How many pieces of clothing do you think you have in your wardrobe? In today's world of fast fashion, easy online shopping and ever-changing trends, chances are it's way too many.
Now, a new report from a Berlin sustainability think-tank, the Hot or Cool Institute, lays out how many items of clothing the average person in a four-season G20 country such as ours really needs: 85 (keep in mind that includes coats and shoes, but not underwear and accessories). Going by the institute's math, that works out to about 23 outfits total, which they say can include one to four pieces of clothing. The report notes we need to drastically reduce our clothing consumption if we're going to meet the 1.5 C target of the Paris Agreement. "Current trends in fashion consumption, in particular fast fashion, cannot be maintained if we aim to achieve a fair and just transition to climate neutrality," the authors say. That number 85 falls within what the institute calls a "fair consumption space," defined as "a space where consumption levels stay below environmentally unsustainable levels yet above sufficiency levels that allow individuals to fulfil their basic needs." It assumes the average person needs workwear, home wear, sports and activewear, festive occasion outfits and outdoor clothing, and all 85 items are actually in use. It also requires a reduced carbon footprint — such as avoiding excessive laundry and impulse shopping, extending the life of your garments through mending and buying second-hand or swapping. When you consider that the average person in North America purchases 37 kilograms of clothing per year, according to Katherine White, a professor of marketing and behavioural science at the University of British Columbia, it's safe to say many of our wardrobes far exceed the recommendations. "The average North American buys way too much clothing," White told CBC News. "Part of this is driven by the fact that we are constantly bombarded with advertising messages to buy more stuff. The system is set up to remind, reinforce and reward us for making repeated consumption choices with short-term hedonic payoffs." Advocates have been saying this needs to change for years. A recent study found that Ontarians generate 500 million kilograms of textile waste a year — and that 86 per cent of those materials have reuse or recycling potential. The textile and clothing industry is also responsible for two to eight per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, and textiles account for about nine per cent of annual microplastic losses to the oceans. So, with that in mind, how can you cut down on your own clothing consumption? First, think of it in terms of pieces, not outfits, said Erin Polowy, the founder and editor of Canadian clothing sustainability website My Green Closet. With careful planning, you can have a diverse and fashionable wardrobe with very few pieces in it, she said — even fewer than the 85 suggested in the report. "I can make 40 or 50 outfits from my roughly 33-item wardrobe that I do every season," she told CBC News. "There's a lot of creativity that comes with constraint." In a recent YouTube video, for instance, Polowy shows viewers her winter capsule wardrobe — a curated collection of a limited amount of clothing that she mixes and matches — which contains just 28 items to get her through an Edmonton winter. Pay careful attention to what you actually wear day-to-day, Polowy suggests, and build a wardrobe around a few quality, staple pieces that you love. When you are looking to add new pieces, shop second-hand, try to avoid impulse purchases and choose more sustainable clothing brands.
0 Comments
Susan Tilghman Hawthorne
To go into ku, first you take your books down everywhere else. Did you publish to Amazon directly? If you went to Amz through D2D, you can write down your ASIN, take the book down on Amz, then republish on Amz and email Amz with the ASIN you had before, and ask them to transfer your reviews to the new publication. You have a short period of time to ask them ... If I remember correctly 3 days! Do don't wait to let them know to move the reviews. Once it's all deleted from Amz they can't retrieve your reviews!! (I was published wide through D2D at first and had the same issue, I think I sold 2 books elsewhere and all other sales were through Amz) When I decided to do this, I contacted Amazon and asked them how to do this without losing my reviews and the above is what they instructed me to do. Then you have to wait until your books don't come up in a search at the other sites before you can go into KU. They search and if it comes up elsewhere, they won't let you in KU. Sounds a little spooky but it went without a hitch ttps://static-promote.weebly.com/share/e0fd07d6-0f4d-40d8-84a2-e8446779f87f I should add that 90% of my writing is freely available to anyone to read at any time (aside from my published books), which is something like 4.5 million words. So a lot of people come to my Patreon not to access the writing - they can already access that! - but to access the extras or just support the projects. 1. What to charge? Monthly/quarterly or yearly even and how much? I started off with monthly on Patreon, and then went to 'per chapter.' I charge twice a month no matter how many chapters I put up, so my readers can expect a *reliable* charge at the end of the month - that has been crucial for me. I changed from monthly to 'per item' because Patreon at the time (I've been there for 7 years) didn't allow you to keep communicating with your patrons while you were on hiatus if you were ill or needed a break. Your account was either active and charging, or dead basically. Whereas these days, if I'm sick, I can still give my patrons updates about how I'm doing, when I'm coming back, and what to expect! It becomes my newsletter in a pinch. 2. Subscription Tiers. Yes or no? And what do different tiers of access get you? Yes. Absolutely. My tiers are: $1 - get access to Patreon and polls $3 - access to 'chapter commentaries' (like tv show commentaries, it's me giving tidbits, writing advice and thoughts on chapters I've written, and sometimes spoilers and extra info!) $5 - early access (right now this is 1 chapter a month) $10 - credit in any published complete novels $25 - free copies of all published works I don't believe in 'overpromising' if you can't deliver or it's tiring. I overpromised in the first year and burnt myself out *so badly.* Now really, a lot of my rewards are small and probably seem insignificant to people who don't *love* my writing. But my Patreon is really for the superfans, and so this works. Most of my patrons are in the $5 tier. 3. And last but not least, how to funnel readers into our subscription community? Where I publish my original serials, I can't actually advertise my patreon (original works on AO3), which makes things interesting! So! I do all of my Patreon advertising on Tumblr, Discord, Twitter and Instagram. Tumblr has been - and continues to be - the biggest funnel for readers. I have a very active (near daily) presence on Tumblr and frequently post excerpts from future chapters there, and respond to asks. I can advertise my Tumblr and socials on AO3 just fine, so this keeps everything going. For transparency's sake, I make around $1200 USD a month, so not as much as many! But I also don't work full-time at this. Lorri Moulton Author I'll start. I actually prefer tea to coffee...but cute GIF. I write fantasy, fairytales, mysteries, contemporary women's fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction. Most of my fiction stories have romance in them, but they're not steamy. Everything from very YA/sweet to fade to black, but I've had friends/authors actually laugh when I said that I thought one of my books was steamy. LOL I have a Patreon page, but I haven't really done much with it except set it up. I'm trying to decide whether to publish it and how to advertise. Also concerned about over-promising and taking time away from writing and all the other stuff we do when we self-publish. Emilia Rose Admin Yes, you can definitely ask this Excited to see what others have to say as well! Usually, I focus on steamy romance because that's what I write, but I think all types of fiction could benefit from a subscription model. I know of a couple fantasy / sci fi authors who have adopted this model and find it working very well for them. Definitely don't overpromise, it'll burn you out really quick (at least in my experience). Offer what you can to them (what's reasonable for you), and if you post more often, then that's extra / bonus content for them Aria Glazki · 1h · Hi everyone, I've been on Patreon for several years, although I had to take last year off due to health reasons (suspended billing each month). I am trying to transition to focusing almost exclusively on my Patreon, but I'm unsure how to build it. I still have very few Patrons. I'm also a little frustrated with the platform, though after years posting content there, the idea of switching to something like KoFi or Buy Me a Coffee sounds super daunting—especially getting existing Patrons, few as they are, to adopt a new platform. But I hate that they disabled public commenting on public posts, and I only recently learned that pinned posts are only visible to Patrons (the post can be accessed by anyone, if it's public, but it's not pinned for them). In any case, I look forward to learning from folks here, and I would certainly appreciate any feedback and tips! Fwiw, I'm (primarily) a romance author, and I'll link to my page in the comments. Seen by 14Michael Evans Admin · Ma8trcah0 3Sp11l 8aout1 n611:00 m5AdM · Keyword: Strategy for Subscriptions What is your subscription strategy? Whether you have been using platforms like Patreon and Substack for years or are just getting started, I’d love to know what you all are thinking in terms of three questions I’ve grappled with. 1. What to charge? Monthly/quarterly or yearly even and how much? 2. Subscription Tiers. Yes or no? And what do different tiers of access get you? 3. And last but not least, how to funnel readers into our subscription community? This is a big post that frankly we will covers dozens of times over the next few months and beyond but it’s something that I wanted to share and gauge everyone’s comfort level with these questions and their thoughts . Seen by 5716 CommentsPia Ravenari Ooo okay, let's do this: 1. What to charge? Monthly/quarterly or yearly even and how much? I started off with monthly on Patreon, and then went to 'per chapter.' I charge twice a month no matter how many chapters I put up, so my readers can expect a *reliable* charge at the end of the month - that has been crucial for me. I changed from monthly to 'per item' because Patreon at the time (I've been there for 7 years) didn't allow you to keep communicating with your patrons while you were on hiatus if you were ill or needed a break. Your account was either active and charging, or dead basically. Whereas these days, if I'm sick, I can still give my patrons updates about how I'm doing, when I'm coming back, and what to expect! It becomes my newsletter in a pinch. 2. Subscription Tiers. Yes or no? And what do different tiers of access get you? Yes. Absolutely. My tiers are: $1 - get access to Patreon and polls $3 - access to 'chapter commentaries' (like tv show commentaries, it's me giving tidbits, writing advice and thoughts on chapters I've written, and sometimes spoilers and extra info!) $5 - early access (right now this is 1 chapter a month) $10 - credit in any published complete novels $25 - free copies of all published works I don't believe in 'overpromising' if you can't deliver or it's tiring. I overpromised in the first year and burnt myself out *so badly.* Now really, a lot of my rewards are small and probably seem insignificant to people who don't *love* my writing. But my Patreon is really for the superfans, and so this works. Most of my patrons are in the $5 tier. 3. And last but not least, how to funnel readers into our subscription community? Where I publish my original serials, I can't actually advertise my patreon (original works on AO3), which makes things interesting! So! I do all of my Patreon advertising on Tumblr, Discord, Twitter and Instagram. Tumblr has been - and continues to be - the biggest funnel for readers. I have a very active (near daily) presence on Tumblr and frequently post excerpts from future chapters there, and respond to asks. I can advertise my Tumblr and socials on AO3 just fine, so this keeps everything going. For transparency's sake, I make around $1200 USD a month, so not as much as many! But I also don't work full-time at this.
Pia Ravenari I should add that 90% of my writing is freely available to anyone to read at any time (aside from my published books), which is something like 4.5 million words. So a lot of people come to my Patreon not to access the writing - they can already access that! - but to access the extras or just support the projects.
Michael Evans Author Admin Pia Ravenari this is incredible. You should be so proud. I love this strategy. Have you ever thought about us yong Wattpad as a discovery tool as well? I really like your tiers. I think they are sustainable and allow readers from all financial situatio… See more Pia Ravenari Michael - My most subscribed tiers are the $5 tier (74 subscribers), the $1 tier (27) and then the $3 tier (24). There are 18 in the $10 tier, and currently $6 in the 25. That one early release chapter a month is definitely the biggest draw! And I tend to have a lot of longevity, most subscribers stay for around 4-5 years overall, which is great. I don't use Wattpad, though I have thought about it (my works have actually been stolen and put there in the past, lol), but the biggest barrier is actually my own chronic illnesses, I don't really have the energy to cross-post everywhere and heavily market? So I'm doing a lot of things in a way that...works for my energy levels but isn't financially the smartest way to do it and I'm very upfront/honest about that. I'm just very fortunate to have a super active fandom, so there's cosplays / fanart / fanfiction etc. and a lot of very enthusiastic readers. I'm not making 6 figures like some authors, but for someone who also isn't working full-time who isn't doing any of this in a 'normal' way, I think I've learned some pretty good techniques for a long-lived Patreon! I've noticed over the years too many successful novelists in particular, over-commit on Patreon and burn out in around 1-2 years. It's almost always that they're too exhausted from trying to provide rewards and extras. I always think - if you under-promise, and then sometimes give your patrons extras when you have more energy, they're going to really enjoy that. But if you over-promise and frequently can't deliver on your promises, they'll feel cheated (understandably). And thank you!! There are definitely far wiser people here and far more successful people, but I'm happy with where I'm at and looking forward to where I'm headed Pia Ravenari
I write an average of between 25-50k most months, but not all of that goes up every month, so I generally try to have material farmed out for the future in case anything goes awry (I'm disabled, and while I've had my Patreon for 7 years, I've had to put it on hiatus twice). Re: Accountability, I just try and stick to the monthly wordcount. I don't do 'daily words' due to illness, and I do have a schedule re: knowing how much of each story I'd like to write each month (two chapters for the main story, one chapter for the side chapter, and then everything else is gravy basically). I guess over time I've learned my sweet spot and looking at the law of averages has helped me find a realistic wordcount and stay there. Usually I aim for about 1-2k of writing per session, but 3-5k happens sometimes. Around 16 sessions of writing a month gives me my wordcount. (And then I have editing sessions ughgghgghh) But! I also think taking breaks is both reasonable and in some cases necessary. I've put my patreon on hiatus for 3-6 months twice before and gained subscribers in that time, lol. Custom Pet Portrait | Digital line drawing of your own petAU$18.00+
In stock * Seller GST included (where applicable). Additional GST may be applied by Etsy at checkout Number of pets Quantity Arrives by 18-23 Mar. if you order today.
Your hand illustrated portrait will be emailed directly to you as a high-quality digital file, ready for you to print and frame. HOW TO PURCHASE 1. Select the number of pets you would like included in the illustration from the drop-down menu. 2. Send an Etsy message with good quality photos of the pet/s that will be in the illustration. Also include any text you would like at the bottom of the portrait. 3. You will receive a draft copy of your illustration within 7 days. 4. I will send you a draft copy of the illustration first, this is your opportunity to request any changes. Once I complete any revisions I will send you the final print-ready files (jpeg, transparent png and PDF). RUSH ORDER OPTION Need your portrait in a hurry? Rush order (48-hour turnaround) is available for an additional $15. Add the rush order listing to your checkout. Big, beautiful, high-resolution photos make the best portraits. If you are unsure of the quality of your images, feel free to send them through to me and I can let you know if they will be suitable.
