Book Launches Galore!!

In the space of three weeks, I've attended three book launches. I'm so lucky to have some very talented authors as friends, and their books are must reads.

Congratulations to these three very talented Brisbane writers.

Kylie Kaden's second book, 'Missing You' is available at all retailers, including Big W and Target, and online.  Website: www.kyliekaden.com.au

Kendall Talbot's 'Treasured Love' is sure to add some suspense. Available as an ebook from all good online retailers. Oh, and visit her website to get a copy of the companion cook book that goes with Treasured Love. Website:  www.kendalltalbot.com.au









Tania Joyce's debut novel, Propositions, is a hot little number. A great read to keep you warm in winter. Available in print and ebook from all online retailers.  Website: www.taniajoyce.com

Treasured Secrets - long awaited new release from Kendall Talbot

Treasured Secrets

Some secrets should remain hidden forever...

The last place Rosalina expected the clue to a 700-year-old mystery to lead her was back into the arms
of Archer, the man who broke her heart. When neither can solve the puzzle without the other, they set off on a new adventure. They’re forced to ignore the sparks that still fly unhindered between them as their search for the golden riches weaves from Tuscany’s underbelly to Archer’s luxurious yacht in the Greek Islands.

Archer desperately wants to salvage his shattered relationship with Rosalina but fighting for her love soon takes a back seat to fighting for their lives. Ruthless competition is hot on their heels and will do anything to get his hands on the treasure. Murder is just the beginning. With evil close on their tail, and Archer wrestling with the remnants of a childhood tragedy, Rosalina begins to wonder if some secrets were never meant to be revealed.

Tell us about your heroine:

Rosalina is a strong Italian woman in her late 20’s. She’s adventurous, independent and occasionally likes to get up to a little mischief. She grew up in a 700 year of villa in Tuscany and her Nonna raised her in what she called, ‘Her kitchen of life’. Rosalina is a fabulous chef and she has a genuine appreciation for food and flavour and has always believed food solved everything. One of the fun things I did while writing this book, was to cook all the meals that Rosalina makes in Treasured Secrets and book two in this series, Treasured Lies. So now, Rosalina’s recipes debut in their own cookbook “Rosalina’s Treasured Treats” so maybe you can cook along as you read the book. Rosalina’s Treasured Treats is only $1.99 on my website: http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au

Tell us about your hero:

Archer is an Australian man in his early 30’s. He’s wealthy, feisty, courageous and impulsive and he’s handsome in a rugged outdoorsy way. He thrives on adventure and treasured hunting is his chosen profession. But a shocking childhood tragedy has him screaming awake almost every night. He believes the nightmares are fitting punishment and a burden that only he should suffer.

You’ve traveled extensively and are up for adventure yourself! What locations have inspired you the most as a writer?

My stories are as much about the location as the thrill of the adventures I’ve done. For example Treasured Secrets is inspired by a couple of wonderful tours we did in Florence and a cruise I did around the Greek Islands. But the scuba diving in my story comes from a diving holiday we did at the Solomon Islands. The shark scenes come from scuba diving at Christmas Island. There are several scenes in Treasured Secrets that were inspired by the Underground Tour we did in Seattle, USA. The helicopter scenes come from my visit to the Grand Canyon. There’s a plot theme in Treasured Lies, book two in this series, that comes from a deserted beach we went to in Brazil. Much of my inspiration for my debut novel, Lost in Kakadu, came from hiking in the Milford Track in New Zealand. I already have plans to use places I visited in Brazil, Egypt and Russia in my future books. I live to travel and I always have a holiday on the horizon. My next trip is to Mexico, New York and Las Vegas… bring it on.

What are you working on now? Any new books on the horizon?

Book two in this series, Treasured Lies will be out in October 2015 and book three, Treasured Love, will be released April 2016.

