Bush Christmas

Christmas is Coming - Merle Parish

Margareta-Admin — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 04:47:41 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Merle Parish

Margareta-Admin Fri, 20/12/2013 - 3:47 pm

There’s no denying home baking is on the rise and my last guest on the 'Christmas is Coming series' is a much loved MasterChef guest and Country Women’s Association Champion. She is none other than Merle Parrish.

With just about every prize in the competitive baking world under her belt, 80-year-old Merle Parrish knows a thing or two and she shares her country-cooking secrets, tips and recipes in a stunning second book, Merle’s Country Show Baking and Other Favourites.

With more than 100 recipes, and stunning photography, tips and handy hints throughout, Merle’s Country Show Baking and Other Favourites is cooking at its cosiest and most accessible. From cinnamon tea cake to a classic Cornish pasty; from coconut macaroons to a rich and chocolatey rocky road; and from home-made tomato sauce to delicious plum jam, spread thickly over a warm, toasty country wholemeal cob loaf, Merle reminds us of the pleasure that comes from good, old-fashioned baking at home.

Merle Parrish has been competing from the age of 7 in state cookery competitions, and became a judge herself in 1988 when she completed her CWA Judges’ Certificate. She has won just about every prize in every category in the competitive baking world. Merle won the hearts of Masterchef viewers with her cheeky sense of humour (sitting and knitting while her competitor raced around the kitchen during an immunity challenge and asking to keep the prize pin) and earnt the judges’ admiration for her impeccable technique and near-perfect cakes.

Merle lives in Cudal, near Orange in New South Wales, and continues to compete in shows. She is the author of the bestselling Merle’s Kitchen.

Merle Parish

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My Latest Release - Merle's Country Show Baking, Merle Parish

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

I'm very thrilled to release my second cook book. The recipes are mostly handed down from my grandmother and mother; they were great cooks too. I started cooking Anzacs and entering them in shows when I was seven which started my love of cooking. I think because both my mother and grandmother cooked it was a natural thing to do. I also realised as I grew up that there were no cakes shops in the little village where I lived. If you didn't cook you didn't get cakes!

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

My family, my late husband and three grown-up children, always said to me, 'Mum you should write a book with all these recipes.' I always said yes, but didn't do it. After I appeared on Masterchef, there was a prime opportunity to make that dream a reality. The first book went so well, Random House, my publisher, asked me did I have anymore recipes. I did, so we now have another beautiful book. They do a wonderful job. I just love it.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

Last Christmas I had just had a new kitchen put in and the stove had only been connected four days before Christmas Day. On the big festive day we put the chicken in the oven and worked out we needed to put the vegies in one hour after that. When we went to put in the vegetables, we realised to our horror the stove wasn't even on! We'd forgotten to push the second button! So, subsequently, we had cold meat for Christmas lunch and hot roast chicken on Boxing Day.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

A new Sunbeam mixmaster from my family. I've worn out four!

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

I don't think I've ever received a bad present.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

Some jewellery I bought for my only daughter. It was a very emotional time.

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

Buy it for your friends or family members who love cooking (and even cake decorating) especially the old fashioned country way. I've been doing a lot of touring around schools judging cooking lately.

I always say if young people start to learn to cook at least they know what they're eating as they have to prepare it themselves. Seven or eight is a good time to start, with mum's guidance of course, and I won't let them wipe down the mix-master until they're at least twelve. Recently I attended the Molong Primary School where I had to judge 296 patty cakes! I didn't know how I was going to get through them all :)

If you visit my website or Facebook page reasonably regularly, you'll know just how much I love to bake. Taught from a young age by a Grandmother who loved to bake and enter shows, just like Merle, you can imagine just how much at home I was when Merle and I chatted about all things to do with cakes. I adored this lovely lady's first book Merle's Kitchen with the banana cake, cupcakes and Choc-chip biscuits becoming household favourites. I'm sure there will be many recipes in this new cook book that will be added to the rapidly expanding list.

Thanks to the delightful generosity of Random House, Australia, we have one copy of Merle's new book, Merle's Country Show Baking and Other Favourites to give away to some lucky, lucky home baker. Comment below and go in the draw to win!

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Christmas is Coming - Monica McInerney

Margareta-Admin — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:28:50 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Monica McInerney

Margareta-Admin Thu, 19/12/2013 - 6:28 pm

My second-last guest on the Christmas is Coming blog series has been an all-time favourite author of mine for years and I am just about beside myself that she is here visiting 'my place' on the world wide web. This simply delightful woman is none other than Australian-born Dublin-based Monica McInerney, the author of the best-selling novels The House of Memories, Lola’s Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Those Faraday Girls (The Faraday Girls in the USA), Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters, Spin the Bottle (Greetings from Somewhere Else in the USA), Upside Down Inside Out and A Taste for It.

Monica grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Since then Monica has lived all around Australia (in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart) in Ireland (in County Meath and Dublin) and in London and also travelled widely.

She was a book publicist for ten years, working in Ireland and Australia and promoting authors such as Roald Dahl, Tim Winton, Edna O’Brien and Max Fatchen and events such as the Dublin International Writers’ Festival.

She has also worked as an event manager and organiser of tourism festivals in the Clare Valley; as a freelance writer/editor and in arts marketing in South Australia; a public relations consultant in Tasmania; a record company press officer in Sydney; a barmaid in an Irish music pub in London and as a temp, grapepicker, hotel cleaner, kindergym instructor and waitress. Her first job out of school as a 17-year-old was as wardrobe girl (and later scriptwriter) for the children’s TV show Here’s Humphrey at Channel 9 in Adelaide. She is now a full-time writer.

