Who am I?

Here we are on the 4th of January. It's only going be what feels like a few days’ time, we all say: 'wow, it's December already, where has the year gone?!'

Anyway, I wanted to start the new year with a bit of a ditty on me for all the new people who have recently discovered my books; I've had a few people who have got in contact over Christmas and said they've read my books for the first time. I LOVE hearing this!

So... First and foremost, I'm a mum of two extremely bright and talented adults. Not kids anymore! Rochelle is 21, and Hayden is 20. Hayden lives with autism and is a farm machinery detailer, while Rochelle is a VERY GOOD barista at my favourite coffee shop in Esperance. Hayden also runs a YouTube Channel called Wings Without Barriers, which is about his journey with autism and his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. He holds a recreational pilot's certificate now. He was involved in a great project called The Lives We Lead, which showcased many people living with disabilities in WA and the contributions they make through the workforce.

I'm a farmer. For twenty years, I farmed 8,000 acres east of Esperance, on the south coast of WA and now have a 2,00 acre block that I share-farm with a mate. I love agriculture and stock work; if it hadn't been for spinal surgery four years ago, I'd be out there doing it by myself! Farming and nature are what make me who I am. I'm never really content unless I'm out in the bush or working with sheep and cattle. I really love advocating for women in agriculture, but as time goes by, the need for this is less and less as women are more accepted in the farming workforce, whether it be through hands-on farming or other careers such as agronomy, research and development and so on. I can't tell you how happy this makes me.

I'm the author of 19 books (writing the 20th as I type). You can read about them here. Detective Dave Burrows is a character in the books and seems to be a hit with most readers. Because of this, he's in most of the books.

We lived with domestic violence for a long time, which was the driving force behind starting the organisation DVassist (formally known as Breaking the Silence). When I started this organisation, there was nothing like it in Australia. This thought bubble of mine has grown from a seedling of an idea, and working out of my home office, to an organisation offering everything I had intended to, including telephone and online counselling. It is for people in rural areas experiencing domestic and family violence. I wanted to make sure no one else had to experience what I did, and I hope DVassist goes part of the way to achieving this.

I've got a couple of dogs, who don't like each other, Jack the Kelpie.

And Rocket the Jack Russell.

Rocket is 13 now and spends most of his time sleeping at my feet, while Jack sleeps outside my office door. Both are exceptionally distracting when they want pats.

I love helping people, and I've done this over the past few years by being involved in Rotary, on The Australian Women in Agriculture board, the secretary of the Esperance and Districts Agricultural Society and many others. However, last year, I took a break from everything after reaching my breaking point and needing to reset.

Camping, hanging out with friends, and photography are a few passions of mine.

As part of everything else I do, I offer writing courses and manuscript assessments, which you can find under the tab of Services > Products, if you're interested. I've been a keynote speaker at many events, and I love doing this; I love getting out amongst other women and hearing their stories and speaking with them. If you'd like me to do anything for you, please get in touch by emailing Bec: rebecca@cgmcommunications.com.au.

I've been through a fair bit of crap in my life, but as they say, that's life.

I regret nothing.

Those events have made me who I am today.

I have two beautiful kids, a lovely life, and I enjoy writing books for you all, so I'm pretty lucky.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2022. I've struggled with my weight on and off for the last five years, so healthy is what I'm choosing this year.

Tell me a bit about you, in the comments! Love to know more about my readers.