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[Jenny]

5 books in 99 days: now that's someething you MUST elaborate on, Joanne! I can't even imagine being that productive. I recently finished the first draft of a novel that took me 2 years!

[[deleted user]]

I am imagining fast write = fast read. The type of book you read when you don't want to think too hard (those are necessary sometimes).

[Alexander]

The Russian Club Library at Strathfield and the small Library at the Archbishop's Chapel - Russian Orthodox Church in Croydon, have some very interesting books of that period. But of course you have to be able to read in Russian. There are also, some Russian historians and collectors of old media print that were very helpful as well. In research you have to find your way around the maize.ODYSSEYA -- An Epic Journey: From Russia to Australia

[Joanne]

Jenny wrote: "5 books in 99 days: now that's someething you MUST elaborate on, Joanne! I can't even imagine being that productive. I recently finished the first draft of a novel that took me 2 years!"

I actually have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and you could probably imagine me in the throes of such an obsession. An obsession when there is so much inside you that you just have to get it out, all 2000+ pages worth. Those are what I call my 'Ancient Blood' books and they are my true treasure, my Magnum Opus if you will. When I finished, I began editing which was a difficult process because I knew how to write, I just did not know how to edit. I soon discovered that I needed to keep 'creating' and so I wrote another book, the one which is actually published and is a companion tale to the Ancient Bloods and is called Danann Frost Falls from Grace. It is set in the same world as the Ancient Bloods but with some crossover. My husband actually published the book totally unedited, it is my raw material and I wrote it in 19 days. I took a week off and wrote the sequel Danann Frost Embraces the Darkness in 21. As I said...I am crazy. My OCD can make me very driven and I have learned to channel it in a productive way.
It would be easy to assume that because I wrote them so quickly that they would be a quick, easy, non-commital read but I promise you that that is not true. The stories, each and every one is totally character driven and full of very real characters with very real character traits. Emotion permeates everything and even though they are easy to read, I wrote them in such a way that I want my readers to feel ownership of the story and characters. I want you to invest yourself completely and care for them toally.
My husband Mark, has read them but prior to this, he was amazed that so many people cared about 'made up people'. I have people on my facebook page telling me that they feel that my characters are their friends and that they obsess over them. Well, as you can imagine, as a writer, this is a great compliment. My husband now says that my books turn good women into neglectful wives and mothers because they cannot put the book down. LOL
I would love to know whether or not you agree. Please feel free to have a look at the taster on my website joannevaliukas.com The first quarter of the book is available for free download and is around 100 pages. You'll soon know whether or not you like it. The first part is set 200 years in the past before jumping ahead to the here and now, set in Melbourne and showcasing some of my favourite places. Chapel Street, St Kilda, the beach, the city and the Vic Market.
I am always open to anything anyone has to say, good, bad or otherwise. I wrote my books because I was frustrated with other things that I was reading, so it would be nice to know if I have hit on something good or...not.
It is difficult to trust the opinions of those who know me because they want me to be good, even if I'm not. I have lots of people I don't know begging for more which is nice but it would be good to have some local opinions.
Well, I guess I've waffled on a bit much, something I don't do in the books. There is no filler in those, everything in them, needs to be there. I hate filler.
It's nice being able to chat here, it can feel very isolating in some ways being a new writer, you don't really know what you're doing and being helped along a little is very nice. So thankyou for taking the time to show an interest and hope to get to know you better.

Jo

[Joanne]

Gail "cyborg" wrote: "I am imagining fast write = fast read. The type of book you read when you don't want to think too hard (those are necessary sometimes)."