For the past twenty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They currently live in Dublin.

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Monica, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

Monica McInerney (photo by Ashley Miller)

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My Latest Release - The Christmas Gift, Monica McInerney

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

The Christmas Gift is a free download of two new short stories, one set in Ireland, one set in Australia.

It’s available via the Penguin website, and also from Apple, Amazon, Kobo or Google.

Lola's Secret, Monica McInerney

I’m also happily offering a signed copy of my earlier Christmas-themed novel, Lola’s Secret, which is set in the Clare Valley during a very hot December.

It’s the sequel to my fourth novel, The Alphabet Sisters (a copy of which I am also giving away - see below) and features one of my favourite characters, 84-year-old Irishwoman Lola Quinlan, as she hatches a plan to give her family and friends a Christmas they won’t forget.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

I love writing short stories – that brief glimpse into people’s lives, a snapshot of an important moment or turning point. I also wanted to give my readers a little thank-you gift, for all their support of me and my books over the past 13 years.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

One year at my in-laws in Dublin I was in charge of providing the Christmas Day party hats. I found a bumper pack of headbands, decorated with novelty items like reindeer antlers, stars, light-up trees etc. We all agreed we looked very festive and jolly in them. But as the meal progressed, one by one we started getting dizzy and irritable and complained of headaches. My mother-in-law nearly fainted. It turned out my headbands were meant for children. On adults’ heads they acted like instruments of torture.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

An abandoned baby possum, the year I turned nine. My uncle found it in a paddock near his house and gave it to me to raise. I carried it everywhere in a sling, until it grew strong enough to sit on my shoulder. We became such good friends it soon spent most of the day perched on my head, with its tail wrapped around my neck for balance. I was heartbroken when the time came for it to go back into the wild. I’ve been dropping hints about it for this Christmas. I’d love to sit writing in my office with a possum perched on my shoulder. Or even a squirrel. Possums might be a little hard to come by here in Ireland...

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

I love any presents, big or small, handmade or shop-bought, so don’t have an answer for that one, sorry!

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

A book of traditional Irish piano sheet music for my husband. I get to enjoy listening to him play them now.

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

The Christmas Gift is a free e-publication, so no money needs to change hands at all! But I hope all my readers, of all ages, will enjoy this short but festive read from me.

Monica McInerney (photo by Ashley Miller)

I'm a devout Monica McInerney fan. I have all of Monica's novels on my bookshelf and you only get to borrow them if you are a very, very, VERY special person who I know will return them. These are books that I re-read every few years. In fact you will probably find me curled up with one over Christmas. And it should be noted that whilst here in Australia we are hitting the 40 plus deg mark ... Monica is in Dublin with the cold and frost. As I swelter here at my desk, I kind of wish I was in Ireland with the McInerney's.

If you'd like to win a signed copy of Monica's books, 'Lola's Secret' and as a special bonus, it's prequel, 'The Alphabet Sisters', comment below and go in the draw to win the last novels up for grabs on the 'Christmas is Coming' series!

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Christmas is Coming - Zelie Bullen and Freda Marnie Nicholls

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 05:21:03 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Zelie Bullen and Freda Marnie Nicholls

Margareta-Admin Wed, 18/12/2013 - 4:21 pm

Love, Sweat and Tears was my best 'find' for 2013. A beautifully written novel about one woman’s incredible journey through grief, fear and love to a lifelong dream of working with animals.

In the words of none other than Steven Spielberg ...

“All the love that you put into your animals has come out on screen, on my screen and it will be there forever”

Remember those cute piglets in Charlotte's Web? The racing zebra in Racing Stripes? The incredible horses in Steven Spielberg's epic film, Warhorse? This is the inspirational true story of the woman who trained these amazing animals.

Zelie grew up on the outskirts of Perth, Western Australia, surrounded by animals from a very young age. Throughout her school years, she collected as many animals as her mother would allow, and unwittingly began learning about their communication and hierarchy just by being around them.Today, Zelie’s living her childhood dream - working and living with animals she loves. She lives on the Gold Coast with her husband, son and various animals.

In writing her story Zelie Bullen has been assisted by her sister Freda Marnie Nicholls, a rural journalist who’s been widely published, most recently as a regular contributor to R.M. Williams OUTBACK magazine. Freda lives on a farm in southern New South Wales with her husband and their three teenage children.

This is Zelie and Freda’s first book.

Zelie

Freda

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Zelie with Merlin

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

Love, Sweat & Tears is the true story, to date, of my inspirational sister Zelie Bullen. The book follows her incredible journey through grief, fear and love to a lifelong dream of working with animals.

She overcame seemingly endless personal tragedies and depression, to become a stuntwoman and then one of the most successful animal trainers in Australia, if not the world.

Zelie’s love of animals and their affection for her, has kept her going during even her darkest moments. It was her trust and understanding of animals that ultimately led her to the man she loves and the amazing career she now enjoys.

