Hi folks,
Well the countdown is on. I am really getting into the swing of things now I have completed my Christmas shopping. I went to Sydney for the weekend and had a lovely time in the shops. It was so much easier as Hobart is a bit limited at the moment after our major department store burned down in September. They have a temporary set up but it doesn't have the full range of items so going off shore seemed the best solution. I must confess I bought just as much stuff for myself as anyone else! That always happens I'm afraid. While I darting in and out of shops I saw a lot of homeless people on street corners. I always stop to chat to them and often give money as I have heard that 80% of the homeless on Sydney's streets are suffering a mental illness. I often wonder where their family is and if they found it too hard to cope with their loved one's issues. I have a new understanding of depression as a close relative has been going through hell with it. It makes me realise how sad this time of year can be for those who have no one to turn to. I hope when you are with your families or friends you will give thanks for all that you have as I do as so many will spend the holiday period alone.
Hope this week is not too stressful for you,
Cheers,
Melanie xx

Hi everyone,
I have done it, I have finished my novel in time for Christmas. I don't think I've ever had to work so hard in my life. I spent three solid days in front of my computer and wrote 10,000 words. It was some of the best writing I have done in the end so maybe working under pressure is the go. Personally I prefer a little more time to stew over things but at least I know now I can do it.
I am going to go Christmas shopping today. We put the tree up last night and Polly was intrigued at all the Christmas bells. I am not sure how long they will last! We had a big storm yesterday in Hobart but in Sydney it was massive. Hailstones as big as tennis balls fell on my brother's car and at my sister's house the garden was flattened. Crazy weather for a crazy time of year, huh?
Have a great week, only 15 days to go!
Cheers,
Melanie

Hi folks,
Well I don't know about you but I still haven't done a thing about Christmas. I am working on a Presents novel and with only 10,000 words to go I suddenly decided to change the setting and the nationality of the hero. That means a lot of rewriting and tweaking which I am quite happy to do as I think the novel will be much stronger as a result but it means I am not going to get anywhere near the shops for at least another ten days. I am going to Sydney this weekend and to Melbourne on Wednesday for a close friend's memorial service so it's going to be an up and down kind of time.
We had just one night at the beach house this weekend but because the weather was magnificent it felt much longer. The water is warmer every time I get in and the guys went out fishing and brought back lots of flathead for lunch. The dogs had so many walks and swims they were exhausted and even now are still sound asleep on my bed and it's Monday morning!
I am off for a quick swimn now and back to my desk. It's raining now and there are storms expected. We don't get many storms in Hobart as it is not humid enough so it will be a treat if one comes past.
Have a great week!
Melanie x