Colleen McCullough

[Maud Fitch]

How's your writing career going, Gannon? Hullo there, Fran! Please fill me in on anything I've missed.

Since I look upon this as the unofficial 'Aussie thread', Gannon, I’m commenting on “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” on ABC1. This TV series of 13 episodes is based on 11of Kerry Greenwood’s 18 novels about socialite-turned-sleuth Phryne Fisher. It’s set in Melbourne in the 1920’s. I’ve never read her books but the author herself said Essie Davis (who plays Phryne, pronounced Fry-nee) is perfect for the role and she would write with the actress in mind from now on. The old-time atmosphere is great and I like most of the characters except the stiff detective Jack Robinson.

Maybe, dare I say it, it’s more of a chick-flick thing, not too gruelling for me. It has tempted me to grab one of the books. Catch an episode yourself and see what you think.

[Gannon]

How's your writing career going, Gannon? Hullo there, Fran! Please fill me in on anything I've missed.

Since I look upon this as the unofficial 'Aussie thread', Gannon, I’m commenting on “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” on ABC1. This TV series of 13 episodes is based on 11of Kerry Greenwood’s 18 novels about socialite-turned-sleuth Phryne Fisher. It’s set in Melbourne in the 1920’s. I’ve never read her books but the author herself said Essie Davis (who plays Phryne, pronounced Fry-nee) is perfect for the role and she would write with the actress in mind from now on. The old-time atmosphere is great and I like most of the characters except the stiff detective Jack Robinson.

Maybe, dare I say it, it’s more of a chick-flick thing, not too gruelling for me. It has tempted me to grab one of the books. Catch an episode yourself and see what you think.

Howdy howdy Maud. The writing is coming along fine. I am currently at 8 chapters, 12500 words. I am loving it.
"Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" sounds great, I will try and catch an episode in the future. Because at the moment I am writing more than reading my TBR list is spilling over, I have Jasper and Colleen's latest books looking down on me from the shelf. I also have Peter Carey's latest "The Chemistry of Tears" and about 4 or 5 other books waiting as well. I am going to have to knuckle down and do some serious reading.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

[Fran]

@Maud/Gannon
Sorry to add to the long list guys but 'Before I Go To Sleep' is a must read ... would love to get your opinion on it.

[Gannon]

@Maud/Gannon
Sorry to add to the long list guys but 'Before I Go To Sleep' is a must read ... would love to get your opinion on it.

Yes Fran, I have been hearing alot about it. I was going to put it on my Tbr list, now that you have given it your endorsement, I will definitely add it.

-- Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:55 am --

@Maud

Hey Maud a little bit off topic. Did you see Gillard destroy Rudd today. I felt a bit sorry for Rudd. I don't really like any of them regardless of party.

[Maud Fitch]

.....Because at the moment I am writing more than reading my TBR list is spilling over, I have Jasper and Colleen's latest books looking down on me from the shelf. I also have Peter Carey's latest "The Chemistry of Tears" and about 4 or 5 other books waiting as well. I am going to have to knuckle down and do some serious reading.

Pressure plus, Gannon. I get a knotted feeling in my stomach when I have too many books waiting to be read. I've just dropped off two at the library and steeled myself against browsing the shelves and borrowing more. Never fear, Jasper and Colleen will understand. They'll wait patiently for you.

Gosh, yes, isn't the political situation horrible at the moment. It makes me squirm, imagine how Rudd must feel right now. And imagine if this was Ancient Rome. I reckon food tasters, etc, would be employed overtime!

Sorry to add to the long list guys but 'Before I Go To Sleep' is a must read ... would love to get your opinion on it.

Yes, I too have heard great things about S J Watson's chiller thriller. I've also heard rumours it's going to the big screen and Ridley Scott (love him) will be directing. Is this true?

[Gannon]

.....Because at the moment I am writing more than reading my TBR list is spilling over, I have Jasper and Colleen's latest books looking down on me from the shelf. I also have Peter Carey's latest "The Chemistry of Tears" and about 4 or 5 other books waiting as well. I am going to have to knuckle down and do some serious reading.

Pressure plus, Gannon. I get a knotted feeling in my stomach when I have too many books waiting to be read. I've just dropped off two at the library and steeled myself against browsing the shelves and borrowing more. Never fear, Jasper and Colleen will understand. They'll wait patiently for you.

Gosh, yes, isn't the political situation horrible at the moment. It makes me squirm, imagine how Rudd must feel right now. And imagine if this was Ancient Rome. I reckon food tasters, etc, would be employed overtime!

Sorry to add to the long list guys but 'Before I Go To Sleep' is a must read ... would love to get your opinion on it.

Yes, I too have heard great things about S J Watson's chiller thriller. I've also heard rumours it's going to the big screen and Ridley Scott (love him) will be directing. Is this true?

Oh I hope you are right about Ridley Scott. That sounds fantastic.
I feel a little bit sorry for K. Rudd. I wonder if he is going to pull up stumps now. I just don't know who to vote for, I really don't like any of them. I really have to take some time and read these books. I have some brilliant books there waiting for me.