You step inside Zelie’s extraordinary world where she has been an animal trainer and stuntwoman in film and television for over twenty years, working with everyone from Princess Zahra, the Aga Khan’s daughter, to Antonio Banderas, the piglets in Charlotte’s Webb and the war horse in Stephen Spielberg’s epic film War Horse, and many others.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

Zelie’s story was aired on the ABC's Australian Story back in October 2011. It brought her story out into the public arena and everyone wanted to know more.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

Christmas 1992. After the deaths of our Dad and sister Julie, the family Christmas was at Zelie’s place on the Gold Coast. Our two younger half sisters Kate and Cloud were 9 and 11 years at the time and the ‘Super Soaker’ water pistols were THE present to have for all kids. My husband Bert, myself and our little two year old daughter bought a Super Soaker each for Kate & Cloud, and 50c cheapo ones that leaked, whose triggers didn’t work properly and that broke in no time flat, for everyone else. We had the biggest water fight on a very humid Queensland day, which culminated with Bert throwing Zelie in the horse trough. Water fights have become a bit of a tradition for us at Christmas ever since.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Freda - Christmas 1986 - a marriage proposal from my now husband Bert. I had to work in Sydney right up to Christmas and was away from my family in Perth for the first time at Christmas and was spending it with my new boyfriends family instead. I snuck off to be alone for a while and shed a few tears, Bert found me and proposed to me, I often ask him if it was to stop me from crying. After I picked my jaw up off the ground, I told him to ask me in another twelve months, moved to the country and eventually became a farmers wife and we’ve just celebrated 25 years of marriage with all of its ups and downs.

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Freda – can’t actually think of one. Love getting all presents and appreciating what the present giver was feeling when the gift was chosen.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

Freda - I love cooking, so when it’s our turn to host the family Christmas, that’s my present to everyone. I think when you cook, you are giving a bit of yourself, mixed with love.

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

Freda – Anyone that loves reading memoirs, loves animals, anyone wanting an insight into what goes into movies and animal training, and gain strength from an inspirational Australian woman.

Freda Droving

Freda Nicholls is a wonderful country woman whose life sounds a lot like mine - juggling writing, children, a husband and farming. She is currently working on her next novel and I greatly look forward to one day catching up for a cuppa. I think we'd have a lot to talk about.

When I contacted Zelie and Freda about coming on the 'Christmas is Coming' series, Zelie was flying to Africa with her husband Craig to (of all things) halter train giraffe. My mind boggled as to the logistics of that exercise. 'Zelie, you do realise that giraffe have really, really long necks,' I said. To which Zelie responded (I'm sure with a little giggle), 'We use long ladders and tall fences until they are taught to lower their head to be haltered, beautiful creatures they are ;).'

Incredible. Simply incredible.

Thanks to the generosity of Freda and Zelie we have one signed copy of LOVE, SWEAT & TEARS to giveaway. Comment below and you'll go in the draw to win! (You will love this book! )

Freda and Zelie

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Christmas is Coming - Danielle Hawkins

Margareta-Admin — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 07:02:57 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Danielle Hawkins

Margareta-Admin Tue, 17/12/2013 - 6:02 pm

'Regardless of gender, anyone looking for a heart warming, funny rural novel, you are going to LOVE, I repeat LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these books.'

Danielle Hawkins grew up on a sheep and beef farm and later studied veterinary science. After graduating as a vet Danielle met a very nice dairy farmer who became her husband.

Danielle spends two days per week working as a large animal vet and the other five as a housekeeper, cook and general dogsbody. She has two small children and when she is very lucky, they nap simultaneously and she can write. She is the author of critically acclaimed novel Dinner at Rose’s.

Caroline Overington

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Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Danielle, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - Chocolate Cake for Breakfast, Danielle Hawkins

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

Chocolate Cake for Breakfast is about Helen McNeil, a large-animal vet who happens to first fall over and then fail to recognise one of the more famous All Blacks while escaping from a very dull girl at a party. And then, to her vast surprise, he turns up at the front counter of the vet clinic to ask her out. It's partly about vet-stuff, and partly about what it's like to be attached to someone famous.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

I started with the idea of how it might feel to be a perfectly ordinary girl, and to find yourself going out with a guy whose topless picture is on the lunchroom wall at work. I made my famous guy an All Black because New Zealand doesn't have many other celebrities. (At which point I realised I didn't know anything at all about rugby, so I started reading my husband's rugby magazines for research.)

And I thought it would be fun to write about some of the things I do as a vet, as opposed to the things I thought vets did before I was one.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

This isn't my story, it's Grandma's, but I've always liked it.

Forty-odd years ago, my grandmother had a brilliant idea and decided to buy all her sisters-in-law and nieces nice knickers for Christmas. She rushed into town, where she selected a dozen little lacy numbers and one pair of armour-plated granny pants for Aunty Joan, who had a fuller figure. And it never occurred to her, until they all unwrapped and displayed their presents, that this may not have been the world's most tactful move.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

An AG 100 motorbike that my sister and I got together from Mum and Dad, when I was twelve and she was ten.

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

A box of sugar-free carob drops. I have a feeling they were expired, too.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

Um. Gift selection is not my strong point. My husband says the illustrated historical atlas of '06 was pretty cool.

Bree over at One Girl Too Many Books (I love this book review blog) gave 'Chocolate Cake for Breakfast' 9/10 which, if you follow Bree's review's, you will know is very high praise. Check out her thoughts here:

http://1girl2manybooks.wordpress.com/?s=chocolate+cake+for+breakfast&su…

DanielIe Hawkin's book 'Dinner at Roses' was my 'find' of 2012 and was a novel which made me laugh out loud and cry like a baby. I seriously LOVED this book so much that I bought a stack, gave them away as presents, recommended the novel if anyone asked me what they should read and Danielle was one of the first authors I knew I just HAD to have on this blog. It was my lucky, lucky day when I was told her new release 'Chocolate cake for Breakfast' (don't you just adore that title?!) was being released in time for Christmas.

