Writing Gerroa: I’m grateful

Last week I spent three days working on my manuscript – Tiddas – due at the publisher next month, due for release through Simon & Schuster in 2014. My working environment included the most stunning surrounds of Gerroa on the south coast of NSW. There was so much to be grateful for, not least the following...

BREAKING DAWN: I’m up early every day in Sydney, Perth, Canberra or wherever I am. But I have not woken up to such a stunning view for a long, long time. Above is the image that I started my days with, sitting with my cuppa and punching the keys at early hours. What more perfect a start could one ask for?

 

BLUE SKIES & SUNSHINE: It was the perfect weather for the beach, or at least writing by the beach. And so I am grateful that I had both blue skies and sunshine to look at, to sit outside in, to walk around in on my breaks. I even had a bit of a dip in between chapters. There has to be some perks to being a workaholic, right?

WRITING INSPIRATION: I am grateful for the inspiration that I could draw from the physical surrounds, especially Seven Mile Beach. As the waves rolled, so did the dialogue and the ideas.

MY WRITING MENTOR: I was fortunate to have an amazing mentor /patron for the week in Lisa Heidke. Many of you may not recognise her by the photo above, but you will know her as the author of four popular novels:  Lucy Springer Gets Even, What Kate Did Next, Claudia’s Big Break and Stella Makes Good.

Thank you Lisa for your time, energy, expertise, inspiration, humour and most importantly, for killing the HUGE huntsman (below) in what was supposed to be my bedroom. That my friend, was your greatest achievement in my eyes that day!

SEVEN MILE BEACH KIOSK: Who would’ve thought you could get a fabulous coffee at a caravan park kiosk? Well you can. A big shout out also to the local surfers there, who were very friendly. 

Guess who might like to relocate for a little while to write some more? Are there secret spots I should know about? Please send me directions.