I used to daydream about robbing a bank that I worked at in 1992. So guess what? I robbed that bank. In a book of course. Double Take my first crime novel, is a gritty Quinten Tarantino meets Nora Roberts story set in that bank I worked in. I also chose 1992 as the year its set, a time before the internet, mobile phones and electric windows. It was also a time of Cheers, Cagney and Lacey, boom boxes and Carrington Blush fake champagne. It was so much fun writing in that era.

Tell us about the cookbook:

Treasured Secrets is as much a treasure hunt as it is a culinary adventure. Rosalina, my Italian heroine in Treasured Secrets is a talented chef, so food and flavours abound as much as the treasure hunt action. Every one of the meals she makes in my books I made for myself. In fact, recipes from “Treasured Secrets” debut in their own book “Rosalina’s Treasured Treats” readers can find this on my website and cook along as they read Treasured Secrets if they like.

What advice would you offer aspiring writers?

Turn off the television. If you need to watch television, watch a movie and analyze it until you work out what works and what doesn’t. Keep an eye out for the pivotal points and really study the dialogue as this will help you improve your voice. By the way, I do most of my movie watching in my home gym, that way I get to exercise and study at the same time.

About the author

Kendall Talbot is an award winning author, thrill seeker and a hopeless romantic. She has
travelled extensively, some 36 countries, and counting and she’s addicted to experiences that
make her scream… white water rafting, scuba diving with sharks and hang gliding are just a few.



Her stories reflect her sense of adventure and her long running love affair with her very own
hero.

Kendall collects junky jewellery and expensive perfume, her favourite night out is with great
friends and a fabulous bottle of wine or two, and she rarely watches TV. She lives in Brisbane

with her hubby, her two grown boys and her little dog, Josie McLuvin.

Her debut novel Lost in Kakadu (Escape Publishing, 2013) has received a clutch of award nominations and most notably won the exclusive Romantic Book of the Year.

Drop into Kendall’s website sometime: www.kendalltalbot.com.au

from Treasured Secrets by Kendall Talbot

‘I’m not going to sit here and do nothing.’ As much as the thought of running into that creepy guy in the robe scared the hell out of her, Rosalina was compelled to walk towards a dim light beckoning in the distance. Alessandro kept talking to her on the phone, but she ignored him. Soon she heard Archer and Alessandro arguing. ‘Hey, fellas,’ she whispered into her mobile. ‘Will you keep it down? I’m trying to sneak around here.’

The voices on the end of the phone quietened down.

She arrived at a set of stairs. It was decision time. Go down or go back. The nerves tightened in her stomach as she realised it was pointless to go back. Without a way to open that door, it was up to her to find her own way out.

‘I’m going down some stairs,’ she whispered into the phone. The uneven stones had a smooth path worn down the middle. At the bottom she had a choice of left or right. There was nothing to indicate which way was best. She swallowed the lump in her throat and chose left. 

The stone tunnels were clearly man-made. Sandstone blocks, fashioned into giant bricks, made up the walls. There were no windows. No doors. And nothing to indicate she was heading the right way. It was silent, too. Eerie, vacant silence. Something she wasn’t used to.

The word dungeon rolled around her mind as she tried to memorise where she was going, but each twist and turn of the labyrinth looked identical to the one before: nothing but cold stone walls burdened with centuries of grime. It didn’t help that the wrought-iron lamps with the bare, dangling light bulbs hung off the walls at random intervals, creating alternating dark and light shadows.

A hand darted from the darkness and latched onto her wrist. She spun around, gasping. The dark shadows made it impossible to see who had hold of her. But she smelt him, and that left no doubt about whom he was.

Rosalina forced the putrid odour into her lungs and screamed. 

BUY LINKS
http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/book-treasured-secrets.html

Catching up with the bubbly, always happy ... Kendall Talbot

Kendall, I’m thrilled to have you visit my blog again. The last time you dropped in was just prior to your first release – Lost in Kakadu. Well, that book has been phenomenally popular, both in Australia and overseas. Congratulations on its success!

