My first Italian hero is in Lyrebird Lake.
And he’s gorgeous.
Due out in October in the UK and NA and November in Aus and NZ.
I’ve been listening to Italian tapes in my car, trying to learn a new language by distance because I wanted to be able to understand the nuances of an Italian hero’s seduction. My man’s an Aussie through and through, but I wanted to be able to understand Emma’s love. Driving to work for me really is not far, a mere twenty five kilometres each way, and just enough for one Italian lesson per shift. The rolling ‘R’s’ are delightful, and the language so romantic.
In ‘Midwife In The Family Way’ we return to Lyrebird Lake, one of my favourite places in the world, and Emma’s story. Gianni, our Italian hero is blown away by the strength in this country midwife who is more self sufficient than any woman he has ever known. This book was inspired by my friend Michelle, who, as the dedication says, is ‘one of the coolest, bravest, most amazing people I know, and whose journey has been my inspiration for this book. ‘
Michelle, (and Emma’s) mum has Huntingtons Disease and it’s a debilitating, tragic disease we’d all like to see wiped out. Like all people wth and without the gene who’ve been affected by or known those affected by Huntingtons, I pray for a cure.
One of the most amazing side bonuses of writing and reading is the knowledge we accidentally gain and grow by. Exposure to Huntington’s was like that. The human spirit is incredible and I can only admire and in some way try to emulate the way people rise above the obstacles life puts in front of them. My deepest admiration goes out to those touched by this unfair disease. I hope you too, can be inspired by Emma and Gianni’s story as I was.
warmest wishes
Fiona
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
Check out the clip from The Circle on Tuesday 31st August 2010.
What an amazing morning when I appeared briefly on the popular women’s chat show, The Circle (Channel Ten 31st August 2010). So many of my friends were watching and cheering for me I felt very supported. Picked up in a cab by my publicist from Penguin Books, Australia, Liesel Maddock, who helped me find my way around Melbourne. (That’s apart from Anne Gracie who ferried me everywhere else and Carol Marinelli who came with Anne and hugged me when needed.) Just keeps reminding me my friends are awesome.
We arrived in the television station about an hour and a quarter before I went on, and this wasn’t the time for nerves. I knew that. There was this delightful young guy who kept popping in and giving me updates when I was feeling a tad lost and this fabulous lady in makeup who had no issue with the fact I don’t wear makeup normally and suggested staying natural – by the way- my husband loved the lipstick colour -then proceeded to paint my face for television – with a spray gun, and hey, it did look natural. Thank you. I’m so sorry I don’t know your name but you were so lovely.
The make-up lady in her domain
Eventually we were directed to the green room for the final few minutes while the previous segment finished. Then standing at the edge of the set, a bit like standing on the edge of a cliff, and then ussured onto set to sit on ‘The Couch” with Chrissy and Gorgi. Thanks guys. You were so friendly and interested, and the audience were full of smiles too. Couldn’t help myself directing a lot of my answers to the audience as well.
The interview started with a birth scene from ‘Knocked Up’ the movie, which was amusing, and then it was time to share why I think my book can help women about to go into labour. All great fun and something I’m so glad I had the opportunity to experience. Thanks so much to the all on the Circle for having me. You made it incredibly easy.
I’ve done eleven radio interviews since then, all fun in their own way, 
even one live with Steve Vizard, and all an opportunity to get the message out that women are amazing and with their support people and some knowledge of choices, they can improve their birth experience enormously.
I did come home to my long suffering husband, and Friday saw me officially launch my book in Kempsey. The library was the place I started writing almost twenty years ago after doing a short course there, so it was fitting that my latest baby was born there. Thanks so much to Angie for all her help at organising the launch and all my friends, family and readers who came out in the rain to share the moment. I really appreciate it.
But now its back to the real world, back to writing and to work. Did I mention I was witness to a truly magical birth last night, a baby caught by her father and surrounded by such a warmth of welcome and reminded me that as midwives, we are there to watch over a woman doing what she’s designed to do. And she can do it so well.
Wishing you love and laughter and the joy of birth
xx Fi
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
The plane takes off, and somewhere below my husband is driving the eighty kilometres home after getting up at 0400 to get there on time. What a hero. As I look out the plane window I see banana plantations below me and to the left the sea. It’s a gorgeous winter day. A day with a difference.
