It was the most beautiful morning! Calm, clear and not cold, which was nice!
The atmosphere pulled me outside for my morning coffee, which was just lovely – especially since it seemed the kids had got out of bed on the wrong side today. It quiet out there and with old retired Rexy (the dog) at my heels, we wandered down to the sheds, breathed in the crisp air and enjoyed the green grass; the cattle camped up, the sheep nearby and their lambs playing.
These little things are such a joy after the dry times.
So my amazing week has included 80mm of rain and green grass! The best present anyone could have given to us.
It’s also included news that I’ve been short-listed for the Australian Book Industry Awards, in the Newcomers/debut authors section. A huge surprise and I feel really humbled to have been even thought of, let alone included!
Congratulations also must go to Allen and Unwin for being shortlisted for many awards, including Publisher of the Year. A& U authors, Craig Silvey (for Jasper Jones) Christos Tsiolkas (The Slap), Alex Miller (Love Song), Justine Larbalestier (Liar), Thomas Keneally (Australians: Origins to Eureka) and Leigh Hobbs (Mr chicken goes to Paris) have all been short-listed in various categories.
Rachael Treasure has also been short-listed for General Fiction Book of the Year. I think the fact that there are two contemporary rural fiction writers represented, shows that our genre is important in Australian fiction.
So there you have it: rain, green grass and a short-listing. That’s my amazing week.
Fleur i think you’ve had a great week! So proud of your ABIA short listing. Red Dust has done amazing things. I’m doing a happy dance for you. xx
A HUGE congratulations, Fleur. What an achievement.
And those photos are just amazing – you live in a beautiful part of the world. So happy that the drought appears to be breaking.
Dear Fleur –
congratulations on your short-listing. The more stories about country Australia the better.
Maybe we;ll meet at the BIA dinner.
Cheers- GLenda Guest
Congrats Fleur on your ABIA listing. You had a good write up in last wks friday tele over here in New South. Wondering if you had a copy, if not would you like me to mail it too you? I’m a real hard copy gal. Also would you be interested in being a guest blogger on my site during the month of August?
best wishes
Nicole