My blog has had a wee face lift and can now be found on my website here. Come over and chat!
The Great British Break Off
I thought last night was the last episode of The Great British Bake Off – ever – and I was prepared to be devastated. But I was wrong – and the devastation was cast aside. But then it filtered back and now I truly don’t know how I feel.
It seems someone – like the BBC – threw the show a lifeline and it will return next year after all. BUT and it’s a big but, the only cast member who will return – if we can believe the internet and trust that it’s not spreading Fake News (ha) – is Paul Hollywood. No Mel, no Sue and no, yes you’re reading correctly – NO Mary Berry. What the?
Watching Mary Berry is sweet torture for me. Mary reminds me of my late mum in so many ways. My mum was tiny and she absolutely lived to bake and cook. And she was damned good at it. Mum also shared Mary’s cheeky smile – and she loved a tipple! That cheeky look Mary bestows on anyone who mentions her passion for plonk? My mum all over.
So, will I be watching the new show? I’m not sure now. I guess I’ll have to check it out at the time.
Mary, however, isn’t the only reason
I love TGBBO. I wholeheartedly agree with the show’s tagline (also the tagline of the Oz version) that it’s the ‘friendly competition’.
Time & time again, contestants will stop to help a fellow competitor. Such a refreshing change from Josh MKR contestants grinning gleefully every time another contestant makes a mistake.
So to the TGBBO finale. As always I was conflicted as to who I wanted to win. I always hope for a three way tie. 😉 Jane, Andrew & Candice were no exception though maybe my heart swerved slightly in Jane’s direction this time. That said, I think the best person won, in so much as I feel it will make the most difference to Candice’s life than to the lives of the others.
So, was it a nail biting finale? Um, no. At least I didn’t think so. Okay, so while I wouldn’t have said no if anyone had popped through the screen and offered me a sample of what they’d prepared, in many ways I thought they were pretty basic challenges. I think the big issue was the 49 individual pieces for the Show Stopper, rather than ‘what’ they had to produce.
Anyhoo, I still enjoyed every moment – and to celebrate the finale I wanted to share a recipe from that event – and the only one I could find was Madam Berry’s Victoria Sandwich.
In the meantime – what did you think of the finale?
Lessons Learned Playing Freecell
Okay, now you know I’ve completely freaked out and am ready to frolic with the jolly green giants and pink elephants dancing around my study, right?
Actually, no. I think I’m as sane as I’ve ever been – which is always a subject open to discussion and fiercely opposed opinion. Basically, I’m not helping myself am I?
No,? So let’s get to the point. Many, many authors play Freecell. In fact I am amazed at how many (novelists in particular) use games such as this to get their brains into gear. I’m not alone. When I tire of Freecell, I turn to Solitaire, Spider Solitaire and Mahjong.
I play and use them like ‘thinking music’. Remember the old quiz shows that used to offer thinking music? I play when I’m stuck in a scene, I play to warm up for the day and I play when I’m plotting out future scenes (in my head). I play to clear my head – to get away from the work at hand – to give myself another perspective.
So, what have I learned?
- PLAN YOUR MOVES. This helps me in life and in work. Madly moving cards around usually ends up as a waste of time and me facing a brick wall. Planning saves a load of time. Even if you’re a pantser, know what you want that day’s writing to achieve.
- YOU CAN’T FORCE AN OUTCOME. I sit in airports a lot. A LOT. To chase the boredom, and occasionally play (Freecell) favourites where I’ll determine that the first king to start its own row will be red. And I’ve learned too many times that I can’t force that to happen. In other words, manipulating a scene for a specific purpose (to make life easier for me the author) won’t work. In the game I’ll be at a brick wall and that red king will mock me. In my work, that forced scene will be just as obvious as that red king, and it will jar in the story. The story won’t work.