Wide With Novellas Private group · 635 membersDani Arianos · g8hgt1ct121s0o3hl9ed6 · I'm new so please excuse me if I bring up something you've discussed already. I write mysteries - both private investigator and cozies - all with a woman sleuth. The cozies have a big spoonful of romance, too. I think I must be more of a short novel or better yet, novella writer, because my books get shorter and shorter. LOL Of everything I've written/published, I enjoy most the 30-32K novella. My questions are: 1. For a 30K novella, which do you think is the best regular price for ebooks, $2.99 or 3.99? 2. Do you think novellas have a good chance in the market? If so, what is the secret to success (other than writing a good book)? Write primarily romance? or romantic suspense? Or do you think other genres have a chance as novellas? 3. How many books in a series works best? 4. Have you ever tried publishing two novellas separately as ebooks, then combining two together for a paperback version? How did that work out? 5. Any insights on the best way to proceed with novellas? Or just stick to the regular strategies of ads, email promos, social media posts, etc? Thanks!21 CommentsRyn Shell Following. Interested in the replies too. I prefer writing mystery with a hint of romance than romance, and given a busy life, novellas would be easier for me. Laura Greenwood Admin Welcome! You're in the right place! For context before I answer your questions: I write paranormal romance, fantasy romance, and urban fantasy (mostly), all novellas, including two murder mystery urban fantasy series (which I'll be basing my answers on!) 1. For a 30K novella, which do you think is the best regular price for ebooks, $2.99 or 3.99? One of my UF mystery series is $2.99 for book one, $3.99 for the rest, the other is $2.99 for book 1, $3.99 for book 2, and $4.99 for the rest - they're both two of my most popular series, they have no problems selling at those prices. It's worth noting that on the second series, I have a co-author who normally writes in a niche which tends to have higher prices anyway, so her readers are already less price-sensitive, and mine are used to novellas anyway. I did make a post recently about pricing factors to take into consideration that I think might help! 2. Do you think novellas have a good chance in the market? If so, what is the secret to success (other than writing a good book)? Write primarily romance? or romantic suspense? Or do you think other genres have a chance as novellas? Personally, I think novellas have success in every market - you're always going to have those readers who are short on time but still want to read their favourite genre. The best advice I can give is that you should focus on the story being good to follow through with the rest of your brand. Don't include too many subplots so it feels rushed, and be patient while you build your brand as someone who writes the quicker reads style. Don't skimp on editing or covers just because books are shorter - readers notice those things. I'd also recommend a 5x8 trim size so your books get to 150 pages, which should make you eligible for Bookbub at 30k. 3. How many books in a series works best? This one is how long is a piece of string. I've done everything from 2 (wouldn't recommend for any length of book) to 15. It depends on the marketability of the series. In general, I like to stick to 3 (plus a prequel or side story as a list magnet) for continuous story arc, and 6 for standalones in a series (but that's partly to do with my own writing process). 4. Have you ever tried publishing two novellas separately as ebooks, then combining two together for a paperback version? How did that work out? No. I do all my novellas (and novelettes) as individual paperbacks, they sell just fine. 5. Any insights on the best way to proceed with novellas? Or just stick to the regular strategies of ads, email promos, social media posts, etc? This is a hard one to answer, but for the most part, yes, the normal avenues of promotion tend to work. I make a full time income off writing novellas with a combination of permafrees, regular releasing & interlinking, Bookfunnel promos, my own newsletter, and newsletter promo emails (mostly Bookbub). I don't personally use PPC ads, but I also don't see how they wouldn't work. 7
Dani Arianos Author Laura Greenwood Whoa! Great answers! Thank you so much. You've made some points that I hadn't thought of. For example, making sure that the book is at least 150 pages/5x8 trim size so that Bookbub will consider it is something I need to remember. Regar… See more
Laura Greenwood Admin Dani Arianos I've been writing novellas since I started! I've written 5 full novels compared to 100+ novellas, my novels just aren't as good (the three that are published make peanuts, my bestselling books have always been novellas). It means I've picked up a few things here and there! The reasoning behind three/six is mostly to do with what I want to be writing, if you can manage more (or make less work) then it'll probably be just as good. But in a nut shell it works out like this: - For a continuous series (one overarching plot, three smaller plots), many readers are starting to wait until everything is out. By sticking to three books for these, my readers know to expect to wait until book three, and I can get them all out in 3-5 months. I normally price at 0.99 for book one through pre-order and launch of book 2, then up to $2.99, books 2 & 3 at $3.99 (I am currently trying a book three at $4.99, pre-orders are decent), then aiming to do a sale after the series is complete (normally coinciding with a Bookbub feature). - For series of standalones, there are more entry points and things to run sales on - if there are only three books in the series, I don't want book 1 to be permafree and then book 2 to get a Bookbub, that's too much riding on one book to make the money back. I have done four book series, but they don't seem to have many advantages over three book series. I avoid five books because of the boxed sets (boxed setting five books loses too much money - so I do six for two three book boxed sets, and one big boxed set on wide retailers). Dani Arianos Author P.S. I'll look for your post about pricing.
Laura Greenwood Admin Dani Arianos I'll find it, one second Laura Greenwood Admin Dani Arianos Here you go https://www.facebook.com/groups/widewithnovellas/posts/1651594128517408/ 1 Dani Arianos Author Laura Greenwood One more question. I just looked at your Zon page. I don't see any notice in the blurb that the book is a novella. I've read different arguments about this. You don't have to label it a novella. You DO have to label it a novella. So you… See more
Laura Greenwood Admin Dani Arianos Good spot! You're right that I come down on the side of not labelling things as novellas. Mostly it comes down to reader perception. A lot of authors started using the word novella to refer to an optional side story that's a bonus to the… See more 1 Dani Arianos Author Laura Greenwood That makes a lot of sense. Yes, we don't want novellas disparaged as "less." Thank you again. I am very encouraged!
Laura Greenwood Admin Dani Arianos we don't! Novellas are awesome when done right! And a lot of readers are looking for that kind of quick and satisfying read! 1 Dani Arianos Author Good to know! Elina Emerald I have a novella series which does well. It’s a spin-off to my main series and it was an experiment to see if people would buy shorter reads set in the same world. It turns out they will. Each book is 22-24K words in length and I price them at $2.99. Tbh I think $3.99 is not unreasonable for a novella either. So far I’ve had only two people complain that the books are too expensive but they also complained my 99c novel should be in KU and free. So I pay no attention to that thinking. I have more novellas planned because there is definitely a market for them.
Dani Arianos Author Elina Emerald Good to know! More encouragement for me, especially your comment "there's definitely a market" for novellas. About the person who complained about the price, there's always some readers who think they should get books free, too. LOL Come… See more 1 Tansy Rayner Roberts novellas can be a great business model especially in a series -- my biggest selling titles are a series of currently 3 novellas which are magical cozy mysteries with a light romantic storyline throughout. I price them at 99c for the first, 2.99 for the… See more
Dani Arianos Author Tansy Rayner Roberts Great! That's especially good to know about pricing and increased sell-throughs. Dani Arianos Author To all of you. I'll be working on this in 2022. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again. 1 Stacy-Deanne Author This is a group full of people who write novellas, of course we think there is a market for it. My primary genres I write are romantic suspense, mysteries, and romantic thrillers (some with HEA and some without). You can write a novella in any genre. Do you like reading books before they come out and for FREE?
You probably know how important reviews are in deciding what to read. I often read them myself before making a purchase! Early reviews are even more important for visibility and to play the Amazon marketing machine’s game. That’s where advanced readers come in. Here’s how it works:
If you’d like to join my limited team of advanced readers, sign up here!
For the second week of my sale, I submitted to these low-cost sites:
Is there a “best day” to promote books in the Kindle Store? “Although slightly fewer subscribers open their BookGorilla alerts on weekends, those that do open them are more likely to purchase Kindle books … we find that Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday are the top three days for paid Kindle downloads via BookGorilla, in that order. Tend Your Garden Joe Konrath once said, “Your ebooks function much like a garden. On rare occasions, a plant will thrive with little help from you. Others may whither and die no matter how much help you give them. But the majority need to be constantly tended. Planted, watered, fertilized, weeded, pruned, mulched, replanted, harvested. In other words, lots of work. … But if you’re doing what you can to make your books discoverable, you have a better shot at sales than those authors who self-publish then self-ignore.” Doing It Wrong We can count on Russell Blake to keep us real. Here’s a recent post that will either leave you laughing or checking your social media feeds. Either way, he’s the best. “If you can fall against the keyboard and claw out a few lines of sub-custodial drivel, presto, you’re an author. So it’s not fascinating to anyone but you. Honest. It takes more. If you want to sell books using social media, here’s my suggestion: develop an interesting personality, blog, tweet and Facebook about things that genuinely interest you (that don’t involve you trying to sell someone your stupid book), and maybe, just maybe, if you demonstrate that you can write, are relevant, and have interesting things to say, some folks might think, “hey, maybe I should check out one of his/her books – they might not completely suck, like most of the rest of the dross clogging the drain these days!” 15+ Places to Promote Your 99 Cent eBookFebruary 12, 2014 By Heather Hart 36 Comments Click here for a FREE book marketing training ShareTweet Is 99 cents the new free? Several marketers have made that declaration, and while it’s still highly debatable, many authors are running 99 cent promotions. In this post we’ll share over 15 places where you can promote your 99 cent eBook, but first we are going to share several reasons to consider a 99 cent book promotion. 3 Reasons to Consider Selling Your Book for 99¢1. Launch A New Book – If you are launching a new book, setting the price at 99 cents early on can help generate interest and kickstart your sales. 2. Boost Your Sales Rankings – Dropping the price of your book to 99 cents for a short time can help you increase your sales rankings while still generating income. 3. Appeal to Bargain Book Buyers – There is a group of readers that only buy eBooks that are priced at 99 cents. No matter how appealing your book might be, they won’t even consider it if it’s priced at anything over a buck. Of course there are other reasons that you may decide to price your book at 99 cents. We have multiple books that permanently use that price-point. Most are shorter eBooks or the first in a series, all were priced strategically and we recommend doing research and planning ahead before determining the best price for your eBooks. You might find this article Shelley wrote on pricing strategies helpful if you aren’t sure what price is best for your eBook. Also, BookBub has an article that might be of interest to you: 11 Things You Don’t Know About Bargain Ebook Buyers How Far in Advance Should I Submit My Book?Every site varies, but we recommend submitting at least 1-2 weeks in advance. The spots fill up quick and you want to be able to give your promotion the best opportunity you can. Software to Submit Your 99 cent eBookAlthough my review video shows me submitting a free book promotion, you can also submit 99 cent books using this software. WooHoo! The BEST part is you buy the software once and can use it over and over again for multiple book promotions. ==> Get your copy of KDROI here <== NOTE: When you purchase through my affiliate link above, you’ll also get my BONUS which is a PDF copy of my book, Amazon for Authors. These are the sites KDROI currently submits to for a 99 cent promotion: 9 Places to Promote Your 99 cent eBook for FREE$0.99 Thrifty Thursdays: Each Thursday, they put up a post calling for anyone who has a book priced at 99¢ every Thursday. They will not post erotica, religious, or political books: http://www.indiesunlimited.com/category/indies-unlimited/thrifty-thursday/ Digital Book Today: If you have a full length fiction novel with at least 25 reviews and an average rating of 4.2 stars, you can submit your book to be featured on this site for free. They do have a limited number of spaces you you need to submit early: http://digitalbooktoday.com/register-weekly-featured-great-read Pixel of Ink $0.99 Bargain Book: http://www.pixelofink.com/advertise/ Daily Cheap Reads: If you have a 99 cent eBook that is not in the exclusive KLL and you would like them to consider posting it, they require a minimum of five reviews. http://dailycheapreads.com/your-two-cents-worth/ Reading Deals: They currently offer a free and paid option: http://readingdeals.com/submit-ebook eBook Lister: Submit here: http://www.ebooklister.net/submit.php Choosy Book Worm: You can submit your book here: https://choosybookworm.com/free-ebook-promotion/ Awesome Gang: Submit here: http://awesomegang.com/submit-your-book/ Free 99 Books: Submit here: http://www.free99books.com/author/add BONUS: Create a free author profile at BookLemur. Click here. 18 Paid Advertising Options for Promoting Your 99 cent eBooksBookBub: BookBub is VERY selective in who they choose to feature, but if you can get accepted, be prepared to sell a lot of books. One key is to have plenty of reviews on Amazon before you submit to BookBub. Find out more here: https://www.bookbub.com/partners Buck Books: They have a fairly big list and we have used them with good results. Get notified of their 99 cent book specials here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/buckbooks (when you sign up for their e-mail list, we receive a small affiliate commission) Submit your book here: http://buckbooks.net/buck-books-promotions Ereader News Today: We have also had good results using Ereader News Today. You can submit a $0.99 book for their bargain book of the day. You can get all the details and submit your book here: http://ereadernewstoday.com/bargain-and-free-book-submissions/ Bargain Booksy: Their prices vary by genre here: http://www.bargainbooksy.com/sell-more-books/ Book Lemur: This website promotes eBooks priced under $2.99 on their website, via genre targeted e-mails and on social media. They allow you to select the date of your promotion, however, they do fill up fast, so make sure you purchase your ad in advance here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/booklemur The eReader Cafe: http://www.theereadercafe.com/p/bargain-submissions.html Hot Zippy: This service offers paid options for promoting your 99 cent eBook on multiple platforms: http://hotzippy.net/feature-your-book.html The Fussy Librarian: Most genres can be submitted here for free, but there is a small fee for extremely popular categories, and on occasion categories get completely booked up: http://www.thefussylibrarian.com/for-authors/ Flurries of Words: This website promotes 99 cent eBooks with a small donation: http://flurriesofwords.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html Author Marketing Club: AMC offers a $0.99 Friday Book Promotion Blast to their premium members. You can find out more at: https://www.trainingauthors.com/AMCpremium Book Gorilla: Owned by Kindle Nation Daily, this website promotes 99cent eBooks for between $40 and $50: http://www.bookgorilla.com/advertise Tweet Your Books: They offer different packages to promote your books on Twitter: http://www.tweetyourbooks.com/ BookBear: They offer different marketing packages under their “sevices” tab here: http://www.bookbear.info/#!blank/c17za Fire and Ice: They offer different advertising options here: http://www.fireandicebooktours.com/schedule-a-book-promo/ I JustRead.it Prices vary by genre here: http://ijustread.it/authors Genre Pulse They offer different packages here: http://www.genrepulse.com/how-it-works/ Kindle Boards: They have several options here: http://www.kboards.blogspot.com/p/authors.html Free & Discounted Books: This site offers promotion for 99 cent eBooks for $5-10. They also have packages available to submit your 99 book to other sites, and share about it on social media (please note we have not used this site): http://freediscountedbooks.com/99-cent-sales/ Facebook Group Specifically for 99 cent eBooksAuthor 99cent Book Promotions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/444695995585913/ GoodReadsGroup to promote 99 cent FICTION books: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/134618-99-cent-bestsellers You can also run a Goodreads ad. We have not personally done this, but it is something you could try. If you’ve run ads on Goodreads, let us know how it went in the comments below. https://www.goodreads.com/advertisers Purpose of newsletter is to prompt a sale or an unsubscribe I am on Mailchimp and don’t pay anything as yet. I have two welcome emails set up that go out to new subscribers. I paid a tech guy to set this up as I am not good at tech stuff, I’d rather spend my valuable time writing. My understanding is you pay after 2000 subscribers. I have sent extra emails on this system no problem without being asked to pay. Other email subscribers may be different but that’s my understanding of The Chimp. Take a look at Mailerlite. It's a bit easier than MailChimp. It's free for up to 1000 emails a month. Im on Mailchimp and Mailerlite and much prefer the latter BUT it doesn't have a resend to non openers in the free version which is a pain. There is a work around if I could ever remember to set it up before I press send! Mailchimp is free as you start. They all cost money as you grow, I just remind myself my list are my most important connection out of all channels so worth the cost. Building List Elle Thorpe
Bonus scenes. Bonus scenes. Bonus scenes. I’ve gone from 4k to 22k in just over 12 months and 99% of those subs are from bonus scenes. Set them up as you write. Elude to something that happens off screen then give your readers that as your bonus. I think I have them for eight of my books now. If I could be bothered, I’d go back and write them for the rest of my backlist too. But I’m lazy like that lol 15
Annabeth Saryu How do you use this to attract new readers to your list? Would you mind explaining the mechanics of it?
LK Shaw Annabeth Saryu I don't know how Elle does it, but immediately after the last paragraph in the book I put a note letting them know that they can get a bonus scene with the characters and provide a link. The link takes them to a landing page where they s… See more 3 Melissa Snark Annabeth Saryu I have romantic scenes I cut from the Hook novels that I've cut in order to make the story plotdriven. Do you think readers would be interested in those? 1 Melissa Snark There's also a funny sidestory where my heroine gets stuck helping with civilian government in the middle of a town crisis. 1 Elle Thorpe LK Shaw this is exactly what I used to do. I recently switched from having it shoot out an email with the download link to an auto redirect-so my website form takes their details then it automatically redirects to bookfunnel. I prefer the email way b… See more Elle Thorpe Annabeth Saryu bonus scenes are less for capturing new readers and more for capturing readers brought in from advertising. So all your subs are organic people who are actually interested in your books. I do have a free novella as well that I can use to bring in brand new cold readers but I honestly don’t even bother with it anymore. I prefer the organic back of book subs.
Booking a Fussy Librarian for the first time, and curious, is there a specific day of the week you've noticed getting better results on? I would imagine a Friday since people are looking for weekend reads, but i've learned the book world is a strange place and never know. Or do results always come back roughly similar, regardless of day? The only thing that makes a difference with Fussy Librarian for me is what book I advertise. Some just do better than others--but that's on the cover, blurb, and actual book content. I normally wait too long to book ads (like the last few hours before a sale expires), so I take whatever's available... and am almost never disappointed. They've gotten better over the last few years, too. Plus are also super nice to work with.
Subject: Coloring book going wide options. I've been working on a coloring & activity book for several months for my Zak Bates Eco-adventure series and now that it's almost ready I suddenly realize I don't know how to go wide with it. I plan to put it on preorder on Amazon in time for families to order them for Christmas. I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience publishing coloring books that could point out any dos and don'ts as well as how and where to go wide with this one. And a quick shoutout to Elanor Frei, the seventeen-year-old artist who created the 45-50 drawings that make up the bulk of the book. It's been great working with you, Elanor and your dad, Benjamin Fife (the best audiobook narrator in the world. IMHO). I do coloring books the same as any print books, through Amazon and Ingram Spark. Use the heavier paper, so colors don't bleed through. I prefer to have the images only on the right page, to avoid bleedthrough.