Do yourself a favor next time you're in a bookstore and find either of these books. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to the beautiful people at Allen & Unwin, I have one copy of 'Chocolate Cake for Breakfast' to giveaway. Comment below and go in the draw to win!

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Christmas is Coming - Jaye Ford

Margareta-Admin — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 10:08:55 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Jaye Ford

Margareta-Admin Thu, 12/12/2013 - 9:08 pm

Before chasing her dream to become an author, Jaye worked in newspapers, radio and television as a news and sports journalist. In 1988 she became Australia's first female presenter of a live national sports show, and later fronted evening news on regional television and ran her own public relations business. At 40 she decided that her dream to become an author would never be realised unless she sat down and started writing. Almost ten years later, her debut novel, BEYOND FEAR, was the highest selling debut crime novel in Australia in 2011, won the 2012 Davitt Award for a Debut Novel and shared the 2012 Davitt Award for Reader Choice.

Her second novel SCARED YET? was released in 2012 to rave reviews. Married with two children, Jaye now writes full time from her home at Lake Macquarie in the NSW Hunter Valley. She's here with me today to talk about her third novel BLOOD SECRET which was released in September.

Jaye Ford

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My Latest Release - Blood Secret, Jaye Ford

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

My new thriller Blood Secret is about Rennie Carter, a woman with dark, dangerous secrets, and Max Tully, the man she loves and who goes missing one night after a party. The story about the search for Max is set on Lake Macquarie, NSW, where no-one is who they appear to be – and Rennie’s secret isn’t the only one that threatens the quiet, safe community of Haven Bay.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

Blood Secret was born one night after my husband and I were involved in a road rage incident. We were driving to our local Thai restaurant when a young kid in a four-wheel drive jumped in front of us at the round-about. My husband beeped the horn at him, so he followed us to the shops, bailed us up in the car park, yelled threats at us from his car and tailgated us as we walked to a bottle shop. When he finally left and we were waiting for our meal in the restaurant, my husband decided to check on the car and I sat on my own thinking, What if he doesn’t come back? He did – and by then I was thinking, What a great start to a story. So the book begins with that road rage incident and when Max Tully goes to check on his car, he doesn’t come back.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

I racked my brains for a single, hilarious Christmas tale that I could stretch into a story but realised the stuff that’s made my family roll about with laughter has been the small, comical moments that colour our long, food-filled, family tag-team Christmas Days. My husband falling fully clothed off our boat, attempting to assemble kids bikes with too many champagnes on board, being blasted by a neighbour with a massive water gun whilst wearing a tiny nightie, the dog getting into someone’s food gift and waddling around for the rest of the day, kids catching out Santa, falling backwards off a stool in the middle of lunch (as a small child!).

We have a fun tradition that came from one of those moments. When my son kept pulling faces for the obligatory, self-timer family photo, we all decided to join him. Now every year, we take two pictures: one with smiles, the other with the weirdest, ugliest expression we can make. And there are years of family records of three generations sporting crazed Christmas faces – something for the ancestors to wonder about!

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

The best gift and attached story was when my husband was driving home from Sydney and, trying to come up with a surprise, saw an ad for the Australian Tennis Open. He phoned his PA, asked her to buy tickets and thought he was sorted. It wasn’t until a couple of days before Christmas that he realised the Aussie Open is in Melbourne and he also needed accommodation and airfares. So I got tennis and a holiday.

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

An enormous pair of ugly shorts.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

There have been handmade prezzies, gifts I’ve paid off for months, the ones I’ve agonised over and a few ridiculously extravagant ones. But the best gift I still give is Santa. I love shopping for Santa – fun, practical and sometimes edible bits and pieces. My kids are in their 20’s now and Santa can’t resist dropping by. And their silly pillowcase of goodies now feels like the gift of tradition and memories – can’t beat that!

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

Anyone who likes to be picked up and taken on a nail-biting ride with a story.

Jaye Ford

And I'll attest to that! My first attempt at reading a thriller was with one of Jaye's books. I can vividly remember reading BEYOND FEAR whilst lying in bed at midnight. My husband was doing night shift so I was alone. Not a good thing to do. Such was Jaye's talent as an author, I was so scared I was shaking from head to foot!

Jaye and I share publishing houses (Random House, Australia) and publisher, Bev Cousins, so we are 'sisters in crime' on a number of levels. Jaye is another extremely talented and lovely author whom I delight in talking to when we meet. Actually, last time we met it involved drinking wine too, lots of wine {smiley}

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Christmas is Coming - Pamela Cook

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 06:12:51 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Pamela Cook

Margareta-Admin Wed, 11/12/2013 - 5:12 pm

Pamela is a writer, teacher and mother of three gorgeous daughters. She also manages a menagerie of dogs, rabbits, birds, fish and horses and her favourite pastime (after writing) is riding her handsome quarter horse, Morocco. She lives in the southern suburbs of Sydney but spends as much time as possible at her “other” home in Milton on the south coast of NSW.

