Deborah O'Brien

And we're off to the Pilbara!

Margareta-Admin — Mon, 25 May 2015 05:08:27 +0000

And we're off to the Pilbara!

Margareta-Admin Mon, 25/05/2015 - 3:08 pm

Life is frantic up on the hill at the moment. H is welding up cattle yards on another block, I'm trying to organise our home lives which got a tad scrambled while I was doing pre-book tour stuff, mid-book tour stuff and post-book tour stuff, and keeping up with the permanent job - kid taxi duty. And when I'm not involved there, I'm getting farm books up to date, going through cooking books and ... packing.

Yep. You heard right. Packing.

A lot of people when they get the chance to go AWOL head to decadent beachside destinations like Fiji, Vanauta, Phuket or, if you're lucky, the Greek Islands. (Mykonos anyone?)

But not us. No, Sireee. (I don't think we'd actually know what to do if we ever got to sit on one of those glorious overseas beaches.)

H and I - plus two two kids and one kelpie - are leaving our farm in the hands of a very capable farm-sitter and we are heading right across the Nullabor into Western Australia and about half way up that state (give or take a few hundred k's or so), where we are going to work the mustering season on a friend's (very large) cattle station in the Pilbara. Cooking, truck driving, mustering - all that kind of stuff. The kids will have a life experience they'll never forget especially seeing their mother and father, who are most definitely NOT teachers, are going to try and teach them for a term (shoot me now ) amongst other things. Although, I have no doubt regardless of our (lack of) teaching ability, by the time we head for home the Farm Boy will be able to tell you his version of how to run a cattle station, drive a Scania truck, fix a bore pump and windmill plus hazard a guess on how to fly a mustering helicopter. The Princess will be an mini expert at yard work whilst painted in hand ground red ochre (she loves the stuff), have the ability to transform beef into 10 million different dishes (where's my old station recipe book amongst all these boxes?), make slices by the slab, and of course, as she is want to do when no one is watching, dance to the chorus of dozens of galahs. Or lots of frogs if it rains. Which it probably won't because the place is scarily close to Marble Bar. H won't want to come home because he'll be in his element (bushie that he is) and neither will I. (This is on-the-ground research for another book. Or two or three.) See, it's a WIN WIN situation here. (Just nobody mention snakes at this point in the conversation and I'll be very happy).

We have a window of opportunity here on the farm as all is quiet until October. Our home place is having a spell from stock, there's no irrigating to do at the other block, no fires to worry about and so, we leave in two and half weeks! Yes, it's a mad scramble even though we won't be taking all that much. According to H, that is. Remember our trip to QLD last year? If you're new around here - a very big hello and welcome! - you might like to look at this and see how I got the car boot closed. This time it'll be a Landcruiser tailgate and H is already giving off all these warning growls of 'it can come, IF and only IF it fits ...'. Obviously I'll have to make sure there's room for me or I might be conveniently left behind. But then he wouldn't have the yummy butterscotch bickies or homemade rolls or chicken casserole detailed below, so I think he'd relent. Just for me. I think ....

Anyway, once we're packed (yes, I will take a photo) and we are on our way, if you hear of a Toyota Landcruiser, a heavy duty trailer, one mum and dad, a pigeon pair of kids, one cattle dog, two motorbikes and an array of swags & all sorts of other stuff "you have to take to camp your way across Australia and halfway upwards" all going missing, you'll know it's us.

Stayed tuned for updates of the mad scramble to leave followed by life in the Pilbara for a family of Victorian hillbillies!

RECIPES

Last week on my Facebook Page I mentioned some Butterscotch biscuits I made from an old recipe of my mum's. I had this piece of paper from her ancient cookbook and had tried every recipe written on it except for these little beauties. I have no idea why it's taken me so long! They are absolutely beautiful. And so, as requested by you lovely Facebook followers, here is the recipe for these yummy bickies which had my younger children asking me, 'Are they called Butterscotch because they're made of butter and that stuff some people drink?'

(I just want you all to know 'some people' is not their mother.)

Butterscotch Button Biscuits

BUTTERSCOTCH BUTTONS

125 gms butter

1/2 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)

1 1/4 cups of Self Raising Flour

1 teaspoon of Vanilla

1 tablespoon of Golden Syrup

Beat butter, vanilla, sugar and golden syrup until light and fluffy. Fold in flour. Roll teaspoons of mix into balls. Flatten slightly with fork.

