Hi everyone,
I had an exciting time last week as the Japanese FINA swimming squad were training at my local aquatic centre which meant I had to swim in the dive pool most days. The head coach was on deck each morning as I went past and I practised my limited Japanese much to his delight. He watched me swimming and spoke to me a couple of times on technique and then on the last day he left his squad and came over to my pool and spent some time analysing my stroke and told me I was a very good swimmer! It made me feel like a champion I can tell you! Anyway, it was just what I needed as I was on a bit of a plateau so it really helped renew my focus and drive. Autumn is here and the end of daylight saving which is always sad as I like the extra light in the evenings but then again I love being woken by the sun in the morning so I can't have it both ways. The leaves are starting to turn and because we have a cool temperate climate there are a lot of European tress which are spectacular just now.
Well I've got a bit of work to do this week but I sold another Presents title last week coming out next year called Innocent Wife, Baby of Shame. I hope you like it when it finally comes out-it was heart-wrenching at times writing it!
All the best,
Melanie x

Hi folks,
I am tearing my hair out with frustration with these bathroom renovations. We're into our second week and it will be at least another week or ten days I think before it's anywhere near completed. On a good note I am reworking my current Modern/Presents. I finished it last week but wasn't happy with it so now I am going back to tighten things up. Revising is an important part of the writing process, nothing I have ever written has been perfect the first time around. Polly is as cute as ever, driving us crazy with her mischievous ways of course but no one is tough enough to growl at her. She just looks up at us all with black button eyes and we all melt. I was tougher on my kids!
Hope you have a great week, we are heading into Autumn/Fall but it's quite a lovely day today so I think we'll get a few more days on the deck chairs!
Cheers
Melaniex

Hi everyone,
I missed posting on Monday as it was a long weekend here in Hobart and I got put out of my routine. I suddenly realised what day it was today and thought I'd better touch base. We are having our bathroom renovated at the moment so there are a lot of rather gorgeous men wandering about with various bits and pieces and I can feel a novel idea coming on! What is it about tradesmen that is so attractive? They are very male, very strong and fit and capable so I guess that's why.
My husband and younger son are off to the Melbourne Grand Prix this week. Steve is one of the medical team and Phil is of course an avid fan. I decided to stay home due to the bathroom update as Polly is too young to be left without vigilant supervision as she is quite mischievous and runs off with tools and bits of plaster. I have already had to clean up quite a little mess she brought up to my office!
Lots of warm wishes to you all,
Melanie

Hi everyone,
I found out much to my surprise and delight that I won a Cataromance Reveiwers' Choice Award for the second half of 2006 for The Virgin's Price. It was such a thrill as I had three nominations. I won one in the first half of 2005 so I am truly delighted.
I hate to say it but I think our summer is over. The weather has turned cold overnight and I have even switched on the heating. This is a bit unusual for Tasmania at this time of year as March can often be one of the hottest months. I love autumn and winter so it's not so bad although I don't like the dark mornings. I love being woken by the sun, it seems to be the right way to start the day.
Polly is delightful as you might expect a three month old puppy to be. She is almost house-trained, I am still finding the occasional puddle but thankfully nothing too serious. She is still teething so I am doing the whole small child routine of lifting things out of her reach. She particularly loves toilet rolls and because she can reach the holder there have been some rather spectacular trails of paper throughout the house! I am far too an indulgent mother which no doubt will create a rod for my own back but they are little for so short a time. I am enjoying every minute of it.
With warm wishes,
Melanie