Being a country girl at heart and spending so much of her time around horses enticed Pamela to “write what you know” and she’s more than happy to now be a writer of Rural Fiction. Her first novel was Blackwattle Lake, was released in November 2012. Now she brings to us, Essie's Way.

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Pamela, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

Pamela Cook

REMINDER:

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Remember to share, tweet, retweet, mention any of these posts on Facebook and Twitter using the tag #bushchristmas and you'll go into the draw for a $75.00 Booktopia voucher.

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Pamela, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - Essie's Way, Pamela Cook

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

On the brink of marrying her long term boyfriend Miranda McIntyre discovers that the grandmother she thought was dead may be very much alive.

Determined to solve the family mystery – and to ignore the creeping uncertainty about her life - Miranda sets off on a road trip where she meets Esther Wilson, an old recluse. Here at Pelican Point Miranda discovers the truth about her mother’s past and faces reality about the future.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

The story came from a collection of fragmented ideas. It began with an image of an old woman playing the violin in a cottage near the ocean which came to me during a week long writing course I did years ago. I then had an image of a younger woman, dissatisfied with her life and heading off on a road trip. The other key fragment was the story of Grace Bussell who rescued survivors of a shipwreck on horse back. Somehow I managed to pull the three strands together into one story.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

Way before I was married I was desperate to have a white Christmas. I spent a couple of years living in London and, with a group of friends, headed up to Scotland to a place called Aviemore near Lochness, where we thought it would be snowing. Being in our early twenties we didn’t have much idea about cooking and forgot to defrost the Turkey. Not having a microwave we ended up sticking it on top of the gas heater to defrost and finally ate Christmas lunch at about 5pm that afternoon by which time we were all pretty smashed! I still have the photos of the Turkey, frozen solid, decorating the lounge room. It wasn’t exactly a white Christmas either but it did snow the next day.

(Margareta: ROFL!)

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

I think that might be coming up … this Christmas my husband, three daughters and I are going to Austria for a white Christmas and a two week ski trip. We’re also meeting close friends there. It will be a dream come true.

(Margareta: Can I be a member of your family too?)

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Hmmm I might pass on that one in case any family or friends are reading!

(Margareta: Very sensible {smiley})

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

When my eldest daughter was 12 she started riding a horse for someone who was pregnant with twins and couldn’t ride. He was pretty much confined to his stable most of the time because he was a bit of a bully and liked to rip the other horse’s rugs. Although in hindsight I think that was because he was locked up! Of course she fell in love with him and unbeknownst to her we bought him from the owner. At Christmas we made up some story about having to go to the stables and help the owners of the place do the morning feeds and there he was waiting for her with a shiny gold ribbon around his neck. I’ll never forget the smile on her face! Eight years later we still have him, along with five other horses. And a low bank balance!

(Margareta: Oh WOW! What fabulous parents you are!)

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

Essie’s Way has a little bit of everything – a rural setting, family drama, personal struggles, horses, romance and history. It would appeal to readers who wants to escape and go on a journey with the characters. Anyone from 19 to 90!

This year, at the Romance Writers of Australia Conference in Fremantle WA, it was my pleasure to meet Pamela, such a delightful, warm and lovely fellow rural fiction author. We are also both mothers and this is a picture of Pamela's daughter receiving that very special horse. I know my daughter would love to get such a present too {smiley}

I'm really looking forward to reading Essie's Way and also meeting up with Pamela again this year at the same conference to be held in Sydney.

Thanks to Pamela, we have a copy of both Essie's Way and Blackwattle Creek to give-away, so for all you rural fiction lovers who haven't had the treat of reading this lovely rural author's books, comment below and you'll go in the draw to win!

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Pamela Cook

Christmas is Coming - Katherine Scholes

Margareta-Admin — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 05:19:02 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Katherine Scholes

Margareta-Admin Tue, 10/12/2013 - 4:19 pm

Katherine was born in Tanzania, East Africa, the daughter of a missionary doctor and an artist. (What a scintillating love story that envokes in the mind!) Thanks to my teenage reading diet of Wilbur Smith and other African based books (which belonged to my father), just the fact Katherine and Tanzania exist in the same sentence was enough for me to say, I need to know more about this amazing lady! Katherine tells us she has fond memories of travelling with her family on long safaris to remote areas where her father operated a clinic from his Land Rover. When she was ten, the family left Tanzania, going first to England and then settling in Tasmania.

As an adult, Katherine moved to Melbourne with her filmmaker husband. She worked there as a documentary producer for many years, alongside writing her first books. In 1998 the couple returned to live in Tasmania with their two sons. She is the author of international bestsellers The Rain Queen, Make Me an Idol, The Stone Angel, The Hunter’s Wife and The Lioness. She joins us today to talk about her new novel, The Perfect Wife.