Bake in slow over approx. 20 minutes

Focaccia Rolls

FOCACCIA ROLLS

The other recipe I was asked for this week, was for some foccacia rolls I made over the weekend in order to have hamburgers. Because we live a long way from the shops I usually keep bread and rolls in the freezer, but this Sunday night I ran out (head slap!), and knew what little bread I had was needed to make tomorrow's school lunches. What to do? I really wanted to make 'homemade' takeaway. (If we buy takeaway from our nearest town, by the time we get it home it's cold and yuck!) So I scouted around in the freezer for something else but hamburgers had taken hold of my mind. I was kind of salvitating over a nice juicy hamburger stacked with salad. So fixated was I on this treat for tea, I decided to have go at making the rolls myself. Now, I'm no bread maker from way back like some people who read this updates so please feel free to share your own lovely bread roll recipes. In the meantime though, here's mine. They turned out a treat and a half. Please note, I combined a couple of recipes to get this one, and I used an old Breville Baker's Oven Plus Model No. BB250 (750gm loaf).

Here's what I did:

I grabbed my trusty Bread Maker bread pan and poured in 330ml of lukewarm water, folllowed by 500gm of Lauke Bread Machine PreMix Crusty White Bread flour (make sure this covers the water as you don't want the yeast coming in contact with the water), followed by 4gms dried yeast.

I placed my bread pan in the bread maker and set it on '8' for Dough and allowed the machine to knead away for 10 minutes. Turned it off. Pulled the bread pan out. Dusted the bread board with CORN flour (CORN flour I said, most important for some reason I can't remember) and tipped the dough onto the board. I covered the dough with a bowl and allowed it to rest for about 10 minutes.

I then dusted the dough with said CORN flour. And placed the dough into the bowl and covered it with cling wrap. You've then got to place the bowl in a warm place for about 20 minutes or so for the dough to rise. (I either put mine on the dash of the car, or, if the fire's blazing, on the hearth to the side of the open fire.)

When dough is nicely risen, tip it back out onto your CORN flour covered board and divide dough into roll size portions. Glaze with milk and top with sesame seeds (if desired.)

Cook in hot over (220 deg.) until golden brown. And Voila!

Hamburger rolls!

Home made 'take away' that's YUM!

Homemade Takeaway

CHICKEN & DUMPLING CASSEROLE

I was also scanning a few of my favourite cooking websites recently for a nice, mouthwatering, heart warming casserole. I'm not sure about your house, but Saturday's around here seem extra busy and by the time they all off-load coats, hats, boots and pile inside on a Saturday evening after a big day, everyone's STARVING. Soooooo.... I went looking for a new recipe and after a few false starts and the odd cries of 'darn it, why can't they just use NORMAL ingredients', I found this little beauty. It was easy, I HAD ALL the ingredients (ie. they were normal pantry staples) and I served it all on it's own but you could add rice to make it go further should someone unexpected rock through the back door.

Check out this link for the recipe, thanks to Chef-in-training. I highly recommend it. You could also ditch the dumplings and whack the casserole into pies. BEW-DI-FUL!

http://www.chef-in-training.com/2015/05/chicken-and-dumpling-casserole/

WHAT I'M READING ...

I've been trying to read Alice Hoffman's, MUSEUM OF EXTRAORDINARY THINGS, for my bookclub this week but got distracted last week by a great Australian author Robert Schofield and his novel, HEIST. Set around Kalgoolie the book is an action crime read and I tell you, this man gives one of my favourite authors in this genre, Lee Child, a run for his money. (Are you impressed? I was. No one has ever given Jack Reacher a shove like Gareth Ford).) You might remember I hosted Robert on my website some time back when his latest novel MARBLE BAR was released? I hadn't gotten around to reading his first and loosely connected HEIST. I wish I had now! SO glad I remedied my error too! So if you like a good action novel, take a look at Robert Schofield. You won't be sorry.

The other book I recently had the pleasure and great honor of reading was an early copy of my lovely friend Deborah O'Brien's (of MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM fame) new book, THE TRIVIA MAN. Due on the shelves in June this year, look out for this one as you're in for a treat. It's no secret I love Deborah's work and THE TRIVIA MAN is no exception. A cleverly told, beautifully written story which is a quirky and heartwarming tale about finding your true place in the world, set against the backdrop of a weekly trivia competition.

‘Trivia is a serious business, not a social occasion' Kevin Dwyer, the 'trivia man'

The blurb ...

Dubbed ‘brainbox' by his peers and ‘weirdo' by his sister, Kevin Dwyer is a middle-aged forensic accountant who has never had a real friend, other than his eight-year-old nephew Patrick. When Kevin joins the Clifton Heights Sports Club trivia competition as a one-man team, and convincingly wins the first round, he is headhunted by the other contestants. But Kevin would prefer to be on his own. That is, until he meets Maggie Taylor . . .

