Autumn Harvest – Jenn J McLeod – small-town storyteller

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Jenn J McLeod — 7 Comments

Author Harvest ‘bales up’ Annie Seaton – romance author

Author Harvest

Well, look who I have managed to pin down for two minutes! Don’t suppose you’ve managed to find time to bake for me, Annie — what with all your contract deadlines, numerous editing jobs and generally being available to anyone who needs advice? (Ummm…like me!!)

I’ve actually made homemade banana bread for you, Jenn! Low fat of course.

(Low fat? What are you saying, Annie? Perhaps we will just move on…)

At home…

You know my mum used to say garden gnomes make a house a home! Are you loud and proud in your love of garden gnomes at home, a closet gnomer or with a strict ‘no gnomes’ policy at your place?

Love my garden gnomes. A home garden is not complete without at least one. My husband was known as a purloiner of garden gnomes to win my love when we were courting. (Love that word!)

(A purloiner of garden gnomes sounds a bit suss to me. Just as well I know hubby.)

What vegetable (or fruit) have you always wanted to grow at home?

Strawberries… with no luck. It might be because I forget to water the pots.

If I came to your home and looked in the refrigerator, what would I find? (As if I have to ask?)

Lots of fruit and vegetables and er…the odd bottle of Sauvignon Blanc

(Er…don’t forget the odd bottle of Champers – cold and ready to pop for those frequent ‘oh, look, another book contract’ moments!)

If you sorted your wardrobe by colour, what colour would stand out? (Ahh, do you sort your wardrobe by colour?!)

My husband loves the old advertisement… Do you have it in black? He says it was made with me in mind!

(Classically flamboyant black, of course!)

What are you wearing now? (Be honest!)

Jeans and slippers, and a raggy (black) cardigan

Whose home would you like to housesit and why?

David Bowie…because he might come home and I could meet my music hero!

Seriously, I need to meet either David or Peter Frampton as I am writing a time slip novel about a seventies rock star. A conversation would be very helpful in the creation of Hot Rock.

Country curiosities…

We love a sunburnt country (slip, slop, slap and all that). What’s your ideal hat? Or are you a boots person?

Hmmm. Don’t own a hat… and bare feet for me. Sorry… I’m a beach gal! holiday affair

That’s why all of my books are set near the water… Holiday Affair-Whitsundays and Nambucca Heads, Italian Affair on a beautiful Italian island… and there is a crystal clear pool in Outback Affair as well as flooding rivers!

Dangerous Desire in the Whitsundays and there are more….

(More? Well there you go then! Crack that Champers!)

If you were a tree (or animal) what kind of tree (animal) would you be?

I would love to be a cat. They are clever, get to sleep in front of fires and are loved by their ‘cat people’ owners!

Now for the big question… Why did the chicken cross the road?

Oh Jenn… I am rolling on the floor laughing. I will have to Google it. Remember me? I don’t get jokes!

(I remember… So, what DID the fish say when he hit his head, Annie? … Dam!)

About you…

Your turning point: when was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a reality and a career?

When Holiday Affair hit the best seller lists and my solicitor asked for my autograph…and it wasn’t on a legal document.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Finding a writing/life balance…once I start I find it hard to stop and I tend to focus and ignore the rest of the world (this is probably why hubby has become a purloiner of garden gnomes — for the company!) until I have finished the current task in hand. I can spend days away from the real world. I just completed 46,000 words of Outback Affair in nineteen days. Thank goodness for online grocery shopping. (Is that hubby I can hear cheering in the background?)

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

Well, Jenn if you were choosing I am sure it would be the Amazon Queen or the Facebook Queen!

(One of those companies will own the other one before long. Then both titles will be yours!)

Seriously…I would say Determination Does It!

(Determination and a couple of super wonderful couple of friends who live up the highway. Right Elle Fynllay?)

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

Q: How does it feel to have toppled Nora Roberts from the top of the perch? (A girl can dream)

A: Pretty damn good!

Fun stuff …

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

Katherine Swynford. I would meet John of Gaunt and experience life in fourteenth century England. I love history and have a degree with a major in British constitutional history. I am sure I have lived there before in a previous life. When we visited Wales a few years ago, it was like going home. I was in awe and all my husband could do was look at me and complain about the rain. (And purloin gnomes?)

I have a historical novel lined up three books down the list!

Okay, now for Italian Affair (everyone should have one. I’m referring to the book, of course!)