- MOST SCENES CAN BE REDEEMED. Quite often I’ll play a game and then suddenly that pesky “There are No More Moves’ message flashes at me. Do I give in? No way. I sit and undo every move right back to the beginning – or to where I think I went wrong (which is almost always the beginning ) and start again. This time I’ll look at different moves, study the format more closely, plan ahead. This is exactly what can happen with a scene that doesn’t work. If you believe in it and if it has a specific purpose (furthers the story, reveals character etc) then go back to the start and work it again. Perhaps it’s the viewpoint choice that’s sent it awry. Maybe it’s the tone. Maybe it’s in the wrong place. Too soon in the story.
- WATCH YOUR PACING. Sometimes I want to move more cards than I’m allowed to.
And I’m annoyed. But you know, it’s more than just rules – I see this as pacing. In our story pacing is of the utmost importance. Moving too fast can be wholly detrimental to your story. Just as dragging out scenes that ultimately put the reader to sleep. Be aware of when you can move fast and offload a heap of cards – and when you need to move slowly. One card at a time.
- GOALS ARE IMPORTANT. I have a very high success percentage (93%) because I always go back and ensure I win every game. Those % that I’m down on occurred before I started viewing the game from this new perspective, and are result of unfinished games, abandoned rather than lost/failed. Now though, I ensure I NEVER not win. And that has actually strengthened my view of my goals. I always set goals, always have – and mostly try to achieve them. Now, I’ve taken that determination over to other areas of my life. I kid you not – this has had a profound effect, and this is from someone who has always been fairly diligent!
- ALWAYS LEAVE BREATHING ROOM. This is more about life and finances than about writing. I never fill all those four boxes up in the top left hand corner. I call that the holding bay –I have no idea if it has an official name. Fill that holding bay and you’re often in trouble – no room to move. Same as with your debts and credit cards. Fill them to the max and you have no wriggle room if something goes wrong. Similarly, squeezing as much into every day is great – but if it involves responsibilities to other people try to space them. Why risk burn out, or loss of faith or respect from these people you may let down when simply asking for an extra day or so might have saved you all that. Probably you’ll get the work done early or on time then, because you’ve reduced the pressure on yourself. And then you find yourself with a bit if free time! Win! (Maybe even a few minutes for a quick game of Freecell!! Ha!)
- LEARN WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Prioritise. I also know people who spend WAY too much time paying games – and that frightens me. Allow yourself only a set time or a set number of games. Be in charge – don’t let other things distract you or leech time from your real work. Being an expert at Freecell won’t build your career. It won’t pay your bills. And you could end up hating yourself. These things can become addictive. So, enjoy but be aware of those things that can eat your time: Email, surfing the net, playing games. Get to the end of every day and despite whether the writing flowed or had to be gouged out with a blunt instrument, be able to look back with the satisfaction that you gave that day your ‘all’. That you couldn’t have done better.
Question: Do you think I’m crazy? Ha! Too easy, right?
Harder question: Have you learned anything from an unexpected source?
Happy Day! Giveaway on AO& R!
Celebrating!
A few weeks back, I was chuffed to be chosen to join Aussie Owned and Read, a blog where a group of Aussie YA/NA authors offer their take on all thing – of course – Young Adult and New Adult. In the literary arena anyway.
I’ve long admired them and yes, had a few green eyes but now those green eyes are brown! (If only I had blue eyes I could have parried ‘don’t it make your green eyes blue?’ But I don’t. Sigh…)
Anyway, my first post is up today and of course being me, I’m being perverse and risking a wrist slap because I’m actually talking about MKR which is hardly YA/NA. But I do tie it in. Honestly.
And to celebrate my imperfect beginning, we’re having a giveaway!
I’m offering a copy of my latest YA, The Reluctant Jillaroo – a very cute story about a girl, a boy, a mystery and some gorgeous horses! – plus an author pack of goodies. And if you happen to already have Jillaroo? Then maybe you’d prefer a copy of one of my other titles. If you’ve got them all? Well, goodness, I’ll think up something else!
All you have to do is leave a comment. It can be as simple as ‘Hi’. I don’t judge.
Or you might have a comment on YA in general? Or on the power of connections. Or even – drum roll – MKR!