Maggie is a Latin teacher and movie buff, who's good at her job but unlucky in love. In fact, she's still besotted with the man who dumped her years ago. Nagged by her friend Carole about getting out and meeting people, Maggie reluctantly joins the trivia team founded by Carole's husband, Edward.

Over a season of trivia nights, Kevin, Maggie and her team will experience arguments and crises, friendships and romances, heartbreaks and new beginnings. And maybe, just maybe, Kevin will find his happy ever after . . . - See more at: http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/deborah-obrien/the-trivia-man-97808…

I couldn't put this one down. If you loved the ROSIE PROJECT, you'll adore, THE TRIVIA MAN.

Well that's it. I have to go and cuddle my little Jack Russell, Lucy, as we can't take her with us on our AWOL trip from the wilds of the Gippsland High Country to the wilds of the Pilbara. I'm squeezing in every last cuddle I can but she is in extremely good and loving hands while I'm away so I'll just have to suck it up and cuddle the kelpie, Crosby instead. That's if The Farm Boy will share his best mate with me :) I might just have to pick up another kelpie along the way. Just don't tell H I said that, okay? :)

Until next week,

Take care and happy reading, cooking and farming. And packing ... :)

Margareta x

PS. For all you Apple users and iBooks lovers, THE COWBOY is available on iBooks now. And if you love it, I'd really appreciate it if you left a review. Thanks so much!

Tags

Pilbara

Recipes

Butterscotch Buttons

Focaccia Rolls

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Alice Hoffman

Museum of Extraordinary Things

Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

Margareta — Tue, 06 May 2014 02:32:45 +0000

Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

Margareta Tue, 06/05/2014 - 12:32 pm

Mother's Day is fast coming upon us and I have been watching a couple of interesting conversations taking place on social media, concerning presents. Some mothers appear to want to be asked, 'What would you like for Mother's Day?' Others think the family should be able to come up with the answer to that question all on their own. Then you have the camp that have specific needs and wants and in all likelihood will secretly take back whatever they're given if it's the wrong item. And then there are those who count themselves lucky and shower blessings on children/husband's who may/or may not remember and acknowledge the event at al!

Which are you?Which is your mum/ mother-in-law/step-mother/grandmother (because sometimes they're sole mothers to their grandkids too)?Personally speaking I vary between numbers, 1, 2 and 4.

I have to say, regardless of what occasion it is, I MARGARETA OSBORN un-ashamably LOVE presents. I don't mind if I'm giving them or if I'm receiving them, but I just LOVE the whole present exchange thing and the pleasure that comes with giving/receiving a gift. I don't care whether it's handmade (in fact that makes it all the more special), bought or even borrowed (the 'big-arse tractor' for a days heavy-duty gardening comes to mind here), it's all in the fun of the gift.

This Mother's Day, I know I'm getting some chooks because I've organised that myself. Three actually. Plymouth Rock's. I'll post a photo when they arrive because I am SOOOO excited. I'm also rather desperately hoping the school my children attend has done their usual yearly creative present making exercise, because I adore anything made with love by my kids. (Yes, even those droopy clay creations that sometimes look like a mug.) I've also dropped a hint (or two or three ... ahem ...) to H that I'm hoping for a book, time curled up at my massive picture window overlooking the hills to read it, and if I'm really, reallly lucky, maybe a few secondhand parts (read windows/walls/doors/anything will do) for the building collection that's going to turn my writers shack into a reality. I'm 'fairly' confident of the book, but not so sure about the bibs and bobs though. He's a tad focused on building his 'big-arse machinery shed' at the moment. #writersshackunlikelyinnexttenyears

Anyway, at your house, if a present is the order of the day AND you're like me and would love a book. Do you want/need a suggestion of which one?

As I did at Easter, I thought I'd give you the heads up on a few friends of mine who have a rural book out on the shelves at the moment.

But ...

First, (she blushes here ...) you could consider giving my book MOUNTAIN ASH to someone you love? Here's the blurb in case you've forgotten ...

In matters of the heart she's playing with fire …

After years of struggling as a single mother, Jodie Ashton has given up on love and passion. What she craves now is security for herself and her beloved daughter Milly. And marriage to widower Alex McGregor, the owner of the prosperous Glenevelyn cattle station in the East Gippsland mountains, will certainly offer that. If only he wasn’t so much older and so controlling.

Needing space to decide her future, Jodie reluctantly agrees to a girls-only weekend at the Riverton rodeo . . .

Meanwhile, stockman Nate McGregor vows off women, after his latest one-night stand costs him his job in the Northern Territory. Perhaps it’s time to head back to his family home, Glenevelyn, to check out for himself the ‘gold-digger’ his father seems determined to marry.

