Amadi's Snowman

Speaking of not being able to get books, I've also been waiting to get my hands on Amadi's Snowman, a picture book by Katia Novet Saint-lot, my friend from my on-line critique group.

Katia's book was published in the US (though she lives in India) and is not carried by Australian distributors. I had ordered it from Amazon, but after they updated my order with a delivery date of August (after I leave for home) I ended up canceling my order. I have to be patient and wait till I get home before finally opening that beautiful cover and reading Amadi's Snowman.

The Zoya Factor

My sister, Anuja Chauhan's, debut novel, The Zoya Factor, is about to hit the bookshelves in India on July 12th. I have only read very early drafts, so I can't review it yet. Various people have promised to bring me back a copy before we leave for the US. I'm dying to get my hands on it! All those of you lucky enough to have access to it, rush out and buy a copy ASAP.

See it at the Harper Collins India site

Read an interview with Anuja

and check out the reviews

in India Today

and on Zee News

Brisbane blog

We've been here for nearly a month, in Brisbane, Australia. It feels like we just got here. Between the slow network connection I have, all the people I need to catch up with, and my kids trying to get on the net, I haven't been able to update the blog.

Luckily, I have been able to write! Yay me, as what's-her-name in my daughter's favorite TV show says! In fact I'm nearly done with the first (OK second) draft of my middle grade novel.

Before my computer freezes up again I'm going to hit the publish post button and try and get some of these pictures up of our current whereabouts.

More later ...

Frangipanis














A kangaroo at Lone Pine koala sanctuary














Rainbow Lorikeets














View of Brisbane from Mount Cootha














The Kookaburra Queen














more Kookaburra Queen














The City Cat ferry