Not so Hot Series. Would love peeps feedback on what they have done with a series that isn't exactly firing on all cylinders. I have a 4 part series that has done okay, but was recently in a BookBub Feature Deal, so the reviews have been coming in thick and fast - and my average on Amazon and Goodreads has slipped to the point where I should really just look away and stop reading reviews! Has anyone ever gone back to a series and re-editing and had success? (It's not line editing that it needs. The issue seems be one of the 4 main character is female with a potty mouth and a drinking problem and I'm getting some more 'senior' reviewers taking issue with that....I didn't realise readers were so damn conservative!) Anyway, I'm just wondering if you just let it go, and chalk it up to 'keep writing' or whether it is worth giving a struggling series some CPR? It is 3.68 on GR, and 3.9 Stars on Amazon D K Girl Author Laura Greenwood Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. You have made me feel a bit better about things too! I am seeing read-through to book 4, so there are people who think its okay, I just wish they would leave more reviews haha. I think I'v… See more 1 Laura Greenwood +2 D K Girl it sounds like the people who are enjoying it are just heading straight onto the next book in the series, which is great even if it doesn't help reviews. It does suck that the bad ones seem to weigh more (and be more common), but from everythi… See more 2 Davina Stone D K Girl I’d definitely keep writing. Reviews are weird things and as others said more to do with not all new readers being your market. Write more, keep working out and targeting your readers (she sounds like my kind of heroine personally, wonderfully… See more 3 D K Girl Author Davina Stone Thank you. I know I need to step away, but I keep getting pulled to the dark side ha ha. Especially after the BB and there are so many reviews coming in. But you are totally right. Carina Alyce Laura Greenwood I agree with this all the way!!! Stacy-Deanne Author Don't change your character because a few people don't like her. Readers won't like every character. Characters are supposed to be colorful. For everyone who is complaining I bet there are more or just as many who like her. That character is way more r… See more 9 D K Girl Author Stacy-Deanne Author I'm trying!! Aaron Mullins Make it very clear in your blurb that it contains a character of this nature, to improve your chances of readers enjoying the book 3
Author Aaron Mullins I have warnings that she swears...a lot...problem is when they come from promos they dont necessarily go to the full blurb. Simone Leigh Perhaps include a trigger-warning in your blurb. It's not something that will put off everyone. 2 Muffie Humphrey Don't re-edit. It's like writing the books again and you'd be far better off writing 4 new books. You've now learned who your audience is not and those negative reviews are going to help keep those readers away and bring in the readers you actually wan… See more 3 Marie-Claude Bourque Not sure if it will help but my own first series is just meh (I am getting better the more I write), and the first book is the weakest of all my backlist so I did two boxsets at full price with that series and those are selling much better, not sure wh… See more 1 D K Girl Author Marie-Claude Bourque Thank you - I like the box set idea...might give that a go. 1 Bethany Tucker It's very possible that some younger people will read those reviews taking issues with that character and say....oh, that's my jam and grab the book. I literally just grabbed a book two days ago because of a one start review that made me laugh because … See more 1 D K Girl Author Bethany Tucker Yeah it definitely is an older democraphic (going by their avatar pics)who are taking issue with a woman who swears and has a lot of sex with anyone she chooses ha ha. Go figure. One comment was 'cursing that would make a sailor blush' … See more Bethany Tucker D K Girl Lol, I've been around sailors..."fuck" wouldn't even make them turn their heads. Very old fashioned. Vanessa Vale It's possible the target audience of the BBFD isn't accurate for you. Example- ME. I write steamy cowboys and I put my historical one in historical romance, which matched. But the people who get that email are the biggest bunch of historical pearl clut… See more 3 Russelin Kisiel A big named author here at the 20books conference in Vegas used quotes from a couple bad reviews in FB marketing. Particularly about language. Use it to find your peeps. 1 Trent Evans Every single time I've had a BBFD (and I've had several), I've been hit with quite a few negative reviews. But it never affected sales at all. … See more Shawn Bird There will be readers who look at those reviews and say, "hey! A pottymouth alcoholic! Perfect!" Don't stress it. Eve Langlais ALL of my best selling titles have shit reviews on Goodreads. All under 4. Yet they've by far outsold the books where I average way higher. Would they have sold as well if I'd changed them to make reviewers happy? I am not willing to find out lol. D K Girl Author Eve Langlais This is really interesting - I'm hearing this a lot that reviews and sales done equate at all. Its definitley made me calm my farm about the reviews on this one and stop obsessing over it! Kiri Blakeley I had a BBFD on Oct 27 for my most popular, highly rated book and yeah the rating has begun to slip. I'm now down to 3.95. Something about those BBFD readers. They cranky! 1 D K Girl Author Kiri Blakeley Right?! ha ha. I think its the perils of free books.....It really p%^ses me off when they say 'I read the first page in the sample and I dont like it, one star' - seriously...that is NOT a book review! 1 Ann Gimpel That's so interesting. I just had a BBFD. Picked up 65 reviews (and counting) and they moved my average from a 3.9 to 4.4. Such a pleasant surprise. 1 Ali Winters I will re-edit for clarity or typos, but not to change the story. If there’s a female character that swears like a sailor and drinks like a fish (sailor mermaid) then so be it. People like that exist and it would be boring to read if every character wa… See more 1 Alicia Rades It sounds like you just didn't hit the right audience. I'd stop reading reviews, keep marketing my book, and move on.
ARC reader etiquette: Reviews are coming in from the ARC I offered on Booksprout, #3 in a series. (My first new reviews in 15 years, and all five stars so far. I had a major Sally Fields at the Oscars moment when I saw them.) As a newbie to this stage of publishing, what is the best practice? Obviously I would not engage if the reviews are negative, but are there things I can and should do when they're positive? Do I thank them? I can email them through BS. Invite them to join my ARC reader Google Doc spreadsheet or subscribe to my newsletter? Click "Like" on the review they posted on BookBub, Good Reads, etc.? Do nothing direct, just pray for blessings on them and their posterity? LOL! I did share one review on my FB page, using only their initials. Soon I'm going to offer ARCs in advance of the paperback edition of the first two books in the series. I'd like to get over my social ineptitude, or at least give that illusion. You can drop them a note through BS, or like their review on BB, etc. etc. Remember, they have the option to "follow" you there and that acts the ARC list. if they want to review for you again ,they'll get notice when you set up a new book. I wouldn't ask them to join my NL - but that a link to that should be offered in the ARC just as you would when you sell a book. One thing to consider: I use BS because there is a barrier between me and the reviewers. Reviewers may use it for the same reason - the barrier. They can pick and choose which books they want to review without being added to an authors personal ARC list. Just a thought We don't want authors trying to sell to readers via booksprout. I'd recommend checking out our author guidelines in the help section. The email addresses are there mostly so that an author can cross reference from their own arc teams to see who's reviewed and stuff like that. Another good use is to ask for clarification on something (for example if they talk about a typo or something and you want to find it). Readers have not consented to receive any kind of marketing emails from the author, so try and keep it focused on reviewing. I like the review and keep it pushing.
Writing fast isn’t a wide or KU issue. It’s an income force multiplier. The more productive we are in any given year, the more we earn, all other things being equal. Ads and such are crucial as well, sure - but more books moves the needle just as fast as ads. That said, I know tons of authors who kick butt at four books a year, and tons who kick butt at 24 books a year. Same quality. Different methods. Becca Syme Minimal Viable Product Topic: 6-month "rapid" release Okay, so if you watched my talk at 20Books, you know I don't believe you have to release very often to employ a Rapid Release marketing strategy. And if you didn't watch it, because you thought I was going to tell you to release every 30 days (or sooner) or all is lost, you might want to watch it. It's really more about release marketing than anything else. Anyway, I've had several people ask me about my every-6-month series, and I thought I'd do an update here, since I mentioned it in the talk. So the series only has 2 books out right now. I release one in December, and one in June. The 3rd drops the Tuesday before Christmas. I could deviate here and talk about why I do that, so I think I will.
Anyway, this series has 2 books. They've both released at $5.99 into KU, and I've put Book 1 on sale one time in the past 10 months. They're each about 80,000 words. One of my favorite things to do is a Weekend Deal, and I ran Book 1 at 99¢ for a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the week before Book 2 released. I also tried a new strategy I've never done before. I wanted to really give Book 3 a huge boost in pre-order, and I put it up only a couple of days before Book 2 came out. I set it at $2.99, which is half price. I left it at this special low pre-order price for exactly 2 days. Release day of Book 2. And the following day. That's it. And it worked! I got a huge boost of pre-orders on those two days and helped get Book 3 out there, humming in the algorithm and populating on also-boughts, and hopefully tickling whatever it has to tickle to get the Zon to send out my pre-order emails... I haven't done much else since. Book 3 is coming, and I think I might do a half-price sale on Book 1 and 2 to celebrate it. I want to save my free drop for a later book, maybe next summer or even next Christmas. I hope this simply illustrates the many and varied ways you can do limited-time sales and deals to bring people into your brand no matter what tier of readership they're on. The series of 2 has made just over $72,000 in the 10 months, with over 10 million pagereads. Maybe not a lot for some, and maybe more than other 2-book series' out there. I would actually categorize each of these releases as Medium, with another Medium one coming up. So I'm happy with the progress of the books so far. I don't think the things I do are earth-shattering. I think the difference is that I do something like this for ALL of my books throughout their lifetime, over and over again. It all starts in release, and then once the series is complete, I'm constantly thinking about ways I can continue to bring people either into my work for the first time or back to it using those "binge-worthy," complete series'. What have you done in this vein? Do share! Katie PenrynWide for the Win t1p90go0g54lhfiegd · Titles and Series details for boxsets: How do you recommend adding boxsets WIDE? Do they need a separate series, or can they be incorporated in the series for the individual books in some way? I guess they need to be linked if possible so prospective readers can see that the boxsets are a bargain. Kind of? I churn out a ton of books (planning 40ish novella releases next year in my series), and just the constant releases keeps me relevant in Amazon's algorithm (I'm not wide with books, only audiobooks, because the zombie genre just doesn't work wide). The big thing I do have however are permafree titles. I have one for my main series, and one for my spinoff series, and have another one that is a lead in to the main series ready to go next year. I do run a couple of paid newsletter ads each month (as well as the free sale of the first in series). Keeps the income pretty regular. Never had a Bookbub. But there are plenty of them out there like FreeBooksy, Book Barbarian, and a host of others. Some are better than others. In my genre the FreeBooksy is only like $30-$40. I've tried using that strategy and paid FB ads this year and the most profit i've had so far was with the no ads. My brother from another mother. LOL! I think I released about 30 books this year. I am a naturally fast writer and what some don't realize is that just because you release fast it doesn't mean you're throwing out books. When you write fast, you have a lot in the pipeline. But congrats on the production. I don't think I will have as many releases next year as I did this year. This summer I was releasing once a week for a while so that really upped my production even more. I usually release a book a month and I already got preorders up until Feb. I'm finishing my March book now and plan to do a book that I might release in the same month as well. I agree about the rapid releasing. It definitely keeps me afloat on Amazon and makes a BIG difference with sales. When you release fast especially in a popular genre or niche, you don't have to advertise as much. Continued success! Derek Slaton
Stacy-Deanne Author haha awesome. yeah i'm a fast writer as well and don't use Beta readers (I'm telling the story i want to tell, so don't want anybody else's input). I'm basically off work until February (my day job is seasonal), so I'm trying to get enough releases ready to go for a book every 2 weeks next year, and then can build on that throughout the year. The last 2 years were insane as I was basically doing 8 week release cycles, book a week for 6 weeks, box set on the 7th, and a break on the 8th. Really helped with charting too. There were days when I'd have 30-35 books in the top 100. Goes a long way for visibility. What tricks and tactics work well to increase organic newsletter subscribers? Prequels, novellas, deleted chapters, etc offered within the book for a sign up. Here's a thread from the Tree of Wisdom you may find helpful. https://www.facebook.com/groups/wideforthewin/posts/1001336807043835/ strong CTA in the back of a free first in series. NL swaps for reader magnets Promos (Storyorigin/bookfunnel) LOUDLY reassuring readers that "unsubscribing is easy, and I will NEVER swap, spam, or sell your personal information..." FYI for those of you killing it on AppleBooks and planning a box set - my 3D cover was rejected for being 3D.
Most of the other retailers prefer a 2D cover, not just AppleBooks. Yep. They don’t do 3D Yeah Amazon is really the one that’s OK with it. I think Kobo (from memory) will take them, but is less likely to do promotions of them. complete series in a box set for vendors other than Amazon. So I thought, why not? I have a 5 book Christmas series, threw it up and called it the complete collection, priced it at 13.99 and have sold 5 in 2 weeks. So many thanks! Box set sales are so SATISFYING, too! I do better with box sets wide than individual books. Keyword: Releasing Prequel Books I have a prequel to an existing series that I plan to be releasing soon, and I'm wondering if anyone has had good experiences with this in terms of read through and purchases of the subsequent books in the series? The prequel is significantly longer (almost 100k) than the other books in the series, so I'm looking to actually sell this and not make it free. This is the first time in a long time that I've had a solo release for a longer book. For those who have released prequel books, have you found new readers were more apt to purchase the later books that are already out first before they purchased the prequel? Or would they prefer to start at the prequel book first? Natalie Keller Reinert I did a full length prequel to a series. I ended up renumbering and making the prequel book one. People read them in order now and the older readers were happy to get the origin story they’d been asking for.
I did this too. I hadn't even thought of it. I priced mine 5 book series at the same price as yours...it's been one of my best sellers on other outlets. Juliette Banks +2 Oooh I think that’s a book not a prequel. I’d agree with above, change your numbering or just promote it as the next book but be clear it’s flashing back to the beginning. I wouldn’t give away anything more than 40k words. I know some do but I don’t think it’s necessary. 1 Carina Alyce In general, I,'d expect a prequel to be shorter. I suggest you re edit it into 3 books and make it a series. 1
Carina Alyce I have a full prequel series and just got a book bub on it. (30-40k words per book) 1 Marge Phelps Carina Alyce, is your prequel series , the 3 books of 30-40k, a boxed set or are they standalone? Probably a silly question but I am new to some of this.
Carina Alyce Marge Phelps each book is 30-40k. My main series occurs in 2021. The four prequel books are spread over a period of 25 years. (1995, 2006, and 2018 and 2018) I will I release them is standalones once a month. And then in about 6 months I'll combine them all into one box set with some bonus material. 1 Carina Alyce I write romances so the books exist to show you how some of your supporting characters love stories ended up where they were in my main series. The two books set in 2018 occur during the same Las Vegas weekend side by side. 1 Marge Phelps Thanks for the info. I can see how each prequel has its own era and I can see that working really well. Intriguing concept for providing readers with a long view of the characters they have been following. Carina Alyce Marge Phelps i have 2 100k books that were originally 50k word quartets and I made duets instead. You have to find spots to split the books. But the 2018 books are basically a duet bc the characters interact. I had a main story first and added the prequels bc romance readers love series.
Liza Street
Generally, I'd put the box up for sale everywhere except Amazon (and still submit it for 99c BookBub features and just tell that to BookBub--"it's not available on Amazon right now, but I would publish it there at 99c in the event of a feature"). For some $3.99 titles, I've done sets of two books instead of three. With a BBFD on another book in the set, yeah, I'd mark the price down if I thought about it and had the time/energy to fuss with it. And then after, if you don't want to sell it for 9.99 or less, just take it off of Amazon & keep it up everywhere else at your preferred price. 1 Mark Leslie Lefebvre I usually offer the digital box set for about 30% off what it would cost to buy all the books together. Also, if that 30% price comes to more than $9.99 I never add the digital box set to Amazon, but I do add it to Google Play, Kobo, Apple, Nook, because I earn either the 70% direct or 60% through a distributor fee. It's not like the books alone aren't already available on Amazon (and they're easily bought in a single click via Amazon's series page). It just means I'm not losing a giant margin on those sales.