I thought that your readers might like to know what’s been happening in your life in the ten months since Lost in Kakadu was released.

The adrenalin rush of getting that first book published is a very special feeling. Does it still give you a buzz?

Absolutely. I’m so lucky to still have Lost in Kakadu in several bestseller charts and it’s a buzz seeing my book cover up there amongst some very big author names.

Kendall, that's true! And not only that, but you have been nominated in some very prestigious awards lists recently too. Take a look at these:

• Best Romantic Suspense for 2013
• Best Book Cover for 2013
• Best New Author for 2013
• And, nominated as Australia's Favourite Novelist of 2013 by Booktopia

BREAKING NEWS: As of today, 11th June, Kendall Talbot is now also a finalist in the 'Stories with Romantic Elements' category of the very prestigious RWA - Romance Writers of Australia R*BY Awards, otherwise known as the RUBY Award. Congratulations Kendall, and all the other finalists. Winners will be announced at the RWA Conference in Sydney on August 10th.

Link to all the other finalists here:
http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/ruby-finalists-2014/

‘Lost in Kakadu’ is a very Australian book – in setting and story – yet it has been very well received in many countries around the world, especially in the UK and USA. Does this surprise you? And what is it about your book that you think appeals to overseas readers?

It doesn’t surprise me that Lost in Kakadu appeals to an international audience. I’ve travelled quite extensively and in my experience everyone loves Australians and Australia. My book takes the reader into one of Australia’s very special heritage listed National Parks and shows off just how amazing our country is.

Kendall emerging from the plane hangar

What has Kendall Talbot been doing since Lost in Kakadu was released?

The first couple of months after the book was released was completely crazy and in hindsight I wish I’d been more prepared.

My book launch was very exciting with 125 guests. It was set in a small warehouse that I decorated into a jungle scene, complete with real plants and plane parts. My guests were treated to a couple of sexy male topless waiters who served green champagne and aptly named jungle juice.

Kendall with the Pilot and First Officer of the plane that crashed in Kakadu

Doing 'research'. Mm, these abs do feel good.

(Oh yeah! I was there, remember? That was the most awesome book launch ever! Especially the topless pilots/waiters). Seriously, I took the opportunity to get in some...research. 

Yes, Noelle. I saw you, manhandling my pilots. I mean, waiters. 

Anyway, back to the question. Blog tours keep me very busy too and I love attending writing conferences, not only for the information but also for the networking.

Sorry, I just had to include that pic. ;-)

Can you share anything about your current work in progress with us?

I have two manuscripts that I’m ready to start submitting for publication. Double Take is a gritty urban crime novel with a dash of romance. Treasured Love is a high stakes action adventure that involves a missing 700 year old treasure, an evil priest and of course a passionate romance.

Do you consider that your latest stories blur the genre edges? Are they strictly romantic suspense, or are there other elements in them that make them different from Lost in Kakadu?

My next books are very different to Lost in Kakadu, in fact it would be hard to write another book like Kakadu, it’s very much in its own style. Double Take is a crime novel set in Brisbane. The bank my characters are planning to rob was one I once worked in. I never felt safe at that bank, and this story has been manifesting in my brain for about 15 years.  It’s set in 1991 before mobile phones and the World Wide Web existed. I had so much fun going back to that era.

You are an adventure junkie! If people don’t believe me, they should check out your website at http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/  to see photos of you doing amazingly dangerous things. What adventures have you had in the last ten months?

Hang gliding over Rio de Janeiro

My son went to Brazil for a 12 month student exchange, so of course we just had to visit. One of the most amazing things I did there was hang glide off an 800m high cliff. It was completely exhilarating taking that giant step. Gliding over the spectacular Brazilian coastline was incredible. We landed safely on the beach just down from Copacabana, then settled in for a few Caipirinha drinks served in coconuts and watched all the incredibly fit bodies play beach volleyball. 

L-R Kendall's sister, her mum, and Kendall
on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the coldest May day
on record.

