My web site got a upgrade.. did you notice it at all? Thank you to my beautiful husband Shaun for the time he has put into making it look better, neater, cleaner and overall just improving it...

Each year I make a list of items I want to achieve in the next writing year, and I share it with a small group of writing friends. We also look back at the previous years list and see if we achieved what we set out to do. Having done this for a number of years. One of my ‘wants’ during 2014 was adjusted last year, it used to be ‘blog each month’, but I changed it because with deadlines, conferences, because after failing at this same goal for the last few years, it obviously needed a revamp. I needed some way to change the failure to an achievement. So it became - ‘make at least 12 entries into the blog during the year.’

And I achieved it!!! I did 13... so yeah! Celebrating each small milestone along the way!

And yes, the resolution remains... I hope to update this page at least 12 times in 2015. I can share a few other resolutions both writing and life ...
Submit at least one picture book, and one chapter book, to publishers during the year.
Lose weight during the year
Attend Bootcamp at least X2 a week, if not more.
Recover my lounge suit with my dad-in-crimes help for the extending it into a 3 seater so I can sleep on the couch and not get neck ache...
Say ‘No’ more often (this is on my list every year and I do try honestly!)

I had to share MY shiny with you - The Queensland Literary Awards nomination badge that I get to put on my book now because of last years nomination. While I didn't win on the night, I still felt I was a winer because I got to spend the evening with some incredible writers, and inspirational people, and it was an evening of awards that will not be easily forgotten.










As you know, no girl every said ‘No’ to a gold and shiny - so you bet I am sharing it! Soon I will be able to share it on my book cover - that I am looking forward to!


I was also nominated for the ARRA Favourite Romantic Suspense Book of 2014 for Shooting Butterflies, and I will be in Canberra for the conference and awards dinner. Being honest I’m just happy to be in there at all, there are some legends in the same category as me! So it will be an amazing night I am sure, celebrating with so many other talented authors friends also nominated. I have never been to Canberra, so its going to a first on more than one level.
















Oh and I am doing a panel at ARRC too - so if you are in the area - check out this conference, complete with its huge author signing (+- 70 authors under one roof signing...) and if you are there, please come say hi ya to me, don’t be a stranger!












So, talking books.... Tears Of The Cheetah has been handed in, and is in edit with my lovely external editor Glenda Downing. I know you will all love this story as much as I do when it hits the shelves in December. I will keep you up to date on the progress... one of my ‘want list items’ for the year is to go to Adelaide and see this book bring printed, so hold thumbs for that one to happen, because somehow it needs to happen within my tight time schedule.

My middle of my year diary looks a little hectic like this:
CYA Conference - Brisbane 4th July.
RWA National - New York, USA
RWA Australia - Melbourne - August
Hand in Book - August

So you see why I am seriously hoping I make it to Adelaide too!

I’m already 21k into my next book. Book #4 has a working title of Ifele - this means ‘dead’ in Ndebele - but it can also be used for BROKEN, something that needs to be fixed. Like the tractor is Ifele, meaning it won’t start... ....and I have to let you know I’m loving it...I have been looking forward to writing this book for many years, actually the idea for this book started fermenting in my head at Christmas 2010 on a trip home to Zimbabwe, and finally, its getting its turn to be told. You can view a few inspirational picture ideas for this one on its Pinterest page... Sneak peek - this is one of the pictures used as inspiration for my hero - thank you Michael Stokes - you are an amazing man who sees the human body as art and beautiful, not matter what the condition of the flesh.




























(I know, a little naughty but he is so pretty...and so perfect for my hero. Meet Brad Ivanchan - wounded marine, veteran now home in America.

Obviously I always put my own twist on the hero, so you will have to wait and read who he is and get to know him then... (And if anyone knows of any British Commando’s who have fabulous photies like this - please do share them with me!)


On the gardening front. When I completed Tears, I treated myself to a few days in the garden. One of the jobs I got done was that I planted my 10 seeds from the Bryce Courtney sunflowers. Thank you again to Juliet M. Sampson for continuing his legacy and sharing the love of writing and gardening with others. Unfortunately I only had one come up, but it is looking strong (and tasty apparently..)












Just a few days old, broken the surface Today its growing taller...


This is just outside my study window - yes under the washing line so when it gets bigger I will have to move it to the other side of the alcove so that it doesn’t get damaged by the flapping washing in the wind. I am looking forward to seeing its happy yellow face soon because they grow so fast!




























My nephew Luke, in South Africa planted some sunflowers too. This is his at the moment ...looking seriously awesome!
















And these are my January tadpoles. Getting fatter everyday, these will become common green tree frogs soon, and populate our little island with beautiful frogs. I love these little critters and feed the boiled lettuce daily. Yes, I do changed their water, I use tank water for them,( no chlorine) and do this every few weeks to keep the mozzies down, I drain them through a kitchen colander, and they don’t seem to mind too much, perhaps they have just got used to me...LOL. Anyone wanting some to populate their areas around, just shout, there are plenty to share! They do need at least a pot plant saucer filled with water in the garden for fresh water all the time. As frogs, they look after themselves. I do not advocate anyone putting them in a tank, these are born wild, and I would like them to remain wild.

So, just a reminder that my next public engagement at the moment is ARRA in Canberra - hope to see you there, or someone around.

Until next time, be safe!

Bye 4 now
Tina