Book Signing and Christmas

Everyone seems to agree that time travels way too fast these days, and I have to say the month of Decemeber is always one of the fastest to pass me by. Whenever I decided to sit down and add to my blog, something else needed to be done more urgently. At last I have made it to the keyboard for an update.
Since my premier blog I have had my first book signing. It was held at Michelle's Sewing Basket in Ringwood on 13 December. Michelle made me feel extremely welcome and comfortable and had everything set up nicely where I could sign books and chat with those who took the time to come and meet me. Unfortunately the day was extremely wet, with a couple of inches of rain falling. This no doubt kept a few people away, but for those who did come along, I am extremely grateful. I told them how I started writing the Maria Challenge Quilt and they asked me lots of interesting questions. I had a very pleasant time.
In the six weeks before Christmas I have sold over 100 copies of my book. Thank you to everyone who has supported me. I am now busy researching the second book in the Challenge Quilt Series and hope to have it available by next October. (I'm sure that will come around all too quickly!)
Christmas was a much looked forward to event as my family was able to get away to country Victoria for four days where we could relax and breathe in the fresh air. We also made a trip to the beach, which is not my favourite place at all, but where my daughter could take lots of beautiful photographs - her latest hobby. I was a spoiled woman, receiving many wonderful patchwork items, including tools and fabric, and I feel all inspired. There are never enough hours in the day to do what I want to do. Life is so fantastic I can't understand people who waste it by doing drugs or lazing around. There are SO many things to inspire you, whatever your interest might be - you only have to step out there and try a few things.
I'm not into New Year's Resolutions as such, but I do like to make a few plans for how I would like my year to pan out. Over the last decade I have chipped away at making life changes to develop the lifestyle I really want, and so far I am succeeding. I'm not entirely there yet, but I know I complain a lot less now about 'having to' do this or that, or whinng about my job. Follow your dreams and make them happen. Take a step at a time to achieve them and they can come true. See you in the New Year.

The Maria Challenge Quilt

Four weeks ago I picked up my first self-published novel from the printers and brought it home. Little did I know that I had just boarded a roller-coaster ride of emotions. There was no fanfare at all as I trudged back and forth from the driveway, hauling five boxes inside and dumping them on the lounge room floor. My family weren't around and there was no one to share the moment with. Neither had I organised any official 'launch' for my novel. The poor little thing sat there on the lounge room floor waiting to be wanted, and I looked at the boxes with a touch of fear. What had I done? I had just spent a lot of money on printing a novel. Would it be good enough for the public.
In these last four weeks I have learned to open my mouth and talk to people, telling them all about my novel and to my surprise, people have been interested. In fact, people have been wonderful! My darling husband is not the least bit surprised. He keeps telling me "of course they'll like it, why wouldn't they?" I love his attitude almost as much as I love him.
So let me introduce you to my first published novel. Titled The Maria Challenge Quilt, it is the story of four modern women who share a love of patchwork and quilting. They are members of a large guild and also meet fortnightly to sew and talk, share their joys and their worries, and ultimately support one another. At the first guild meeting for the year a guest speaker enthralls her audience with the poignant story of her convict ancestor, Mary Lewisham who was transported to Australia in 1818. The guild then presents the patchworkers with a challenge, which sets the women on journeys of self-discovery.
My novel is beng distributed through patchwork stores in Victoria, with hopes of expanding into other states soon. Perhaps those of you who are going on the Fabric Frolic in Melbourne's East next January will pick up a copy then. Meanwhile, the latest news is that I will be doing a book signing at Michelle's Sewing Basket in Ringwood on Saturday 13 December 2008 from 11:00 am. Perhaps I'll see you there? Let me know if you've read my blog.