One of the unexpected joys of publishing Bounty has been discovering how differently it resonates with each person. One reader connects with the friendship, another with living alongside illness, someone else with that intuitive bond between a dog and its owner. Once a book leaves your hands, it begins a new life as part of someone else’s story.
Compared to when my first memoir, Marzipan and Magnolias, was published, there are so many more ways to connect with readers beyond bookshops and library events. I was delighted to be a guest on MS Australia’s podcast, The Raw Nerve, which features the latest research and treatment updates, advocacy news, and conversations with people living with MS doing extraordinary things—like climbing Mount Everest (yes, really!).
My latest author talk was in Canberra, where Bounty did not meet the PM — but better! The event was generously hosted by Canberra Region MSers, where fellow author Jenifer Severn and I were in conversation about our new books—my memoir, Bounty, and Jen’s wonderful threaded novel, novel, Garnet.
Stepping out of the shadows about my MS diagnosis was one aspect I explored during the writing process. At this event, most people were either living with MS or had a close connection to it. There was something very comfortable about being in a room full of people who intuitively understood the vagaries of this often invisible condition.
The weather was glorious too—crisp, cloudless days without a trace of humidity. Anyone with humidity-sensitive MS will understand why I briefly considered relocating to the nation’s capital.
August is MS Readathon month in Australia. This wonderful fundraiser, which has been supporting families affected by MS since 1978, encourages people of all ages to discover the joy of reading. My own children took part through their primary school, and I’m looking forward to recruiting the next generation once they’re old enough to read! So I’m especially thrilled that Bounty has been added to the Adult Non-fiction list of suggested books.
Looking ahead
Memoir Workshop – 19 November
On 19 November I’ll be running a memoir workshop at Gordon Library in Sydney. I’ll be talking about my circuitous path from private writing to publication, the ethical challenges of writing about real people, and sharing a couple of practical writing exercises that helped me get started. Whether you’re thinking about writing your own story or are simply curious about the memoir process, I’d love to see you there. I’ll send out further details and a registration link closer to the date.
Book Club Offer
One of my favourite parts of being an author is talking with readers, so if your book club chooses either Bounty or Marzipan and Magnolias, I’d be delighted to join you for a virtual Q&A. If you’re interested, send me a message here. (Available for book clubs in Australia and New Zealand.)
