Enchantment

I had the recent good fortune to attend a workshop by Big Magic author Elizabeth Gilbert.

She invited us to list our “fears” and then our “enchantments” – the activities or moments which make us feel secure, safe and glad to be alive.

She distinguished “enchantment” from “excitement” – which may veer towards addiction. In contrast, she says, enchantment is about peace in our souls and is actually good for us.

My enchantment list includes walking, especially in nature, stopping to smell the roses, and wandering along beaches. Swimming, music, spending time with treasured friends, reading and writing also make my list, while others may list cooking, time with pets, and making or fixing things.

Elizabeth pointed out that most activities on our “enchantment” lists are free! Importantly, among our fears, many of us worry about money. How wonderful then, that enchantment does not require a fortune; that our lives can be rich and fulfilling without vast stashes of cash.

Dare I add that reading is brilliant value for money? Countless hours of escapism await us, and, in the case of my own books, a guaranteed uplifting ending. What more could you want?

Find all my books.

Happy new season

As I farewell the blazing heat of summer, I’ll miss the light, and abundant tropical fruits, evening alfresco dining as the sun slowly fades in dazzling vermillions and lavenders.

Yet I’ll welcome the harvest moon, golden dawns, baked apples with cinnamon, hearty soups and baked goodies, while adding a cosy quilt to the bed.

As for our northern hemisphere friends, may you farewell the frost and welcome the bright green new growth of your own change of season.

Enjoy!

Saying ‘hi’

Meet me in Newcastle, NSW, at Betty Loves Books, Shop 1 The Station, corner of Watt and Scott Streets, Newcastle, NSW, on Newcastle Market Day, Saturday 8 March 2025, from 10am at 2pm. View details. Bring your friends and family!

Meet me in Brisbane, Queensland, at the at the Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous in Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025. Join us!

Or meet me on the NSW Central Coast when Central Coast Community News editor Terry Collins interviews me about books and writing at Kincumber Library on the beautiful NSW Central Coast on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 10.30am. We’d love to see you! Book here.