It’s been ages since I’ve published a blog post, thanks to some frantic editing followed by a three-week jaunt to Australia. It’s been a fantastic few weeks, and I have loads to share, so I’ll just dive right in, shall I?
What I’ve been writing
I’m pleased to say that book three (which has now been renamed to Like Mother, Like Daughter) is well underway and taking shape into a story that I’m really proud of. It still needs a lot of work, but I’m excited to start the next round of edits after receiving feedback from my editor.
I haven’t been writing much else (although I did have a go at a little poem this morning, which was something totally different for me), but I have a feeling the next month or so is going to be pretty intense with the edits I have to do on book three, so it’s been nice having a bit of a break before this next burst.
What I’ve been reading
Since I last wrote one of these writer’s diaries, I’ve read three and a half books, the first of which I raced through in just a few sittings. It was Rachel Edwards’ Darling, and I can’t recommend this ‘post-Brexit thriller’ highly enough. It was wonderfully written, and it explored really difficult but important topics, while also being a twisty, page-turning thriller. Go read it. You won’t regret it!
The second book was The Killer in Me by Olivia Kiernan, a gritty thriller set in Ireland. What I loved most about this book was that it wasn’t your average police procedural, nor was it a run-of-the-mill thriller. It had the markings of both genres, but it was fresh and different, and the main character, Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan, is a trained profiler, so she brings a unique perspective to the case at hand.
I was so busy in Australia that I barely had time to read, which always happens, and always takes me by surprise. I go with a suitcase (and Kindle) full of books and get through maybe one if I’m lucky. Before I left, I was reading Caz Frear’s Stone Cold Heart, and I managed to finish it on a rare free afternoon in my dad’s sunny backyard.
It’s part of a series featuring DC Cat Kinsella, and although I haven’t read the first book in the series, Sweet Little Lies, I massively enjoyed the second book as a standalone (although I’ll definitely go back and read the first one because Cat is a kick-ass character).
Stone Cold Heart comes out in May – take a look at the blurb and pre-order it here.
I also started reading a book called Unmaking a Murder by Graham Archer, based on the wrongful conviction of Henry Keogh, in a case that shocked Adelaide in the 90s. It’s a truly unsettling read, and although I knew the basics of the case (most Adelaideans have heard of it), I had no idea how deep the injustice ran, not just in this case, but countless others.
I’m about halfway through this true crime book and I’m totally gripped (and appalled), so I’ll let you know what I think when I’ve finished it.
What I’ve been watching
Not a lot, once again thanks to being too busy in Australia for Netflix.
Although before I left I did race through Dirty John, the Netflix series based on Wondery’s incredible and horrifying podcast of the same name. It starred Eric Bana as John Meehan, and Connie Britton as Debra Newell, and it was a really well-produced adaptation. Even though I knew how this true crime story was going to end, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Oh, and if you’re a Dirty John fan, make sure you listen to this episode of Books & Booze, where they interview Terra Newell about her experience and recovery. She’s an incredible young woman and it’s a joy to hear her brave story in her own words.
I did watch a few films on the flights (48 hours on planes in just a few weeks means lots of film-watching time), and my favourites were Instant Family, Bohemian Rhapsody and Oceans 8 (I couldn’t work out why it got such average reviews).
I need recommendations for new binge-worthy shows, though, so please hit me up with your favourites in the comments!
What I’ve been listening to
I finished listening to COLD (tip: don’t listen in a public place because some of the episodes will break you) and moved on to Broken Harts, which was also pretty emotional. It’s another true crime podcast (I can’t help myself; it’s an addiction) about two white women who adopted six black children in the USA, and drove themselves off a 100 foot cliff with all of the kids in the back. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating, and deals with a lot of fascinating, important, and difficult topics.
And I’m a few episodes into Over My Dead Body, which is produced by the same company as Dr. Death and Dirty John (both fantastic podcasts). I’m not as gripped as I thought I’d be yet, but I’ll keep listening and let you know if it’s worth pushing through.
What I’ve been doing
Well, mostly hanging out in sunny Adelaide! I was there to do some research for book three, which is set in my hometown, so I spent some time meeting with various experts and checking out locations. But between those appointments and scouting trips, I spent lots of time with my family, which was just the best.
Adelaide has brilliant beaches, incredible wine regions, an ever-changing food scene, and a line-up of amazing festivals. I was lucky enough to be there during Adelaide Writers’ Week, which instantly became my favourite writing festival ever. It’s free to attend, the setting is unbeatable (in one of Adelaide’s gorgeous inner-city parks, beneath palm trees) and the guests are always fascinating.
I managed to attend three sessions: an interview with journalist Leigh Sales on her book, Any Ordinary Day; a panel called South Africa Rising with Ndaba Mandela, Sisonke Msimang & Marlene van Niekerk; and an interview with Australian crime queen, Jane Harper.
I’m so glad I was in town during this amazing event, and I can’t recommend it enough for book lovers. If you happen to be in Australia in March, pop to Adelaide – you won’t be disappointed!
Aside from Australia, I’ve been running a bit (well, I did some of that in Australia, too – I did my first ever Park Run which was brilliant) as I got into the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October. I did this one a few years ago and got my personal best time (juuuuust under two hours) so my goal is to get a comfortable sub-two hour time this year.
It’s been well over a month since I last posted a writer’s diary, so there’s been plenty going on, but this is already over 1,100 words, so instead of writing more, I’ll leave you with a few more pictures of my time Down Under!