Free-spirited sex therapist Brianna Ballantine has four days to find a fiancé so she can inherit her birth mother’s Italian villa. Commitment is not on the agenda. Writing her sex therapy book and signing legal papers are. And once all is said and done, she’ll return home to Scotland.

For finance guru Tomas Richards, relationships have been a bad investment—give him stocks and shares any day. When Tomas offers a marriage of convenience to help Brianna secure her inheritance, the sizzle between the sheets promises an affair to remember, despite family complications at every turn.

But Tom must convince Brianna to stay, and make this Italian affair a lifelong commitment.

And to find out more? http://www.amazon.com/Italian-Affair-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00CNTTEAI

Annie loves to hear from readers at: annieseaton26@gmail.com

Her website is http://www.annieseatonromance.com/

And her blog is at http://annieseaton.blogspot.com.au/

You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSeatonAuthor and https://www.facebook.com/annieseaton26

And Twitter https://twitter.com/annieseaton26

Posted on 03/06/201321/12/2015 by Jenn J McLeod — 14 Comments

Author Harvest ‘bales up’ Helene Young w/ book giveaway

To quote solo circumnavigator Paul Lotus: “You can’t steer a boat that isn’t moving? Just like a life.”

Well this author is moving all right. She’s gone from flying over the ocean in a Dash 8, to sailing across it in Roo Bin Esque (with the a none-too-happy-about-it Staffy named Zeus).

So Helene Young, start by telling me if it’s scones and tea or some other homemade delight you have whipped up for me today. 🙂

Jenn, come aboard, GW caught fresh fish today so we’re having tempura battered whiting, marinated olives and fresh baked sour dough to go with the gin and tonics, or champagne if you prefer. Zeus aboard Roo

(Hmm, don’t mind if I do. I mean the boats already rocking, isn’t it? G’day Zeus, boy.)

At home with…

My mum says garden gnomes make a house a home! Are you loud and proud in your love of garden gnomes, a closet gnomer or with a strict ‘no gnomes’ policy?

Eclectic garden ornaments were my specialty rather than gnomes. When we lived in a house we had a huge boot with a desert rose growing in it and an iron rooster who guarded the pool. Sadly, there’s no room on Roo Bin Esque so they are both residing with friends now.

(But you do have GW and he is kinda cute!)

What vegetable (or fruit) have you always wanted to grow at home?

Hydroponic lettuces. We’re currently growing basil and parsley on the boat 🙂

If I looked in the refrigerator, what would I find?

Hmm, the eggs look a little lonely with only a block of parmesan and a couple of roma tomatoes for company– must be time to go ashore…

If you sorted your wardrobe by colour, what colour would stand out? (Ahh, do you sort your wardrobe by colour?!)

Eeek, sorting by colours? Even my OCD pilot personality doesn’t need to have my cupboard in that much order! But the predominant colour is white. White works shirts, white shorts, white pants, but then there’s the multi-coloured dress and a heck of a lot of black and then I’d have to decide whether the coloureds had black backgrounds or white and …. Help!!!

(Yes, Helene. I can see that sorting your wardrobe would be akin to hoisting yourself up 60 feet of mast or flying at 25,000 feet!)

What are you wearing now? (Be honest!)

A sarong by Nude Beach – they make the best all cotton sarong with extra length for room to grow!

(Extra length for room to grow? Length, Helene? You are short. You always will be short. In fact, you will start shrinking in a few years. More champagne?)

Whose home would you like to housesit and why?

The Kwila Hut on Haggerstone Island – gorgeous tranquil haven.

(Nice! Check it out.)

Country curiosities…

We love a sunburnt country (slip, slop, slap and all that). What’s your ideal hat? Or are you a boots person?

I wear a hat for work that looks like a prop from Police Academy Three (does anyone remember those tragic movies??) but that’s not my preferred option. I love hats – in any shape and style. I have an extensive collection of caps, sunvisors and straw hats. I’m now collecting floppy hats with strings to tie them on so they don’t blow off in the stiff breeze on the yacht!

If you were a tree (or animal) what kind of tree (animal) would you be?

I want to come back as a Staffie living with a couple of nut cases on a yacht in tropical paradise. Whether I’ve done enough good deeds in this life to be so rewarded remains to be seen. I’ll get back to you on that one. 🙂

Now for the big question… Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because the Staffie was chasing it…

(Yeah, sure he was. In his dreams maybe. Zzzzzzzzzz!)

About you…

Your turning point: when was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a reality and a career?

