I set a challenge on my Facebook page that if we could get 100 likes, I would post a paragraph of my next book Crimson Dawn. Well, talk about being overwhelmed with ‘likes’! At last count, we were nearly at 160! So, to make it worth your while, I’ve decided to post the whole first page.…
I’m sitting here this afternoon, knowing I should post a blog, as I haven’t for about a week, but wondering what the hell to write. As I look out my office window, there are a few chooks scratching on the front lawn and Law, the old red Kelpie, is snoozing in the sun. The cattle…
Well, I can finally say that SIlver clouds has gone to the printers. Phew, is all I have to say! It seems like it’s been a long process this time, but realistically it’s no longer than usual. My editors did things a bit different this time, which has been a learning curve, but I like…
When Red Dust was first published, back in 2009, eBooks weren’t a big thing. At that point, the publishing world was sitting on the edge of a cliff. Overseas had started to make noises about eBooks, which in turn needed a device to be able to read them on. The Kindle and many other types…
So, I’ve been tagged… I’m not really sure how any of this works, but Lisa Heidke tagged me to answer some questions about my current release or what I’m working on now. I chose my current release, Silver Clouds, because that’s probably of more interest to you guys than what is a year away for…
Gillo and Russell Woolf from our ABC radio in Perth had a brilliant segment on yesterday about diaries. They wanted to know if any of the listeners had ever kept one. I wish I could have posted it hear for you to listen, because it was so good. But there wasn’t a podcast made of it.…
Last night was our seventeenth wedding anniversary. Hard to believe that so much has happened within that time. Especially when the wedding seems like only yesterday. Two kids, two or three farm bought and sold and bought again. And as with most families, there are few people missing from our family now, who were there…
There are times farming seems like it’s a long road without an end. The list of jobs to do, can be longer than your arm. Sometimes it feels like your treading water, not getting anywhere. And as with most jobs, they all should have been done ‘yesterday’. That’s how it is for us at…
I love photos. Photos are memories and I’m always snapping, where ever I go. Every time I release a new book, the call comes for new publicity photos. This is one of my least favourite things to do, because I’m much happier behind a computer screen, or out in the paddock, than I am in…
One of the things I’m told I’m good at, as an author, is my descriptions of country. This is some more amazing country I was imaging when I wrote Red Dust. (If you visit this page, you’ll see the book trailer for Red Dust and some more of the country.) Native pines, granite, vivid…
I think I’ve told you all many time, how much I love where I grew up in South Australia. Now I understand, people who live in ‘greener areas’ might get a bit freaked out when they see the country up here, but it is really special. Yeah, there are lots of stones, prickly bushes and…
Are you a Christmas card sender? I used to be. I’m not any more. Well, actually, that’s not quite true. I start with every good intention. For example, I actually buy the Christmas cards. Usually in about October. To give myself plenty of time. And I usually cart them in my handbag, so I…
Introducing Greg and Emma Koch from Redden Bridge Wines in Wrattonbully, South Australia. Greg and Emma manage their Wrattonbully vineyard using Organic and Biological techniques, to ensure the health of their family as well as that of the soil and vines. Their story is the 51st I have featured this year in celebration of the Australian…
Harvest! The very word seems to bring out the feral in every man, woman and child, involved in cropping. It also seems to be the time for Murphy, from Murphy’s Law to rear his ugly head. Here are a few examples. Upon jumping in the new (second hand) header, we bought this year, the Boss…
We have numerous species of birds flitting around the house and I love the noises they make. There’s all the usuals like Magpies, Crows, Butcher Birds, Willywag Tails and Pigeons. The Boss is a mad keen bird watcher and has taught me lots about these feathered creatures. There were many other varieties I didn’t know…
Introducing Madie Hamilton. Madie is one of the most inspirational young farmers in Australia. Her young career has taken her all over the world and when she’s not busy at her day job in the city, she works with her dad George, from ‘Meroo Hills’ near Mudgee, NSW. Madie’s story is the 50th I have…
The last few weeks, although really busy, have been cause for reflection. I tend to get a bit melancholy as the year draws to a close and this year, even more so. In two weeks time, my eldest will be finishing primary school and as the new term starts next year, she’ll be heading into…
Let me try and paint you a picture. It’s five in the morning and chopper pilot, Scott Bridle (http://scottbridle.com) is pacing the outside of his machine. He’s doing his checks; oil, fuel and making sure it’s airworthy. From the yards, voices of the stockmen, getting ready for a day mustering, hang in the air. The…
Introducing Bernadette Walker from far south west Queensland. Bernadette is the 49th farmer I have featured in my quest to feature 52 farmers in 52 weeks in celebration of the 2012 Australian Year of the Farmer. Summary of your family and farming enterprise We are graziers – that means we do not do anything to…
I don’t think I have ever seen a weather phenomena like I did yesterday. Our day started at 5am. We had three trucks to load and knew it was going to be hot. But it was freezing, when we first arrived at the yards, so the jeans and jumpers were pulled out of the wardrobe.…
What a week of weather! I know if often seems as if farmers are always complaining about weather and that’s a fair comment, but so much relies on it! On Thursday last week, it was fairly bloody hot and humid after a thunderstorm the previous couple of days. I was drenching sheep and the shearers…
