Hi everyone,
What a week this has been! We've had several birthdays in the family so I've been madly wrapping presents or sending off cards and so on for those interstate. My older son came home with his girlfriend for his birthday which is two days after my husband's so it's been a busy weekend with lots of candles being blown out.
I have finished an online read I have been asked to do by the eharlequin team which was a lot of fun. You know what they say about asking a busy person!!!
Thanks to all of you who emailed me this week. It's great to hear from fans and I try to respond to everyone.
It's getting colder here and the drought on the mainland has had a slight break in that it rained quite solidly in some parts. I am so thrilled for the farmers who are doing it tough. Most people don't realise how much we rely on them. I grew up on a farm so I know personally how vital rain is at the right time for crops and so on.
Hope you all have a great week.
Cheers,
Melanie xx

Hi everyone,
I decided to get back into competitive swimming after a year or two concentrating on my writing career so on the weekend I did a 1500 breast stroke race where I was within a couple of seconds on my own State record. I wasn't sure whether to be thrilled or disappointed. I was glad I was fit enough to be that close but another part of me wondered why I hadn't pushed a little harder and set a new record. Life is like that some times, you either see the glass half empty or half full. I am generally a half full person so I can enjoy the achievement for what it is and move on to the next thing.
I am currently writing an online read for eharlequin which I am not even going to tell you about as it's so exciting. Keep your eyes online in July and all will be revealed. I have just sold a new medical, one of my favourites which I blogged about a few weeks ago. Georgie and Ben were fabulous characters to work with, so lively and passionate.
Thanks for all the emails, it's nice to get feedback on my books. A special hi to Anu who is one of my most faithful fans, she has even given me an idea for a novel. I'm not sure when I'll get round to writing it as I have three books already waiting in line to be written.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Cheers,
Melanie

Hi folks,
Well we solved the mystery of the emails not getting through and I have replied to all the ones I could find in the system so if I have missed anyone I am sorry. I had hundreds to sort through as well as the usual Spam which was annoying. Anyway I am now contactable and thank you so much to those of you who were so patient. A special thank you to Dottie who sent me a lovely message.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. I know it is not celebrated on this date in the UK but in the US and Australia it is the second Sunday in May. I was very spoilt by being given a brand new laptop! I am still finding my way around it. My eldest son and his lovely girlfriend gave me some fabulous Peter Alexander night wear ( he's a brilliant Australian pyjama designer) and my younger son gave me a new electric fry/casserole pan. I actually spent the day in Sydney with my sister who was being focussed on as as special mother in her church that morning. I didn't tell her I was coming so she was thrilled to see me there. I really enjoyed seeing her in the limelight instead of me for once. She is a rather shy person and works so tirelessly in the background so it was lovely that she was given the attention she deserves.
I was delayed getting home due to fog but I had a nice chat to a young doctor in the members' lounge and she gave me a great novel idea!
I am speaking at two Rotary functions this week which will makes it a busy few days on top of my writing schedule. It's nice to share with people the joy of being a published author.
Hope everyone is well and keep those emails coming!
Cheers,
Melanie x

Hi folks,
I have a HUGE apology to make to anyone who has been trying to email me through my website. It is not working so please be patient as we try and work out what is blocking things. I was wondering why things were so quiet! Anyway, I hope things will be back on tract shortly.
I have had a fabulous writing week, a total of 12,000 words and 10,000 last week so it's been one out of the box. I guess it's because I've had the house to myself now the bathroom has been completed, no more distractions and so on.
We spent a very windy weekend up at the shack. I thought the roof was going to come off at one stage but I am sure it was nothing like what has happened in Kansas. My thoughts go to all of you.
Polly is six months old, I can scarcely believe it. She is full of beans as usual and right now trying to tease poor old Pippi into a wrestling match. Pippi has perfected the rolled-eye look! She gives me this sort of look that seems to say: Why did you bring this little brat into this house?
Hope you all have a lovely week.
Cheers
Melanie xx