I’m still looking for that elusive moment!

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Discovering the day only has twenty-four hours in it… Finding time is always a struggle, but I know I’m not alone in that.

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

Flights of Fancy 🙂

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

Q: Where did you meet your husband?

A: He literally swept me up into his arms on a dark and stormy night in the Lake District and carried me off the touch footy field. (I’d badly torn a knee ligament in a fall and I figured anyone who could carry me like that was a keeper.)

(What a hero!)

Fun stuff…

What does your protagonist think about you? Would he or she want to hang out with you, the author, his/her creator.

I think Ellie and I could be good friends. Nick? I’d love to hang out with him. 🙂

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

Ameila Earhart, the week before she embarked on her last flight.

(Oh wow, that would be fascinating.)

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

Take you for a sail.

(Uh-oh. Is that a distant shore I see back there? I said IF I was to ask… *gulp* (Jenn hates water–unless it’s Tonic and in a glass with some Gin! Top up, GW?)

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Panini – hand-torn.

(Dunked in garlic oil, then dipped in sea salt and oregano. Yum!)

Name 5 uses for a stapler that has no staple pins.

A door stop
An aircraft wheel chock (for a light plane.)
An anchor for a crab pot
A paperweight to stop the maps flying away
On the end of a line to test the depth of water

How weird are you? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (not) to 10 (very).

I reckon I’m about a 6, but GW’s just fallen about laughing, tripped over Zeus, and he’s holding 10 fingers up…

I’m now feeling a little queasy so how about you tell us about the story inside that gorgeous book cover for Half Moon Bay.

Ellie Wilding has been running from her past, but when the residents of Half Moon Bay call for help she knows it’s finally time to return home. As an international photojournalist, she’s used to violence in war zones, but she’s shocked when it erupts in the sleepy hamlet on the north coast of New South Wales, threatening all she holds dear.Battle-weary Nicholas Lawson walked away from his military career leaving unfinished business. In a coastal backwater, that decision returns to haunt him. He remembers all too vividly his last lethal assignment in Afghanistan when Ellie’s sister, Nina, was shot and killed. Ellie’s been in his dreams ever since, even if she doesn’t remember him…As a storm rages and floodwaters rise, Ellie struggles to save her community. But who can she trust? Nick Lawson, the dangerously attractive stranger with secrets, or an old friend who’s never let her down?

Okay book lovers, Helene has a copy of Half Moon Bay to give away to one lucky person. But of course I’m having terrible trouble with my blog at the moment so if you enter and you don’t see your comment appear, don’t worry. I’ll be sure to included it in the draw!!! *evil laugh* 😉

In your comment, Helene wants to know… ‘If you could interview a character from any book or movie who would it be and what’s the first question you’d ask them?’

CLOSED: Congratulations Patricia.

Find Helene at:

www.heleneyoung.com

https://www.facebook.com/HeleneYoungAustralianAuthor

https://twitter.com/HeleneYoung

Posted on 27/05/201310/01/2016 by Jenn J McLeod — 7 Comments

Author Harvest ‘bales up’ Mandy Magro

Author Harvest

Hi Jenn,

(Hi Mandy)

Thanks for inviting me round for morning tea. I love food, especially sweet stuff. I brought along some baked cheesecake! How about we just get a spoon each and dig in?

(I had an idea Australia’s rural romance sweetheart would make something just as sweet. I’ll get the spoons. And can I say, it’s lovely to have you here to help me say goodbye to my favourite season – autumn.)

Now, Mandy, at home…

My mum says garden gnomes make a house a home! Are you loud and proud in your love of garden gnomes at home, a closet gnomer or with a strict ‘no gnomes’ policy at your place?

I must be honest and say I’m not really a lover of Gnomes…they kind of freak me out! I’m more of a windmill and bird bath kind of girl in my garden.

(So you don’t like surprises, and yet your stories tend to have a few surprises in them–just no gnomes. Okay, I will know not to look out for any little guys in future books.)

What vegetable (or fruit) have you always wanted to grow at home?

I adore growing tomatoes, in all shapes and sizes. There are so many varieties and they look so pretty in the garden. I especially love baby tomatoes; they are so sweet and juicy. I have a hard time getting them from the garden and into the house because I eat them along the way.

(Hmm, I LOVE home-grown tomatoes, especially surprise ones that just pop up in the ground.)

If I came to your home and looked in the refrigerator, what would I find?