The other amazing thing I’ve done recently was climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with my mum. It was so special to share that experience with her. This is a must do for every Australian.

Will these dare devil antics end up in a future story?

I don’t have any plans to use hang gliding just yet, but you never know. But Treasured Love has quite a few scenes involving scuba diving - another one of my adrenalin passions.

Do you consider that your writing style has changed as you travel the journey of being a published and more experienced author?

I would say I’ve become much more confident in myself as a writer. I learnt so much about character arcs, plot and structure with my debut novel. Lost in Kakadu was certainly risky as a romance novel, but my next novel Double Take is even more unique and risky. I can’t wait to get it out there and hear what my readers think about it.

What is it that drives you to write stories?

A couple of things drive me to write. My husband works interstate, and I refuse to waste time watching television, so writing is my escape from boredom. But what I’ve found is that I simply love the escapism, to be able to fall into my own world, create amazing characters and take them on an adventure filled journey is so much fun. Often their journeys are to places I’ve been to and reliving that experience through my characters is magic.

Finally, are you able to share an excerpt or teaser from one of your soon-to-be-released books with us?

Sure. Here’s an excerpt from Double Take:

Jack heard a car outside and quickly ran his hand through the dollar signs he’d doodled on the dusty table. He stood up, hitched his loose jeans and wiped his sweaty palms down his thighs as he waited to see who it was.

The ancient door emitted an eerie creaking noise as a tall, raven-haired woman stepped over the threshold. She commanded attention in an emerald green dress that moulded to her hourglass figure and he obliged by openly drinking in her appearance. The soft white mounds of her breasts bulged from the plunging neckline and a lock of hair, long, dark and silky, fell loosely over her shoulder and nudged the valley of those luscious curves.

Jack swallowed loudly. “Hello, Rachel.”

She strode toward him with a bold confidence that made him step back. Since he’d called her a week earlier he’d been visualizing how their reunion would play out. But even if he’d been given a whole year to imagine ways she’d greet him, he would never have guessed being pinned to the wall with her forearm across his chest as one of them.

It was several heartbeats before his mind kicked into gear. “What the‒”

“Shut up,” she snapped. With the swiftness of a viper, her hand shot down the front of his jeans.

Jack recoiled and tried to escape, but she quite literally had him by the balls. “What the hell?”

 “I said shut up.” She squeezed tighter. The freshness of her peppermint breath did little to sweeten the evil in her eyes.

As a hot rush burned his neck, sweat dribbled from his arm pits. He didn’t know whether to laugh at her or yell at her.

Rachel’s eyes drilled into him. “If you cross me,” she hissed in an acid voice, “I’ll cut your balls off with a rusty can.”

“I wouldn’t ‒”

“I will hunt you down,” she cut in. “Do you understand?”

As Jack nodded he wondered what the hell had happened to her. The girl he remembered wouldn’t have even raised her voice, let alone done this.

           “Good.” Rachel’s hand slipped out of his jeans and she stepped back. “I’m glad we had this conversation.” She raised her hand and Jack braced for a slap. But instead she gently cupped his cheek. “So… what’s this all about?”

Click here to read more about Double Take.

Kendall, thank you so much for coming along today. The only thing missing from this interview is that magical laugh of yours, which – those that know you personally – will having ringing in their ears. I know that your legion of fans love to hear what you’ve been up to, and are anxiously awaiting the next release from you.

Contact Kendall:

Web: www.kendalltalbot.com.au

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annette.kendall

Twitter:   @KendallBooks

Where you can buy Lost in Kakadu:

Amazon
Booktopia
Google Play
Kobo
Itunes
Mills and Boon
Nook Books

My Writing Process – Blog Tour

Today is my turn to talk about my own writing process. This blog tour is where writers and authors answer questions about their writing process. My friend, US author Sharon Struth, posted hers last week. Sharon’s beautiful book, The Hourglass, is a stunning example of women’s fiction at its very best. I’d encourage you to check out her writing process here: http://sharonstruth.wordpress.com/2014/01/27/my-writing-process-blog-tour/

This week, you can read not only my post, but also those of Shehanne Moore and Ellen Butler.