Take care, everyone. Feeling great here. The only time I get to write is once everyone else in the house is asleep, and given I'm seventy-five I too need sleep. I'm making it work. I'm able to read in short sessions during the day. My new novel series will happen and that's satisfying knowing I have established a routine that works for me. Tiffany Thomas
Susie Basso McCauley I proofread for a flat rate fee of $50 USD, and I have a fast turn-around time. I've been proofreading my own books for almost 5 years now, and I just ventured out into proofreading for other authors earlier this year. I do work for Author Taylor Jade and Simone Elise. Website: https://tiffwritesromance.webador.com `` For only proofreading, I use Yours Truly Book Services. They are very professional, very good, and quite affordable. https://www.yourstrulybookservices.com/ Facebook.com/quinnediting Sykora Proofreading is very reasonable and thorough. klbosman@gmail.com Kathy does mine and she is very reasonably priced. https://davidgaughran.com/best-promo-sites-books/ https://davidgaughran.com/ Louisa West For AMS ads check out Bryan Cohen’s free 5 day Amazon Ad Profit Challenge. 1 Bronwyn Stuart I did Bryan Cohen's AMZ ads course. Its free a few times a year. And Facebook ads, I did Allesandra Torres one. It's also free a few times a year. If you're not already there, join the Allesandra Torre Inkers FB group. 1 Bronwyn Stuart Oh and The Writing Wives might also have a good one. They're making shit tonnes of money all over the place. Whatever they're doing, they're doing well! 1 Phillipa Clark If you don't mind reading, Ricardo Fayet has a free (always) marketing book which I've found helpful. It touches on a lot of stuff but gives you an idea of what he does. He is one of the people behind Reedsy and there is also a lot of free info on that… See more AMAZON.COM.AU How to Market a Book: Overperform in a Crowded Market (Reedsy Marketing Guides Book 1) How to Market a Book: Overperform in a Crowded Market (Reedsy Marketing Guides Book 1) 2 Sasha Cottman I spent a lot on amazon ads and to be honest the best performing ones are the auto ads. Work out a daily budget and a bid and then let them run. 4 Cassandra O'Leary Has anyone tried Alana Terry's ad courses? I was looking at them but not sure I want to spend the $$$ yet. 1I get the emails but when I'm looking, there always seems to be other free ones getting about. Best Book Monkey is the worst. 1 Do you need verified five star reviews,rating and increase your book ranking on amazon. I can collect 50 plus verified reviews,rating and unlimited purchases for increase ranking and try to hit bestseller tag. also i can make reviews for audiobooks. if you interested with my any services please feel free to knock me for more details
Email: wangwei.30976@gmail.com ( My services 100 % safe and guaranteed ) Thank you Wang wei Hi hi Nick Stevenson and everybody I'm setting up an Amazon US ad for a thriller and wonder if anyone has any suggestions for daily budget and duration for this genre thanks It's very tricky to give a short answer to that prove a righty of reasons One budget really depends on how much you're willing to spend and how many impressions you're going to get to spend as budget to impress in the world depend on how well the ad performs three how would the ad performance will depend on the click through rate and conversion rate and Amazon says the later doesn't matter but I don't believe in for a second for your CTR and conversion will depend on how you dial in your cover description and hard-working meaning you could get a daily budget of $20 but if the ad performs poorly you will never spend that conversely you could set a budget of $10 and the ad performs amazingly well and you run out of money so you don't want to increase the budget. You can also take several weeks to find the sweet spot I'll spend versus result. The good news is the thriller genre is the top level genre with plenty of scope and lots of impressions out there are 54 Do you have any historical a data on impressions CGR and conversion you could share so we could better answer those four things are you in KU? It's a balancing act. I live with me and you lose out on the impressions to anyone with a higher bed, so you might not get enough impressions to get anything useful. If this is your first ad campaign, it would just go with auto when everything, take that you suggested bed from Amazon, and set a daily budget you're happy with, and leave it running with no end date. Then after you had 30 to 50,000 impressions, look at the data and go from there. Otherwise you don't have any baseline to compare to and you won't know which keywords are performing for you in a mutually in a manually targeted campaign. So just said everything to auto let it run, see what results you get and report back Hi I always do five dollar US dollars for US $4.50 for UK after riding almost 1000 and that seems to be the most advantageous. Let me know how it goes.
Use 100 covers. Passing drivers would barely register that there was a small dark sedan in the shadows near to the grand double gated entrance to the grange. If anyone noticed the car, it would be hard to make out the features of the slender woman with short dark hair who she sat stiff and upright in the driver’s seat.
A mosquito landed on her cheek. With a slow movement, she brushed it away. Her focus now was listening through her open driver’s side window. Then a burst of action. Rae slid out of the car, sprinted to the centre of the gate where she grappled with a large padlock, trying various keys until the lock spark open. Slightly lifting each note, she ran with it, swinging it open to reveal a wide, sealed, winding driveway. Then back to her vehicle, steady pulse, not a hair out of place, Rae cruised at a slow speed, then parked off the drive, surrounded by trees, at the end of the drive. In the clearing at the end of the drive, The Grange, the long-abandoned Art Deco mansion, with her gracefully curved upper decks, rose like a magnificent white ship in the forest. “Her shape—beautiful,” Rae Allen muttered. Rae gripped the steering wheel as she gazed ahead in awe. Dragging her eyes away from the stunning, although dilapidated, building, Rae leaned forward over the map, and filtered daylight revealed her slender face and shoulders. Having found the location on the map marked with a cross and scrawled side note, Ray’s expression became euphoric, and that face, handsome—elegant even—stunningly so it seemed to those who met her, and she was magnetic to both men and mowed when she wore that mischievous grin, as she did now. Her age, indeterminable at a glance. It would stay a mystery if you hadn’t known she was forty-two. The angles of her features were too sharp for people to think of her as pretty. With her unevenly chopped bob hairstyle and no visible trace of makeup, aiming to be pretty was not one of Rae’s priorities—not on this occasion. She tucked the map inside a copy of The Journal of Biochemistry. Springing out of the car, casting her gaze about to ensure she was alone, she reached into the boot and dragged out a used kerosene tin of similar vintage as the country mansion. Quickly mounting a flight of stone steps, kerosene tin in hand, Rae disappeared out of sight behind a grove of ancient beech trees and tall mountain ash. * * * I love the leafy suburbs around Melbourne and its surrounding countryside, especially the Dandenong in the central highlands of Victoria. Melburnians are proud of their city, which is frequently listed as one of the most liveable in the world. But we are the brunt of jokes too. The predominant one, that we experience four seasons in a day. I was in one of the business and retail, inner suburban districts, one lawyer seeking advice from another, my former legal partner Michelle. Today was to be one of those calm to turbulence days. That evening, I walked in into the police station shortly after that visit with Michelle. All my emotional levy banks shattered, wishing I’d just left things the way they were. Could I have made that work? It certainly would have been easier than having all the protective barriers I’d created to guard my emotions shattered in one ghastly moment. * * * Earlier in the day, I feel like bursting into song. Nothing about this day suggested an imminent threat. Along the roadside, white aspen displayed their mantle of white berries, while the red tipped young foliage of lemon scented gum danced in the breeze. By the end of this day I’d close my eyes, willing that I’d wake tomorrow with today never having happened. “Hi Angela,” Bruno called to me. “You look nice and relaxed today. Mr Kees giving you a day off?” “I’m giving Mr Kees a a lifetime off. I quit.” I laughed, but felt uncomfortable because Logan Kees brought a lot of business to the resturants in South Yarra, especially to Bruno’s place. “You’r kidding.” I didn’t know for certain if the friendship Bruno displayed for Logan was personal, or due to their business dealings, or Logan’s public display in front of his clients of being a generous tipper. I felt the need to explain myself, assume all the blame. “Call it my midlife crisis,” I said and managed a grin. Even Bruno’s troubled expression couldn’t dampen my confidence in my decision to move forward, independantly. Bruno’s restaurant was bustling with activity. The aroma of his coffee and pastries mingled with that of the native berries and lemon gum, as if they belonged together. All my senses enhanced. Had my blue mid heeled sandals tapped a tune to my steps when I’d walked before? Perhaps I’d not moved in this carefree manner for—well certainly not since back in my twenties, and I was sure strangers normally didn’t connect eyes with mine or beam wide smiles back at me—ah, ‘back at me.’ Was my joy at being free so infectious? I’d believed myself trapped. They had trapped me. Not that Logan threatened me. He was too suave to confront me directly. He had connections who, frankly, despite all my experience as a lawyer dealing with many cutthroat criminals, terrified me; I’d feared for my life if I broke free. I knew what happened when people attempted to disconnect from the mob. Not, of course, that Logan was a mob boss. Truth is, I didn’t know exactly what he was. I knew enough to know I had to extricate myself from our tangled relationship before—before I couldn’t—before I knew too much. I should have stopped for food. My tummy seemed to dance in time to the clatter of my swiftly moving feet. I’d dared to imagine I could do this, that I could walk out of my former life as a criminal lawyer, accept what appeared to be a generous settlement for the amicable ending of a complicated relationship with a long-term client, Logan Kees, and start all over again—as me. As the me I’d always dreamed of one day being. One last look at the sunlit foliage, and thinking how perfect the mild climate and scenery in the Central Highlands would be, there would be plenty of time to blue sky and tree gaze, and how I looked forward to it.and I gave my attention to Michelle, and practical side of preparing to live my dream. Michelle stood close. "Angela, strange how things turn out." We watched flickering old home movies from the 1950s featuring children playing in the Spa Gully Estate gardens. I’d never envisioned owning a strange-looking building in a remote rural location any more than I’d thought I might have struck up this friendship with another slick city lawyer with the nonce to help me fend a way out of the complex situation I was in. Michelle's style, both in fashion and professional actions, was a near opposite to mine. She'd have never made the mistake of falling for the client she was defending. Defending someone of criminal charge is legal. The law sees it differently if you live with a person involved in criminal activities and in doing so appear to be involved in criminal activities. Who would believe me, given that I once loved the man? Love is blind is no excuse before the law. With a growing realisation that everything I touched in my life with Logan had criminality to it. As the blinkers came off and I knew I was not defending an innocent man, the lawyer, me, got herself a lawyer, Michelle. "Well, Angela, life has thrust you full circle, back to where you came from." Michelle peered over my shoulder. She spoke kindly to me now, almost apologetic after the sounding out she'd originally given me. "Have you decided?" I cupped my chin and studied the screen. "Only that I want closure! A new challenge." Excitement" Are you certain you will make a total break from Logan? Michelle asked. Michelle wore one of her trademark black tight-fitting suits, the jacket unbuttoned to reveal a pristine white shirt, the top three buttons undone, no underwear fabric or ridges visible, nothing left to the imagination. Logan had chosen her as his business lawyer to distract those men whose tastes lay for the more voluptuously endowed woman than me. Logan himself was a distraction for most ladies—and certain men. Angela considered they had used her as a decoy to prevent Logan’s clients from focusing on the fine print on title deeds. This was a relationship she’d needed to distance herself from. "I’ve never been more sure." I refrained from explaining more. How could I expect my best friend Michelle to understand? It sounded callus even to her. Once I had married for love, and that hadn’t worked. Next, I’d had a long-term relationship with Logan Kees, who had been everything her first love wasn’t—sophisticated, handsome, and wealthy. Finally, after investing eight years of her life on a man, both of them unwilling to make a permanent commitment to each other, and helping him build his business empire, she wanted more. Next time, if there were a next time, she’d have it all, love and money. Right now I'd come into money. Well, property anyway, but well-managed property could generate money? Couldn’t it? "I’m not being a bitch." Angela cringed inwardly at having voiced such a negative question. Stop doubting your decision. Michelle exhaled audibly. "One day you’ll find the right person to settle with—" I swung around to her. "I’m done with settling. I want to follow if this opportunity." My heart leaped in excitement as I turned my attention to the computer screen view of the property she’d inherited more than a decade ago. They had tied it up in trust and legal confusion over who owned the title up until now. There had been unusual prior agreements for varied parties for the use of sections of the buildings and grounds. All occupants had left the building more that a decade earlier. The last of them finally agreeing to give up their claim based only on a half century old handshake agreement. Finally, I had a clear title to her inheritance. Logan, her ex-fiancé, was offering her a financial settlement for the work she’d done, assisting his business to grow. She’d need every cent to move and furnish her new home. Angela motioned to the screen, shook her head. "It’s a strange building." "The Spa Gully Mansion was a sharp contrast to the sleek modern style of the offices of Michelle Rogers Attorney at Law. Angela had helped develop for sale or to lease out many other vast estates with Logan. They’d worked as a close team, each bringing a unique attribute to a successful business partnership while developing close friendships. For Logan and herself, that had grown into a friendship with benefits, a relationship Angela had backed out of six months earlier. This meeting with Michelle was to see what her friend with legal experience thought of her plans to put closure to the informal business relationship, by accepting financial settlement from Logan as a guarantee she’d not claim a part of a financial interest in his business. Michell had studied all the documents concerning Spa Gully Estate and had them ready for Angela to sign to accept occupier possession. "So my eight years as Logan Rees’s partner in everything reduced to this cheque, which will just get me started if I’m careful and the place has been well-maintained." Angela picked up papers with Open Air, Spa Country, and Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia, printed in bold on them. Michelle exhaled audibly. "That’s Art Deco style." She switched the image on the screen to a landmark department store in Melbourne with similar curved corners on the upper stories. "My grandfather designed other historical landmarks in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. My half-uncles, his sons, got those. The granddaughter gets the one out in the bush." "The sons inherited first is how it was back in the 1930s. Art Deco was very much the stye of that period," Michelle replied. Angela had been present countless times when Logan had pulled a confidence trick on a real estate client. "Is this going to be more of a headache than an investment?" Given the friendship had soured when she’d prompted the break-up, Angela did not doubt he might attempt to unload a renovation nightmare onto her. "Why are there more open balconies than roof-covered space?" Michelle beamed. "Sixty bedrooms on the second floor. Potential for a conference hall or a venue for wedding receptions on the third floor. You could run a profitable setup." Angela didn’t wish to pivot out of a failed relationship into a disastrous venture. "Aren’t successful investment properties all about position, position, position? What does this place have to recommend it?" "Clean mountain air." A smile widened on Michelle’s face. "Healing spa baths, sunrooms, and a part-covered indoor swimming pool." I shrugged. The choice wasn’t difficult. Whatever I got out of this, I would make it pay. I’d turn this estate into success beyond their wildest dreams. Why, I might even end up wealthier than Logan, and show him he could achieve wealth just as easily through ethical business. Could there still be a future for us? If I could make a fresh start, could he? The idea made my spine tingle and I couldn't withhold a chuckle. "Well, I am game." I had expected a fight to gain anything, so this offer had her reeling. While my heart pounded in excitement, I subdued my mounting joy at being offered financial independence. That joy was mixed with apprehension. I had married her first love in an optimistic rush, believing it would be happily ever after. We hadn’t stayed naïve teenagers, both matured in different ways. At twenty-one, neither wanted the same things. Without animosity, they had parted, each seeking a new dream. When adolescent love’s passion hadn’t worked for me, I’d sought emotional security and thought she’d found that with Logan. Once I’d decided I was yet again on the wrong life path, it hadn’t been hard to walk away from the luxury apartment overlooking Sydney Harbour, Logan’s, and my former home. Was this tree-lined avenue leading to an old mansion the pathway to my future? I questioned if I was numb to emotional feeling. I should experience some emotion. The pain of break-up eluded me' and felt none of the grief I’d experienced following the breakup of my marriage to my first love. Would I ever be able to experience love again? The phone rang, jolting me from my thoughts. Michelle reached for it, listened, frowned and cast a steel cold look at me. “It’s Logan!” her upper lip twisting up in the centre, trembling at the edges. I grasped her phone before she’d passed it to me., and I’d thought I was over him. “Who am I speaking to? The speaker’s voice was cold and controlled. If he identified himself it never registered. I know there were words said, and I answering questions and agreed to go to the police station to leave a statement. Afterwards, all I recalled hearing though was, “Logan Kees is dead.” * * * Cozy Mystery Plot Template
