Okay, we have a lot to get through, so without further palaver, here’s the round-up.
Work …
Because we were away on holidays this is the first week of my new work life and I’m still faffing about experimenting with how that’s going to look.
I haven’t been idle though and the first thing on my list was to get the book admin type of things I’ve been ignoring for most of this year done – and I’ve managed to do most of that in the last week:
- Philly Barker Is On The Case is now live on all digital platforms – the links are here. I’ve submitted the print files and these will be live November 3.
- I’ve uploaded It’s In The Stars to Amazon. ‘m experimenting with KDP Select so for the next 3 months it’s only available digitally from Amazon – although you can read it on the Kindle app from any device. It will, however, be available in print soon. That now completes my rom-com series set in Melbourne and you’ll find blurb and all order links here … The upcoming Christmas at Mannus Ridge is an offshoot of that series.
- Speaking of which, I signed off on the cover for Mannus Ridge and sent the manuscript off for formatting. It should be available in early November (but waiting to get confirmation on that). You’ll find the blurb and preorder links here.
- I’ve also completed the legal deposit submission to the National Library of Australia (and State Library of Queensland) for all books – this is a requirement for all publishers (indie or otherwise) that I’d neglected to complete.
- I taught myself how to create social media ads etc with Book Brush.
- I met with my editor regarding the next draft of the first (as yet untitled) Whale Bay mystery and have made a good start on that.
- I updated my author website and the book page on this website.
Travel and out and about …
During October we spent 2 weeks in Vietnam and Singapore.
I’ll be telling you more about it over the next few weeks, but you’ll find the first post on Hanoi here.
We arrived back in Australia last Friday night and then got up and packed again on Saturday morning to head to Hervey Bay to see Sarah and pick up Kali from her doggy holiday camp. While it was the last thing either of us felt like doing, it was fabulous to see Sarah (and her housemate) and be reunited with my pooch.
As Sarah is busy next weekend we also took the opportunity to celebrate Grantās birthday (which was yesterday) early with dinner at Odyssey in Scarness. Seriously, if youāre ever in Hervey Bay and want to treat yourself, Odyssey is the place. They donāt have a menu as such; instead itās a set 5-course sharing menu (plus bread and veggies with dip) with all ingredients sourced locally ā between Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast. Such a treat.
Because Sarah’s housemate is vegetarian I also got a peek at what Odyssey does with veggies and next time I think I might just be vegetarian for the evening.
My words of the year …
Change ~ Colour ~ Create
Yeah … well, I think I covered most of that above, but as for colour? Our travels provided plenty of that this month.
Over to you ā¦
Whatās been on your calendar this month? Perhaps youād like to update us on your word of the year or intentions? Weād love to hear about what youāve been up toā¦
The linky is below and itās open for a weekā¦
My co-hosts are:
Deb at Debās World
Sue at Women Living Well Over 50
Donna at Retirement Reflections
And Anyways... 
Hi, Jo – Your work on your writing is very impressive. I continue to stand in awe of how you do it all.
I continue to look forward to hearing & seeing more on your recent trip to Vietnam.
Wishing Grant a huge (and slightly belated) happy birthday!
Thanks Donna. I’m still at the point where I feel as though I need to justify my time so hoping I settle into some sort of structure.
Hi, Jo – You owe absolutely no justification to any one. You’ve just ‘retired’ from your day job and if I am counting correctly you have already published 12 books. You are way ahead of the game! ā¤
Wow Jo – congratulations on finishing your job, really cracking on with your writing projects and having such a wonderful looking holiday. I look forward to reading your novels and hearing more about your travels. Happy birthday to Grant
Thanks. I’m hoping I’ll settle down into some sort of structure going forward but at the moment it still feels as though I need to justify my time.
Hi Jo. Iām having a head spin at all youāve achieved this month. Iām more than pleased that Philly is now available. Itās waiting for me on the kindle. Hope to get to it over the weekend
I hope you enjoy it Jennifer. I’m really excited for what is to come.
Yay for the new books! I can’t wait to read them (though I do think I need to read a couple more of your Melbourne series). You definitely found lots of color in your travels!!
Thanks Joanne… and thanks also for your support.
Hi Jo, great to read about all you’ve been doing! I’m currently reading It’s in the Stars which will complete my reading of the series. You are so clever and deserve top have your books out there in the broader community so good luck on getting that done, it must be a real headache for you to sort through. I loves the colour in your photos from your travels and your WOTY have certainly been up there for you so far!
My words of the year have been front and centre this year for sure.
And who thought there would be some gaps to fill after stopping the ‘day job’…great planning to have so much happening that brings you JOY …biggest congratulations on your publications and all. You will, I believe, be wondering sooner rather than later how you ever found the time to work. I decided to stop by the friendly hosts for WBOYC to comment this month even tho, “no more blog”…I just had to catch up. Denyse x
The week actually flew by because I was doing things for me. Thanks so much for dropping by Denyse …
I might could be vegetarian if someone else could prepare all my food. š I lack the imagination and energy for it. But the dishes you share look so interesting!
I’m actually cooking a little more plant free and loving it.
Jo, Impressive achievements on your writing and books! I love your photo gallery of Vietnam and Singapore and can’t wait to read more about your trip. Mouth-watering food photos, too. Happy belated birthday to Grant.
Hi Jo, what a fabulous month starting with FREEDOM! You are powering through now with your writing and congratulations on another Philly book. Travel, writing and food experiences what more could you want? x
You are SO prolific! (This from a woman who has not.one.single.idea about a novel in her head). So glad it’s all coming together and you have the extra time to work on it. I hope the two weeks away cleared your head and refreshed your palate for the next stage of life – so much yet to unfold. x
Congratulations on your book launch! And I love your book covers–so attractive and professionally-designed.
That holiday to Singapore and Vietnam sounds fab! The restaurant you went to also sounds interesting. I love some good vegetarian food! In fact, I tried the vegetarian lifestyle for about six months around my wedding date, while my partner was also a vegetarian, and my spouse and I requested the vegetarian surprise three-course meal for each of our guests. Everyone liked it. My sister is also a vegetarian and she had seaweed burgers at her wedding. Well, let me just say our vegetarian wedding meal was much, much better than hers.
Your holiday photos are so bright and cheerful! It looks like an amazing trip.
I am certain you will find a routine at home that works. One that allows some balance. You managed an amazing amount of paperwork for all your books in a short time. Kudos.
Thanks Bernie.
How exciting Jo. I need to look up your other books. I’ve read two. Sounds like you had an exciting month! That food looks amazing! That colorful building is awesome!!
Hi Kirstin and thanks for dropping by … October was an excellent month.
What a productive and enjoyable month. Proud of you to get all the bookish things done. And to have made great progress on your next title. I have only read one of your books but enjoyed it very much. Would like to read Philly and Christmas next. How much input do you have on the cover art? I think you have talked about it before but I think the art for Philly is so good. I have finally finished one of my children’s book ideas. Now to get very brave to share it.
Glad you enjoyed a visit with your daughter and her roommate once you were home from Vietnam. And to be reunited with your pup. I like to travel but I like to come home, too.