But first, on his way through Riverton, he plans to stop off at a rodeo.

Two lives are about to collide in one passionate moment – with devastating results . . .

Alternatively we have Cathryn Hein with ROCKING HORSE HILL

Who do you trust when a stranger threatens to tear your family apart?

Ever since she was a little girl, Emily Wallace-Jones has loved Rocking Horse Hill. The beautiful family property is steeped in history. Everything important in Em's life has happened there. And even though Em's brother Digby has inherited the property, he has promised Em it will be her home for as long as she wishes.

When Digby falls in love with sweet Felicity Townsend, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Em worries about the future. But she is determined not to treat Felicity with the same teenage snobbery that tore apart her relationship with her first love, Josh Sinclair. A man who has now sauntered sexily back into Em's life and given her a chance for redemption.

But as Felicity settles in, the once tightly knitted Wallace-Jones family begins to fray. Suspicions are raised, Josh voices his distrust, and even Em's closest friends question where Felicity's motives lie. Conflicted but determined to make up for the damage caused by her past prejudices, Em sides with her brother and his fiancée until a near tragedy sets in motion a chain of events that will change the family forever.

Or Rachael Johns' OUTBACK BLAZE

Ruby wasn't looking for love, Drew wasn't looking to stay...until they found each other. Can their fling survive the darkness of Ruby's past and Drew's desire to move on?

Ruby Jones was always an optimist, but the trauma of her past had made her wary. So when she flees to the small rural community of Bunyip Bay to start afresh, she has her sights firmly set on establishing her horse-riding business and rebuilding her life. The last thing Ruby wants is a romance. In fact, after all she has been through, she can't imagine she will ever believe in love again.

Police officer Drew Noble has no intention of staying in Bunyip Bay - he is just an outsider seeking temporary refuge. But as the charm of the town sways him, Drew finds himself increasingly drawn to the community and its inhabitants, as well as another newcomer, the lovely Ruby Jones.

When Drew investigates a suspicious fire at Ruby's parents' business, he finds himself feeling strangely protective of the girl with the flowers in her hair. As the details of Ruby's past emerge and she comes once more under threat, Drew realises he will do all in his power to save her.

Soon these outsiders discover they have both lost their hearts - not only to the town but to each other.

And Alissa Callen with BENEATH OUTBACK SKIES

A captivating rural romance featuring an indomitable young woman determined to save her family farm, and the city-boy who is not all he seems...

Paige Quinn will let nothing and no one distract her from caring for her wheelchair-bound father, Connor, and fighting for her remote, drought-stricken property, Banora Downs. Least of all a surprise farm-stay guest named Tait Cavanaugh, whose smooth words are as lethal as his movie-star smile.

Except Paige can't help noticing that, for a city-boy, Tait seems unexpectedly at home on the land. And he does ask a lot of questions…

It doesn't matter how much he helps out or how much laughter he brings into her life, she soon suspects he is harbouring a big secret – the real reason he has come to Banora Downs…

All these rural books, receiving fabulous reviews, are hitting the shelves in time for Mother's Day.

Fiona Palmer also has a new release, a young adult novel called THE RECRUIT (available as an eBook only). You could gift a voucher?

From one of Australia’s Queens of Romance comes the debut in a brand new YA series about secrets, strengths, and what lies beneath the surface.

Jasmine Thomas may not be completely normal, but she’s a pretty typical seventeen-year-old girl. She hates the rich mean kids, loves her best friends, and can’t wait to get out of school each day. Her spare time is spent at The Ring — a boxing gym where she practically grew up — learning karate, boxing and street fighting. So, yeah, Jaz can kick some major butt.

Life seems pretty normal until the day Ryan Fletcher enters her gym…mysterious and hot with heaps of bad boy charm. Sure, she checks him out. Who wouldn’t? But what doesn’t show on his gorgeous abs are secrets and lies that dominate his very grown-up world. Now Jaz has to figure out just how far she is willing to go to know more. Could Ryan really be offering the life-fulfilling life path she’s always dreamed of?

The first in the MTG Agencies series.

I asked these lovely girls what they'd like, or like to give, for Mother's Day.

Cathryn Hein responded with, 'My mum has Alzheimer's and lives interstate, which makes Mother's Day hard. The phone is difficult because it is so easy for her to forget who she's talking to. The trick I've learned is to say 'Mum' as much as I can. So that will be my Mother's Day gift to mum. The reminder that she has a daughter she loves and who loves her.'

How beautiful is that?