With the help of these four questions, I’d like to share with you my writing process. This should be an interesting activity, because I have to admit I’ve never analysed it before. I guess it will be a learning process for all of us.

What am I working on?

My third novel, Honor’s Debt, is about a quarter finished. Still a long way to go, however I’ve plotted out the main points of the story, so at least I know where it’s going, and I don’t feel like I’m floundering. I’m not moving quickly on this book as I’ve had several other urgent tasks to attend to (unfortunately not writing related). This is an unusual situation for me because usually I write my books in one hit. With Rosamanti, I wrote 65,000 from start to finish in three weeks. It was an amazing feeling, and looking back now, I don’t really know how that happened. All I can say is that it was a story that was meant to be told, and it just sorted of bubbled out of me.
I’m also about to start final edits (I hope) on my historical novel (based on true family history), Stone of Heaven and Earth. I finished this book over two years ago, but it’s been sitting, mulling away, for a long time.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I don’t know that my Contemporary Romance books are all that different to several other authors who like to use locations and settings that they’ve travelled to and fallen in love with. But what I do try to do, is to have several little subplots weaving through the stories which contain mystery, intrigue, suspense, danger, adventure. I also like to have a couple of interesting support characters, who will one day be the main characters of future books. I then combine these elements with a well described (I hope) exotic location, two likeable main characters, and some pretty good romance.

Why do I write what I do?

I write books like Rosamanti, Let Angels Fly, and Honor’s Debt, because they are the sorts of books I love to read. I also love to use locations that I’ve travelled to or lived in, and then watch as the setting makes my characters behave in a particular way, which may not have happened had I set the stories somewhere else. I believe strongly that location/setting has a huge influence on the behaviour of characters.

How does your writing process work?

I start with an idea that pings into my brain, usually when I’m driving, or when I’m just waking up in the morning. You know those moments when the creative right side of the brain is acting superior to the normally dominant, logical, left side?

I love those moments. It’s almost like the whole book is written in your brain, but of course, when I rouse from that out-of-body moment, all I’m left with – usually – is a vague plot line, a title, a setting, a mind picture of my characters.

Next step is to begin writing down dot points. I find that hard, as the rich vision I had in my head ends up being barely a half page of points. I get my writing juices flowing by fleshing out the location. What kind of people live there? What do they eat? What year is it set in? Why are my characters there? How do they meet? What attracts them to each other? What causes the inevitable conflict? Can it be overcome? How?  And so on …  It’s really the old who, what, why, where, and how process. Works for me.

Who will we meet next week?
As I’m an Aussie author, I thought I’d introduce three fellow Australian authors who each write in different ways and genres.

Isabella Hargreaves writes historical romance. Isabella has been interested in history all her life and her stories are usually set in her favourite eras, both in Australia and England. Her stories will take you on a journey through Regency England, convict New South Wales, and with the Viking Danelaw and you will experience romance through the ages ... let's live there...love there...linger there.

Susanne Bellamy writes contemporary romance. Susanne loves travelling to new places and exploring the culture and history, and meeting new people. These experiences are gradually being incorporated into her stories, along with her love of music and musicals.

Kendall Talbot writes romantic suspense. Kendall writes stories that reflect her life experiences. She’s travelled extensively, some 36 countries and counting and she loves adventures that make her scream.

I'd love to hook up with you all. Here are my contact links:
Web
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

And my books are available through all good online book retailers, or from my publisher, Etopia Press.

The A.B.C. Award

My inimitable friend and fellow author, Shehanne Moore, has nominated me for an ABC Award. I am truly grateful that you bestowed this on me, Shey. Thank you.

Today – the first day of 2014 – is the perfect time to look at ourselves and seek out what really makes us tick. So, in keeping with the inevitable rules surrounding the acceptance of this award, I’ll do my very best to play honestly.