Regular price $399.00 Buy now with PayPalBuy with Cozy Plot Template Genre: Cozy Mystery Projected Word Count: 75,000 Number of Chapters: 30 Template Length: 24 pages, 8,525 words SAMPLE Title: Should be a quirky play on words · E.g. – Home for the Haunting, Hexes and Hemlines, Ghouls Gone Wild, We Wish You a Murderous Christmas Series Name: A <Series Hook> Cozy Mystery · E.g. Haunted Bakery, Vintage Winery, etc. This is a really important hook. POV: First Person. Every scene is from the FMC’s POV. Sample Blurb Outline See below for a description of each component When <FMC’s name> <has a problem>, she knows she’s in <some kind of trouble>. <FMC> <does something other people consider suspicious> in front of everyone in the small town of <Small Town Name>. Of course, <murder victim’s name> appears to be innocent, so when she’s found dead <in FMC’s shop> <recent time frame>, <FMC> becomes the prime suspect. <FMC> is <without an alibi>, and even her <best friend> doesn’t believe her. But <FMC’s> not the only one in town who wanted <murder victim name>—a <reason why they might have been murdered>—silenced for good. To clear her name, <FMC’s> going to need all the help she can get. With her <#1 helper’s descriptive text and first name>, and her <#2’s helper’s descriptive text and first name> on her side, she’s prepared to <do whatever it takes> to catch the real murderer. She’s desperate to <reason why she needs to solve the murder herself>, but will her quest lead her right into a killer’s snare? FMC – Female main character. There may be exceptions, but cozies are dominated by female protagonists. Has a Problem – Something is stolen from them. FMC needs to acquire something. FMC has an upcoming festival they need to participate in or they will lose their store. FMC needs to maintain her reputation for some reason, usually store sales, or pressure from the small town to conform. Some kind of trouble – You can make this a cute phrase like, “she knows she’s up a creek without a paddle or a boat.” Or something like, “She knows she’s got one foot on the banana peel and another in her grave.” Does something other people consider suspicious – Confronts the murder victim while they’re still alive. Was at the murder victim’s house the night before. Threatened the victim recently. The victim was protesting something the FMC was doing. The victim doesn’t like the FMC for some reason that everyone knows about. Small Town Name – Almost all cozies are set in small towns where everyone knows everyone else. It helps to make the town a tourist destination because then you have an endless cast of characters for your series. Murder victim’s name – I like to use first and last name. In FMC’s shop – It could be her shop, her house, near either location, or another location entirely. However, it works best if the location is one which the FMC would frequent. Without an alibi - This is where you can get cute with phrasing. In a cozy witch mystery, you might say something like, “she’s one green eyed toad short of an alibi.” In a bakery mystery, it might be something like, “she’s one muffin short of an alibi.” Try to add some “cutesy” to your blurb. Best Friend – Usually the cute town sheriff. Reason why they might have been murdered - charlatan psychic, mean old lady who chased the kids out of her yard, town drunk, etc. It should be a reason that could make a lot of people mad, which makes it easier to create multiple suspects with different motives. Helper’s descriptive text and first name – In witch cozies, one of the “people” on the list would be the FMC’s an animal familiar. Try to get crafty with the animal type. A very well performing series uses a potbellied pig. I’ve written plots with guinea pigs, owls, parrots, etc. The standard is a black cat, but try to be different. Other possible people are: FMC’s family members (neurotic mother, self-centered sister, crazy aunt, etc.), friends, the cute sheriff, or other members of the town. Do whatever it takes – tailor this to the sub-subgenre. E.g. Cozy witch: “Cast any spell necessary.” Reason why she needs to solve the murder herself – This will be the driving time crunch on the book. Without a time crunch, there’s no real urgency to her investigation. Common reasons include: She needs to get her reputation back before she loses too much business and her store has to close. Someone else has gone missing and if they don’t find the murderer, that person could end up dead too. She wants to protect her town. She needs to get her missing item back in time for <some reason>. E.g. – she needs to get her industrial mixing bowl back before the Christmas rush so that she can fulfill all of her Christmas orders. Example Blurb #1 When Tabatha Mathers realizes that her priceless Van Gough is fake, she knows she’s one brushstroke away from total ruin. Tabatha confronts Abigail Summers, a notorious art forger, in front of everyone in the small town of Painter’s Cove. Of course, Abigail denies everything, so when she’s found dead in the middle of Tabatha’s art gallery the next morning, Tabatha becomes the prime suspect. Tabatha is one witness short of an alibi, and even her best friend Sheriff Andrew Watkins doesn’t believe her. But Tabatha’s not the only one in town who wanted Abigail silenced for good. To clear her name, Tabatha’s going to need all the help she can get. With her twin sister Jasmine, and her OCD best friend Brittany on her side, she’s prepared to canvas the neighborhood to catch the real murderer. She’s desperate to find the missing painting, but will her quest lead her right into a killer’s snare? Series Characters - THIS IS JUST A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT EACH CHARACTER WILL LOOK LIKE First Last Name – FMC - She’s <years old> o General at least 30 years old. This genre favors “older” characters. - A <description of who they are and what they’re good at> o E.g. A witch skilled at kitchen magic. - She likes to <something related to her store/hobby> o E.g. Bake love spell cupcakes. - Sometimes she can <special abilities> o E.g. Read the future using her Tarot Cards. - Reason to like her o E.g. When the people in her small town are on edge, she likes to spray calming mists around the town square. - Detail about her store/hobby o E.g. Her cakes all have special magical attributes. - Detail about her relationship with her “Helpers” and any potential conflict o E.g. Her mom helps her at the shop, but she tends to talk to customers so much that she scares some of them away. - Another reason to like her o E.g. She loves helping people who are down on their luck by giving them extra cookies for free. - One of her personal philosophies o E.g. Although magic is nothing to be trifled with, an extra spell or two never hurt anyone. - She’s single and although she’d like to fall in love at some point, she doesn’t want to because <reason>. o FMC’s are almost never involved with someone else. o This is NOT a romance genre. o There are romantic subplots, but generally there is more than one suiter and she can’t make up her mind, or isn’t interested in each of them for different reasons. o E.g. She could cast a love spell, but those can be disastrous. She thinks the sheriff is cute but, but he <has some kind of flaw>. - Her familiar is a <cute animal> named <name> o This is specific to witch cozies. o Always use a cute animal o Black cats are cliché o The name should be unique. ALL OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS AND LOCATIONS APPEAR HERE Chapter 1 Scene 1 (Heroine Name - Heroine POV) Goal – Solve <has a problem> (from your blurb) Complication(s) – Heroine realizes she <has a problem> and that the soon-to-be murder victim is involved somehow. Choice – Should she confront the soon-to-be murder victim? Consequences – Yes. Everyone in town witnesses the confrontation. Victim is dead by the end of this chapter. Note that in cozies, the murder isn’t generally gory and it’s offscreen. Victim should be found somewhere that the FMC frequents. Her shop or her house would be perfect locations. POV Character's Feelings – Stressed when she’s trying to solve the problem. Angry at the victim. Shocked by the murder. ALL CHAPTERS WILL APPEAR IN OUTLINE Chapter 10 Scene 1 (Heroine Name - Heroine POV) Goal – Talk to the suspect from the clue in Ch 8. Complication(s) – FMC runs into, or seeks out, the suspect from the clue. Choice – Should she try talking to the suspect about the clue? Consequences – She casually asks the suspect something related to the clue. (E.g. She’s talking to the victim’s ex-husband. She casually asks how things are going at his job. He tells her that they’re not going well. He lost a huge contract.) The information the suspect gives her makes her even more suspicious of them. (E.g. The ex-husband lost the contract. Is money so tight that he’s willing to kill to get rid of his ex-wife so he doesn’t have to pay alimony anymore?) POV Character's Feelings – Nervous. She’s worried that <suspect> will realize why she’s asking the questions. The suspect might even figure it out and get mad at her. END SAMPLE - But in the actual outline, you get a chapter by chapter breakdown. • Rae’s Story
• Introduce H2 in a way that makes that character compelling. • Show your character’s slice of life but throw a hitch in it. • Give or introduce your character’s external goal. • Introduce or hint at what your character needs. * * * Give a glimpse of how right the characters could be for each other (Essence), but they're not ready yet (Identity) * The inciting incident brings man and woman together and into conflict; an inventive but credible contrivance, often amusing, which in some way sets the tone for the action to come (111). * Something happens and the hero’s world is flipped on its head. This is where the hook comes in. You can also consider this the call to adventure, where the hero is presented the opportunity to go on some kind of adventure. * CHOICE In every act, your protagonist must face a choice. There must be a choice. The choice is a difficult decision the protagonist must face, born from a challenging question with equally wonderful or horrific consequences. The best choice leaves the reader (1) arguing with himself over which option is best for the character and (2) unable to put the book down, insistent on finding out what the character decides. Example from Star Wars: Act 1 Choice: Does Luke accept Kenobi’s invitation to train as a Jedi so he can honor his father and join the rebellion or does Luke, being obedient and dutiful, deny the invitation and go back to his uncle’s farm? Fill these out for each scene: In three sentences or less, explain what is happening in this scene. What are you trying to say about life? What does the protagonist want (external pursuits)? What does the protagonist need (internal desires)? What does the antagonist or force of antagonism want (external pursuits)? What does the antagonist or force of antagonism need (internal desires)? What’s wrong with the protagonist’s personal world? What is the disruption? What single moment or circumstance pushes the protagonist out of the status quo? Tip: It must be “on the page,” not something that occurred before the beginning of this scene. What choice must the protagonist make in this scene? Tip: Label it as a Best Bad Choice or an Irreconcilable Good and list all possible outcomes. What event(s) occur as a result of the protagonist’s decision? Tip: Use the consequence of this scene to set up the conflict of the next. * A. Set the sleuth on the path toward solving he mystery. Offer plausible suspects, all of whom appear to have had motive, means and opportunity to to commit the crime. Select the most likely suspects, and have the sleuth question them. One of these suspects will turn out to be the actual perpetrator. B. At the approximate mid-point of Act 1, something should occur which makes it clear to the reader that the crime is more complicated than originally thought. Hints may be given to allow the reader to actually see possibilities not yet known to the sleuth. * **** Michelle begins investigations into … man embezzler. Discovers past record. Rae’s life doing research thesis, squatting. biochemistry. *** “You've gotta be daft living here,” Frida said. “The place must be crawling and ghosts.” “I don't believe in ghosts, I believe in science.” Rae turned to where the sound of rustling came from a pile that leaves in the corner of the musty smelling room. I do believe in mice she moved closer, and spiders.” Ray threw her hands wide. No need to step on it, I can clean it up. This will make good mulch for the rhododendron outside. “So, what do you think of my squat?” Rae spun around as a mouse scurried around the wide concrete floor. “So, I'll get a cat, at least until I've secured the place.” She twisted to look directly into Freida’s eyes. “It’s fantastic?” “You’re the mad professor.” “Hmm, one day. I’m still a student, and just a little bit crazy.” “And you hate cats.” "I don't hate them. I hate what they can do to Australia's wildlife. Let's say I love birds better." “Get a cat. Responsibility is maturing.” “ I shall become exceedingly mature doing my thesis on all the chemistry research that went on here during WWII.” “And that’s why I’m splitting and heading back to the city. I’m not curling up for winter it the mountains with a partner more interested in biochemistry and book than me. Good luck with the research.” “I won’t need luck, I’m to the trail.” “I though you struck a blank gaining information? They were breaking the law, and no one wants to talk about it.” That’s why I’ll take up residency in the old chemistry laboratory. You said yourself there would be ghosts.” “You’re not serious.” Freda grimaced. “Are you?” “No. But there is an atmosphere. Can you feel it.” “I feel I need to get out of here before the witching hour.” Freda tilted her head back to gaze up at the ceiling towering …feet above their heads. “We are being watched.” Above them (DESCRIPTION) a mouse perched on the edce r a square carved protrusion out of the wall featuring a wombat. “I’ll get that cat.” With arms wide, she spun her body, leapt in the air with arms extended. …“Best get a tall one.” Giggles erupted as she barely dodged the huge spider web she dislodged from a dust-covered chandelier. The two women ducked and fan to the far side of the room. "Next room." Rae walked through an enormous opening into a wide internal space. She spun and grasped Frieda's right hand. "The ballroom I believe." Her left arm encircled her waist as she moved close. "Shall we dance?" Frieda freed her hand and ruffled Rae's hair. "Urk!" Grey hair doesn't make you any more mature." with two hands she brushed away the dust scrunching the dark brown locks in her hand, laughing into dark twinkling eyes. No. I'm taking you to the Spa Gully animal rescue centre before you change your mind. This I have to see." *** At the center: “This is going to be fun.” “How are you going to explain can you cat to the student group after you went on the university radio to preach about how cats don't belong in Australia? “Well, they don't. They're feral animal hair. But, where there are mice you'll be snakes and hantavirus. I’m weighing up the scientific evidence involved in the pros and ag—“ “Rae” Freda walked ahead. “I’m sure there will be enough room for 100 house cats here and you could find a scientific excuse to justify every one of them.” She pushed through the inside door. “Let's explore.” “I’m not that shallow.” Rae scowled. “only make arguments about things I believe in. I still believe cats are best kept indoors in this country. But, if it bothers you—“ *** Frida wasted no time making an appointment with the ugly animal rescue for her and raid to come and choose a cat. They arrived today pretty restored call miners cottage was the last of the autumn roses and colourful foliage looking picturesque. Ray cringed I just saw cats casually strolling around in the garden, one sitting perched on a branch of a tree watching her another lazing and a flower pot was rich Aronian red geranium near the front door front porch. I want to trained and Housecat. Not one that wants to go outside and kill birds. ‘’ don't back out now, Frida whispered. And tell them what you need. Angela's teeth chattered as a cill wind ripped the air, lifting her short dark hair. “I think I want to go home now, and work out how I'm going to warm at least one room and that huge mansion before winter comes. ’’ “Welcome, just call me the Cat Lady. Read it tell me you are living in the old derelict Art Deco mansion. You're going to need about a dozen cats to patrol that space. And then some to protect the outbuildings from vermin. “I only want one cat, a mouser.” “Right,” Well, you aren’t looking for one I’ve reared They might play with a mouse, but aren’t used to having to work for a feed. Cats are particular about what they eat. They aren’t dogs. Rae stared blankly back. None of this jelled with any of her extensive learning. “I can sense your mind whirling,” Frieda whispered. “What are you thinking.” They followed the cat lady into a room filled with cat trees and piles of shredded newspapers in open wire cages, and one closed cage with a ball of dull grey hair curled tight in a corner. lively kittens played in cat trees and invited attention. Cat lady reached in to remove the small dull grey ball. It gripped paper beneath it and lifted a trail of shredded paper, The paper training tense bundle was thrust into Ra’s open hands. She’s vaccinated, de-sexed, and wormed and discounted by $50. from the normal price to $100. “Look” Rae turned to see Freda’s face beaming with joy. A fluffy tabby kitten purred and playfully interacted in her arms. “Oh, look. This one is adorable. Rae felt movement and watched the dull, threadbare grey ball attempt to curl even tighter at the sound of a human voice. “A local farmer brought her in. Said she’d been born in her shed. Don’t know the story other than she said this one had a rough start in life and she’d felt sorry for her.” Just quietly, between you and me. She suggested he thought her husband might have tried to get rid of her by striking her with the back of the spade. Rae’s face darkened. She sunk it into tabby’s fur and whispered purring sounds inaudible other than to the kitten. “Pick this one.” Freda held a purring kitten toward Rae. lifting her head, Rae sniffled and blinked. “Looks like I’ve a mild cat allergy.” Her mind raced, and twin conversations began within her, widening to three or more simultaneous nought flows which none other than Rae were aware of. A sixth program opened in her mind, one analysing herself. The one aware, no wonder no one wanted her either, there was too much happening in her head to have enough left to give to a deep and lasting human relationship. “Is that how is for you?” Rae whispered at Tabby. “ “Cute.” Rae nodded toward that was in her own hands, and lifted the tense tiny bundle to the light and watched the irregular heaving of the kitten’s diaphragm. $75. said the cat lady. Rae rested an ear on the kitten’s chest and frowned. “I wouldn’t do that.” Cat lady raised both eyebrows in alarm. “She’s been raised feral.” “So she’s an as-is sale? Rae frowned. $75. discount and spend a few thousand dollars trying to get her well, is that it?” “She’d make a good mouser for an office. You wanted a house cat, you got one. If she gets even half a chance to escape you’ll never see her again, seeker her locked it. And for heaven's sake, Freda told me you are doing your doctorate in biochemistry. You should have enough sense to not put your face close to any animal you haven’t bonded with, especially a cat.” “Ah,” Rae laughed. “Common sense isn’t always common in people with a high IQ. We have huge learning gaps. Mine is cats. But I’m willing to learn. Please, tell me how to care for Tabby. Freda round. “You're not taking a kitten the is scared of you, are you?” “She’s scared of everything,” cat lady said. “If I open or close a cage she bolts if he isn’t already cringing in a corner.” Rae smile and cradled the shivering kitten to her chest, part tucking her under her open cardigan. Tabby gripped it with protruding claws and dragged green knitted cotton threads deep beneath her. Freda looked askance. “Isn’t that your best cardigan?” “Yes, and Tabby’s bedding. We are a perfect match.” “No wonder you have relationship problems,” Freda said as they all sat where cat lady indicated, around a wooden kitchen table to finalise the sale of a kitten nobody, until now, had wanted. *** Rae listened to the advice given by the expert and the interjections my Freda suggesting a change of mind to a friendlier kitten. She absorbed in all, filing it away into a folder in her complex mind for future study. She dad that ability of storing