Here’s the link – https://aussieownedandread.com/
And while I’m here a pic of Manu & Pete. Why not, right? Though I admit it’s not these guys who bring me back. It’s the food people! The food!
See you on Aussie Owned and Read!
Back from the Dead… Kidding.
Almost…
It’s been a long time but I have late notes. Several of them, all signed by prominent physicians. Ha! But, and here’s where I show my respect for you dear readers – 😉 I’m NOT going to bore you with deets! How good am I? I know. I’m very good. I can feel your appreciation from here. I can hear it in the long sighs of relief.
And even though there’s a little ways to go before I cross that finish line, I STILL won’t bore you with all those ‘let me show you mine’ stories. I know, I know. Again. I’m a freakin’ saint, right?
However, I’m heaps better
than I was, and dying to tell you what’s happening in my world and find out what’s happening in yours. I’ve missed being here. It’s weird really, I’ve never been a great blogger but all the time I was away from the computer, things I wanted to share kept popping up, so I feel I’ve returned with a renewed enthusiasm.
Hopefully I can sustain it and will be relying on you to keep me honest.
Staying Sane
Next time I want to talk about what I’m doing, but for now I want to talk about how I stayed (ha! almost) sane during the past eighteen months because it will reflect what will appear here from time to time.
Sometimes when things are bad in your life, you need to find a place to escape. Whether that be physically, if you can, or mentally – find it and visit often.
Initially for me, that turned out to be baking and cooking. No surprises. They’ve always been passions of mine. Strangely though, television shows of that ilk haven’t. BUT, when you can’t do the physical, take the next best thing. TV shows. And cookbooks.
I lived by them. I got to know ( in my head – very dangerous 😉 ) all the presenters intimately and almost bankrupted myself adding to my already ridiculous collection of cookbooks. You know what though? It kept me occupied and kept me thinking forward; planning what I’d create when I could. I wasn’t able to plot or write per se, but this was something I could do.
The beach was my other solace. I’m fortunate to live on the doorstep of both the Pacific Ocean, and Lake Macquarie. I spent – and spend- hours there. Especially on the beach. Walking. Sitting. Thinking. People watching. I always had a notebook in my bag and almost always came home with an idea.
It honestly worked and I can’t stress enough that if you’re struggling physically or mentally to try to find one thing you can get passionate about; one thing to keep you looking forward. It helps.
So, as the weeks progress, yep, I’ll be talking writing and reading – my faves. But also there’ll be some cooking or baking stuff thrown in. Just because I can. I also (not this year) grow vegies and some fruits – so maybe I’ll be tossing some of that in. I hope not to bore you, but to share some of my world.
Talk soon.
Winners & Grinners
Today is the day we pick the winners from those who helped me celebrate my cover reveal. Thank you for all your support; the number of people who comment is a fraction of all those of you who have visited – and I just want everyone to know I’m grateful for your time. So that’s the winners part of this post (names at the bottom because – well because I’m slack and I haven’t yet drawn those names. Get ready to have a pin stuck in you, or grabbed. Manhandled…? I won’t tell you which method I choose, you can imagine your own preferred deciphering process. I’m not going to ask which. Way too much information for me...)
The grinners? A couple of fotes from our classy coffee catch up last Sunday at The Edwards. A cool lazy afternoon filled with chatter and food and wine.
Like-minded people, wine and food. Is there a more fabulous combination anywhere? (Not that I’m agin ‘unlike-minded’ people, but sometimes it’s just great to talk to people who speak your language and travel your journey. It’s simultaneously energizing and relaxing. Go figure. )
So, who turned up? After a few were struck down with last minute lurgies and other stuff like turning up on the wrong day ( I didn’t ask for excuse notes and looking at you Morgan Bell and also Sheree Kable, Kim Ross, Deb Kelly, Natalie Daniels, Liz Anelli and 
sincere apologies to anyone else I missed )
Susan Whelan and I got to hang with Bev Murrill, Katrina McKelvey, Cynthia Hyde, Nat Petrohelos, Ant Wood, Alyssa Brugman & Trinity Doyle.