Hi Gail,

I just wrote an epic kind of response to Jenny, so rather than repeat it (LOL) you might want to have a little look-see. I promise you one thing though, fast write is not fast read for me, though I do agree, we do need that sometimes. A read that requires little commitment other than an hour or two. My book requires more than that though, I warn you now. People do seem to become obsessed with my characters and what happens to them. Would love to know what you think, if you have the time to try my taster. LOL

[[deleted user]]

Well it is the least I can do after my comment. Ha, I wasn't paying attention, Mark will kill me. I will have to read your book now. :D

[Laurel]

Joanne wrote: "Jenny wrote: "5 books in 99 days: now that's someething you MUST elaborate on, Joanne! I can't even imagine being that productive. I recently finished the first draft of a novel that took me 2 year..."

Joanne - It must exhaust you having a disorder like you have and are forced to write at such a frenetic rate. You have an excellent website.I'll go back and look at your books later when I have time. I work at a slow rate and am probably the other side of the coin to you. All the best with your writing. You seem to have a very supportive husband. Laurel

[Belinda.]

Miranda wrote: "Hi - I'm Miranda and the UK editor for Xcite Books, an award-winning erotic imprint. We have just launched http://www.xcitebooks.com.au in Australia so I'm looking forward to connecting with new re..."
I went to that particular expo this year and had so much fun. There weren't any books as such on display, so it'll be nice to have something else to look forward to. That is besides the shoes and the hunky guys. Hey I prioritized, shoes, then eye candy.

[Joanne]

Laurel wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Jenny wrote: "5 books in 99 days: now that's someething you MUST elaborate on, Joanne! I can't even imagine being that productive. I recently finished the first draft of a novel that..."

Thanks Laurel,
It can be exhaustive and after writing 7 books in five months, I'll admit that I was burnt out but in some ways, it suits me to write this way. I wouldn't have the patience for a long drawn-out write. I'm much better getting the creation of the book out and then taking my time editing, although Danann has been published unedited and if I did not tell people this, most would not notice. The earlier versions of the book have typos, but that alone has been fixed in more recent editions. Can't wait to hear what you think.

Jo

[Joanne]

Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Well it is the least I can do after my comment. Ha, I wasn't paying attention, Mark will kill me. I will have to read your book now. :D"

A very strange phenomenon occurred after I wrote the book. My loving husband whose face is usally glued to a monitor and hands to a keyboard became very, very proud of my achievements, so much so that he jumped in and published the book unedited. After I got over the shock, I was just glad that we seemed to have this new hobby together, one that he was badly in need of, I think. Computer people need to expand their horizons just a little, even if it is in finding new ways to use their computers. LOL

[Murray]

Joanne wrote: "Computer people need to expand their horizons just a little, even if it is in finding new ways to use their computers."

Interesting take. I've always found that computer people have the most active and varied lives. Of my first team, one became an actress, one became a priest and I'm in the process of changing careers. As I travelled, I found that the IT people ran the hiking clubs etc.

[Tracey]

Hi to all the new members :)
Mary I'm with you, I still love Dr Seuss :)

[Mark]

Murray wrote: "Interesting take. I've always found that computer people have the most active and varied lives..."

Shhhhh! Murray! You'll blow my cover! :-)

[[deleted user]]

So what is your alter ego Mark? Computer geek by day ........ by night?

[Mary]

Hi Tracey,

I'm glad you like Dr Seuss, you know I can quote lines without needing the book. That is a major thing for me since I have a bad memory. I wonder if I'm regressing as I'm getting older. Hmmmm not good! We have a guy at my work named Sam, so you can only just imagine and since I'm a bit of a stirrer I start with, how are you Sam I am! Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? He thinks I'm on some high! Secretly I think I make his day. He he!

[[deleted user]]

Do you have children Mary? If so regressing is allowed. If not then well....

[Mark]

Gail "cyborg" wrote: "So what is your alter ego Mark? Computer geek by day ....<fill in the blank>.... by night?"

Philbert Desanex.

