Yikes I missed last week’s Friday Five. So this week I’m offering five excuses. Guess which one is correct.

1. I was battling an evil villain who wanted to take over the world.
2. Brad Pitt and George Clooney called to suggest a threesome.
3. My house needed cleaning.
4. I was accepting my invitation to Prince William’s wedding.
5. My Lotto numbers came up and I was counting the money.

So which excuse is correct? Number 2 of course. No really.

Thousands more words done since my last post. Thousands more still to do, but I’m making good progress.

The cover for my second book South of Salem is on the coming soon page. I love this cover for so many reasons:

1. The amazing, rich colours. Who knew purple and orange could look so good together?

2. Allegra looks beautiful. Gotta get some of her lip gloss.

3. I love the “angel wings”, which also feature on the cover of the first book.

4. I love the font of the title.

5. I love seeing my name on the cover reminding me that, yes, I really did write this book.

It’s autumn in Australia. The days are getting shorter and cooler. Football has taken over from cricket. I’m making stews instead of salads.

Five things I like about autumn.

1. Lower humidity. We had a horribly humid summer and it’s a relief to stop sweating.

2. Hot, comfort food. Potatoes, bread, roasts, stews, soups. Yum.

3. My garden is no longer wilting beneath a fierce summer sun. The plants look darn perky.

4. You can go for a walk without feeling like you’ve stepped into a sauna.

And best of all…

5. The Romance Writers Conference is only a few months away.

More words added this week, but not much else to report. I feel like the tortoise in the fable. Hopefully, like said tortoise, I’ll get there in the end. Don’t care whether I beat the hare just so long as I reach the finish line. Preferably before Christmas.

I’m an Idol tragic from way back. I love that this show gives unknown musicians a chance to be seen. And what a talented bunch they are this year. My favourites are:

1. Jacob. I get goosebumps every time I hear this guy sing. I love it when he’s over the top. Gimme more.

2. James. Will never be unemployed again. Even if he doesn’t win, this guy has a great future.

3. Pia. Beautiful voice. Beautiful woman. She’s got it all.

4. Scotty. Lots of dignity. (Is this guy really only 17?) Always true to his country roots. Could be the dark horse this year.

5. Stefano. Love the voice.

So who will win? The competition is so strong this year, I don’t have a clue. Any one of six of the remaining contestants could take the prize. Good luck to them all. (But I hope Jacob wins.)