The rules are as simple as ABC!

 

1.    Display the logo and link back to the person who gave you the award.

2.    Nominate some other blogs.

3.    Work through the alphabet writing one word or phrase about yourself or things you like or associate with yourself, that begins A...B....C....  All 26 of them.

 

 

A – Abhor Arrogance; Adore my grandchildren Andy and Abbie
B – Books
C – Cats, Chardonnay, Chocolate
D – my Doggies too
E – Equality for all
F – Friends and Family
G – Grateful
H – Health, Happiness, and Humour
I – Internet
J – Justice, Joviality, Mum Jokes
K – skip
L – Love, of course
M - My Mum, entering her 96^th year, Music, Merriment
N – Never say Never
O – If I hadn’t already used E, I’d say I was Eccentric, but Odd will do
P - skip
Q - Quirky
R – Really Suck at This
S – see above
T – see above
U - skip
V – Verity
W – Wine, Work, Words,
X – Long gone
Y – Not?
Z – zzzzzz

 

OK, I now bestow this award on:

Kendall Talbot   http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/blog.html

Elizabeth Ellen Carter   http://eecarter.com/

Isabella Hargreaves   http://www.isabellahargreaves.com/index.html

Sharon Struth   http://www.sharonstruth.com/

Susanne Bellamy   http://www.susannebellamy.com/

and now, linking back to the person who gave me this award, Shehanne Moore.

  

A day in the life of: Author Kendall Talbot

Today I’m thrilled to have my good friend, and fellow writing group buddy, Kendall Talbot on my blog. Kendall and I belong to a small but productive writing group called YON Beyond. There are only 7 of us, but we meet monthly at either our State Library in Brisbane, or at a local coffee shop. We also meet online once a week and chat, write, and generally catch up.

Kendall’s debut novel, Lost in Kakadu, is being released on August 1^st through Escape Publishing, and I can’t wait! I’m also attending a private book launch party, which should be fantastic.

Kendall Talbot

For those of you not from Australia, Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest park. Situated in the very far north of Australia, in the Northern Territory, it is a rugged, crocodile infested wilderness area, the likes of which is rare to be found anywhere else. I was lucky enough to go on a camping trip through Kakadu many years ago, before it was designated a National Park, and trust me, it is a stunning place.

So, I’d like to introduce you all to Kendall, and hear about her adventurous life, and her marvellous book.

Noelle: How long have you been writing Lost in Kakadu?

Kendall: I started and finished ‘Lost in Kakadu’ during the ‘Year of the Novel’ course at the Queensland Writers Centre in 2008. But it has taken me five years, dozens of re-writes, and a year with a professional editor to get it to where it is now.



Bird's eye view of Kakadu

Noelle: Sounds like a labour of love, but well worth it. What or who inspired you to write about Kakadu?

Kendall: I love a great survival story – ‘Titanic’, ‘Bear Grylls’, ‘I shouldn’t Have Survived’, I also love a good romance. But it was while I was hiking the Milford Trek in New Zealand that the idea formed to have a survival romance set in Australia’s heritage listed Kakadu National Park.

Noelle: What sort of research did you do to bring your story to life?

A young Aboriginal boy eating witchetty grubs.

Kendall: I love hiking in our great Australian bush but I also did some pretty crazy things. I ate witchetty grubs that I dug from my garden, made slingshots with my bras and sat in the bush in the pouring rain. Thankfully I’ve never experienced a plane crash, that scene is pure fiction – though there are plenty of movies that I drew on for inspiration.

Noelle: Okay, well remind me not to come over for dinner when you’re researching! Tell us about the heroine and hero:

Kendall: Abigail was inspired by a previous boss I had who was a complete bitch. I imagined what would be the worst thing I could do to her. And crashing her into rugged Australian bush without any luxuries was the answer. But then I wanted to make her suffer more so I made her survive the crash with a complete stranger. Someone she’d never associate with…are you ready…a bisexual man (gasp). During the course of the book, Abigail learns more about herself than she did in her whole life. It’s beautiful to follow her transformation.