Rachael Johns, a mother to three 'hero's in training' had this to say, ' I'd like to spend Mother's Day with my boys but I'm going to be in America this Mother's Day and we're all a bit sad about this. What I might give my mother (I hope she doesn't read this Rach!) is one of those electric blanket throw rugs as I adore my electric blanket and her house is VERY cold in Winter.'

Nice.

Fiona Palmer would 'like a good book and time to read it!'

A girl after my own heart.

While Alissa Callen told me, 'I'd love my older kids to be home from boarding school and to have a special family dinner that I didn't have to cook. I'd also love plenty of chocolate, my weekend washing to do itself and a quiet hour to curl up with a book.'

Ahhh... it all sounds divine, doesn't it.

Flipping sideways for a minute now ... (if you know me well enough, you'll know my brain is not geared for straight line thinking ...)

Another heart warming read to consider for Mother's Day is a delightful new release from Deborah O'Brien (who brought us, MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM). Although not specifically 'chook lit' (good Lord, did I just use that term?), this one could easily jostle for space on your rural shelf. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know you guys all have a rural shelf that's as jam packed as mine {smiley}).

A PLACE OF HER OWN has the most gorgeous cover. (I am having a serious case of 'jealous cover love' over this one. I have no particular idea why, it just warms my soul.)

A compelling novel of starting over from the author of Mr Chen's Emporium. Eighteen months ago Angie Wallace thought her world had ended. Now she's fighting off suitors – and facing a crisis she never saw coming . . .

‘Unrequited love hurt like hell – whether you were fifteen or fifty-something.'

Following the death of her beloved husband Phil, Angie has made a new life for herself in the enchanting gold rush town of Millbrooke. The proud proprietor of the Old Manse B&B and a fierce protector of local history, her transition from ‘blow-in' to bona fide Millbrooker is complete.
She's even fallen for the erudite but scruffy Richard Scott, owner of Millerbrooke House.

But just as the relationship between Angie and Richard seems to be blossoming, a woman from his past arrives back in town – and turns their world upside down.

Because Diana Goodmann isn't all she seems, and when Angie vows to unearth the truth about her rival she finds herself a long way from home - and in very grave danger.

Regardless if you manage to get over the line presentwise or not, from me to you, I sincerely hope you have a beautiful and happy Mother's Day surrounded by all those you love.

With love

M xo

Tags

Beneath Outback Skies

Christmas is Coming - Deborah O'Brien

Margareta-Admin — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:29:22 +0000

Christmas is Coming - Deborah O'Brien

Margareta-Admin Thu, 28/11/2013 - 11:29 am

Deborah O'Brien is a teacher, visual artist and writer who was born and raised in Sydney. She came to my attention with an intriguingly titled novel, MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM, a book I absolutely adored for it's beautiful writing and delightful tale. She has done it again with her second book THE JADE WIDOW .

'O'Brien delivers accuracy and grace in this deftly written tale . . .'

'AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY' on THE JADE WIDOW

Together with her husband and son, Deborah divides her time between Sydney and a country cottage on the outskirts of her very own Millbrooke, the rural village which is the backdrop of her novels. You will even find platypus there ...

Thanks, Margareta, for inviting me to take part in your Christmas Blog series. (Margareta: It's wonderful to have you here Deborah.)

Deborah O'Brien

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 Deborah, or maybe a free book from the giveaway pile.

My Latest Release - The Jade Widow, Deborah O'Brien

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

THE JADE WIDOW is a sequel to MR CHEN’S EMPORIUM and also a stand-alone novel, which picks up the story of Amy Chen and Eliza Miller in 1885.

Once a vivacious and rebellious teenager, Amy has now become a serious young woman, who models herself on the widowed Queen Victoria and has no intention of ever falling in love again. Instead, she intends to build a grand country hotel in Millbrooke, a little town that has prospered in the wake of the Gold Rush.

Eliza remains the forthright person whom readers got to know in MR CHEN’S EMPORIUM. She is studying to be a doctor, a notion which is widely considered perverse and unladylike. When she returns to Millbrooke from her studies at the Sorbonne, she discovers the job she thought would be hers, has been taken by a man. And she doesn’t hesitate to show her distaste for the newcomer.

Along with many of the characters from MR CHEN’S EMPORIUM, we also meet historical figures such as the ‘Father of Federation’, Sir Henry Parkes, the influential Chinese merchant, Quong Tart, up-and-coming painters Charles Conder and Tom Roberts, and one of Sydney’s early suffragettes, the persuasive and beautiful Rose Scott.

