Each Christmas, my dear departed mother gave shirts to the men in her life. Mine know they’ll receive books for the coming holidays. At writers festivals, I choose likely books, queue up for authors’ autographs. Don’t people love that personalised touch?
Some of these gifts become dog-eared, I confess. Because, er, I do check that the books and recipients are matched. Recycling helps save the planet. That’s one excuse.
Also, I buy many books written by writing buddies and colleagues. And help them by posting reviews on Goodreads.com – an addictive site where one can check out readers’ reviews of books before deciding whether to buy or borrow. Reviews are pure gold to authors hoping to be noticed amidst millions of competing titles. Especially as Indie publishers don’t have advertising budgets of the big imprints.
See Goodreads 5-star reviews of my recent book‘Burn My Letters‘
‘There is nothing dull about this historical search, from the start I was drawn into the story, entertained, amused, challenged and moved.’
‘…a charming blend of well-researched narrative non-fiction and creative imagination. Ruth’s writing is cohesive and easy to read.’ Order on Amazon, as hardcopy and eBook. For autographed copies order here. There, buy Book 2 of the series at pre-publication special price. Or send cheques to Words and Music, PO Box 422 The Gap Qld 4061 Australia. Thanks for the great reviews! Feel free to add your own comments on Goodreads.com Book 2 Midnight Sun to Southern Cross launches March 2017It marks the centenary of the Russian Revolution, which spread to Finland and on to Finnish Independence.
Book 2 moves between Australia and Finland to contrast Granddad’s formative years in Europe and my own upbringing in outback Queensland and in St Lucia, the iconic Brisbane suburb he developed. And of my own studies at that same university, after the culture shock of Ironside State School – a big stretch from correspondence school – and then Somerville House. What of family members who remained in Finland? Read the parts they played in the struggle to oust Russian overlords from their homeland. (My father’s uncle Edvard on right) Granddad’s story is bookended by ‘Those who go, those who stay.’ In 1920, Sister Anna Sanna (Ny)Holm joined her brothers, the first complete Finnish family to emigrate to Australia.
What better Christmas holiday than to relax with a book? Enjoy reading! |