#2016
Ten years ago in 2016 the course of my writing life changed. It was the year of me turning sixty but that had little impact really. It was the South Pacific cruise we took in January of that year that opened my mind to a different style of writing to the rural romances and historicals I’d been creating up until then.
We’d only been aboard ship a day or so before I realised cruises were rich pickings for authors and for me there was a story brewing. Leaning backwards in my chair I would shamelessly eavesdrop on conversations, trying to look nonchalant as I scribbled down dialogue on a napkin. Strolling casually along the deck I might look innocent but I would, nevertheless, be observing an older man I had watched only the previous night seducing the merry widow who now accompanied him. My gently polite questions to the maitre d’ about his life on-shore masked an avid curiosity. No-one was safe from my interest in their lives.
On beautiful Lifou island I bought a handmade notebook from a market stall (pictured) and sat on the beach beginning to create a story based on a woman I’d met briefly over dinner. I knew so little about her but she represented an elegant and accomplished example of an older woman, and I found my real-life dinner companion becoming the central character of my manuscript — the character around which all the others revolved.
The book that resulted was Table for Eight. It’s set on a cruise ship which has a certain magic about it. People can leave behind their daily grind and become anyone they want, cares slip away as they indulge in the luxurious world of cruising. But we all carry our desires and our secrets with us no matter where we go or how deep we bury them.
Table for Eight was published in 2018 and was the first of my contemporary, women-centred fiction titles. A style of writing that that explores relationships, gets into the nitty gritty of what makes people tick, the events that change our lives, our emotional reactions, the reasons for acting the way we do and for a people observer like me being on a cruise was not only life changing it was simply delicious.
I loved Table For Eight…so much that I have read it twice. My mum loved cruising and did 20 cruises between the age of 80 and 90. I never understood her excitement and joy around cruising because I have never done one, but your story gave me an insight into her love of being at sea. Sadly she has passed. I am sure she too would have loved Table For Eight!
Hi Janis, How wonderful your mum got to do so many cruises. I’ve been on a few and can understand her enjoyment. Such a great way to holiday. Glad you enjoyed Table for Eight.
I love your historical fiction your early books are sensational
Thanks Annette.
I find it very hard to believe it was that long ago. I really enjoyed your previous books and still keep my fingers crossed that you’ll one day continue the stories of the lives of the Flinders families. 😳🙄 Thank you for all of your wonderful books. I love being ‘taken away’. Looking forward eagerly for future books. ❤️📚
Thanks for your wonderful support Scissley. Time sure flies!
I’m so grateful for your amazing books and what a wonderful start to a new genre for you with ‘Table For Eight’. Thanks for letting us know how it started!
Thanks Tracey.
I have enjoyed your modern books very much. But my all time favourites were the Flinders range series. Such interesting history , the struggle to establish farms in the day.
Thanks, Janet. I do enjoy history. Lots of research.
I’m sure Table for Eight was my first read from your amazing list of books. I love cruising and the book caught my eye. I was hooked and immediately sought out your previous books. I have loved reading all of your books and get so excited when your next book is about to be published.
Thanks for your kind words and wonderful support Rhonda.