Katherine Scholes

Katherine with local kids

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My Latest Release - The Perfect Wife, Katherine Scholes

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

Like several of my other novels ‘The Perfect Wife’ is set in East Africa. This time the story takes place just after the end of WWII. A young Australian woman, Kitty, goes to a remote part of Tanganyika (now Tanzania) to join her husband. She’s hoping for a fresh start, and the chance to make up for a scandal that almost ended their marriage. Theo is an executive in a British government agricultural scheme, and in a half-built company town where most people still live in tents the couple have a lovely home on Millionaire Row. With the nightmare of the war behind them, the future looks bright. All Kitty has to do is play the part of the perfect wife – but her life in Tanganyika takes her on an unexpected path.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

It all began with my father telling me about the peanut growing scheme that the British Government set up in Tanganyika in the late 40’s. It was a massive project that completely failed. During its dying years, Dad was a young missionary doctor working in the area. He went to the town nicknamed ‘Londoni’ where the British staff lived. By then it was virtually deserted. He told me he thought this strange piece of history would make a great backdrop for a story, so he and I – along with my mother, sister and my teenage son – went over there to have a look at the place. That was the beginning of my research and it just went on from there…

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

Not funniest, but definitely the most memorable. One year our extended family had just finished our roast turkey lunch when the phone rang and a friend told us there had been a mass stranding of pilot whales on the north coast of Tasmania, about an hour’s drive from my parent’s home. People were ringing around for rescue volunteers. We all jumped in our cars. From where the road ended we still had to walk another hour or so to the beach. By then the tide was coming in and groups of people were able to roll most of the whales into deeper water. Eventually the National Parks Rangers arrived and took over. We all trailed home, totally exhausted but amazed by the experiences of the day.

(Margareta: That's some Christmas!)

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

As kids living in Africa we didn’t get many presents. One year an old school friend of Mum’s visited and brought us each a little pig made of marzipan – a Christmas tradition in her home country of Norway. I remember the pigs were very cute with painted faces. I kept mine for months until it eventually disintegrated in the heat.

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Can’t really think of one.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

My husband collects old hotel crockery, which is now quite hard to find. Last year I discovered a little milk jug and sugar bowl with matching cup and saucer at a market. I snatched them up without even asking the price – I was just glad to have something on hand for Christmas. Men are hard so to choose for.

(Margareta: I never knew old hotel crockery was a collectible. How wonderful.)

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

I love it when several generations of women in one family read my novels. So I’m hoping this year some of my readers will give ‘The Perfect Wife’ to their grandmother, niece, daughter, aunt – whoever they share stories with – and then borrow it back and read it themselves.

(Margareta: Exactly what happens in my family!)

Katherine and Darcy at Coles Bay

Katherine is especially popular in Germany and France where she has sold over TWO MILLION books. What a fabulous achievement by a most deserving author. The word Tanzania just rolls off the tongue and the images Katherine's books envoke make you feel like you are living and breathing East Africa. I for one will be adding THE PERFECT WIFE to my rapidly growing "All I want for Christmas ..." list.

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Christmas is Coming

Bush Christmas

Katherine Scholes

Christmas is Coming - Kerry Greenwood

Margareta-Admin — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 09:25:06 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Kerry Greenwood

Margareta-Admin Thu, 05/12/2013 - 8:25 pm

Today I host an extremely talented and amazing woman, someone whom I am immensely proud and priviledged to have on my blog. She is none other than the creator of the books which the ABC TV's Phryne Fisher series is based upon (and thus I am almost gabbling ... {blush}).

The sheer force of nature that is Kerry Greenwood was born in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray. She has a degree in English and Law from Melbourne University and was admitted to the legal profession on the 1st of April 1982, a day which she finds both soothing and significant.

She has worked as a folk-singer, a factory hand, a director, a producer, a translator, a costume-maker, a cook, and also qualified as a solicitor to her great amusement. She embroiders very well, cannot knit, and has flown planes and leapt out of them (with parachute) in an attempt to cure her fear of heights. (She is now terrified of jumping out of a plane at 2000 metres but can climb ladders without fear). She can detect second-hand bookshops through walls.

Along with her well known Phyrne Fisher and Corinna Chapman books, she's written plays, young adult books, true crime, children's books and historical fiction - and it's Cassandra, the second in the Delphic women trilogy that she's talking about with me today.

Kerry Greenwood

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Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Kerry, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - Cassandra, Kerry Greenwood

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

Cassandra is a novel about both sides of the Trojan War, the Greek healer and Aesclepid Diomenes, and the Princess Cassandra of Troy.

This is an epic struggle not only between two peoples but between two cultures and two religions. Diomenes and Cassandra are caught in the middle. Contending Gods and Goddesses make sport of them. How can mere fragile humanity survive such fearful odds?

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

I read a book about Cassandra as a trembling, idiotic girlie and lost my temper, nearly flinging the book against the wall before I remembered that it belonged to the library.

(Margareta: Whoops! We won't tell ... truly.)

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

The day that my brother decided that he could speed up the pressure cooking of the pudding by wiring down the release valve. We were wiping off pudding for weeks. We rolled on the floor laughing.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

A small golden labrador called Billy, produced, blinking sleepily, from my father's overcoat pocket. He was an adorable dog or maybe the naked man wrapped lightly in red ribbon and tinsel crown. Gorgeous, except the tinsel was scratchy.

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

PINK. NYLON. SOCKS.

(Margareta: Pink? I love pink. Nylon? Not so good. Not so good, at all!)

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

I bought my David a brand new car.

(Margareta: I want to be David when I grow up.)

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

Anyone who can read, likes Ancient history, likes love stories or war stories, it may be lascivious and scandalous but it's all right, it's classical - everyone, really! - everyone! Buy lots!

Kerry Greenwood

Her behind the website let me in on a little secret. She likes Kerry Greenwood's books very much - from the Miss Fisher series through to the historical fiction, but the real surprise is that the big fan in their household is himself. Especially the Phryne Fisher books and that's from before the TV series so the argument that it might be the glorious Miss Essie Davies in his mind doesn't quite stack up, although I'm sure it doesn't hurt.