knowledge and easily retrieving it at any future time, all while pondering the chemical structure of a fungi. Right now the usual 10% of a brain a normal person thinks with a peak stimulation was focused on the physiology of a human’s gut and respiratory system and where she’d access information to learn about how cats nick and then apply a wholistic healing program to Tabby. She could ho many of the tests herself, including blood tests looking for unpicked up parasites and bacteria, but there would be vet costs too. Well, she’d best make one room a haven so Tabby wouldn’t want to escape because this was going to be one expensive purchase. but, it was obvious, they were made for each other. Two plain looking, misfit females, no one really loved and who were both terrified of people, especially men. Rae just hid it better than Tabby. *** . “I have able little runt that no-one wants. If it weren’t for you I’d be experiencing my night in an abandoned building. Rae’s teeth chattered. She pulled a thick sweater on and wrapped herself in two blankets. We’ve no power to hat the place, she murmured to Tabby. I cast risk using a fuel heater. Even thought’s drafts, we don’t want to add carbon monoxide poisoning to your existing problems. I promise to sort out the heating before winter. Tabby stared up at Rae. We are making progress. Rae nodded and interpreted the kitten’s look to mean that was acceptable. “Guess we’ll just have to cuddle.” Rae did the purring as she placed the furry, warm body against her chest as she snuggle on a camp bed. The camp bed consisted of canvas stretched over timber rungs. Four tin cans filled with water were positioned in a rectangle on the floor and each of the camp bed legs were set in a the water. Light patters flicker on the walls made by the four eight-hour nursing time night light burning slowly, and set, one on either side, and one near the top and one new thereat of the camp bed, on the concrete floor. The door was closed firmly and Ray had rigged up a wire grid closure over the extensive glassless window space. “I’m back in the place I love, in my open air school.” Rae chuckled. **** 1953 was a year of growing pains that helped me to win the greatest award of my life. Achieving that award gave me hope to last a lifetime and the endurance to survive the remainder of my childhood. Before I can share my great award with you, I’ll show the lead up to it, starting with Christmas nineteen fifty-one. A woman wearing a black sequinned dress, two sizes too small, leads two sisters with her nicotine-stained hands onto the front veranda of a Victorian style building at 16 High Street, Kew, Victoria, Australia. “Stay here and wait for Father Christmas.” “There’s no such thing as Father Christmas,” my nine-year-old sister retorted. I stared at Mum’s vivid lips as they moved. “Just tell me when he gets here.” She’s got red lipstick on her yellow teeth. I didn’t know if I should tell her. Safer not to. The door banged behind our mum as she went back into the home she’d turned into a boarding house. My sis and I stood waiting, not talking to each other—we rarely talked to each other. Hours passed. Booorrrring. We fidgeted but didn’t dare to go back inside. You did not disobey our mother. A Black Cabs taxi pulled up. Door opened. Men’s black shoes, then trouser-covered legs emerged. Disbelief—my sister and I stared as a man’s head and chest emerged next from the taxi. “Daddy,” I shrieked. He straightened as I flung myself at him. A year of not hearing from him instantly forgiven. My sister stood back—a frown on her face. Ignoring her, I grabbed Daddy’s hand and tugged him inside. She could tell Mummy that Daddy was home. I wanted him all to myself. How to entertain and impress him? Five-year-old’s in the fifties didn’t have iPads, but I did show him my possessions, just like a normal kid today would. I bent and pulled out my potty from under the bed. “You can pee in it if you want to.” “Where’s the bathroom?” I led the way, dancing a jig on the step that allowed me to reach the wash basin. I looked at Daddy; he had his trousers open. All black and hairy there—and scary. I bolted. Didn’t know why I was so frightened. * * * The Christmas dinner with Mum, Dad, my sister, me, and our tenant guests—Bruno Prizmantus (the man who rented our front room) and his wife, Marianna—came to an abrupt halt. Hmm, was it because Marianna asked me “What is wrong?” and I babbled on about seeing Daddy’s thingy? As usual, big sister showed off that she was smarter than me by saying, “It’s a penis.” Then, in her superior put-on voice, “He’s always shown it to me.” Eruption! Chairs moved, adults rose spilling beer bottles, Mum grabbed and flung Sis and me into the kitchenette and locked the door behind us. That’s okay. We could see it all through the window because the adults went out to the backyard to get in a huddle and scream. Only Bruno was trying to strangle Daddy. Scared. Mum rushed at them with a bucket. Bull’s eye! She flung water into the men’s faces, then ducked. Daddy stumbled upright and walked out of sight, around to the front of the house. I heard Mum ring and order a taxi. When she unlocked the kitchenette door, the Christmas dinner and Father Christmas had gone—and, he forgot to leave presents. Toughen up kid. * * * Nineteen fifty-two. The year before Hope. Other kids told me, “My mother said that only bad women get deserted by their husbands.” The taunting never stopped. On ANZAC Day it reached a peak. The teachers seemed to gang up on me too. “You can’t march.” I was pulled out of the lineup of children preparing to walk to the war shrine for the memorial service. “My daddy served in the war too.” I used one of those expressions that always made Mummy say, “If the wind changes, your face will stay that way.” The scowl never worked. The adults always got their way, but I could still show that I hated it. “You can’t go.” Children gathered around, mocking. If the wind changes now, I’m done for. My best look of loathing was aimed at that kid chanting, “You don’t have a father.” He was the lad wearing the most medals, the one basking in the glory that his dad died in the war. “Neither do you.” I pocked my tongue out for emphasis. The teacher frowned at me. “William’s mother is a respectable widow.” She strode away to lead the march. Bill laughed. “Y’ see, skinny?” He raced off, leaping in joy, to join the procession. I stood on the sidewalk, looking at the parade with other children, the ones who were not allowed to participate because their fathers had not fought in a war. No mention of mothers who’d served their country. The music teacher approached us ANZAC Day outcasts with ice-creams in her hands. That made up for feeling on the outside of life, looking on. She handed ice creams to only half of us rejects from the march. My talent was facial expressions. I did my best to force an apology. “It’s because they are orphans,” she said. My face let her know how I felt. She stopped smiling and couldn’t look at me again. I felt the loss of my father deeply that year, through the actions and words of others and the lasting effect he’d had on my mother. I didn’t get teased too often because I spent most of that year home, alone, and in bed—ill. * Living in our boarding house was a young man who tried to tempt me into his room to play with a baby chicken. I had more sense than to fall for that trick. My complaints about him made the female tenants report him to the police. He’d been on their sex offender’s list. As an adult, now, with a positive attitude to life and a great sense of humour, I do believe in turning lemons into lemonade. Johnny, that twenty-year-old sex offender, boarding house tenant was murdered by one of his intended young victims in the sixth novel I wrote. That’ll teach him to try to mess with a creative child. Shortly after that incident a nurse arrived at the Hawthorn Primary to examine the grade two children. I was singled out and the Education Department doctor was called in. Mum was contacted and instructed on my immediate needs—food. It was not a request; there was a threat of what might happen if she didn’t comply. But, before complying, she first drove me to an orphanage, a multi-storied grey building with tiny closed, wired-over windows. She threatened to leave me there unless I promised to be good. Then with me in the back seat, no love exchanged, no touching or comfort, we both cried. After we were all wept out, she drove home, with me silent, being good, in the back seat. No, childhood was not the best years of my life. The threat from the Education Department doctor resulted in the joy of my discovering oranges, raw peas, liver, and I loved them all, although not my sister’s fury at my being singled out for special treatment. It did not last—just one bag of oranges, then back to the dinner that Mum was so proud she provided for us on Sundays. My sister fed me leftovers on Mondays. Then, she extended those leftovers, turning them into soup, watered down more every day to make them last the week. Meanwhile, the fridge was filled with packages of food with the word Michelle, my mother’s name, written on them. Marianna saw me on the front lawn in my bathers and took my picture with her Brownie box camera. She also gave me a piece of chocolate. “Look.” She showed the developed photo to Mrs Aspie, another lady tenant. “You can see all her bones.” Mrs Aspie immediately went out and bought me a bag of sweets. I shared them with my sister—the only time in our childhood when we were friends. * * * My mother’s attempt to keep me just barely alive but half-starved went deeper than poverty. When we were adults, my sister explained her theory on why it happened, thinking I’d be able to understand—not that understanding ever allowed her to forgive. Even as a child I knew that Mum was obsessive about other women, the ones who break up marriages. Apparently, Dad lost interest in Mum sexually, because of his interest in other women. The problem was, the other women he was interested in were his daughters. My sister is the one who forced it to stop, before I became involved. One thing she refused to do was to not tell people. I have her, and not my mother, to thank for protecting me. I’m grateful that my father was not around as I grew up. When Mum told Dad to stop or she’d report him to the police, she only acted from a selfish concern that her business clients might find out. Dad’s response was to emotionally and financially destroy her. After he’d embezzled all of her wealth, he went for the trifecta and cleaned out his business partner’s bark account and also stole all of his clients’ money that he could access. Was the reason my mother failed to provide love and adequate food and health care for her children because of some distorted view that we destroyed her business and her marriage? By the age of six, my view of my family was equally distorted—they were the enemy. I hated them. * * * My sister and I were having our usual evening fight over who was given the larger of the two bowls of watery soup, and Mum was tucking into tasty cheese and ham on thickly buttered crackers, with salad that only grown-ups were allowed to eat, when we heard Marianna scream. Suddenly, I was face down, flat on the floor where Mum shoved me, my sister on top of me. There was a sound of running and the feeling of bodies pressing down on me before Marianna’s warm blood began to flow over my sister and me. I didn’t move a muscle; I was watching my mother in awe. She’d raced to the door. Using her heavy body as leverage over the tightly clutched door handle, Mum strove to hold the handle firm to prevent Marianne’s attacker from entering. She leapt back as Bruno barged through wielding a cleaver held high. His face was livid purple with rage. Such hatred I’d never seen before. I thought my sister had mastered dirty looks until that moment. “I’ll slash her face to shreds,” Bruno roared. Mum spoke quietly, “Tell me why.” Standing firmly within cleaver-swinging range, she showed no fear as she listened attentively to Bruno’s rant. Eventually, his arm lowered; then his eyes grew heavy. Mum made cups of tea for everyone, including us children, then Bruno walked back to his room, sobbing. Mrs Aspie was the one to notify the police. “Shouldn’t have done that,” Mum said. “It was nothing that a cup of tea and a good lie down couldn’t fix.” Mrs Aspie’s room became vacant shortly afterward. The police were not happy either. They needed to solve crimes, not supervise marital arguments. In the nineteen fifties “I do—obey you” was an undisputed clause in marriage ceremonies. Therefore, the chief constable’s advice was, “Behave yourself, Mrs Prizmantus.” Then he saw me cowering in the corner. “Who is that child?” My mother said, “Marianna and Bruno are ideal tenants; it was a slight misunderstanding. It…” “Did the child witness the violence?” Mum stood between the police and me. I tried to back even further into the wall to get away from even more angry men. “She’s my daughter.” “This is an unfit environment for a child.” Mum’s face went red. “She is fine.” “She’s wet herself in terror.” I was terrified. They were getting my mother upset. Mum wasn’t nice when she was upset. “We are going to make more enquiries about her welfare. What school does she go to?” “None of your business.” “Then we will make it our business to have her removed from your care.” I don’t know how this scene ended. I was only six. My big sister might have led me to bed. As children we thought we hated each other, but the truth is, we went out of our way to protect each other from danger. I was shocked that the brunt of the police anger was directed at my mother and not Bruno. A rebel, who emerged in the nineteen sixties to peacefully protest paternalistic society and blatant inequality, formed within me by age six. I realise now that the police never intended to add to my terror. As regards their not assisting Marianna, there wasn’t much they could have done if she didn’t bring charges against him. “The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know,” Marianna said. She never did bring charges against Bruno. * * * I elaborated on Bruno and Marianna’s story, showing the post-traumatic stress suffered by refugees from the Second World War in my seventh novel. I don’t excuse Bruno’s actions, but I don’t portray him as a monster either. Loss of hope for the future could break the best of us. No matter what, don’t lose hope. * The story of two eyes wide with fright in a pale face on a tiny child’s body, a girl being raised in a violent household, made its way into police reports. A concerned police officer contacted my school. The Victorian Education Health Services shared their files with the police about a girl with malnutrition, anaemia, stunted growth, poor chest development. I was identified as pre-tubercular and morally and physically at risk. Despite that, examinations had confirmed that I was of healthy mind and had no current active infection. All parties decided that if I were placed on a select list as one of the twenty most deprived children in the slums of Melbourne, they could instigate actions that would give me a hope of survival. The fact that I lived in a Victorian-style house in a more affluent suburb of Kew, placing me outside of the zone the disadvantaged twenty were chosen from, was a detail they all decided to ignore. * * * As I grieved for having lost the love of my father, mother and sister, I went to the top of that list of the chosen twenty, who in nineteen fifty-three would be offered “hope for weaklings,” to be transformed into a “perfectly healthy type.” Although I passed the sound mental health examination, the examiner had no idea how close I came to paranoia. How many six-year-olds start to wonder if everyone in the world was there to harm them? Even lovely Marianne harboured a face slasher only a door away from where I slept. It was not until I was an adult and friends once more with my sister that I discovered that she too had experienced paranoia. Worse, she’d fought a lifetime battle with depression and had not come to terms, as I have, with the fact that our mother did the best she could in the circumstance she was in. * * * Early in nineteen fifty-three, Mum doused my hair with olive oil and kerosene to stop itches and explained, “You have been chosen to go to a special open air school.” She took a breath to let that sink in. I didn’t understand. “The school is…” Mum rushed the next words, “for underprivileged children.” She laughed. “However, all the silly parents of underprivileged children are too proud to have their children go to this school.” She waited. I gave the expected nod and smile of understanding—still not grasping the meaning of her words. Mum spoke to me as if I were an educated adult. I knew to give replies to her in that same manner, or to nod in agreement. She did not talk down to a child’s level. “Now, with me being a wise mother…” Mum paused and beamed in her proud-moment manner. I gave her my wide-eyed in-awe-of-you look. That always pleased her. “Knowing how you will love going to school in the open air, I’ve pretended that you are underprivileged—which of course you are not.” * * * A school bus, with a friendly, not-at-all scary male driver, came right to the front of our home. Clutching a packed lunch of white bread and jam sandwich, I nervously stepped into the unknown. Those who had organised for me to be chosen for the “hope for the weaklings” program were determined to get me to that special school. They transported me like some VIP child, in an almost empty bus, from my door to the school door, and back again, every school day for a year. The journey took me away from the suburb of Kew and into the semi-rural countryside of Blackburn, to two acres of wattle and eucalyptus bushland teaming with native birds and wildflowers. On that land, a three-room weatherboard building with veranda overlooked a picturesque valley of natural forest; it was to be the hub of my most unusual and life-changing grade-three school year. * When I arrived at Blackburn Open Air School, I was greeted with the aroma of hot cocoa and fresh bread. I’d never known such food existed. We washed before eating and were given what was for some of us our first breakfast. Then we cleaned our teeth and ceremoniously filed to the toilet and washed again, this time with a hands-and-nails inspection. The remainder of the day was composed of repeated interludes of washing, eating, cleaning our teeth, using the toilet, washing, and (other than in wintry weather) open air learning and exercise. We were not being indoctrinated with an institutionalised routine; we were being taught how to take responsibility for our health. The school, along with its health training, was the reason I and many others survived childhood. The school children were taught to prepare meals that were delicious and nutritious. Hmm—so cheese and salad weren’t only for adults. I was learning fast. The students went into the teacher’s room twice weekly to be measured and weighed: once before going home for the weekend and again when we returned the following Monday. Children who maintained their weight while at home, left at the end of that month or term. Their place was given to someone more in need, chosen from the waiting list. I stayed for the full year. After lunch, students took camp beds and a rug into the bush for rest hour. The birds sang, and kookaburras laughed over my head. I’d gaze at the sky and know there would always be beauty. I’d not be dependent on others for happiness. I could make it. I would make it. If I was ever too down to see the beauty in things, I would only need to look up. The interior classroom was light and bright and had a large blackboard with the mathematical tables written on it. Of more interest was the view of the surrounding valley. We were encouraged to chant our times tables while watching the acrobatic butcher birds diving for skinks. They would hang their catch on a branch in front of our classroom window as if to show off their trophies to us children. An appreciation of nature and the development of student self-esteem took priority over formal lessons. We often did our lessons while sitting in the forest on a fallen tree trunk, with