Mackenzie on the other hand is a true hero. He’s deliciously handsome, has an Adonis body, eyes the colour of molten honey and cooks a mean snake kebab.  His life has been a rollercoaster of tragedy and triumph. Mackenzie is unashamed of being bisexual and during the course of the book, he teaches Abigail what love really means.

Together Abigail and Mackenzie must learn to survive in an environment that’s as beautiful as it is brutal - if they don’t kill each other first.

A salt water croc in Kakadu

Noelle: I wonder if your former boss will ever read this book and say, hey, that’s me! J Have you written any other books? Are they also set in the rugged bush?

Kendall: I have a couple of works in progress. Treasured Love is the next book I hope to have published. It’s a modern day treasure hunt with a 700 year old mystery, an evil priest, and a dash of romance. It takes you on a journey from the stunning beaches of Australia, to historical Tuscany and into the exotic waters of the Greek Islands. It’s a fabulous ride and was loads of fun to write.

Noelle: What tips would you have for aspiring authors who feel passionate about the stories they write:

Kendall: Firstly - if your story isn’t written down then just write the next 250 words. And then the next. Gradually it will come together. Everyone has time for 250 words. Each day you’ll find yourself thinking of the next section, so when you do have time, you will produce it with ease.

Secondly - Set yourself milestones and go for them. Whether it’s finishing the novel, researching it, submitting it to publishers or planning a complete series. Write your goals down and stay focused on them.

Thirdly – Surround yourself with writing help. Build a network of writing buddies, join writing organisations such as the Queensland Writers Centre and Romance Writers Australia, or hire an expert. My book would never be where it is without all of these, especially my editor. Oh and never stop learning your craft, join courses, read what your favourite authors have to say, and subscribe to writing magazines or websites.

Finally – believe in yourself…if you LOVE your story then the chances are someone else will too.

Noelle: Kendall, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us about your forthcoming book. I can’t wait to get my hands on it on release day – 1^st August. Where can readers get a hold of it?

Kendall: It will be out on Amazon and all good online booksellers. Best ideas is to visit the Escape Publishing website.

Noelle: And finally, where can readers connect with you?

Links:

www.kendalltalbot.com

www.facebook.com/kendalltalbotbooks

www.twitter.com/kendallbooks

So, where will my world-wide wanderings take me next?

Summer Sun Award!

My good friend, Shehanne Moore, has bestowed upon me a Summer Sun Award. She's always so

generous and brightens up my life daily. Thanks Shey. It's the middle of winter here in Brisbane, Australia. Mind you, yesterday we hit a top of 24 degrees C, so I'm not really complaining, but it's still winter for us.

But ... as with anything Shehanne does ...  there are rules! And God forbid any of us to neglect to follow them to the letter! So, here are the rules surrounding my acceptance of this esteemed award.

Well, firstly you display the logo and link back to the blog of the person who nominated you. Then you answer the following summery questions before nominating a lucky eight ….one for each sunray on the picture there. Then you must tell the lucky eight and name and display their blog link.
Of course the questions are all summer based.

So here goes. But just to liven things up (I'm a very boring person), I decided to do a retrospective view, and recall some of my happiest memories of summer.
 
1. Favourite song with summer in the title or the words (give the line) –

“Summer Holiday” – Cliff Richard. “We’re all goin’ on a summer holiday”.
(play the video, it's so funny).

2. Favourite book about summer –
“Allison’s Island Adventure” set in the isles of north-west Scotland. Can’t remember the author.

3. Favourite hot summer film –
“Gidget”    

4. Favourite summer memory –
Dad piling us all into the VW Combi and taking us to Wellington Point for a swim. Hey, I live there now!





Sunset at Wellington Point. I can walk here from my house.

Um, not me, but camping on Cylinder Beach.

