There ends 2015 …

I began to organise this post so many weeks ago I’ve forgotten the date. I was thinking, I’m on top of my latest novel Consequences but my my how wrong can a person be! I force a smile because somehow with the help and encouragement of family and friends I actually made it. Website problems have been an issue with at least three companies not  wanting to even try to do the updates for me. I’m so grateful for my friends? But what came later really made things like printers, learning InDesign and the website problems pale into insignificance.

What can I say about my ridiculous roller coaster of a year! Thankfully at the beginning I didn’t have a clue about the devastation that would come at its end. It began with a feeling of euphoria designing and setting up the cover for FAWQ’s Anzac Anthology, ‘They shall grow not Old’, finishing Consequences and my colouring book.

Right now personally, my family and I are struggling to face the sudden loss of my beloved mother. I now know the depths of despair. She left us during the time of year she loved most but as I write this down I know it’s important to my mother that I make an effort to take something wonderful from each day. My mother would expect this of me as it is/was her attitude to life. On the day she passed away we were to meet for coffee so I could give her a copy of Consequences.

Simeon Sima (*Asfour x *Mohema)

So we go backwards … In July we said goodbye to our dear aged mare Simeon Sima and in October my darling 36 year old Simeon Sarah. I managed to gather some strength and for some reason, still unknown to me, I began some drawings for a 36 page adult colouring book. And yes, I was still finalising Consequences. By the time I reached about the seventh drawing I decided I was crazy.  Husband Don came to the rescue, as he always does, and said, just do one at a time, just do one at a time. So I did! It took an incredible amount of time to do fifteen images, but somehow I made it.
Consequences went off to the printer and I sorted out who might print The Artful Arabian Horse Adult Colouring Book.

Simeon Sarah (*Sankt Georg x*Damirah)

I have to say that writing Consequences took me back to a testing time in our breeding life. It had been waiting patiently to be sorted/altered since about 2010. Until I began working on the book I didn’t realise how much I would adore introducing you all to Danni my new character. I think she would make a great best friend. Now I’m wondering if Danni will re-emerge in another novel but for now I have a firm plan for my next adult book. I will take a look at it in the new year and again begin to write as I ponder the storyline. I think I need to be busy but at present I’m struggling to find the words even to blog.

Mind you, I never have a rule for the number  of words I write. I believe one doesn’t have to write a lot of words to make progress. I like to proceed as the whim takes me. Some days only a paragraph other days words pour onto the page. I often say one should write to enjoy the creative process. You can tell when you read or view the final result of a creation loved by it’s creator.

Here is the back Cover Blurb for Consequences

Murder, blackmail and broken promises …

Popular television host, Danni Norris appears to have it all.
But when a detective friend asks for help to unravel a mystery
surrounding a ten year old cold case, Danni finds herself
deciphering more than a simple open and shut case of murder.

Set on the Darling Downs, amidst the newly established Australian
Arabian Racing scene, Consequences tells a story of dreams turned
inside out and how the death of one can dictate the fate of others.

Danni questions her life and when she re-discovers her love for
Arabian horses she decides to take a much-needed break from the
stresses of her career. At the same time she cautiously becomes
involved with the enigmatic Justin Raine.

While the Arabian horse may be adored for its great beauty and
athleticism Danni soon discovers a dark side to all the adoration.
She uncovers a world full of secrets, lies and unscrupulous dealings.
And within this world someone waits to kill …

Many years ago, my summer’s were about holidays, enjoying friends and family. But this Summer is about reflections on life, the universe and what’s next for us. I’m hoping Consequences will give people something to discuss and ponder on. I do hope that you will love Danni as much as I do. I also trust the people who love to colour will enjoy a copy of my colouring book. Sending my love and best wishes for 2016 and although the big hole in my heart will remain I will do as my dearest mum expects and look for the wonderful.

Season’s Greetings and best wishes for a New Year full of peace, love, gratefulness and happiness!

If you wish to purchase a copy of either Consequences AUD$28.95 +postage or The Artful Arabian Horse Adult Colouring Book. AUD$12.00 + postage, my website is now updated  http://www.carmelrowley.com.au/buyonline.html