Howdy,
One year ago, my debut novel, What Did I Miss? hit the shelves in all her red-and-pink glory.
Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of book events, meeting the most delightful readers. But one reader, in particular, absolutely stole the show.
For privacy reasons (and because my memory is shocking), let’s call her Helen.
So, Helen is 84 years young, and she informed me that WDIM is the first book she’s ever read with S.E … (you know the next letter).
‘I’m really enjoying it,’ she said with a cheeky wink.
At this point, she was only halfway through the novel.
‘Oh, Helen,’ I said, returning the wink, ‘the best bits are yet to come.’
Then she leaned in closer. ‘I’ve fallen madly in love with Beau.’
He’s the spunky love interest, in case you haven’t done your homework.
‘I think about him a lot,’ she continued.
Get in line, Helen.
She glanced over both her shoulders before confessing that she is married and under no circumstances was I to rat her out to her husband.
Your secret is safe with me, Hel.
And with all my lovely newsletter readers, who I’m sure have a book boyfriend or two of their own.
Repeat after me: It’s not cheating if they’re fictional.
If you’re wondering what to get me for my Bookiversary (aww, thanks!), here are some things on my wishlist:
Review it on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, etc.
I’ll help you get started – ‘This is the best book I’ve ever …’
Recommend it to someone in a reading slump.
That’s what a good friend would do.
Buy a copy for someone turning 30 or going through a divorce.
Equally traumatic life events. Laughter is the best medicine.
You know that new manuscript I’m working on?
Good news - it’s a finalist in the Opal Award (Emerging Writer) with the Romance Writers of Australia.
In fact, I have 2 manuscripts in the running.
Pretty chuffed to have my name sitting among such talented writers. Go, ladies!
Remember that house my husband was building for us in the bush?
It’s finished!
Good job, Gav … whoa, don’t relax, buddy. There’s still plenty to do.
Anyways, we’re now living in our new digs and are slowly finding our feet.
We’re completely off grid (no sun, no fun), so moving in during winter has been the stupidest thing we’ve ever done quite the learning curve.
The best part? Watching kangaroos from any window. They’re everywhere! All day, every day.
We’ve also seen a wombat, deer, frogs and lizards.
We’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.
Remember when I interviewed Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist about their latest novel, The General Hospital? Well, apparently I didn’t suck, because I’ve been invited back for another inning. Honoured!
This time, we’ll be chatting at the Ballan Library, home to the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet. Hi Patricia! Hi, Stevie!
And if hearing from two literary legends isn’t enough to tempt you, I’ve heard there’ll be morning tea.
Books and baked goods? That’s my kind of event.
Hope to see you there.
Sat 1 Aug (10 AM - 12 PM) Ballan Library & Community Hub, VIC
Graeme Simsion and Professor Anne Buist in Conversation with Holly Brunnbauer
It’s been a big year.
Huge thanks to every one of you for supporting me as I find my feet as a baby author. It’s meant the world.
I never imagined that in my 40’s I would write a book, let alone publish one. Wild!
And for the last time, when I was a teacher, I did not do what Makayla and Beau did at school camp.
I did much worse.
Stay tuned. That story might end up in a book one day. I’m sure Helen would love it.
Chat soon,
Holly xx
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