the scent of ferns and the smell of earth warmed by the sun in our nostrils and the ringing calls of bellbirds in our ears. A typical English lesson would be a walk through the nature reserve. “This is the Early Nancy, Wurmbea dioica.” Our teacher would point to a dainty pink flower in the centre of a rosette of thin, long green leaves. “Harbinger-of-Spring.” As I gained chest expansion through bush walks in clean country air, I acquired an adult vocabulary of harbinger-sized English words, with smatterings of nature and health related Latin, along with a love for and knowledge of the land. Sometimes the old school bus engine would overheat, and the bus driver would stop the bus miles from the school. The old concertina bus door would creak and groan open. “Everyone out.” The driver would turn to face his half dozen passengers; his face crinkling in a grin. “Find your way to school.” We would pile out, excited at the adventure. The driver would follow us, not giving directions. The school’s focus was on teaching us survival. My general knowledge soared, and my art and creative writing fairly blasted out of me. Life was an incredible adventure. The school library consisted mainly of donated copies of Australian literature. Being allowed to take books home--bliss! Perched in a tree nook, I escaped daily life in a tenant house by entering the poet Henry Lawson’s view of Australian. Instead of my sister and I waiting to be yelled at, we talked to each other and wrote poetry together. Mum forwarded our poems to the Argus Newspaper and shared my delight when they paid me five shillings to publish mine. I spent that on art supplies, which inspired Mum to give my sister Derwent pencils for her birthday. Our artwork didn’t just go on a fridge door (we still used an old ice chest) because suddenly, an Archibald Prize-winning great uncle manifested as mother had to show off her daughters’ sketches. I was taken to the William McInnes mansion in Ivanhoe, where I gazed up in reverence from the base of each masterpiece as the adults talked about my future art training. Mother’s overbearing expectations didn’t daunt me. I knew that, with practice and perseverance, I’d paint well. The sin of pride ran in the family, and I’d acquired a healthy dose of it too. I also understood that success would fulfil my dreams, not hers. I was deliriously pleased with my lifetime goal to be an artist and the newfound family approval. Every new day became something to leap out of bed for and greet eagerly. The open air school had unlocked my initiative. I sculpted with mud. I burnt wood to make charcoal to sketch with, and I asked for paper scraps. I had everything I needed. An orphaned baby southern boobook, Ninox boobook, owl sat on the teacher’s desk and opened his mouth when I held out finely ground meat for it to gobble up. Once sufficiently nurtured so that he could fly, the boys placed him in a tree outside the window. From there, he snoozed through class, occasionally lifting one eyelid to supervise us. * Life at Blackburn Open Air School was too rich to willingly miss one moment. That was incentive enough to work hard. Mum got to witness my painful, uncoordinated struggle to do my homework—physiotherapy exercises that the school doctor had told me would make me strong. “A young girl of your age was taught ballet because she too was clumsy.” Mum showed me the dancer’s photo in the paper. “They say she is now the world’s greatest ballerina.” I tried harder. If Margot Fonteyn could get over being clumsy, so could I. Over the course of that open air school year, an introverted child slipped away, and the makings of a self-sufficient young person took her place, a child who would not allow herself to be starved. I liked the new me that emerged. Most children mature between ages six and seven—I blossomed. When a boy student was about to get a stinging whack with a ruler across the palm of his hand, I put forward a defence for him. “It was an accident, and he said sorry.” I’d been too self-involved to care about others before I went to Blackburn Open Air School. The previous emotionally crushed version of me could not have had the courage I needed for the future. A positive attitude got me through the life and sanity-threatening challenges that remained in the environment where I lived. I not only survived, but thrived. Because people reached out to rescue me, I’ve developed a lot of compassion for others. Not everyone gets an opportunity such as I was given. If it had not been for the high self-esteem and health I gained in Blackburn, would I be who I am today? Would I even be? Blackburn Open Air School taught me how to tap into the depth of my resilience and gave me the physical and mental strength I needed to nurture myself for a lifetime. * At the end of the nineteen fifty-three school year, and now considered average size for my age, I received recognition for the achievement I’d made that year. It felt to me as if I’d won the top honour ever presented by the school. Even my family treated my award with as much pride as they’d shown my cousin Alan when he’d graduated with the top honours in science at Swinburne Technical School. My achievement? I was the child who’d made the biggest growth spurt. All my life I have wanted to say thank you. “Look at me,” I want to tell all who created the opportunity I was given. “I made it. I will turn seventy this year, but many didn’t think I’d survive childhood. You helped it happen.” I did try to give my thanks. I went back to the school hand-in-hand with my husband. Things had changed, and I was treated suspiciously, as if I were a trespasser. There are some places you aren’t able to revisit except in memory. We need to share it forward rather than go back. I know there must be a more eloquent way to express this, but I’m choked up with emotion at this moment. * Hope given away is never lost I’m one of the lucky ones who grabbed the hope offered and multiplied it. The transformation of my physical and mental health during nineteen fifty-three has influenced my life. Not a moment of my life has been wasted. I’ve trained for and worked in mental health care, ethical business management, motivation and art therapy. My childhood has been fictionalised in several novels to show resilience and love winning out in the face of crime and betrayal. My husband and I, together, have won two environment protection awards for our work. My studio looks out across bushland I love. I stay attuned with nature, continue to obtain eco-therapy from open air surroundings and am currently growing our fruit and vegetables. My husband and I regularly bush walk, as we’ve done together for the past fifty years. Passing on hope is important to me. I’ve been a voluntary art mentor with an Art For Empowerment Project, and I assist ethical authors though my Kathryn’s Book Blog’s authors’ mid-month cross promotion service. That voluntary work also rewards readers who subscribe to my newsletters. They get lots of special offers from some great authors. Through The Public Records Office of Victoria and the Trove Library, I’ve discovered that the Blackburn Open Air School came about mainly through the efforts of Mrs Keast, president of the Forest School Committee and wife of the politician, Mr W. S. Keast, MLA. Mrs Keast had a vision to create forest schools (open air schools) in Victoria along the lines of those first started in Germany. The concept had spread through Europe in a belief that fresh air would assist in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. She succeeded in raising £312 through public subscription to buy two acres of bushland in Gardenia Street, Blackburn, sixteen miles from Melbourne. This land was donated to the Education Department as a site for an open‑air school. The Blackburn Open Air School ran for almost fifty years, opening in nineteen fifteen and closing in nineteen sixty-three, when it was considered of no further value. As for those questions raised in the government, asking if the Blackburn Open Air School was of any value, or if any child improved in health from attending the school, I hope this short biographical story reaches those officials and any who question the value of offering similar programs, adapted to suit current needs, in the future. Do I credit much of who I am today to the “Hope For Weaklings” project begun by the forward-thinking Mrs Keast? In Aussie jargon, which at the Blackburn Open Air School would have earned me a session over the washbasin having my mouth washed out with soap and water by the no-nonsense teacher--you betcha! * * * Wake Up, Darling.
Angela is preparing for her engagement party. Wealthy fiancé. Prenups done. second time, has it right. No sparks but marriage for love hadn’t worked. They worked well as business partners. She in having misgivings given his shady dealings. Been living together for four yeas, not a lot of intimacy, but the honeymoon should stimulate things. Show envy at watching other lovers. Phone call from the bark about mortgage. What mortgage? Paper’s he’d gotten her to sign drunk. She everyone. Everyone staring at her. End scene one. Shene Two. How it happened. “Wake up, darling. It’s time.” I looked up and saw Bill set the glass of wine on the bedside table next to the clock. Six-thirty p.m. I need to hurry. Grabbing the glass, I slurped the wine as I rushed to the bathroom. Another gulp. Best finish it before I get into my white uniform. I’ve slopped red wine stains on my work clothes before. Bill knew I needed to sleep late after the barbecue today. “Here’s your things.” My husband handed me my bag, keys, and a navy cardigan as I ran for the front door. “You’re a lifesaver. Love you,” I said and we leant forward and pecked each other on the cheek. Gosh, I love that man. He waved his glass at me, the red liquid swishing back and forth. I wished I could have stayed and enjoyed a drop more with him. * * * I walked into the ER, and Mary gave me the stink eye. I was a half hour late. Crap. “Nice of you to show up, Nancy.” Mary strode past me toward the locker room. All I could do is shrug at her back, and then the doors at the ambulance dock flew open. An older man on a stretcher was wheeled in between medics. A cop followed close behind. I pointed down the hall. “Put him in area two. What happened?” The officer stepped up next to me. “Found him unconscious at the Frankston Pier.” He handed me a wallet. “Doug…seventy years old.” “Thank you, sir. I appreciate the help.” I pulled his I.D. card out of the wallet, wrote his identification details at the top of the chart, threw the wallet in the blue plastic bag labeled patient, brought it to cubicle two, and then hurried to check on the patient. He reeked of a familiar smell, but I couldn’t recall what it was. The police stayed until I completed my triage on him and gave them a report. “My observations reveal that his fluids are low, so I’ll attach an intravenous drip, and that will also restore his electrolyte balance and flush his system. He’ll remain in the emergency department on observations overnight. Then, if he is still with us, they will perform some tests to see what damage he’s done.” The police made their notes and left. The doctor on call took a glance at him, read my chart notes, and moved to the next cubical. With his observations and IV setup completed, I checked my other patients. The phone rang and the supervisor answered. She talked awhile, hung up, and turned to me. “They need a staff member to cover for the meal breaks in ward five. Come back after awhile to complete the six a.m. observations before you go off duty,” she said. Food and drink dispensers lined the hallway. Nothing there interested me. I checked my bag to see what Bill packed. You little devil. I grinned and pulled out a can of rum and coke, feeling several more clink off my nails. I sat on the bench outside the ward and drank one. Popping a peppermint in my mouth and a wake-me-up pill, I braced myself for whatever faced me in the psychiatric ward. The burly guard arrived just after I rang the doorbell, unlocking the heavy metal door with a blank expression. He escorted me behind reinforced glass that separated the staff from the ward and patients. I stood at the station and waited for the nursing supervisor (who was reading notes on the computer) to acknowledge me. She appeared to be in a trance, staring at the same patient record long after I had finished reading it. After twenty minutes of feeling exhausted standing there in my reporting-for-duty pose, and feeling stupid, and her not glancing at me once, despite my positioning myself where her side vision had to see me, and making sounds as I moved my bag around, I interrupted her concentration. “What would you like me to do?” She jerked upright, looked around hastily, blinked, and then glared at me. Gosh, she startled me with her sudden reaction. She really was asleep—with her eyes open. Well I... “We’ve had an S.O.B. admitted,” I said. “We might need an additional staff member if I have to run in there with the guards.” Not even a smile from her. She refreshed the page of notes on the screen and looked like she was reading the same patient’s notes. S.O.B. in this ward wasn’t the medical abbreviation for short of breath. I sat and waited, reading patient files from the computer in front of me and observing the staff. The supervisor went back into her stupor. The guard blinked infrequently, and his pupils were dilated. I couldn’t preach; I was working with drug-assisted alertness myself. Most of the night nurses looked like they took care of young families instead of sleeping during the daytime. Like me, they probably grabbed a few hours sleep when their partner got home before charging out the door to drive to work. I bet they sometimes forgo sleep to have a little taste of normal life, like the barbecue I’d been to that day. Sure, some of us popped uppers. Yes, I knew, I was full of excuses when I wanted them. People should try juggling what I did before they judge me.’ I watched the multiscreen the guard kept his eye on. Patients paced in rooms and hallways. One was playing the piano; only a few were asleep. Gosh, by two a.m., I fancied another can of drink. That sitting there, doing nothing, got to me. “Please, can I do something?” I asked, fighting fatigue. I needed to keep busy—I was starting to nod off. I turned toward the computer screen and put a pill in my month and swallowed. I had to stay awake. Go in there with the patients. Try to get them to settle. Julie Roswell, on the sofa, just arrived. I doubt she’s dangerous. The guard will be watching you. I’d read Julie’s file on the computer screen. I went and stood at the door, and the guard came and unlocked it, giving me this “You’re-nuts-going-in-there” look, then shut and locked the door behind me. I needed to walk past this extremely powerful looking man who had an aggressive manner. He was the S.O.B. I tried not to draw his attention by not meeting his stare as I moved toward Julie. “Morrison.” The S.O.B. read my name badge. Then he looked smug as he continued to shift his eyes from my face to my name badge. He was attempting to intimidate me. I guessed he was implying he would always know my name, could find me on the outside, if he chose. I hated that ward. Fancy putting Julie in with that lot. I guessed they were all in there for the same reason—substance abuse in one form or another. I couldn’t understand—at the time—why people did that to themselves. “Would you like to have coffee with me, Julie?” She looked up at me. Her eyes were red and her whole body trembled. There was more than drug addiction behind the pain. My intuitiveness is at least ninety-nine percent of my success as a nurse. It isn’t all science. University didn’t teach me my best medical skills or how to connect with people like Julie. “Yes, please. I am supposed to—increase—my fluid intake. I can’t—can’t make myself drink. I’ll try to drink some tea. Milk, two sugars, please.” “I'll be right back.” I followed the corridor to the kitchen. It smelt of methylated spirits. They’d cleaned the stainless steel with it. That was the smell on the old man in the emergency. Why hadn’t I remembered while I was with him? That’s when I woke up to the fact I was slipping, my brain wasn’t as sharp anymore, and my work was beginning to be affected. I glanced at the half-dome cameras mounted on the ceiling, and I was glad the guard was watching and wondered what equipment the patients had access to in there. Surely they don’t have cutlery. I know where I trained they only had plastic spoons and forks, and not even a plastic knife. I had never been in the patients’ area before in that ward, only the treatment room where a guard stands on either side of the patient, and there are always two trained nurses present. It felt weird the way the patients backed up against the wall and glared at me, like I was an outsider, the enemy, as I passed them while I began to wake up. I wasn’t all that much smarter than they were, unless I made a few life changes myself. I returned with the drinks and sat beside Julie. She shook too much to hold the mug. I helped her and she was able to swallow half the tea. We talked. She sobbed into her hands, tried to speak but stuttered. “Let it out in words and tears,” I said. “It will help.” I was called back to the emergency department. As I walked the corridor, I took another can of rum and coke from my bag. I wanted to drink it. Then I thought about Julie’s case history. She collapsed drunk on a footpath, a wine cask beside her. Short story—she lost custody of her children and went on a bender. Ended up in that, hellhole—psych ward. I pulled my hand away. Went to the water fountain and drank a glass of water. It tasted foul. I couldn’t remember when I last drank plain water. Now Julie wants to get well and have a second chance. She wants her children. She’s grief stricken over what’s happened. Her marriage had disintegrated, and the drinking started because of untreated postpartum depression. Why couldn’t her family see she was ill before it got to that stage? I reassured Julie that she would get well. Back in the emergency, Doug had made an amazing recovery. He was sitting up, talking about his bicycle, concerned it might have been stolen. He remembered peddling to the pier, having a drink with his mates, nothing after that. “Wouldn’t your mates look after your bike for you?” I asked. “Nah.” He shook his head. “Same as I’d do. Sell it for more grog.” “Not real mates then, are they?” I checked his observation chart. “I reckon the doctor here’s my mate,” he said. “He can get me into rehab. What do you think?” I observed him. Scrawny, yellow-skinned, with obvious liver complications, yet he was grinning and talkative. He must have the constitution of an ox. He doesn’t understand how close he came to never waking up. He’ll never be well. I encouraged my recovering metho drinker to sip water from the glass I held. “You can do it. Question is, do you want to?” I put the glass down and looked straight at him. “Yes,” he said with determination. I believed him. “Then you will succeed.” I made sure his booking for rehabilitation had been organised before I went off-duty. I enjoyed the scenery as I drove home. Never too tired to appreciate the cloud patterns in the sky. It felt good to play a part in two people starting to change their lives for the better. I dozed off for a second. Jerked awake and found myself driving towards… Time slowed. My body stiffened as I stared into the fear in the driver's eyes. I slammed on the brakes and swerved back into my lane. Swearing, I groped in my bag for a can of drink and a pill to refresh myself— then pulled my hand away in shock at my own instinctive behaviour to reach for a drink when under stress. If I’d taken one of those pills then, it would have been a repeat of the day before. I’d not get to sleep until the afternoon. Then I’d be falling asleep at the wheel again—I might not wake up, pull out, in time. Somehow, I drove the rest of the way home and staggered in the door, heading for bed without saying a word to the family. Those twelve-hour night shifts, plus the driving time, were murder. * “Hard night?” Bill asked. “No—it was a good night. In a way, satisfying. Nothing much happened. A