I have to smile and wonder what the next few days will bring for a mother of five and a midwife from a small country town. A wish for luck would be appreciated.
My new Don’t Panic Birth Guide comes out on the 30th August, and I’m off to Melbourne. The good news is it’s a book of the heart and no hardship to talk about my passion – the wonder of birth and the awesome women who continue to inspire me.
That’s lucky, because in the next few days I’m meeting my agent and my publisher, having lots of chats with my publicist, have two or three radio interviews most days, have already answered four Q&A’s from magazines both on line and print – which I loved, and am gearing up for my first appearance on breakfast television. Oh, and I’m waiting for a book review from journo Kate Cuthbert to be posted on Booktopia. All pretty amazing stuff.
Just thought I’d post this, shamelessly angling for your good wishes, good vibes and good humour. So keep an eye out on Tuesday at 1055am on The Circle, Channel Ten up my way, and wish me luck.
Xx Fi
http://ten.com.au/the-circle.htm
ROMANCE WRITERS OF AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE What a fabulous weekend at the Crowne Plaza Coogee. Thank you to the exec and conference committee of Romance Writers Of Australia for another fabulous conference. My nineteenth occasion and it just keeps getting better.
It starts with meeting friends at the airport (That would be me, Bronwyn Jameson(Desire author) and Anne Gracie 
(Berkley Regency Author) and taking them to the Crowne Plaza at Coogee. Honest, we didn’t co-ordinate our colours. Must have been feeling green. 
I adore this hotel, (thank you to the awesome staff of CPC) not least because you’ll often get a sneak peak at a brand new little Aussie and proud parents in the lift as they finish their lying-in stay in a place not remotely like a hospital. There’s even a midwife on call to answer any new parent’s concern. Accommodation for dad, breakfast in bed for mum, now that’s romantic. Especially for someone partial to midwifery like me.
The other romantic event was the Romance Writers of Australia Conference, for those writing romance, women’s fiction and a healthy mix of other genres. We were all well represented by authors, editors, agents and publishers like Penguin, Random House, Allen and Unwin, and in the majority, like me, those aligned to Harlequin Mills and Boon.
Thursday night saw a swish dinner hosted by HMB for their authors overlooking Coogee beach, and the presentation of ’50 BOOK PINS’ OMG for my legendary friends Carol Marinelli and Alison Roberts. Even more incredible ’75′ book pin for Meredith Webber, who holds a very special place in my heart because she was so generous when I was ‘almost ‘ published 21 books ago.
On the Friday after the workshop by American icon Debra Dixon, of “Goal, Motivation, Conflict”, fame, came the ARRA booksigning.
The Australian Romance Readers Association held their first signing at an RWA conference and what a success it was. So professional, so warm and inviting, and such an opportunity for Australian authors to meet their readers. My heart felt thanks goes to the hard working ARRA organisers for a fabulous afternoon. You can find their website at australianromancereaders.com
The really cool thing was not only could I give away free books from HM&B thanks to Sydney office’s generosity, but I had a chance to show off my advance copy of TThe Don’t Panic Guide To Birth, and even ran into Belinda and Sara from Penguin as well.
Friday night saw the cocktail party, themed ‘Fantasy Island, and full kudos to the superb costumes. Check out the slideshow on barbarahannay.com. Brilliant Barb. I actually asked my husband what my fantasy was and he laughed. ‘ “Around the world first class, don’t you think. “Actually yes, dreaming , but that’s what a fantasy is. So thanks to Suz for this photo.
Saturday and Sunday was serious conference time and the 250 writers who attended were blown away by the depth and diversity of our speakers. If you’re a published women’s fiction author or aspiring to be, you can’t miss this professional event. Next year is Melbourne. Check out romanceaustralia.com
Saturday night is dress up time and always magnificent as we celebrate the achievments of our members and Sunday is too darn close to being over for another year.
But to friends and fabulous speakers and fellow writers I’d have to say I wouldn’t miss our annual RWA conference for the world. Even a fantasy trip couldn’t keep me from next year. So I hope to see you then, keep well, keep happy and good writing
luv Fi