I’m techo-challenged at the best of times, but it doesn’t help if your system won’t cooperate. So:
Photo 1, From L: Cynthia Hyde, Trinity Doyle, Katrina McKelvey, Susam Whelan, Bev Murrill.
Photo 2, from L: Alyssa Brugman, Ant Wood, Nat Petrohelos, Cynthia Hyde.
Photo 3, from L: Kaz & Alyssa.
So now to the exciting part! Winners!!
And the winners are: Drumroll Please…
KYLIE and SELENA
Congratulations! Please contact me to supply your addresses so I can get these gorgeous books packs away.
The Reluctant Jillaroo
January 2015
Launches! A day of Magic and Secret Caves…
I am blessed to have many author friends all over the world, but also blessed to live in a community with a strong fellowship of authors who all support each other.
This weekend was a big one with two launches and plus a get-together the next day of a dozen or so other author friends – but that last one I’ll leave until next time. For now: launches!
The first launch was for children’s author Jess Black who launched the third book in her Keeper of the Crystals series at MacLeans Bookstore in Hamilton. This one is entitled, Eve and the Mermaid’s Tears. It’s a beautiful book and a beautiful series for those younger readers who are coming into chapter books – 7-10 years – and confident readers as well. The bonus is a lovely story where mermaids are being chased by dastardly pirates who want the mermaids’ tears to sell because those tears are like precious treasure.
The afternoon was busy! Our hosts, Max and Amanda of MacLeans had gone out of their way to create a deep sea experience, complete gently wafting strips of ethereal fabric heralding the entrance to the Mermaid’s Cave. There was the opportunity to make your own pirate 
or mermaid plate – I’ve always wanted to be a pirate – some tasty morsels that looked like they’d been sprinkled with mermaid’s tears (wow) plus a very sweet, well mannered real-life mermaid – complete with flapping tail.
It was an afternoon full of fun for kids and adults alike. This book will be available in a bookstores and if you’re local, MacLeans certainly have it. Look carefully and you might even catch a glimpse of a naughty mermaid still hovering among the books. Who knows? You might be lucky!
Congrats, Jess – we wish you huge success!
The second event, held that evening, was slightly more upmarket (no mermaids in sight and not one banana masquerading as a pirate. Or was the other way around? A pirate masquerading as a banana? ) however there was still a sea theme – well at least I usually associate sushi with the sea. Prawns, fish etc. Yes? No? And instead of sea water we had something way more palatable – bubbles! Yes, sparkling wine – which I still erroneously refer to as champagne! Not that it stayed in the glass long enough to debate the correct title.
This time we’d gathered to celebrate the launch of Deborah Kelly’s book of Haiku Poetry entitled Haiku Journey at Reflections Within, an inspirational New Age store in Belmont. On this gorgeous balmy evening Maxine, the proprietor, gladly opened her doors to her own Aladdin’s Cave-like shop strung with sparkling crystals, a venue that well suited the book. Acclaimed children’s author Deb, (her latest picture book, Dinosaur Disco was released just last month)
has long had a love affair with everything associated with Japan. She even met her husband, ‘a spunky young Aussie’, as she referred to him, when both were working there, and their two children have Japanese inspired names – so it was no surprise that she’d one day create something close to her heart that would incorporate all that love.
Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that is recognized by its three line, 17 syllable format. Each poem has a significance as part of Deb’s journey over her two years in Japan. She arrived there originally with two bags, no money and two words of Japanese – one of which was sushi! And yet she learned quickly to love this land for all its quirks and beauty. The following poem appears in the section entitled ‘Summer’ and I loved the images it evokes.
Mottled Midori
I drink of the park as though
it were a cocktail
It was a warm, gentle evening as befitted the style of the book. We nibbled and sipped and chatted to friends. Deb and her sister, and Deb’s gorgeous little daughter all shared some of the poems.
