. Usually when I’m procrastinating. I’m in between books at the moment (writing them, that is) so I’ve gone way past procrastination!
The publican offers you free drinks all night if you will:
- Dance to Gangnam Style
- Sing John Denver’s ‘Take me Home Country Roads’ on the Karaoke machine
- Spend an hour washing dishes
Which do you choose?
A: The karaoke option. Although I’d probably have to down more than a couple of shandies to work up the nerve. I’ve never done karaoke in public (although it is on my bucket list!) but I do love a good singstar session. And John Denver takes me way back. Love that song!
(Let me get you another drink, then!)
Time to liven the place up. Got a buck? We can crank up the old jukebox in the corner. You get to pick three songs.
- Leave Me Alone or Funhouse by Pink. I adore everything about her – music, lyrics, looks and attitude!
- American Pie by Don Mclean. Because everybody knows the words and after a few drinks will definitely sing along.
- Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel. Takes me back to my youth and great nights listening to classic Aussie rock at local pubs.
The pub is the heart of a small town and most locals would be lost without one. What are three things you’d be lost without?
- My horse, Morocco. I’ve had him for 8 years now and although I’m still not that confident a rider, hanging out with him is one of the joys of my life. When you’re riding a horse
you need to be totally focused so it’s a great way to leave everything else behind and just escape. - Although I initially resisted the whole mobile phone thing I now have to admit I’d be lost without my iphone. It’s rarely out of my hand!
- My bathtub. There’s nothing better than soaking in a long hot bath with a chilled glass of white and a great book. The perfect way to relax.
There are a few good prizes up for grabs in the bar jackpot. Do you have a lucky number? Since I have three beautiful daughters I’d have to say 3 is my lucky number.
Last drinks, my friend! It’s been great. But before we go, tell us how we can find out more about you and your writing/books.
Hachette: http://www.hachette.com.au/books/9780733632082/
Website: www.pamelacook.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com.PamelaCook/Author
Twitter: @PamelaCookAU
[Tweet “@pamelaCookAU is at the bar having a yarn about her latest @hachetteAus release: Essie’s Way”]
In the meantime, watch out … It’s on the way …
This storm season, in Calingarry Crossing, a perfect storm is heading Maggie Lindeman’s way.
Find out more, right here. Simmering Season: April 1, 2014
For emergency alerts and warnings for Simmering Season, subscribe to Jenn J McLeod’s blog before you go, or LIKE her Facebook Page.
Just last week I asked Zena to talk seriously about her writing process; she regularly chats about all sorts of serious ‘writerly stuff’. Check out her blog’s 
I think it’s perfect. What do you think?