Well here I am on the night before departure. I can’t believe the time has flown so fast and so busily, and I’ve been packing and sorting since dawn this morning and retrying all those clothes that I thought would work and not sure of now. I should not have eaten that chocolate.

The problem is the fact that I’m away from home for 29 nights. 29! As my husband says. You can’t pack that many clothes. But I’m gonna have fun.

Yep. Honolulu with Bronwyn Jameson (Desire), and Alison Roberts (Medical ), Trish Morey (Presents)and Kelly Hunter (Modern Extra). We should be met at the airport with a limo and champagne and a tour of the island before we check into our beachfront hotel. Or that’s what the brochure says. We’ll see.  No housework anyway.

Dolphin swimming with Alison the next day, should be awesome, and then the day after we fly off to San Francisco and the Romance Writers of America Conference at the Marriot Hotel for five nights. Huge events, The Rita’s and some Aussies to cheer for. Have bought the black dress to die for (photos next blog). A cross between Cruella DeVille and a mermaid. I LOVE IT!Then onto Paris where I’m meeting my dear friend Jennifer Taylor, who is great fun, and armed with her superior knowledge  we are going to paint the town red. Well, see Moulon Rouge, dine at the Eiffel Tower and see the city of lights as we cruise the Seine. Jennifer has threatened to walk my shoes off so that should help the previous overindulgence.

Then London, where I’m having lunch with my editor in Richmond, a visit to my favourite aunt in Ipswich and a brief holiday at Southwold, and then I’m taking myself to Bath to read Georgette Heyer and soak up the history. I love Bath.

Then down to Scotland on the sleeper train with Alison Roberts again and we are off to the Edinburgh Tattoo and a couple of nights in Edinburgh, then Benmore to some lovely people and a place very dear to my late mother’s heart, and then back to London where Alison and I are going to have High Tea at the Ritz. This one was on my list. I booked a month ago and only just managed to secure a table. Will let you know how fab it was.

Then to Melbourne for the Romance Writers of Australia conference at the wonderful Langham. I’m presenting a workshop on

How To Love The Shrek Side Of Writing By Princess Fiona.

So 29 nights before I blog again as I can’t possibly fit my computer in with my clothes. Have slipped in a little Eeepc so I can write on the flights.

Next blog will be talking about the Lyrebird Lake Series which I’m so excited about.  

And congratulations to Sara Ball from Texas who won a copy of my The Midwife’s Baby at the end of June. Hope you enjoy the book, Sara.  New comp when I come back.

Keep well, keep happy and enjoy.

Love Fiona