The Delphic Women trilogy has been much anticipated in those parts that enjoy this brand of fiction, as they are immersive, clever and meticulously researched books.

Tell us what your favourite Kerry Greenwood book is?

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Christmas is Coming

Bush Christmas

Kerry Greenwood

Christmas is Coming - Rob Cook

Margareta-Admin — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 05:08:01 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Rob Cook

Margareta-Admin Wed, 04/12/2013 - 4:08 pm

"I would rather attempt something great and fail than do nothing at all and succeed" (Rob Cook)

When third-generation cattleman Rob Cook set out on a routine mustering job in a chopper it was a day in the outback like any other, but when the chopper suddenly fell 200 feet out of the sky, smashing into the ground, it was the day that changed everything.

This one-time professional bull-rider had been in scrapes before – he had miraculously walked away from a previous crash in his beloved gyro, but this time it was different. This time there was no walking away. Seven hours later he was rescued from the wreck on one of Australia’s most remote cattle stations, Suplejack Downs, but his journey back to life, to his young family and to a way of life he loved had only just begun.

When the Dust Settles is the extraordinary story of cattleman Rob Cook’s recovery from the catastrophic helicopter accident that left him paralysed – it is also the story of Suplejack Downs Station and one of Australia’s most remarkable and resilient bush dynasties.

I am absolutely delighted to have Rob join me on the Christmas is Coming series ...

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Rob, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

Rob Cook

REMINDER:

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Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Rob, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - When the Dust Settles, Rob Cook

In your own words tell us a little about your new release …

"When The Dust Settles" is a story of courage, determination and most importantly love. It is a snippet of some of the many adventures I have experienced throughout my young life. From the professional bull riding arena, to flying gyrocopters across Australia. It is a first-hand account of the action packed experiences that helped me face life's toughest challenge, Survival.

My greatest achievements in life was marrying my wife Sarah and welcoming two healthy sons into the world. These achievements are what helped me survive a helicopter accident on Australia's most remote cattle station and face life in the seat of a powered wheelchair.

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

I remember from a young age sitting and listening to both my grandfathers "yarns" so I guess storytelling is a part of my DNA. I have always lived my life with the understanding that life is just like a book. We are the authors and it is up to us to fill every page. However it wasn't until a catastrophic event that led me to my first radio interview with ABC journalist Carl Curtain . Over the years many more interviews followed which created the opportunity for us to join forces . With so much support and interest generated from these interviews it became inevitable that our most popular interview yet formed the pages of "when the dust settles" by Rob Cook with Carl Curtain.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

Not that it was funny at the time, however, reflecting on one Christmas at Suplejack downs station certainly is a standout in my memory. Myself and Sarah spent so much time and effort covering the entire main homestead in Christmas lights to create a truly "well lit" Christmas environment for our family. Everything was set for a bumper Christmas in the desert when a severe storm blew in on Christmas Eve. It devastated our Christmas decorations along with one end of the Homestead which was peeled open like a sardine can. The heavy rain flooded the pantry, kitchen and dining room, and the property looked like it had endured a mini tornado. The rain may have dampened the soil but not our Christmas spirit, all of us men rose early and met down in the workshop to put together a petrol driven buggy which was a joint present to all the children from their grandparents. I dressed up as Santa Claus and dad was my trusty elf, we managed to find a cowbell which was ringing loudly as the elf drove the buggy with Santa Claus standing up in the back with a bag of presents. Even though one of the kids pulled down my beard and jumped back shouting "it's uncle Rob" we still had a wonderful Christmas.

(Margareta: It sounds fabulous, Rob!)

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

I think the best present I have received was something my brother Brad made me after I sustained my permanent injuries from the helicopter crash.

He shaped a piece of 8 gauge plain wire so that it could hang around my neck with a loop out the front which very cleverly held on to a cup for me. He even went to the trouble to lace the wire with a fine round Platt out of leather giving it a very professional appeal.

That was three years ago and I use my "cup wire" every single day without fail. Because let's face it I can't hold a cup myself.

(Margareta: There is no doubt about No.8 wire. It's so damned useful. My father swears by it!)

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

I can't imagine ever receiving a bad present, let alone titling one the worst. Every Christmas present is special because I believe it's the thought that counts, not the gift.

(Margareta: Here, here!)

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

Years ago Sarah and I bought a joint present for my entire family at Suplejack. We filled a large metal trunk with ice and seafood in Alice Springs and then sneakily poked in the station cold room telling everybody it was just knickknacks for the festive season. However on Christmas Eve after everyone had gone to bed we snuck into the cold room and drug the metal box through the house, placing it under the Christmas tree. So once everybody was sitting around the tree, we gave grandma and Grandad the code to the padlock which revealed lobsters, crayfish, oysters and too many yummy prawns.

(Margareta: Is seafood on the menu this year? Can we come for Christmas too?)

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

"When the dust settles" covers so many genres and I believe it is a great read for anyone who either needs a "pick me up" or a "reminder'" of all the wonderful things in life which can often be taken for granted.

When I first heard of Rob and Sarah Cook, I was brought to tears by their love for each other and the resilience they both show in the face of adversity. Their incredibly 'got get 'em' positive attitude is an inspiration and lesson to us all that with love and tenacity we can endure almost anything. I have promised myself this book for Christmas.

