While we’re talking about the awesomeness of tea and books, let’s not forget the cupcakes that go with them. How adorable are these cupcakes by Victoria’s Kitchen? I want!!
And which books would you have on your cupcakes? I feel another list coming on… 😉
Last night I finished reading Monica McInerney’s latest book, The House of Memories.
I was a tad nervous about reading this book–sad subjects are really not my preferred storyline. But I know what a wonderful storyteller Monica is and therefore I entered the world of Ella and her family feeling safe in Monica’s hands.
There are sad moments, yes. But they are handled with such skill and sensitivity that in no way will you be left feeling bludgeoned or overwhelmed. It’s a beautiful book, executed perfectly. A very clever, touching and deep book, one that will resonate with you for long after the last page.
I love research. And when it’s about food, even better.
Living the writer’s dream for me is about delving into subjects I’m interested in and absorbing a mass of information and, preferably, sensory experience. And it really doesn’t get any better than researching one of the greatest things on earth: chocolate.
Chocolate features heavily in my next book and this weekend just gone my lovely (and exceptionally talented) sister and I headed into Brisbane for an afternoon of making chocolates and ganaches by hand. I have to say, though, that they worked us extremely hard. Amanda and I thought we might have a fun afternoon indulging in chocolate. Not so much. More like five hours on our feet, with no breaks, no chairs and (gasp!!!) no coffee!!! I felt like a galley slave.
But I am really glad I went. I learnt many a savvy chocolate making skill for my main
Belgium chocolate ganaches
character to use in her story. And during the two-and-a-half hour drive home I came up with my top line novel plot.
Not a bad day’s work. Not bad at all.