[★ Jess]

Hi every body!
My name is Jessica (Ignore the screen-name) and I am a fourteen year old girl-fifteen in February-living in Adelaide, South Australia.
I *LOVE* reading and writing, and am currently 60,000 words into a mystery/thriller novel set in London, aimed to the YA market.
My favorite book is The Book Thief by Aussie author Markus Zusak, and my favorite series is the Harry Potter Boxset by J.K. Rowling.
When Im older I would love to be a full time written, but until that happens I will aim to be a lawyer or teacher.
My favorite music is mostly old stuff, and Inception is one of my favorite movies, and favorite TV show (still on-air) would be The Librarians followed closley by Glee.
I love Australia, and cant wait to start being active in this group!
Thats a little about me, now to get commenting!

[Sharon (Simi) Ehcstasy]

Booklover23 wrote: "Hi every body!
My name is Jessica (Ignore the screen-name) and I am a fourteen year old girl-fifteen in February-living in Adelaide, South Australia.
I *LOVE* reading and writing, and am currentl..."

Hey Jessica - welcome.

[Mandapanda]

Booklover23 wrote: "Hi every body!
My name is Jessica (Ignore the screen-name) and I am a fourteen year old girl-fifteen in February-living in Adelaide, South Australia.
I *LOVE* reading and writing, and am currentl..."

Hi Jessica, Big welcome to the group! There are plenty of people who enjoy YA here.:)

[Joanne]

Booklover23 wrote: "Hi every body!
My name is Jessica (Ignore the screen-name) and I am a fourteen year old girl-fifteen in February-living in Adelaide, South Australia.
I *LOVE* reading and writing, and am currentl..."

Hi Jessica,
I am a 40 year old girl and I too, love Harry Potter. Work hard and always aspire to reach your dreams. I am a writer myself and never let anything stand in your way. We write and read because we love it and there is no greater reward. I'm new here myself but welcome. If you want to chat Harry, let me know.

Jo

[Velvetink]

Alexander wrote: "The Russian Club Library at Strathfield and the small Library at the Archbishop's Chapel - Russian Orthodox Church in Croydon, have some very interesting books of that period. But of course you hav..."

Thank you Alexander! I shall make enquires about those Libraries, My daughter is learning Russian (I have learn't only a few words from her), she went to Moscow last year & a few other East European countries & plans to go back...I might get there one day. I am trying to trace some ancestors from Belarus.

I have put your book on my to read list and can't wait to read it.. :)

[Joy]

Hello!

My name is Tegan, i'm from Rockhampton, Queensland.

I work fulltime and study part time so I don't get alot of time to read during uni terms but uni is out for summer (woo).

I am into mostly YA books but do need the regular break from it and usually indulge in some chic lit.

Anyway just thought I would say hey!

[Mandapanda]

Hi Tegan, Welcome to the group. We have a discussion on YA fiction - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...

You might find some authors there as well as in our group bookshelf in the YA section.:)

[Kurt]

Hello hello

I'm Kurt, I'm a Tasweigan living in Norway temporarily on exchange. I used to read unhealthy amounts but my book access has dried up a bit so I'm a little calmer on it now. I really enjoy most books really, but particularly essayists and travel writers, with the odd thriller thrown in to keep me excited and an occasional classic to appreciate the pure sex sound of language.
I try to write a little (mostly essays)and love to share any work in return for something else for me to read.

[Mary]

Hi Tegan & Kurt.


Welcome!

[Mary]

Gail "cyborg" wrote: "Do you have children Mary? If so regressing is allowed. If not then well...."

Yes I do. Although she is no longer a child but a teenager now. I have a young nephew & niece so I have fun reading to them these days.

[[deleted user]]

Mary (Madam S) wrote: "Yes I do. Although she is no longer a child but a teenager now. I have a young nephew & niec..."

Well that's okay then. I can quote Dr Seuss as well even though both my kids are way passed that stage (one is now a teenager). I have the complete Dr Seuss collection in hard cover. Some of them are a little worse for ware -- the favourites. Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Go Dog Go, The Cat in Hat, just to name a few. :)

[Joy]

Hi Carmel!