Before 
and after the official part of the evening, the illustrator of Haiku Journey, Stephen Cassettari, quietly yet enthusiastically, demonstrated Chinese Brush Painting. Breathtakingly gorgeous and his delicate style enhances Deb’s words. If you’re interested in Haiku, Japan or just want a treat, this book will be available at Reflections Within, Pacific Hwy Belmont. (02) 4945 1800
Congrats to you as well Deb, it was lovely to share your journey through the Haiku!
The Reluctant Jillaroo
Out January 2016, Allen & Unwin
Avail for pre-order now!
Keep Up, Kaz!!!!! You can Pre-Order! Duh!!!
The Reluctant Jillaroo can be pre-ordered! And is it bad of me to want to go and order 50 copies!!!? 100?
Okay, so I’m always behind the eight-ball. The world always seems to steam ahead and I’m left coughing up dust wondering what just happened.
Take this week for example: What did I do? I revealed my cover to the world. Well, at least to my precious family, friends and readers. Proudly, I let you all into my big secret. The secret of my gorgeous cover. The cover that no one had seen.
Right?
WRONG! (Can you hear that heart-sinking ‘bong bong’? You know the one… It’s the one that accompanies every wrong answer on every television quiz show ever invented.)
Why? What happened?
Well, after I’d proudly performed the cover reveal, I did a random Google of the title because, well – there’s no because. I just did. I expected to find nothing.
I didn’t. In fact I found heaps! Images of my secretly held cover are everywhere! And what’s more it’s up for pre-order. And I didn’t even know!!! Did you? I bet you did… Sigh. So my beautiful friends and readers who live too far away to join me at one of the launches either here or in Scone – you can pre-order! Right here at Booktopia if you’d like.
Forgive me for seeming pushy – those of you who know me know that’s not the way I operate. But you know, I just love this book so much that I sooo want it out there so others can share and hopefully love it the way I do. I want to keep looking at it, I want to talk about – and I want your opinion!
And if you somehow missed the hullaballoo last week – here’s what it’s all about. For those of you who celebrated with me, be warned. It’s happening again. I’m revealing all over again! 😉 I told you I’d be hopeless about this book! So, quick! Close your eyes! But most of all – don’t forget that competition. I’m off to a book launch tomoz (at MacLeans Bookstore) and I’ll be searching for the best titles to add to those bookpack prizes!
Remember it’s still open until the 23rd which is next week! (Because I can’t count and I thought today was going to be the 23rd. Good thing I write books and don’t write Federal Budgets. Because, you know, of the ‘not being able to count’ thing…Then again, fiction is fiction. Right? 😉 )
The Reluctant Jillaroo
AUD $16.99
Surf-loving Heidi impersonates her horse-mad twin to help Harper get a scholarship to attend the much sought-after agricultural school in this rural romance from Australia’s queen of teen, Kaz Delaney. Suitable for teen readers of Rachael Treasure.
Harper Gage has won the opportunity of a lifetime – ten days at Winmaroo Jillaroo and Jackaroo school. The camp could give her the recommendation she needs to go to the exclusive Agricoll for years 11 and 12. But when an accident leaves Harper hospitalised, her twin sister, Heidi, goes in her place. The only problem is that Heidi is not much of a country girl – not like her sister. And to make life even more complicated, her sister’s biggest rival Trent is going to be there. Will she be able to fool him?
And then the reality of the school hits Heidi hard. It’s all dust, snakes and heat – a million miles away from the surf she loves. When she meets the fun and handsome Chaz, life at the school suddenly doesn’t seem so bad, although with Trent acting up and trouble brewing with the other students, Heidi’s not sure how long she can keep her identity secret. And if her secret is revealed, will Chaz ever be able to trust her again.
Drum Roll! Cover Reveal: The Reluctant Jillaroo! Prizes to be Won!
Well, I’ve been waiting and waiting… Waiting to get the Hi-Res final copy of my cover so I could show you. And finally I’ve chased it down! Do you know, have any idea, how hard it’s been to sit on this!!
My agent, Jacinta di Mase, summed it up when she said this cover is ‘simply delicious’. And she’s right. It just draws me back and back to it. So pretty. And it’s got horses inside! Well, not pictures, but the story certainly features horses. I hope you love it as much as we do.
