Australian Authors Hook Up

Have you ever thought about working with another author to produce a novel? When I first heard about the possibility of collaborating, I had my doubts, however, four Australian authors have worked together to produce The Greenfield Legacy.

Their journey started with the seed of an idea from Paula Vince. She contacted Meredith Resce, Rose Dee and Amanda Deed to work with, and in all authors' opinions it proved to be a successful venture. It started with a brainstorming session on skype. By the end of this time they had a story and then a cast of characters was alloted to each of them. They each returned to their computers and built their character profiles. As each author wrote about their characters, the plot developed and the story was written quickly.

This was a plus for each of the authors and Resce sums the process up well when she said, "The best thing about collaborating was that we each had at least three other people who were passionate about the story as we were, which when you write alone, and you enter your said fantasy world, you usually go there alone, and when you re-emerge into reality, no one really gets where you've been and what you've been working on. With The Greenfield Legacy, Rose, Amanda and Paula were on the same page, planet, wave-length, and it was great to be able to chat your characters and ideas through with enthusiastic and informed responses."

When I read this book, I was surprised that the authors' voices sounded so much alike, I expected them all to be different. I applaud these authors for hooking up with each other to create a novel that gets emotional as the characters work through their issues of where they fit into the Greenfield family. I was pleased to find a character list at the end of the book I could refer to. In the beginning so many characters were introduced I became a little confused, so the character list was very helpful.

The Greenfield Legacy is set in South Australia's beautiful McLaren Vale wine region and is available from all good book stores.

The Greenfield Legacy

To learn more about the authors visit these links:

http://www.facebook.com/paula.vince.7

http://www.facebook.com/MeredithResceAuthor

http://www.amandadeed.com.au/

http://rosedee.com/

New Release - Web of Lies Cover

All the hard work of writing has been done. All the hard work of designing the cover has been done. Web of Lies will be released on 1st December, 2012. Throughout the next few months I'll share with you my inspiration for writing this novel.

Hope for tomorrow and begin the change you desire.

Mothers

For you, Mum.

Mothers are special. They comfort us from the moment we're born until they are no longer with us. How often do we take them for granted? Many of us do, so I'm glad we have Mother's Day to remember all the sacrifices they make for us.

My mother died when I was young, and after having twelve children, she certainly understood what sacrifice meant. Even my older sister who raised me sacrificed much by including me in her family. I am eternally grateful for her love, comfort and support. If it wasn't for her kind heart and generosity, who knows where I might be today.

Many women have taken on orphans, or children who couldn't be raised by their biological mother. You are special; you have given a child the wonderful gift of love in a real and practical way. I hope this Sunday you will receive a special thank you from those who love you, and you will take all the love that comes your way. You continue to give, give and give some more. There is no end to the love in your heart

Are you at a loss what to get Mum this Sunday? Four shopping days to go to buy books by Australian authors at Koorong. If you don't know Koorong, click on this link to find what they offer: http://koorong.com/ When you buy, your name will go into the draw to win a weekend away at Daydream Island Resort and Spa. Find out more: http://www.daydreamisland.com/ Giving books, what better way to encourage Mum to put her feet up and have some time out.

I wish all Mothers, a very happy and special Mother's Day. Never under-estimate the important contribution you make to our community and to future generations. Thank you all!

Daydreaming at Daydream Island Resort and Spa

Do you ever have a day when you feel like you're climbing Mt Everest? When your head feels as though it has a tight band around it crushing your brain? Your insides are so tight they feel like they will implode? You're not alone. These symptoms can mean you're stressed and need time out.

Daydream Island...where dreams begin.

A while ago, I took time out at Daydream Island Resort and Spa, in the Whitsunday Islands and it was the best decision I'd made in a long time. From the moment I spotted the island, pictured here, the stress begain to drain from my shoulders; my insides began to unwind; and I realised I was in for a treat. I spent a week of swimming in the sparkling pool, relaxing at the bar by the pool with a cool drink, walking the island to a lookout where I felt I was the only person in the world; and then I unwound still further at the Rejuvenation Spa. No mobile phone, no computer, no domestic duties. Bliss! As the stress decreased my creative well began to fill. This was the tonic I needed. There was plenty of food, more than I could eat, and each night I fell into a deep slumber like I hadn't experienced in a long time.

Would you like to sample this experience? You could be the lucky Mother's Day winner just for shopping at Koorong bookstore. Australian authors are being featured for the next couple of weeks leading up to Mother's day. If you buy any of the Australian authors's books you can go in the draw to win a weekend for two at Daydream Island Resort and Spa. What a treat! Who wouldn't want to be spoilt at this luxury resort.

To find out more about Daydream Island Resort and Spa click here www.daydreamisland.com

Click on the link to Koorong here: http://www.koorong.com.au/ Scroll to the bottom of the web page and click on the link 'New from Australian Author Rose Dee" on the left hand side. Good luck!

Brisbane Writers' Fair

I've just returned from the Writer's Fair in Brisbane. I met lots of interesting people and the number of published authors attending was way beyond my expectations, and they were generous in their time to connect with writers at all levels. There were many workshops to attend including: how to write a book, how to approach a publisher with your work, marketing, time management, kids books, how to add rhyme and rhythm to your writing, fantasy writing, romance writing, how to stay motivated when you're in the middle of your book, self-publishing, and much more... All workshops and author panels were professionally presented and relevant to improving our work.

Several new books were launched, and the authors were available to sign their books.

A bonus at this Writers' Fair was the opportunity to meet with a publisher and an appraiser of your work. I'm sure this popular session will be there again next year.

There were lots of attendees which was terrific because I got to meet lots of great people, who were willing to share so much about themselves and their writing life that made me feel 'normal' as a writer and that I wasn't alone in this writing journey.

I'd recommend this Writers' Fair to all aspiring and published authors. There are great opportunities to connect with other writers and make lasting friendships. Mark your diary for 14th November, 2011 because it will be an event you won't want to miss.

Looking forward to seeing you all there next year!