If you'd like to be in the running for a personal note/Christmas card from Rob & Sarah (perhaps to go with the book you might buy someone special?) drop us a line below. (Margareta - Can I enter, Site Admin? No? Damn it {smiley}) (Site Admin... if ever there was a reason to break the rules...!)

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Rob Cook

Christmas is Coming - Karly Lane

Margareta-Admin — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 05:58:11 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Karly Lane

Margareta-Admin Tue, 03/12/2013 - 4:58 pm

Karly Lane, touted as Rural Fiction's Favourite Daughter, happily lives in the same small town where her parents, grandparents and great grandparents all lived. She has a strong love of rural towns and the communities created in them. Best selling author of four rural novels, North Star, Bridie's Choice, Morgan's Law and now Poppy's Dilemma, Karly also writes action/adventure romance under the name of Karly Blakemore-Mowle.

(Karly has just released a Christmas eBook novella 'December's Wish', which can be bought here: http://www.karlylane.com/indie-books.html)

Karly Lane

REMINDER:

Remember to share, tweet, retweet, mention any of these posts

Remember to share, tweet, retweet, mention any of these posts on Facebook and Twitter using the tag #bushchristmas and you'll go into the draw for a $75.00 Booktopia voucher.

Leave a comment here for your chance to get a Christmas Card direct from Karly, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - Poppy's Dilemma, Karly Lane

Tell us a little about your new release, Karly.

Poppy Abbott seems to have it all. Bright, successful and attractive, she lives in a beautiful apartment with sweeping views of Sydney. However, since the recent death of her beloved grandmother, she's been struggling to come to terms with her grief.

Feeling nostalgic one evening, Poppy decides to sort through her grandmother's belongings, which she hasn't been able to face before. She's hardly started when she comes across an old leather diary with the name 'Maggie Abbott' written in the front. It's not long before she's drawn into Maggie's life and her fears for her soldier boyfriend during the First World War.

As her interest in Maggie's diary intensifies, Poppy decides to spend some time at her grandmother's house in the country. Away from the city, Poppy begins to wonder if all the things she's always valued so much are what she really wants out of life. And then love intervenes...

What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?

I was given a newspaper clipping of a story found in our local newspaper from 1920. It was titled A tragedy at Warrell Creek. It was horrific and gruesome and completely heart wrenching. It involved a return war hero from WW1, named Alick McLean and a young girl from the district.Once I read the article, I knew I needed to write the back ground of this story and give Alick, a voice.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

A few years a go my parents decided to start a new family tradition. Christmas morning, we were all staggering from bed, wiping sleep from our eyes and trying to calm excited children who were all squealing and eager to rip open presents, when Mr and Mrs Clause came bounding out of their bedroom!

Each year since, it's become tradition although the costumes are wearing a little thin now and we're all taking bets on how much longer it'll be before they need to upgrade to new suits.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

It's lucky that i'm easily pleased. I love vouchers- any excuse to go shopping! But now days I consider any Christmas I get all my kids under the one roof a great present.

(Margareta: It's very special to have all the kids at home, Karly.)

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Although it was good in theory, my kids decided to make an IOU of massages...the bad news...they'd both left home and no one was there to actually collect it from!

Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?

I found these really cute ice cream dishes--really, they were decorated like real ice-cream cones! They were so cool and I gave them away to my two sister in laws, planning on going back to the store to buy some for myself...only to find the store had closed down :(

(Margareta: Damn!)

This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?

It's always interesting for me to discover who reads my books. I have emails from men, women, young girls, grandmothers and mothers! I think anyone who loves a little bit of Australian history, or has memories of grandparents telling them what it was like living in Australia during WW1 will enjoy this book, and of course anyone who loves a contemporary romance and a good family saga...I think there's enough in there to interest a wide variety of readers.

Karly Lane

Whilst Karly and I haven't technically met, we have, on occasions burnt up the phone lines between East Gippsland and the NSW Central coast. Thanks to Mr Bell, Karly and I have discovered we are quite similar in many ways. We both juggle writing with a very active family life, have children whose ages range from single digit to young adults, write to country music (is there any other?), both adore Jim Craig (aka Tom Burlinson - THE Man from Snowy River), love moscarto, (must be chilled), and think Christmas is the bee's knees with the Christmas High 5 CD turned up really loud in the car, and everyone singing carols at the tops of their voices.

I can't wait to actually meet Karly, swig on some chilled sweet wine while we battle it out for dibs on Jim Craig {smiley}. In the meantime I'm heading to town tomorrow to buy Poppy's Dilemma, because a Karly Lane book always makes it to the top of my TBR pile ASAP.

There's a review of Poppy's Dilemma by Shelleyrae over at Book'd Out

Thanks to the beautiful people at Allen & Unwin Publishers, we have one copy of Poppy's Dilemma (unsigned) to giveaway. Yay! Drop us a line below to go in the draw to win the book and/or a personal Christmas card from Karly.

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Christmas is Coming

Bush Christmas

Karly Lane

Bush Christmas

Christmas is Coming - Merle Parish

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Christmas is Coming - Monica McInerney

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Christmas is Coming - Zelie Bullen and Freda Marnie Nicholls

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Christmas is Coming - Danielle Hawkins

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Christmas is Coming - Jaye Ford

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Christmas is Coming - Pamela Cook

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Christmas is Coming - Katherine Scholes

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Christmas is Coming - Kerry Greenwood

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Christmas is Coming - Rob Cook

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Christmas is Coming - Karly Lane

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