You can see a slideshow trailer at: http://www.deborahobrien.com.au/index.php/the-jade-widow

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

I wanted to write a book about women seeking an identity of their own in Victorian-era Australia. The title comes from a jade statue given to me by my mother-in-law. In MR CHEN’S EMPORIUM Amy fantasises about being a jade figurine in Charles Chen’s storehouse of possibilities, and in the JADE WIDOW we see what has become of the fantasy.

What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?

It would have to be the year that Santa turned up in an inflatable suit, which made him look like a red version of the Michelin Man. I was certain he was going to burst. At one point he got wedged on the sofa like a beached whale and everyone had to help him stand up.

Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

When I was six, I was confined to bed with ‘double’ pneumonia for what seemed like weeks. As a result, I wasn’t well enough to visit Santa at Christmastime, but someone must have told him I wanted a dolls’ house. On Christmas morning I woke to find a miniature mansion, filled with exquisite furniture and fittings, sitting on a table beside my bed. My grandfather, who was a carpenter, built the house and furniture for me. All these years later, I still treasure that dolls’ house.

Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?

I hope my husband doesn’t read this because the worst present I’ve ever received was the one he gave me for our first Christmas together. Being a very practical person, he bought me a filing cabinet. Hardly the romantic gift I’d been anticipating. Then again, the following year he gave me hiking boots!

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

It was Christmas Eve 1997. We took our son for a surprise trip to the RSPCA and came home with an adorable tabby kitten, whom we called Tinker Bell after J.M. Barrie’s fairy character. Thankfully Tink is still with us and she has even learned to cope with our newest pet, a very lively kelpie puppy by the name of Angel.

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

Your mum, gran, sister, aunt or best friend.

Actually, my mother has just bought a pile of Jade Widows to give to her friends for Christmas. Thanks, Mum!

Happy Christmas, Margareta, and wishing all your readers a joyful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

(Margareta: And Happy Christmas to you too, Deborah! )

If you've been visiting my blog or Facebook page for a while, you will know just how much I ADORE Deborah's books. MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM was one of my top reading picks for last year, a novel which is a perfect gift for that special female in your family. THE JADE WIDOW was a perfect accompaniment to MR CHEN'S - I enjoyed it just as much - and I now can't wait for Deborah's next venture.

Deborah has kindly donated one set of both books - MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM and THE JADE WIDOW - to be given away to some very lucky reader. Make a comment below and go in the draw to win not, one, but two books! I assure you they are as beautiful to look at as well as read!

Tags

Christmas is Coming

Bush Christmas

Deborah O'Brien

The Billy's Boiling with Deborah O'Brien

Margareta — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:43:05 +0000

The Billy's Boiling with Deborah O'Brien

Margareta Tue, 11/12/2012 - 9:43 pm

Hi and thank you for agreeing to come to morning tea or ‘smoko’ with me! It’s really very kind of you to consider joining in, as I’m hoping that this is another method by which we can get all our readers to know more about all our authors!

On my blog we’re having are having a metaphorical cuppa and cake on our farm at Tinamba in Gippsland, Victoria. Imagine, if you will, we're in my kitchen, which is pretty comfortable and welcoming (even if I say so myself ;)). It’s got an old and battered Baltic pine table (previously the floor of an old woolshed in NSW), hardwood ladderback chairs, there are some gorgeous, old fashioned china mugs sitting ready for our cuppa .

And, of course, ‘the billy’s boiling’…

Away we go ...

At the table with me is Deborah O'Brien whose latest book is MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM.

Thanks, Margareta. It’s nice to take a break and join you for morning tea.

MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM by Deborah O'Brien

And thank you for the lovely comments you made about MR CHEN’S EMPORIUM on Facebook. It was really a joy to write. People have asked me why I decided to write a novel at this point in my life and I have to confess that I’ve been writing (and illustrating) stories since I was a child. But I didn’t ever think I could write a full-length novel. Not until a few years ago when my mum, who had always loved my stories, said, ‘When are you going to get around to writing that novel? I’m not getting any younger, you know.’

So I went to my laptop, started typing and haven’t stopped since. All the narrative fragments, which had been living in my head for so long, seemed to come together. And now there are several almost-finished manuscripts sitting in the proverbial bottom drawer. And then there’s the one I did finish - MR CHEN’S EMPORIUM, a story of two women, one Gold Rush town, then and now. By the way, my mum is thrilled about the book and has bought copies for all her friends for Christmas. Thanks, Mum.

----

In 1872, seventeen-year-old Amy Duncan arrives in the Gold Rush town of Millbrooke, having spent the coach journey day-dreaming about glittering pavilions and gilded steeples. What she finds is a dusty main street lined with ramshackle buildings.

