The third Allegra Fairweather manuscript is finally written and submitted. Unfortunately, I now have to catch up on my housework…ew. For the next week I’ll be cleaning bathrooms, vaccuuming and polishing furniture (if I can find it under the dust). Hopefully, in a far corner of my brain, the plot for the fourth book will be percolating.

I’ve had some lovely emails from readers. Many thanks to everyone who’s contacted me. Although I tried to answer all the emails, unfortunately, sometimes my replies bounced back. Apologies to anyone who hasn’t received a reply.

The posts are getting further and further apart, but with good reason. No, really.  I’m focusing on preparing the third Allegra Fairweather book for submission. It’s been a long time in the writing. Life has intervened on too many occasions. What can you do? It happens. And family comes first. Right? As a famous actress once said, You can’t put your cold feet on a career at night. Too true.

However that doesn’t mean I’m unaware, or uncaring, of the readers, who want more.  I’m plotting Allegra 4 even while I’m finishing 3. Watch this space…

The finish line is in sight! The latest draft is almost done!

I’ve read lots of books from Carina Press. Here are just a few of my favourites. In no particular order:

1. Sea of Suspicion by Toni Anderson. Well written and a good mystery. Can’t wait to read Toni’s other books.

2. Steam and Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape. Fun steampunk. I’ll be back for more.

3. Alchemy of Desire by Crista McHugh. I loved this story of the wild west. Great characters.

4. Courting Death by Carol Stephenson. I read this before Courting Disaster, but it didn’t matter. Thoroughly enjoyable. I’m off to buy Courting Disaster.

5. The Paris Secret by Angela Henry. More great suspense.

There are many other titles I’ve enjoyed from Carina Press. I’ll share more of my favourites soon.

One year ago, Carina Press opened for business. I had the good fortune to be one of their launch authors with my debut novel being released on the 14th June 2010. A lot has happened in that time, for me as well as Carina. I’ve completed a second book, which was published last week, and am almost ready to submit a third. Carina Press has accepted many more authors and has an extensive list of books. (I’ll be mentioning some of my favourites in this week’s Friday Five.)

Many thanks to Carina for their support and encouragement. It really is appreciated.

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!

Happy Release Day

South of Salem

Next Monday, 30th May, the second book in the Allegra Fairweather series will be released. Obviously I’m thrilled. There are so many things I love about release day, here are just five.

1. I get to share another story with readers.
2. I get to share another of Frauke’s beautiful covers.
3. Now that two Allegra Fairweather books have been released, it feels more like a proper series.
4. And I feel more like a real author.
5. Seeing the book on the virtual shelves makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Okay it’s not quite here yet, but getting close. Here are some things I like about winter.

1. It’s good weather for reading. No, wait, all weathers are good for reading.

2. I know I shouldn’t but – long hot showers. Mmmmm.

3. Hot coffee tastes even better on a cold day.

4. Snuggling in flannelette sheets beneath a fat doona.

5. Spring is only a few months away.

But wait there’s more.

6. The RWAust Conference is on in August. Yay!

Here’s some books I’ve enjoyed recently. In no particular order:

1. “Keeping the Dead” Tess Gerritsen. Love her books!!!!!
2. “Sacred” Dennis Lehane. Fabulous read. Loved the voice.
3. “Steam and Sorcery” Cindy Spencer Pape. Fun steampunk read. Looking forward to more stories set in this world.
4. “Whispering Rock” Robyn Carr. I just love the Virgin River series.
5. “Run the Risk” Scott Frost. Enjoyable thriller.

I’m currently awaiting – with much anticipation – delivery of the new Thursday Next book by Jasper Fforde.