Forewarning: Brag post.

I got a message from the parent of a student who goes to a school I did a talk at during book week who said "I inspired her son to come home and write a story" and jesus christ has that made my day/week/year. I don't get them that often, but every time I get a message from a parent saying something like that it just means so much knowing there is a kid out there writing his own story now.

I just got a random email from someone saying they love reading my books and I am one of their favourite authors ever.

I figured it was just a spam email since I get them frequently - usually wanting to sell me something - and its too my author outlook email which is advertised in the books and on my twitter profile, etc.

Check the email address and it's from an education email address - so the ones they give assign to kids at school.

Could still be a bored student taking the piss, but I choose to believe I just got my first ever fan e-mail.

I don't like bragging, but this is shortlived so I'm gonna own it.

I got my other assignment back yesterday.

Again.

I thought I was looking at the previous one. But nope. 2 x 92's in a row. Couldn't believe it.

Holy moly, I got a 92 on my last assignment. That is a pleasant surprise.

Well I rang the EAP people and after being told they are no longer our support, which would have been par for the course, she was wrong and I have an appointment sorted.

Aside from that little hiccup, it wasn't scary at all.

Thanks for your support too. It made it easier to deal with.

If anyone is interested, the school I presented at had a nice write up about yesterday. It is a facebook link though

I got the house! Party time! Unfortunately 90 day settlement maximum but gives me time to save for the new kitchen and flooring. W00t!

Put an offer in on a house today. Pray for Mojo.

Hey all,

Hope you all had a good weekend. I forgot to show you guys the cover for the next book in my Van Diemen's Valley series.

I absolutely love how creepy it is.

Well after 12 years and a child, I am now no longer in a relationship. It is a weird, sad, haunting feeling but in a weird way kind of relieving that I know what is going on after so much uncertainty. We've agreed to split everything 50/50 and want the best for all of us involved. So that's good.

But I am shit scared of being on my own. I basically went from living with my parents to living with her so I've never been on my own. I'm thinking up all these things and I see horror stories about renting or trying to buy and wondering if I earn enough. I already know I have to sacrifice things which is fine, I could do without them, but it's still a scary future.

2023 truly sucks balls.

I miss living in Melbourne. And there is so much more options for my little one. If (and when) I finish my education degree I'm going to seriously consider moving back. At least working in school I might avoid the ridiculous travel times like I had when I had to work in the city.

Hey all, Decided to take the plunge with aussie zone and nice to be invited into the daily thread. Hope you are all doing well