Tag: An Australian Rural Romance

And I’m thinking  Meredith Appleyard, from South Australia’s Clare Valley, is my new best friend.

1. She’s a dog lover

2. She lives in one of the best one regions in the country.  (Did someone say wine?)

 Hi Meredith,

Thank you for letting my park my rig under your … gum tree. Would that be with lots of plum trees, a sheep or two, and a kangaroo?  (Now YOU all have the Don Burke/John Williamson ear worm, too!)

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

It’s a favourite quote by Groucho Marx and I’d have it on my welcome mat anytime – ‘Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.’

If I looked in your refrigerator right now, what would I find?

Too many healthy things. Not enough chocolate.

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?

The dog.

Whose home would you like to visit in your van and why? (anyone, anywhere)

A friend from the whom I haven’t seen in years.

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!! ☺

We have plenty of room and the dog likes visitors. We don’t mind them either.

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?

A border collie with owners like my border collie.

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?

They’d win hands down.

About you…

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Not quarantining enough time to write. I get distracted easily. Deadlines do make it easier to put writing first. My first advance also helped!

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

She finally got it write.

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

I have no idea! The hardest question I’ve had to answer so far was for a Penguin Q&A sheet – Describe yourself in three words. I challenge anyone to do that off the cuff. Luckily, I had time to ponder and it took me ages and I had to ask a friend… Well, a few friends actually. It really got everyone thinking.

Favourite Five 

Favourite four authors – MM Kay, Peter Temple, Michael Robotham, James A Michener

Favourite place in Australia – the Flinders Ranges

Favourite holiday destination: Somewhere I haven’t been before

Favourite movie – French Kiss

Favourite quote – see above

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

Tell you about my next book –  The Country Practice.

After working in a London emergency room, a month as a GP in rural South Australia can’t be that hard – or can it?

Meghan Kimble is taking control of her life. Newly single, she’s returned to Australia to follow her dream of working as a GP. Her first stop is a month-long locum in the colourful community of Magpie Creek.

It’s been ages since the town has had a permanent doctor and Meghan is generating more than her fair share of attention, especially from forthright farmer Sean Ashby. A handsome man with a difficult past, Sean isn’t shy about making his intentions known to the redheaded medico.

Against her better judgement, Meghan finds herself charmed by the enigmatic Sean. But time is against her and when love threatens to derail her career plans, she’s forced to reassess her priorities in ways she never imagined. Is Meghan ready to fall for all that life in Magpie Creek has to offer?

WIN a signed copy of Meredith’s book.

All you have to do is describe yourself in three words*.

Buy link: Penquin Books

(*Aust postal addresses only)