That is, until she walks through the doors of Mr Chen’s Emporium, a veritable Aladdin’s cave, and her life changes forever. Though banned from the store by her dour clergyman father, Amy is entranced by its handsome owner, Charles Chen …

In present-day Millbrooke, recently widowed artist, Angie Wallace, has rented the Old Manse where Amy once lived. When her landlord produces an antique trunk containing Amy's intriguingly diverse keepsakes – both Oriental and European – Angie resolves to learn more about this mysterious girl from the past and in the process she learns a great deal about herself.

And it’s not long before the lives of two very different women, born a century apart, become connected in the most poignant and timeless ways.

What's your favourite cake/slice/bickies/dip for morning smoko?

I’ve brought along my son’s favourite - apricot chocolate slice.

You’ll need a 250g packet of Nice biscuits - crumbed; about one cup of dried apricots - chopped finely; one and a half cups of dessicated coconut; 395g can sweetened condensed milk; 125g butter – chopped into cubes. Plus good quality cooking chocolate for the topping. Milk or dark – it’s up to you.

Line the base of 18cm x 28cm lamington pan with baking paper.Now, the really fun stuff

Combine biscuit crumbs, chopped apricots and coconut in a bowl. Place sweetened condensed milk and butter in a medium saucepan. Stir over low/medium heat until the butter is melted. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. If it looks too wet, you can add some extra coconut and mix well. Press the mixture into the pan and refrigerate until set. Melt chocolate in a double boiler and place evenly over the top, smoothing with a knife. Refrigerate.

(Whacko! Someone’s been game to share a recipe with us. This is the first – Thank you Deborah!)

Now, the really fun stuff {cheeky}

Latte or Billy Tea?

Definitely tea. I can’t live without it.

Country or City?

Both! I lead a dual life, dividing my time between Sydney and a little place on the outskirts of a small country town. Sometimes I wake up at night and have no idea where I am.

(I only have one place of residence and have no idea where I am half the time. Poor you!)

Sea or Trees

Again, it has to be both. In Sydney I live on the banks of a saltwater river, which is home to flocks of sea birds. But I love our little place in the country, where a spring-fed creek, frequented by platypus, runs across the bottom of the garden.

(Your little place in the country sounds divine, Deborah.
And do I recognise those said platypus from MR CHEN’S?)

Morning or Evenings?

Mornings, before anyone else is awake. I love my first cup of tea and the quiet time anticipating the day ahead.

(I love this time of day too.)

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn?

Spring for its sense of renewal.

(Amen)

Swags or Room Service?

Although my husband claims that camping is ‘1000 star accommodation’, I have to confess I would prefer room service.

(And here I was thinking my husband was the only one who said that?!)

Horse or Motor Bike?

Horses! I don’t actually own one, but I can dream, much as I do with alpacas (please see below).

(Karen? Karen?! She mentioned Alpacas …<To those of you who don’t know, Karen is my wonderful webmistress/webguru/all round amazing captain of my weblife ship> )

(Good grief woman settle down... unless you want me to start posting more photos of my boys. Obviously Deborah is a woman of great refinement and taste... love, love, love Alpacas... Of course, my boys are just the most perfect Alpacas in the world and the slightly daunting prospect of a room full of unprocessed fleece will pass... I hope... if the spinning wheel and I could just come to some sort of understanding.)

Books or Shoes?

Books – the print variety. My house is full of them and I can never bring myself to part with a single one. I even have my complete childhood set of ‘Anne’ books.

(Do we mean the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ kind of books?)

Jim Craig, Hugh Jackman or Simon Baker (?All of them)?

Jim Craig

Hugh Jackman

Simon Baker

It has to be Hugh. I’ve had a crush on him ever since ‘Correlli’. I also admire his wisdom and good taste in marrying an older woman named Deb!

(Ha ha ha … very good taste I must agree )

Rodeo or Dinner Party?

I’m a dinner party person myself, but not the formal kind. I like everyone to join in and help with the cooking.

(Do you take self-invited guests? Namely, me? I can cook … I promise.)

Dairy / Cropping / Beef / Sheep?

Sorry, Margareta - none of the above. My dream is to own a small herd of alpacas. In the meantime, I visit my friends’ alpacas and write them into my books. Hence, Snow White and Co.

(Karen? I say again, KAREN?! – Have you got one Deb can borrow in the meantime? She sounds like she really needs an alpaca …)

(Well, my boys do kush nicely in the back of an ambulance (they arrived in the back of a re-purposed ambulance), but I don't have one of those, so maybe a visit? Provided you admire from a distance and don't mind the occasional stickynose over your shoulder...)

Which Tractor - Green, Blue or Red?

