Recently, fellow blogger, Amanda from Something to Ponder About let me know that she was “so enjoying reading Louisa. The style and voice feels so historically authentic and I am really enjoying your use of language.”
And now, she has taken the time to do a review on her site. It’s always such a thrill and pleasure to hear what readers make of Louisa. I hope you enjoy the review.
In other news, my writing appearances have been eclectic since returning from the October library talk tour. Last Saturday I did a presentation and short workshop exercise with the Fellowship of Australia Writers (FAW) Sutherland Branch, entitled: From Manuscript to Publication: My Pitching Journey. This theme will be expanded upon this Saturday when I am part of a Berry Writers Festival session on: Paths to Publications. This is my first ever festival appearance. I will be one of three panel members facilitated by Alison Tait, best known as a children’s and YA author. I’ll be joining romance writer Alyssa Montgomery, and memoir writer (among many other talents) Seana Smith. In fact, I have a copy of her memoir, Going Under, so I intend taking that along for her to sign. We are being hosted under the auspices of the South Coast Writers Centre, who has been a practical and emotional support for my writing. We’re tagged “New Voices of The South Coast”.
In between, on Wednesday, I have a very different gig. I will be addressing the Thirroul View Club. Formed in 1962, this club comprised of active socially-minded women currently sponsors fourteen Smith Family Learning for Life students, and is actively involved in fundraising activities to raise donations for The Smith Family programs. One of their members heard me speak about I Belong to No One, and recommended me. I haven’t prepared my talk yet, although basically, I can almost do this off the top of my head. Not that I would be so cavalier. My thoughts are percolating, but I think it will revolve around, ‘you do not need to be defined by the circumstances of your upbringing’, and my presence will serve as a living example of the importance of their work in supporting disadvantaged children to have the opportunity to achieve all they are capable of.
Knowing only too well the important role of education in lifting children out of poverty and building confidence, hubbie and I also support a child through The Smith Family Program. Which reminds me – with Christmas coming – time for me to send our greetings and a little gift. This is our first year with this student. Our previous one graduated high school last year and headed off for an apprenticeship as a carpenter. I’m all for young people finding what fits their talent and pursuing that. Much as universities play a vital role in society, my personal opinion is that we have been making that the “main game” for too long. It sets up those young people who are not academically-minded to feel that they are somehow failing or inferior. (Not to mention that there aren’t jobs awaiting as many as those who graduate, and with huge uni debts they’ll spend at least ten years paying off). We need skills across a wide range of activities, and those who prefer to work with their hands play an equally important role. Anyhow! I’ll climb off my soapbox of un-fact-checked emotion now, and simply say: I’m sure many of my readers support any number of causes. This is one which may capture your interest.
Phew! How that began with a review and ended with a lecture is anyone’s guess. Might be time for bed, whaddya’ think? (translation – what do you think?).
Garrulous Gwendoline, Sunday, 1st November 2026