Thanks! I am studying Bachelor of Business (Human Resources) at the moment. I am just half way through my degree, for some reason this point feels like it's even further away from finishing! Sadly I can only usually do one or two subjects a semester. It is good though because my work allows me to apply what I am learning, as they are paying for my study, and it's very flexible here so I get to look after the HR (we are a small office of just ten people now).

[Kurt]

Hilde wrote: "Hello everyone,
I'm not Australian, but I hope you'll let me play with you anyway. :) My name is Hilde, I'm 27 and I'm from Norway. I have loved Australia and anything Australian for almost twenty ..."
Hi Hilda. I'm an Australian in Norway currently on exchange. Hvor kommer du fra i Norge? I've noticed the difficulty of getting good Australian literature or movies here also. I am currently reading Boktyven i Norsk (markus zusak, great Aussie author) but am finding it very difficult as I only started learning the language two months ago.

[Kurt]

Thanks Carmel :D
This seems like a very fascinating group to be a part of. It shall be wonderful to grow in a network of fellow readers and writers

[Alexander]

Thanks Velvetnik,

The cheapest way of seeing Russia like anywhere else is a homestay with someone. But that is not always possible. Three years ago my wife & I did a 15 day cruise between St Petersburg & Moscow - living on board from the time of our arrival to departure. Although, that is still not cheap but it beats staying in expensive hotels. St Petersburg is the Cultural capital & is probably up there with Paris, Rome & London. The Museums & Palaces are the best in the world. The Vilages along the many lakes & rivers are an example of inner Russia, as like - Australia is more than just Sydney & Melbourne. Moscow the capital is fast paced like NY but unlike NY very historical over 860 years old.

About half the Moscovites speak English. Remember the alphabet is Cyrilic - А Б В Г Д... Food is not expensive but do not attempt to drive there - Rafferty's Rules.

http://alexander-vassilieff-odysseya....
Available direct from Author or Amazon.com

[Jenny]

Providing half your book free is incredibly generous, Joanne. You might want to re-think that. I look forward to having a look. Good to know it's available on Kindle and iTunes.

[Jenny]

Oops, I see now it's not half but a quarter. By the way, getting such great feedback on your characters is a sure sign you've brought them to life. well done!

[Mandapanda]

Kurt wrote: "Hello hello

I'm Kurt, I'm a Tasweigan living in Norway temporarily on exchange. I used to read unhealthy amounts but my book access has dried up a bit so I'm a little calmer on it now. I really ..."

Hi Kurt and welcome to the group. That's an amazing coincidence you and Hilde both being in Norway! Don't forget you can send a 'friend' invite to people as well if you want to make contact. There is an option when you send the friend request that lets you attach a little message.:)

[Mark]

Jenny wrote: "Oops, I see now it's not half but a quarter."

About a quarter seemed about right, when deciding where to end the sample - especially with a natural cliffhanger at that particular spot. Sometimes it's hard to get a feel for a book from a single chapter, which seems to be about the limit for samples from most traditional publishers.

[Brenda]

Hello all!

I'm not actually Australian. I'm an international student from Malaysia getting my uni degree in Perth, WA. But I spend about 3/4 of the year here so I guess that counts? ;)

I've loved reading for as long as I can remember, but fell into a dry spell in high school. When I came to Perth last year, it was my first time away from home for any long period of time. As you can imagine, I got homesick and lonely, so I turned to books -- largely to feel better, but was sucked right back into what I'd always enjoyed before. I've been on a binge ever since :)

Reading has always been a solitary experience for me, so much so that when I began using the internet to look up reviews and discussions and recommendations, I only ever hung around and hardly contributed. Even now I'm very much a lurker, but I'm hoping to change that...hence the delayed first post.

Thanks for the invite :)

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Brenda, of course it counts. You really don't have to be an Australian or even live in Australia to joint the group. All we ask is a little interest in Australia, and probably not even that. :D

Lurk if that is what you are comfortable with, but we would love you to join in on some of our discussions.

[Joanne]

Jenny wrote: "Oops, I see now it's not half but a quarter. By the way, getting such great feedback on your characters is a sure sign you've brought them to life. well done!"

