This month is the second anniversary of me publishing my first book. I’ve been sharing my work here ever since, but now it is time for a change.
So, in 2025, I am trying something new. Instead of dropping chapters of books or just random observations, I will send you more structured posts. I’ll keep you abreast of my life, thoughts and writing while trying to take up less of your valuable time.
Today I am launching my newsletter, Shady Places. Each edition will cover my writing, recommendations, advice and publishing opportunities and any news I have to share. You’ll still be able to find my books if you are interested.
The big news this week is I have found a local retailer, Pop Canberra, who will sell my books. I have approached a few shops in the past and either gotten flat rejection or tentative, maybe.
I am grateful for Pop Canberra taking a chance on me. I have given them a box of my books to sell in their amazing little shop. I’m told February is a slow month but fingers crossed they’ll. If you are in town, you’ll find Pop at 27 Lonsdale St, Braddon. If not, check out their website. They have so much to offer.
Dr G Recommends – Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen
I recently listened to Annie Jacobsen’s book, Nuclear War, on Audible. Jacobsen covers the development, use, production and effects of atomic weapons and war.
She presents a chilling scenario in which the USA is attacked by a rogue state and the likely response and consequences of such an event. Jacobsen does not sugar-coat the effects of nuclear war or even the detonation of a single weapon on those unfortunate enough to be within its blast.
If you are looking for the truth about the world’s nuclear arsenals or just a book that will keep you up at night, I highly recommend Nuclear War.
Writing Advice
Unless we have deep pockets, budding authors have to do most of the marketing, editing, schmoozing and begging themselves just to put a book out into the world. In the couple of years I have been doing this I have learnt much, but I am still just a novice. One thing I haven’t tried to do myself is cover design. While I dare say I could come up with words and images and make myself an okay cover, this is one area where I chose to leave it to the experts.
My preferred site for book covers is Book Cover Zone. I’ve been using them for two years now and I am happy to say they the experience has been very positive. For the fraction of the cost you might pay a professional designer, you get a classy cover that you can edit to your heart’s desire. You have all the rights to the design and they will not resell it to another author.
There are hundreds of covers to choose from, all broken down into specific genres. If you need a cover for your next book, I recommend Book Cover Zone.
Girls, Interrupted – An Excerpt
All good things come to those who wait, so, rather than publish entire chapters and books here, I will now showcase excerpts of my books for you to read. The entire book is available on the link below if you have enjoyed what you have read so far.
Canberra – March 2003
It was close to midnight when Camilla’s car drove into the visitor’s spot in Christian’s apartment’s parking garage. He said that he would stay awake until she arrived, even though she’d told him not to wait. But even if he had already fallen asleep, she would still come and spend the night.
She hadn’t intended to leave it so late, but, try as she might, she could not leave the office any earlier. Her impending international conference had been a nightmare to prepare for and, if truth be told, she didn’t think she was as ready as she could be. Weeks of preparation were constantly interrupted by minor crises that always seemed to fall disproportionally in her lap. She had once worn her problem-solving skills as a badge of honour, but no longer. She knew now that her ability to get things done was a poison chalice.
And the conference preparation had been more difficult than the last. As always, the stakes of international diplomacy seemed to raise to ever greater heights despite the success of previous meetings. The next one was always the most important; ever. In her more cynical moments, she wondered why people bothered. The world never seemed to become happier or safer, no matter how many agreements were signed.
But that was not her concern. Her job was to support her boss at the conference and be on call 24/7. She would be gone for weeks, the conference only one stop on her worldwide itinerary. She knew that her only chance to relax would be on the flights between destinations. She hadn’t said it to anyone else, but she knew that, at the ripe old age of twenty-seven, she was getting too old for her lifestyle.
When she left the office at ten o’clock that night, she still had to go home first and pack. Suits and blouses, knickers and bras, toiletries and medicine, laptops and notebooks. By the time it was all done, her cases were fit to burst, and she hadn’t even packed a swimming costume. She’d learnt that international affairs were not the glamour career that Hollywood tried to portray. When she looked at the clock, it was past eleven and she sighed and slumped her shoulders. A sensible person would call it a night and rest for what she knew would be yet another gruelling ordeal. Multiple time zones, airports, cars, hotels, names to remember, customs and protocols to follow, speeches and presentations to sit though and never a decent night’s sleep in between. But Camilla couldn’t sleep. She couldn’t go to bed and rest until she had said goodbye.
Goodbye to Christian.
Leave a Reply