[Maud Fitch]

Not going to watch the news tonight. It will be all political mudslinging. Autumn is only a few days away, hopefully some cooler days, better for indoor activities like reading - and writing of course!

[Fran]

@Maud
Love the new avatar ... very chilled out

Can't comment on Australian politics as it's a subject I know nothing about but I probably should.

[Maud Fitch]

@Maud
Love the new avatar ... very chilled out.
Can't comment on Australian politics as it's a subject I know nothing about but I probably should.

@ Fran. Thank you kindly. It looks much better in full size. There's a whole series of 'moonscapes' but this one had a book in it! Don't worry about our political situation, it's the same the world over, squabbling like children in a school yard. We have an election coming up mid-March and they are promising us their favourite toys, sweets, marbles, swapcards, anything to lure us into handing over our lunch money.

@ Gannon. I registered with the authonomy.com website to view your book, read it and wanted to leave a comment but it kept bombing out. Boy, am I annoyed. Will try again but just had to say that Pim is one feisty girl!

[Gannon]

@Maud & Fran

Thanks for reading my book. Please give me any advice and help you can. I am quite sure that both you gals could write a better book than me. I think that as I write more chapters, it is improving. I really don't like the first chapter, I am thinking of a rewrite. I am happy with the latter chapters. The main thing is I am really enjoying writing it at the moment.

Just found out that you backed my book. Thanks so much Maud.

-- Tue Feb 28, 2012 8:20 pm --

@Maud & Fran

Thanks for reading my book. Please give me any advice and help you can. I am quite sure that both you gals could write a better book than me. I think that as I write more chapters, it is improving. I really don't like the first chapter, I am thinking of a rewrite. I am happy with the latter chapters. The main thing is I am really enjoying writing it at the moment.

Just found out that you backed my book. Thanks so much Maud.

Howdy Maud, I have added a portion of chapter 9 to the book and am starting to rewrite the first chapter. If you get a chance please give me some feedback, don't hold back I can take it. I know that you would make a brilliant editor.

[Maud Fitch]

G'day Gannon. I've no Colleen McCullough news and perhaps that's a good thing health-wise from her. Just checking in to say that I'll soon be checking up on your writing progress! I do have a comment to pass on which I read elsewhere.
A blogger said that Ken Follett's novel The Pillars Of The Earth wasn't well written because "any author who say things like 'she had a hot body' when they are writing historical fiction deserves to be shot so I stopped reading this book".
Can you believe it. Cynical or stuck up or what? Whether that fits the era or not, I've never heard of anyone else puritanical enough to ditch a book because of two non-swear words.

[Gannon]

G'day Gannon. I've no Colleen McCullough news and perhaps that's a good thing health-wise from her. Just checking in to say that I'll soon be checking up on your writing progress! I do have a comment to pass on which I read elsewhere.
A blogger said that Ken Follett's novel The Pillars Of The Earth wasn't well written because "any author who say things like 'she had a hot body' when they are writing historical fiction deserves to be shot so I stopped reading this book".
Can you believe it. Cynical or stuck up or what? Whether that fits the era or not, I've never heard of anyone else puritanical enough to ditch a book because of two non-swear words.

Howdy howdy Maud. I think that statement by the blogger is a bit Cynical. I have read Pillars of the Earth three times and I cannot remember that passage. To this day, Pillars of the Earth remains my favourite book. Have you read it? The story just flows along and everything falls into place beautifully. It has some of my favourite characters of all time in it. Now that I am trying to write a book I can appreciate even more how well the story comes together, especially considering the length of the novel.
What do you think of swearing in books? I ask this because I have a character who drops the F bomb in chapter 10. I think that it is fine, if it suits the character. If I am pushing the book as Young Adult should I leave out the swearing, even if it defines a character?

What are you reading at the moment Maud? I have so many books lined up its getting crazy. I am going to take some time and try and finish TBOE today. Should not be too hard it's a joy to read.

Have a wonderful week. Hope to hear from you soon.

[Maud Fitch]

G'day Gannon, it's always nice to catch up. My thought on the F bomb in a young adult book is that it may not be appropriate, but I'd wait and see how it sits when the writing is complete. It may blend or it may stand out too much. But a tough bloke is going to swear and there's no getting around that! Unless you make him one son-of-a-b so that his actions speak louder than his words. I've read the sh-- word more times than I can remember in young adult books, in fact, it's overworked now to the point of uselessness.

I'm reading "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, "The Time Traveller's Wife" and a newie "The Plug"!!!!!

More soon.....

[Gannon]

@Maud

I read TTW awhile back and remember enjoying it, but a friend said the movie was terrible compared to the book.

-- Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:14 pm --

@Maud

I read TTW awhile back and remember enjoying it, but a friend said the movie was terrible compared to the book.

Howdy Maud, I have just seen the comments and corrections you have left me on my book. Just want to thank you so much for taking the time to read the chapters and point out my errors, it means so much to me. I am going to go through it and make the corrections.

Cheers Maud, you're the best!

[Maud Fitch]

No probs, Gannon. I'm enjoying the story! My tax invoice will be in the mail....... <big wink>