Blue. There is a lovely sky-blue tractor perched on the hill opposite our place. It’s been there for years and nobody seems to use it. From a distance it looks like a Dinky toy.

(Sky blue, you say? I wonder what make that would be?)

(Ah Memories - FadedFords - we had quite a few of that make when I was a kid )

Holden or Ford?

Holden! I’ve been driving the same one for the past ten years (Astra/Opel) and I’ve never had a problem with it. My husband would say neither – he loves his Defender.

(Pffftt. Oh, no! A Landrover lover – BEWARE PEOPLES!)

Cats or Dogs?

I have a cat and a dog, but (she says in a whisper so that her cat won’t hear her) I prefer dogs. They are the best friends anyone can have, loyal, loving and never judgmental.

(Here, here!)

Why Writing?

I can’t imagine doing anything else – it’s a compulsion. What other job affords the opportunity to play make-believe with an imaginary cast of characters and locations?

(… and don’t forget doing all manner of amazing things!)

Writer's Cave or Kitchen Table?

Writer’s cave - in Sydney it’s my dining room table; in the country I have a lovely old desk.

(‘A lovely old desk?’ She sighs.)

Book(s) That Changed Your Life?

In no particular order: TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD (Harper Lee), ANIMAL FARM (George Orwell), THE GREAT GATSY (F. Scott Fitzgerald), THE CHANT OF JIMMY BLACKSMITH (Thomas Keneally)

Event That Changed Your Life?

Two things. First and foremost, becoming a mother after years of trying – it was both life-changing and life-enhancing. The second event isn’t in the same class, but it did change my life nonetheless – leaving my old job to write full-time.

(Beautiful)

Now that MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM is out, are you working on anything now? (What's next?)

I’m writing a sequel to MR CHEN’S EMPORIUM, called THE JADE WIDOW, which picks up Amy’s story in 1885 when she’s thirty. If I had to come up with a tagline for this book, I would say it’s a tale about pioneering women in a world dominated by men.

Words to Live By?

‘When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.’
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Deborah O'Brien

Thanks for having smoko with me. Until we meet again, I wish you all the very best of luck with your endeavors.

See you next time as she waves goodbye. {smiley}

Thank you, Margareta. It’s been a pleasure.

Tags

Billy's Boiling

Deborah O'Brien

Mr Chen's Emporium

Deborah O'Brien

And we're off to the Pilbara!

RECIPES

BUTTERSCOTCH BUTTONS

FOCACCIA ROLLS

CHICKEN & DUMPLING CASSEROLE

WHAT I'M READING ...

Leave a Reply

Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

Leave a Reply

Christmas is Coming - Deborah O'Brien

Leave a Reply

The Billy's Boiling with Deborah O'Brien

What's your favourite cake/slice/bickies/dip for morning smoko?

Latte or Billy Tea?

Country or City?

Sea or Trees

Morning or Evenings?

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn?

Swags or Room Service?

Horse or Motor Bike?

Books or Shoes?

Jim Craig, Hugh Jackman or Simon Baker (?All of them)?

Rodeo or Dinner Party?

Dairy / Cropping / Beef / Sheep?

Which Tractor - Green, Blue or Red?

Holden or Ford?

Cats or Dogs?

Why Writing?

Writer's Cave or Kitchen Table?

Book(s) That Changed Your Life?

Event That Changed Your Life?

Now that MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM is out, are you working on anything now? (What's next?)

Words to Live By?

Leave a Reply

Deborah O'Brien

And we're off to the Pilbara!

RECIPES

​BUTTERSCOTCH BUTTONS

FOCACCIA ROLLS

CHICKEN & DUMPLING CASSEROLE

WHAT I'M READING ...

Leave a Reply

Mothers Day Present Dilemmas

Leave a Reply

Christmas is Coming - Deborah O'Brien

Leave a Reply

The Billy's Boiling with Deborah O'Brien

What's your favourite cake/slice/bickies/dip for morning smoko?

Latte or Billy Tea?

Country or City?

Sea or Trees

Morning or Evenings?

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn?

Swags or Room Service?

Horse or Motor Bike?

Books or Shoes?

Jim Craig, Hugh Jackman or Simon Baker (?All of them)?

Rodeo or Dinner Party?

Dairy / Cropping / Beef / Sheep?

Which Tractor - Green, Blue or Red?

Holden or Ford?

Cats or Dogs?

Why Writing?

Writer's Cave or Kitchen Table?

Book(s) That Changed Your Life?

Event That Changed Your Life?

Now that MR CHEN'S EMPORIUM is out, are you working on anything now? (What's next?)

Words to Live By?

Leave a Reply

BUTTERSCOTCH BUTTONS