Expect to see it around because – why not? It’s so gorgeous, I may not be able to stop myself flaunting it.
And so, without further ado…
What do you think? I’d love to know.
My publisher, Allen & Unwin, intro:
Surf-loving Heidi impersonates her horse-mad twin to help Harper get a scholarship to attend the much sought-after agricultural school in this rural romance from Australia’s queen of teen, Kaz Delaney. Suitable for teen readers of Rachael Treasure.
The Blurb:
Harper Gage has won the opportunity of a lifetime – ten days at Winmaroo Jillaroo and Jackaroo school. The camp could give her the recommendation she needs to go to the exclusive Agricoll for years 11 and 12. But when an accident leaves Harper hospitalised, her twin sister, Heidi, goes in her place. The only problem is that Heidi is not much of a country girl – not like her sister. And to make life even more complicated, her sister’s biggest rival Trent is going to be there. Will she be able to fool him?
And then the reality of the school hits Heidi hard. It’s all dust, snakes and heat – a million miles away from the surf she loves. When she meets the fun and handsome Chaz, life at the school suddenly doesn’t seem so bad, although with Trent acting up and trouble brewing with the other students, Heidi’s not sure how long she can keep her identity secret. And if her secret is revealed, will Chaz ever be able to trust her again?
To help me celebrate, I’m giving away two randomly drawn prizes. All you have to do to be one of those two winners is to comment – even just a couple of words – on this particular blog over the next week or so. Okay, we’ll make it by the 23rd October.
The prize? A delicious Book Pack featuring mostly YA books by Aussie writers, plus a couple of books for younger readers and even the adult readers won’t be forgotten! And because it’s me – there HAS to be something sparkly in the mix, right? Such fun!
So, come on in! Don’t be shy! Celebrate with me. It’s not much fun celebrating alone.
See you soon!
Big Smooches,
Kaz
Feelin’ the Heat in Downtown Scone and looking for Agatha Christie
The state was experiencing a heatwave but in the 150 year old church, now the home of the Scone Arts & Crafts, with its 60cm thick stone walls, there was barely a bead of sweat in sight.
Graeme Simsion, Moi, Anne Buist
The old church was almost to capacity as folk from the Upper Hunter & surrounds gathered to hear from guests and locals alike. I was privileged to be one of those invited guests – along with Phillip Adams, Graeme Simsion, Samantha Turnbull, Ged Gillmore, Anne Buist & Nick Brasch.
Outside where we gathered for lunch we forgot the heat and just allowed ourselves to be swept up in the amazing garden setting. Honestly, I felt like I was in an Agatha Christie novel! The old English cottage garden, the sweeping trees that shaded us, the bees buzzing lazily, the jugs of lemon infused chilled water, the easy chairs and umbrellas … I was sure a ‘wasp’ was going to ‘sting’ me and I’d die, but Miss Marple would suspect foul play when she detected that faint aroma of crushed almonds in the blue foam spewing from my mouth. Hehe…
It was a wonderful three days. We argued the merits of the book over the film with the panel below.
Also included, President of the Scone Literary Long Weekend Committee (in cream) Anne Davies; and Leonie Rogers.(red)
We discussed gender stereoptyping, we learned about Patrick White the (fascinating) man from Dr Judy White – a relative of Patrick whose family still live just out of Scone – and we learned a lot about horses from Nick Brasch. And then we got inside the mind of those whose minds we usually run away from with professor Anne Buist. Scary but amazing. And those were just some of the events on offer.
Moderator extraordinaire, Leonie Rogers; Ged Gillmore; Kaz; Sam Turnbull; Anne Buist
We got to peruse and buy books from the eternally sweet Ian Millgate from Hunt a Book, and I got to hang out with my precious library mates Elizabeth and Sharon. It was a weekend to make you think and to learn, to absorb, to question – and yet encouraged you to relax and to enjoy.
kazdelaney.wordpress.com 