It’s here!
Rather than the clink of champagne glasses and the chirp of book-loving friends and family all talking at once, there is a country hush today, with bird chatter and the odd crow cawing the only sounds as I celebrate the release of my sixth novel – House of Wishes.
There are a few reasons why it will be a quiet one for me this year. This image from the Fires Near Me App might say more than words. (I’m at the big red arrow)
As I sit, staring out the window at the thickening smoke and ever-diminishing mountain range, I’m silently wishing for rain, or a reprieve of some kind for those closer to the bushfires.
Right now I’m looking after a house in northern NSW (caring for a couple of pregnant cows, a deaf cat and several chooks). I arrived three days ago, and with all the fire activity and handover information about evacuation plans, only to day (release day) did I make myself sit down at the computer.
And as I looked around the place, I realised something amazing…
Ever since 2013 (after releasing House for all Seasons) I’ve looked everywhere for a house that I could photograph that might resemble (in some small way) Dandelion House, which features in the novel. I was never going to find a house built on an island in the middle of the Calingarry Crossing river, but…
As I sat down today, and began some promotional posts on Facebook, I saw the house I’m looking after for the first time. And what did I see?
I saw my fictional Dandelion House with its homestead facade and French windows opening up onto a wrap around veranda. Not only that, this house I’ve found myself caring for has a history. In fact, it was build in the late 1800’s – the same as my Dandelion House.
This gets even crazier…
Look at the decorator cushion!!! Ladybugs are a motif that runs through House of Wishes.
Yes, the fire situation in NSW has made my new release one to remember, but I’m going to find the joy in how life sometimes imitates art (or is it the other way around?)
There’s a new noise outside now… In the sky… Helicopters are circling.
I’ll go for now, but I will find a moment to enjoy this country celebration – just Jeannette and I. Yes, there will be champagne later today.
Whether you’ve read House for all Seasons and Simmering Season, or you choose to come home to Calingarry Crossing for the first time by reading my new, standalone Calingarry Crossing novel – House of Wishes – you want this good news!!
The good news…
I am extending my ‘new release free postage offer’ on print copies until Nov 30. (Details on my web shop – www.jennjmcleod,com). Ebooks are also a special price.
The giveaway…
I am also giving away a Kindle version to one lucky person.
All you have to do to go into the draw is add add House of Wishes as a Want To Read before December 24. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48269663-house-of-wishes (Winner drawn Dec 25!)
Come back to the small town with big secrets where Dandelion House has one more secret to reveal. (And you may catch up with a few cameo characters.)
I’m off now to check the RFS Fires Near Me App and make a few wishes.
Cheers!