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Welcome, Justin! I was away in Montreal, Canada a few days celebrating our Thanksgiving holiday and am still catching up on posts here.
Feel free to jump in on any of our discussions, add your book to our group shelf, and let me know if you'd like to be on our Goodreads Authors list.
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Kernos wrote: "Welcome Justin! As a fledging Aussie author, I would love for you to recommend Australian GLBT lit. I really enjoy comparing cultures. I am going to take a look at your book. Any plans for a physic..."Hello Kernos,
Thanks for your interest.
I know of a few Aussie gay authors but am not familiar with their writing to enable recommendation, other than Mel Keegan. You can google his site. You could also view the author's list on the GR Aussie readers group.
As for '33', no, I don't intend producing in printed form. Am pleased to say however, since posting my original comment, Coffee Time Romance reviewed the book and rated it 4 cups, quite overwhelming, really, for my debut gay novel.
Hi NancyThanks for your welcome.
Kindly
Justin
I have posted some links on my blog of photos showing the ‘inland tsunami’ in the Queensland floods. Any members interested in viewing these unusual and rare scenes of the fury and destruction of nature, can do so here: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Oh, the devastation! I hope you and your loved ones are safe.
Hi NancyThanks for your thoughts.
Yes, I'm fine though the 48 hour forecast is worrying for my area, 200kms/120mls south of Brisbane.
How is your government handling emergency response and relief to residents and business owners? Have they been effective so far, or do you think more could have been done?
Hello NancyThe Queensland and Federal governments appear to be assisting brilliantly. Continuous TV and radio coverage provides immediate updating of revelations, conditions, alerts and regular progress reports by the Qld Premier, Anna Bligh, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and the emergency services chief.
The Brisbane and nearby floods follow 3-4 weeks of flooding further north, covering half the state, which equates in size to Texas and California combined. So both Governments were well acquainted with relief requirements, many areas being declared disaster areas, as are parts of Brisbane and nearby areas now.
As soon as the potential scale of the Brisbane area floods were realised, the Fed Govt extended immediate 'few questions asked' cash aid of $1000 per adult and $400 per child for the short term. Fully serviced 24 hour evacuation centres and emergency field hospitals were established. Army and Air Force planes and helicopters were immediately despatched to search and rescue operations, while Army troops are now combing the disaster areas for bodies and performing other duties such as delivering food and bottled water etc.
As I write, the flood water has lowered sufficiently to enable residents return and start cleaning their homes in some areas, certainly not all.
The government's priorities are to provide accommodation where required, reconnect power and clean water where and when possible, clear and open roads enabling distribution of essential items. As huge numbers of earth moving machines, garbage and long haul trucks have been rendered useless, the govt has appealed to the nation to offer same which will start arriving as soon as flooded roads permit and by air.
I could go on, but will finish by saying I can't criticize the governments' actions to date. They are operating well in very difficult natural disaster conditions aided by numerous humanitarian aid organisations and huge numbers of volunteers.
No doubt when the stress lowers and delays to programs arise, frustration and criticism will occur. One question that will require addressing is why the Wivenhoe Dam, which was built to prevent a recurrence of the similarly disastrous Brisbane flood in 1974, failed to perform. Who blundered and why?
Nancy, I'm sure you will learn more by googling 'Brisbane flood news' for reports by 'The Australian', 'Courier-Mail' and other papers.
I'm Justin from Australia, finally saying Hi, after joining the group early October. Much enjoy the conversations and look forward to participating.
I self published my first completed novel in September, and finally, after a year's absence, applied quill to parchment, starting another story last week. Same genre - gay - and same themes - those to to with the emotions of gay love and hardships of gay life, again with surfing/beach and sailing lifestyle backgrounds. The story involves mid to late teens, and again, includes murder and intrigue.
This story, however, will be substantially smaller than the first - I learned my lesson - it's easier to push a smaller, lighter barrow, one reaches the finishing tape sooner.
I find GR the best authors/readers site on the net. I've developed great friendships in other groups and expect to do so here. Contributing to the IGB video production and assisting an aspiring 19 yo writer with editing suggestions - not editing per se, are additional membership bonuses to me.
Well, enough of me. I hope to get to know you and chatting with you.
Kindly,
Justin (J. J.) South