Life
The last time I posted here, we’d just launched Burn in July 2015. There’s been more than six months radio silence since then and I thought it was probably time I briefly explained why.
On 5 September 2015 my Dad unexpectedly passed away due to health issues. It was devastating and all-consuming. My Mum, who is frail and elderly and has her own health issues, immediately moved in with my husband and me.
The past few months have been all about in-home care (can I just say that Blue Care staff here in Queensland are wonderful people), residential care waiting lists, navigating the aged care system, hospital stints, and significant lifestyle changes.
I’m working full-time, and my wonderful husband has been there for Mum when I can’t be. It’s been a steep learning curve for all three of us, and we’re still right in the middle of it.
In the meantime, I’ve also been working on a new novel. Obviously progress has been much slower than I’d anticipated, but it’s steadily coming together. It’s under contract with Text Publishing and is scheduled for release 2017. It’s a stand-alone novel with a slight spec fic twist (totally unrelated from the world of the Rephaim).
Shimmer and Burn are set for paperback and ebook release in North America this year (Shimmer on 8 March and Burn on 7 June), and Shimmer will also be released in Turkish (in Turkey) later this year.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns – joyful and sad. For fear of sounding like a footballer in a post-match interview, we’re taking it day by day, moment by moment.
Here’s one of my favourite pics of my Dad, taken a few years ago when he and Mum were still caravanning.
Here’s Mum belatedly celebrating her birthday after a two-week visit to hospital.
When the ball of life rolls, sometimes it’s hard staying on top. Sounds like you’re doing all you can to…and succeeding. Trooper. Take care and keep on rolling. Dim x
Thanks Dimity. Not always succeeding… But trying. You take care too. X
Good to hear from you again, Paula and that you are still writing. Best wishes to your mum…
Thank you. Appreciate that.
Lovely post Paula. x