I only went shopping yesterday, so loads of yummy stuff. I’m a bit of a Mediterranean lover so olives, sundried tomatoes and cheeses are high on the list (especially blue cheese). And I always have a jar of vegemite and anchovette spread. Along with loads of fresh fruit and veggies and of course the chocolate stash in the back!

(But no small, juicy, yummy home-grown tomatoes!)

If you sorted your wardrobe by colour, what colour would stand out? (Ahh, do you sort your wardrobe by colour?!)

I’m afraid I don’t have time to sort my wardrobe, but as for colours I would have to say more natural ones…and there are plenty of pairs of jeans, oh, and boots. 😉

(Hold your horses, Mandy. The ‘boot’ question is coming!)

What are you wearing now? (Be honest!)

Denim shorts and a blue singlet.

(and boots?)

Whose home would you like to housesit and why?

If he was still alive I’d love to housesit Johnny Mandy M horse Cash’s home. I would be in awe of all his musical paraphernalia. That man is a legend in my eyes.

Country curiosities…

We love a sunburnt country (slip, slop, slap and all that). What’s your ideal hat? Or are you a boots person?

I wear a Statesman’s hat…genuine Aussie made and I adore my Ariat boots.

(Oh look! It’s a picture with beaut boots.)

If you were a tree (or animal) what kind of tree (animal) would you be?

I would be a Flame Tree, of course 🙂

(You’d make a lovely Jacaranda too!)

Now for the big question… Why did the chicken cross the road?

To get away from all the bad jokes!

(LOL Love that!)

About you…

Your turning point: when was that point in your life that you realized that being an author was no longer going to be just a dream but a reality and a career?

The second I got the call from Penguin to say they wanted to contract me for Rosalee Station and Jacaranda. It was the turning point of my life.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Time…and quiet time! I need to be in my own little head space to write, and finding time that is also filled with silence can be quite difficult with an almost 5-year-old. But somehow, I find it, and the times I get to write are heaven to me.

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

The Free Spirit! I can’t stand shackles in life, and like to live my days as I feel fit. I don’t believe life has to be hard, it is what you make it, and the freedom that comes with this thought is fabulous.

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

Q: Are you a tummy, back or side sleeper?

A: I sleep on my side, snuggled into a pillow.

(How do you know if you’re asleep? Do YOU know, reader. Pls comment: tummy, back or side?)

Fun stuff…

What does your protagonist think about you? Would he or she want to hang out with you, the author, his/her creator.

That I can be spontaneous to the point that people around me can’t keep up. I think my protagonist would love to hang out with me cause we could get up to loads of good old country mischief!

(Why does this not surprise me?)

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

June Carter, so I could feel the profound love Johnny Cash held for her. Thier romance was beautiful.

(Johnny Cash? Why does THIS not surprise me either?)

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

Dance around crazily while singing wayyyyyy out of tune…just to make you laugh.

(And let me guess…. a Johnny Cash song? Balls of Fire maybe? Oh, hang on, I think that’s Ring of Fire. Oh, geez, don’t go there, Jenn! )

What food would you be?

A passionfruit 🙂

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Love.

(OMG! You are the first harvestee with an answer I have actually whimpered over – a rather pathetic, soppy “Awww, that’s so sweet!” whimper. Just lovely!)

Name 5 uses for a stapler that has not staple pins.

Doorstop,
Paper weight,
A toy for Chloe,
Something to lob at the computer when I can’t find the right words… Joking, or am I? 🙂
And, ummmmm, I can’t come up with a 5^th. (Too honest.)

How weird are you? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (not) to 10 (very).

Probably an 8, I like being weird…it makes people laugh and lightens your day.

(You do weird wonderfully! Thank you so much for brightening our day, here on Author Harvest. Now tell us about this flaming good book…)

About Flame Tree Hill

Kirsty Mitchell is ready to come home. After a tragic accident that left her scarred, she fled overseas. Now, three years later, she’s finally returning to Flame Tree Hill, her beloved family farm. But at twenty-five Kirsty isn’t prepared for the terrifying new challenge ahead: breast cancer. Kirsty’s never been a quitter and that’s not about to change. But can her budding romance with local vet Aden bear the strain? As she battles with chemotherapy and as her past threatens to overwhelm her, Kirsty realises you can never take anything – or anyone – for granted. Drawing strength from her family and the beauty of Far North Queensland, Kirsty finally understands what she must do.

“A lyrical and heart-warming testament to the power of love – and forgiveness.”

Mandy links