Thanks Jenny.

We thought long and hard about how much to offer as a taster and it does end on a very frustrating cliff-hanger, hopefully with you desperate for more. LOL It's mean I know, but as a reader, I know what a writer needs to hook her fish. I'd love to know if you think I'm right after you've read the taster. LOL

Jo

[Becky]

Hi everyone. So, I'm Becky. Internet alias Terra. I'm 21 and live in Wollongong, NSW. Thanks go to Mandy for letting me know about this group.

I'm a library technician. Up until now I've been working in a public library but on Monday I'm starting a new job with a university library so I'm pretty excited. I also write the book review blog Terra On the Bookshelf. So basically I live and breath books.

My favourite books are The Name of the Wind and anything by J.R.R. Tolkien. When it comes to Aussie stuff I love John Marsden.

So, yeah. That's it. Intros are weird. Hi.

[[deleted user]]

Wow!!...look at all the new peeps, welcome & welcome one and all. (-:

[Monya]

Hello Hilde and Kurt - my husband and I live in a small town on Queensland's Darling Downs, which is the coldest (?) area in the state. A lady we know recently told us her son had married a Norwegian girl and was living there! Don't know where. His surname is Hood. And he told his mum that in Norway they know how to dress and build for the cold weather, he's warmer than he ever was here in winter!

Some years ago I read a column by Hugh Lunn the Queensland writer, who for a time had a Norwegian girlfriend. She was so cold in his uninsulated home in Brisbane she made herself a dress out of plastic foam! Of course we build for the summer heat, not for winter. And my husband some years ago worked with a Scotsman who claimed to feel the cold here more than he ever had at home! One reason was our winter westerly winds, which cross one or two thousand miles of desert to get here and cut straight through you.

Good luck with the language, Kurt. Perhaps you can download some English-language e-books onto your computer, there are some really cheap ones around. And Amazon's Kindle isn't only for Kindle, it'll download to any electronic device, I think. (I'm oldish and still fairly technologically challenged.)

Welcome to Hilde also, you have won our hearts by telling us you love Australia!

Monya (aka Mary) Clayton

[[deleted user]]

Terra wrote: "Hi everyone. So, I'm Becky. Internet alias Terra. I'm 21 and live in Wollongong, NSW. Thanks go to Mandy for letting me know about this group."

Hi Becky welcome to the group. I have "The Name of the Wind" on my to read list, it was one of the first books I put on there. It keeps getting swamped by other recommendations. I forget why I put it on the list, you have reminded me to chase it up. Thanks.

[★ Jess]

Welcome Becky!!!

[Sharon (Simi) Ehcstasy]

Hey Becky - welcome.

[Lillian]

Booklover23 wrote: "Hi every body!
My name is Jessica (Ignore the screen-name) and I am a fourteen year old girl-fifteen in February-living in Adelaide, South Australia.
I *LOVE* reading and writing, and am currentl..."

Hi Jessica

Are you a member of the South Australian Writer's Center? They have some young authors and are a great place to find support. I have been to a few sessions they have run. They're a great bunch of people.

[Lillian]

Hi to everyone else. Gees you don't log in for a couple of days and the place fills up. :)

[★ Jess]

Lillian wrote: "Are you a member of the South Australian Writer's Center? They have some young authors and are a great place to find support. I have been to a few sessions they have run. They're a great bunch of people. "

No, Im not. What is it exactly?

[Lillian]

Booklover23 wrote: "Lillian wrote: "Are you a member of the South Australian Writer's Center? They have some young authors and are a great place to find support. I have been to a few sessions they have run. They're a ..."

here is there website

http://www.sawriters.on.net/

They offer workshops and support to budding authors they also organise writing groups. If you're serious about writing joining a critique group is a fantastic way to learn.

[★ Jess]

Sounds good! I'll check it out tommorow, when I have a bit more time.
Thanks for that :)