5. Favourite summer holiday destination –
Camping at Cylinder Beach on Stradbroke Island.




Cylinder Beach, Stradbroke Island, Qld

6. What books will be in your suitcase this summer?

It won’t be summer here in Australia until about November. So, by then, I’ll be taking:

•  His Judas Bride
•  Saving Grace Devine
•  Collared for a Night
•  Share the Moon
•  Finding Butterflies
•  Lost in Kakadu
•  Moonstone Obsession
•  Warrior’s Surrender
•  Rosamanti (Just getting a plug in for my new book).

7. What’s your likely destination this summer?

No plans as yet … maybe to the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

8. What hottie would you most like to be sharing the hot days and long nights with this summer?
Pietro Lombardi (he’s my hot Italian hero in Rosamanti). Here's a photo of him. What do you think girls?
 

Okay that’s it. I’ve nominated seven people to receive this award. It’s now up to you all to follow Shey’s instructions above

• Sharon Struth
• Louise Forster
• Kendall Talbot
• Cat Cavendish
• EE Carter
• Susan D Taylor AND Susan Arden LOL
• and Lady Fury.

 

And thankyou Shey, for spreading some happy sunshine all around the world. :-) I feel warmer already.

I got a Sunshine Award!!

Thank you, most sincerely, to my new author friend – Shehanne Moore – for awarding me this most prestigious honour. Shehanne released her book, ‘The Unraveling of Lady Fury’, just a week before mine. So, we’re kinda twins. If you get my drift.

Because I’m new to this side of writing – that is, being a ‘published’ writer – I didn’t actually know what a Sunshine Award was, or what it entailed. But, as I’ve got to know other authors, such as Theresa McClinton and Cat Cavendish, who have also been past recipients of the Sunshine Award, I can see that this honour comes with quite a few important obligations. Here are the rules:

(1) Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post.

(2) Do the Q and A below

(3) Pass on the award to 10-12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs.

Hmm, I reckon I can do that. In fact, I’m so inspired by the wonderful people I’ve met out there who share a love of writing, that I’m downright ecstatic to announce the recipients of my Sunshine Award.

Thanks Shehanne, for bestowing this award on me. J

Favourite Colour:  I love both blue and green. I realise that most people reckon you can’t have them both together as they clash. But have you ever looked at the sea on a tropical island, around mid-morning? White sand – and blue-green sea. It is one of the most beautiful blends of colour on this earth.

Favourite Animal:  I have four and two halves favourite animals. My Moodle Karob, Chihuahua Timmy, old cat Bassie, young cat Joey – and my grandcats – Liebchen and Jasper.

Favourite Number:  The number of family members who love me and support me.

Favourite Non-alcoholic drink:  Have you ever seen the rust that water causes? There’s no way I’m gonna rust my pipes with that wicked drink!

Facebook or Twitter: Neither. Both are necessary evils if you are an author.

Your Passion: Writing. Music. Playing guitar.

Giving or getting presents: I have three little grandchildren who I love to spoil.

Favourite Day:  Every day – when I’m healthy, happy, home, and having fun.

Favourite Flowers: Sunflowers.

Finally, these are the fantastic bloggers I’m tagging for this award.  (Now, I’m off to tell them, so maybe they’ll have posts up in a day or two. If not, at least you can look around some terrific sites!)

 

Shehanne Moore http://shehannemoore.wordpress.com/

Sharon Woolich http://www.sharonwoolich.com/blog.html

Antonia Van Zandt http://antoniavanzandt.blogspot.com.au/

E E Carter http://eecarter.com/index.php/blog/

Theresa McClinton http://theresamcclinton.com/blog/

Kendall Talbot  http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/blog.html

Renea Mason http://reneamason.com/

Charley Descoteaux http://descoteauxwrites.wordpress.com/

Elizabeth Otto http://elizabethottowrites.blogspot.com.au/

Milly Taiden  http://millytaiden.com/blog/