quiet night. I had time to talk to the patients. I like that. But—I’m buggered.” “Good night, love.” Bill gave me a hug. “Do you want a nightcap?” “Glass of water, please. Oh, please don’t put alcohol in my workbag. And I only want water and coffee when I wake. Don’t pour me wine with dinner. It’s breakfast for me, and I’ve got to drive and work after it.” I was too embarrassed to tell him I almost killed myself and someone else. I knew those uppers were responsible for the zombie world I lived in—neither sleeping properly nor being fully awake—and I couldn’t remember how many standard drinks I’d had in the last twenty-four hours. “Thanks,” I hastily added as he frowned. “Am I supposed to drink alone?” The tiredness anaesthetised me to his hurt, angry tone, and while I wanted to say, “You don’t have to drink,” I didn’t know how I could say that and not lose him. We’d been getting on so well recently. I couldn’t bear for us to start fighting over his drinking problem again. I tried so hard. I love that man. I made such an effort to share his social life. He doesn’t know he’s a drunk, because he looks and acts sober. A high-functioning alcoholic, we call it at work. But I didn’t ring you to talk about Bill. I need to tell you more about me. How it started. I began to drink to excess, in small amounts; half a bottle of wine with Bill, at dinner. That was only three-and-a-half standard drinks, not much over my “ladies-rethink-your-third-drink” rule. I thought that would stop him drinking the whole bottle himself. Then gradually it increased to—sometimes, most times—us drinking a whole bottle over the course of an evening, once or twice a week. Seven standard drinks. I knew it was too many, but as it didn’t seem to have any affect on me, I told myself, “I can handle that much.” We’d socialise with others who drink fairly heavily. “Social drinking” they all call it. Gosh, I had training in this stuff. I know what a standard drink looks like, and all our friends exceed the limit. Bill wasn’t happy when I didn’t drink with him during the pregnancies. Said it’s not much fun partying if your partner is stone-cold sober. I decided to tell Bill that things were all getting to be too much. Right then, I was too exhausted to think about it, too unprepared to try to deal with it. I put it off until I woke up. * * * That evening, I decided to call in sick. I was still shaken from that morning, and I didn’t feel like eating dinner, I just wanted that glass of wine Bill usually poured me. I couldn’t call you from home, so I drove off as if I was heading to work like normal. Then I pulled over and went through my bag to read those brochures we give the alcoholic patients. I put them in my bag this morning as I was going off duty. “I need to talk to someone.” I woke up. “I am an alcoholic.” * * * Author’s note: The above short story is fictional. It was written to show that there are many levels of alcohol addiction, many of them not easily recognised. *** Salvages Aspen Spa because it hadn’t sold. Sale full through. STD Sexually transmitted debt. **** Are you certain you want to separate from him? “I’ve never been more sure.” Angela refrained from explaining more. How could she expect her best friend Michelle to understand? It sounded callus even to her. Once she’d married for love, and that hadn’t worked. Next, she’d had a long-term relationship with Logan Kees, who had been everything her first love wasn’t—sophisticated, handsome, and wealthy. Finally, after invested eight years of her life on a man, both of them unwilling to make a permanent commitment to each other, and helping him build his business empire, she wanted more. Next time, if there were a next time, she’d have it all, love and money. Michelle exhaled audibly. “One day he’ll be ready to settle—” Angela swung around. “I’m done with settling.” She returned her attention to the computer screen view of the property Logan was offering her as settlement for the work she’d done assisting his business to grow. She shook her head. “It’s a strange building.” The building Angela motioned to, on the screen, was a sharp contrast to the sleek modern style of the offices of Michelle Rogers Attorney at Law. She’d been here many times before with Logan. they’d worked as a close team, each bringing a unique attribute to a successful business partnership, while developing close friendships. For Logan and herself that had grown into a friendship with benefits, a relationship Angela had close off six months earlier. This meeting with Michelle was to see what her friend with legal experience thought of her plans to put closure to the informal business relationship, by accepting a gift or a property settlement from Logan as a guarantee she’d not claim a part financial interest in his business. The separation settlement agreement had been approved by Angela’s lawyers, so Michelle wouldn’t be placed in the awkward position of representing both of the separate clients who sought an amicable arrangement rather than a messy, drawn-out fight in the law courts. The title deed on the table was of the property displayed on the computer screen, the one Angela would own upon accepting the offered agreement. Angela and Michelle watched old home movies from the 1930s through to the 1950s that mainly featured children playing games in the gardens surrounding the mansion. It was strange how things turn out, Angela mussed. She’d never envisioned owning a strange-looking building in a remote rural location any more than she’d thought she’d have struck up a friendship with a slick city lawyer whose style was a near opposite to her own. Michelle wore one of her trademark, black, tight-fitting suits, the jacket unbuttoned to reveal a pristine white shirt, the top three buttons were undone, no underwear fabric or ridges visible, nothing left to the imagination. Logan had chosen her as his business lawyer to distract those men whose tastes lay for the more voluptuously endowed woman than Angela. Logan himself was a distraction for most ladies—and certain men. Angela considered that she too had been used as a decoy to prevent Logan’s clients from focusing on the fine print on title deeds. This was a relationship she’d needed to distance herself from. Michelle peered over Angela’s shoulder as the old family movies playing on the computer screen ended. “Have you decided?” Angela cupped her fine-boned chin and studied the screen. “Only that I want closure!” So my eight years as Logan Rees’s partner in everything is reduced to this strange-looking building.” Angela picked up papers with Open Air, Spa Country, and Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia were printed in bold on them. “And he gets to keep a harbour view mansion worth millions?” Michelle exhaled audibly. “That’s Art Deco style.” Michelle switched the image on the screen to a landmark department store in Melbourne with similar curved corners on the upper stories. “The architect designed many historical landmarks in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.” “They look just like ones my grandfather designed,” Angela said. “Art Deco was very much the stye of that period,” Michelle replied. Angela had been present countless times when Logan had pulled a confidence trick on a real estate client. “Is this going to be more of a headache than an investment?” Given the friendship had soured when she’d prompted the break-up, Angela did not doubt he might attempt to unload a renovation nightmare onto her. “Why are there more open balconies than roof-covered space?” Michelle beamed. “Sixty bedrooms on the second floor. Potential for a conference hall or a venue for wedding receptions on the third floor. You could run a profitable setup.” Angela didn’t wish to pivot out of a failed relationship into a disastrous venture. “Aren’t successful investment properties all about position, position, position? What does this place have to recommend it?” “Clean mountain air.” A smile widened on Michelle’s face. “Healing spa baths, sunrooms, and a part-covered indoor swimming pool.” Angela shrugged. The choice wasn’t difficult. Whatever she got out of this Angela would make it pay. She’d turn this estate into success beyond their wildest dreams. Why she might even end up wealthier than Logan was. The idea made her spine tingle. She chuckled. “Well, I am game.” Angela had expected a fight to gain anything, so this offer had her reeling. While her heart pounded in excitement, she subdued her mounting joy at being offered financial independence. That joy was mixed with apprehension. “I don’t trust Logan.” Angela had married her first love in an optimistic rush, believing it would be happily ever after. They hadn’t stayed naïve teenagers, both matured in different ways. At twenty-one, neither wanted the same things. Without animosity, they had parted, each seeking a new dream. When adolescent love’s passion hadn’t worked for Angela, she’d sought security and thought she’d found that with Logan. Once she’d decided she was again on the wrong life path, it hadn’t been hard to walk away from the luxury apartment overlooking Sydney Harbour, Logan’s, and her home. Was this avenue of trees to an old mansion the pathway to her future? She questioned if she were numb to emotional feeling. She should feel something. The pain of break-up eluded her. Angela felt none of the grief she’d experienced following the breakup of her marriage to her first love. Would she ever be able to experience love again? As a single image of the old building viewed from across a lake appeared on the screen, memories from her childhood filled Angela’s mind. “I remember this place. I’m sure I’ve been there.” Deja vu! The scent nostalgic of gouache, as blueprints of the 1930s building were unraveled brought her back to the present moment. “You must grab this opportunity.” Michelle held up her fountain pen. “To a brand-new adventure. You get to walk out of your shared home with Logan and step into what looks to me like a gold mine venture.” Angela took a deep breath. She’d seen Logan Rees spin so many ‘sign up for this brilliant finance deal’, and then laugh afterward about having, ‘caught a live one.’ She didn’t want to fall for a conman’s bait. “Let me see those papers again.” Angela reached out to Michelle. “And out of respect for the years we worked on the same team. Tell me if there’s a catch. Anything else that I should know about?” “Logan plans to ensure you are looked after.” “And if I sign the papers, this is mine?” Angela’s voice normally mid to low pitched rose with a high quiver. “No strings attached?” “Honey, he loves you.” Michelle patted Angela’s hand. “He’s offering you the world if you stay with him. Imagine what your life will be like raising your family, friends coming to visit, servants, gardeners—” “He’s offering too much too late.” Angela grasped the burgundy and gold fountain pen from the older woman’s hand. Michelle released the pen. “Well, if you don’t want a man worth millions what on earth is it you want?” “I want it all next time.” She signed to take full ownership of the three-story art deco mansion. “I’m not settling for less again.” Angela nodded at the image on the computer and smiled. “I’ll sell it.” “You won’t have the stamina to clean the place up for sale by yourself.” Michelle’s scrutinising gaze was close to the last straw for Angela. “I’ll make myself strong. Don’t doubt my abilities.” She was five-foot-two, and her ivory skin always appeared paler than it was in contrast to her dark brown eyes. Aware that this often caused people to express concern that she appeared frail, Angela compensated with a fierce determination to succeed in anything she set her mind to. “I’ll pace myself.” Michell’s expression suggested genuine concern. “You wouldn’t be capable of cleaning out the pool, let alone shovelling concrete to do repairs.” Frankly, Angela was sick to death of people, even friends, thinking she was physically weak. “Well!” Angela glowered back. “I don’t have to look like a model to please some rich guy who only cared about me because people looked at us when we entered a room together.” “Spend money to make money.” Michelle’s voice was thick with droll humour. Angela looked down at her silk dress that clung to the outline of her hips. “The first money I’m spending will be to buy some comfortable town and country clothes, jeans, shirts, I’ll get a pixie cut—I’m tired of dressing to please Logan.” “Any man I love is going to want me for who I am.” “Logan had some quotes on turning the property into a spa country inn.” Michelle paused. “He said it will take three-point-eight-million to restore the building.” Angela sat down with a thud. “Just-just how much is it worth?” “As it is?” Michelle raised a thin penciled-in eyebrow. “You’ll be lucky to get a buyer.” “What is it worth?” Angela blinked moisture from her eye. “Sold as is?” “Not much,” Michelle said. “Not very much at all compared to its potential.” Angela stood and impatiently rolled the blueprints, feeding them back into a cardboard cylinder, preparing to leave. “Alright,” Michelle said, “If, and it’s a big if, you could get an interested buyer, remember they will need money for repairs and renovations.” “How much?” Angela made a narrow roll of the artist’s impressions and fed them into the centre of the blueprint containing tube. “I’m ready to go.” Turning to stare up at Michelle, she said, “How much will I walk out of this relationship with, if I sold what he’s giving me as a settlement, right this minute?” “Eight million if you dump it on the market today. Tidy it up, which I’d advise you to do, and you’ll clear eleven. Either of those actions would be folly. Restore it to the dream it once was, auction it. The potential is unknown. It depends or the market. I’d set the reserve at thirty-two.” The figures, trying rapidly to calculate property values, clean up expenses, sale advertising, auctioneer’s and transfer fees equals how much profit, rattled Angela. “So, if I found an investor to spend three-point-five million, I could offer them a chance to quadruple their return when the mansion sells at auction?” This would be a fast track to millionaire status… She grinned. She thrust the cardboard cylinder under her arm. “No more fake anything. I’m making myself back to what I was. I won’t have to have a coat-hanger body to fit into designer fashions now. I can eat all the chocolate and ice cream I want. Any man worth caring about will love the real me.” The closed room—the enormity of the job ahead—Angela felt lightheaded. “I need fresh air.” She grasped the papers from Michelle’s extended hand. “Thank you.” She fumbled to get the door open and let herself out of the stuffy office. City street odours greeted her. She replied to the din from a truck that passed by. “Bring on the central highlands, the spa country of Victoria, and my renovator’s dream.” ~~~ Final scene. Chapter one. Rayleen Allen sat in the car in quiet reflection. “Her shape is beautiful.” Ray’s hands gripped the steering wheel as she gazed ahead in awe. Surrounded by trees at the end of a windy, shaded drive, the long-abandoned Art Deco mansion, with her gracefully curved upper decks, rose like a magnificent white ship in the forest. Dragging her eyes away from the stunning, although dilapidated building, he studied the map of the multi-acre grounds. Having found the location she’d previously marked, her mood changed to euphoric. Springing out of the car, casting her gaze about to ensure she was alone and unobserved, she reached into the boot and dragged out a used kerosene tin that appeared to be of the same vintage as Spa Country mansion. Quickly mounting a flight of stone steps, kerosene tin in hand, Rae disappeared out of sight behind a grove of ancient beech trees and tall mountain ash. *** The recent history of Burnham Beeches has seen up to eight different owners and operators, each proposing development plans with varying degrees of changes and interventions to the 22.5 hectare property and its significant Art Deco residence, known as the Norris Building. None of these development plans have been seen through to fruition, with the exception of the Forest and Garden Wing extension made to the Norris building in the early 1980s, an extension in the Art Deco style undertaken prior to the current heritage planning controls on the site. The lack of significant conservation works to the Norris Building and activation of the site more broadly has seen the property largely unoccupied for the last 25 years. The National Trust along with our Dandenong Ranges Branch have been involved in the planning processes of numerous applications over the last 15 years. Throughout these applications we have strongly supported the ongoing adaptive re-use and activation of the site necessary to protect this place for future generations. Given that the latest plans for the site by the current owners are about to be considered by the Yarra Ranges Shire Council, we thought it was worth taking a close look at our archival files on the property, and considering this permit in the context of the site’s development history. The Norris Building, pictured in 1947 by the Victorian Railways. Image courtesy State Library of Victoria. Current condition of the Norris Building at Burnham Beeches The Art Deco mansion at Burnham Beeches was built between 1931-33 for the Nicholas family. The design by Harry Norris sits uniquely at the midpoint between the decorative zigzag Moderne of the 1920s. The vast three storey house, built in reinforced concrete, is a rare, elaborate example of its type in Australia and comparable with works in Britain and the United States. Built for a wealthy industrialist Alfred Nicholas, Burnham Beeches is a period exemplar of the up-to-the-minute high style living and entertaining of the 1930s in Australia. The site is surrounded by significant gardens containing a mix of indigenous and exotic plantings, intact rockeries and extensive terraces as envisaged by the owner Alfred Nicholas, his designer Hugh Linaker, and gardener Percy Trevaskis. A large extent of the garden is now known as the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and is managed by Parks Victoria. The site also contains a number of outbuildings, reflecting the self-sufficiency of the Nicholas family when in residence. To find out more about the recognised significance of Burnham Beeches of you can read the National Trust Statement of Significance here, the National Trust full classification report here, and the Victorian Heritage Register Statement of Significance here. The Melbourne architect Harry Norris is known for a number of other recognisable buildings, including the Former Kellow Falkiner Showrooms in St Kilda Road, the David Jones Store (Former Coles) on Bourke Street, the Former Melford Motors on Elizabeth Street, and Mitchell House, corner Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets. For the Nicholas family he also designed the nearby property Strathalbyn in Sassafras. The Norris building and its surrounding landscape at Burnham Beeches was documented in Australia Home Beautiful in March of 1934 and 1935. Landscape designer Hugh Linaker is also known for his design of the Domain Parklands and reserve of the Shire of Remembrance, Former Mont Park Hospital in Macleod and Mayday Hills in Beechworth. Alfred Nicholas had only lived for a few years at the property when he died in 1937 and the family offered up the home for use as a 50 bed children’s hospital between the years of 1941 and 1944, seeing some alterations undertaken to the building. The house was vacant between 1944 and 1948 before Alfred Nicholas’s widow returned to residence in 1949 following renovations and refurbishment. In 1955 the house was leased to the Nicholas Institute (part of Alfred Nicholas’s business run by his son, Maurice) who operated their medical and veterinary research at the site until 1981. Alterations were made to the house to accommodate the required laboratories. By 1965 the large extent of the landscaped gardens proved difficult to maintain, and the lake with 32 acres of garden was donated the Shire of Sherbrooke (now the Yarra Ranges Shire Council). Renamed the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and opened to the public, the condition of the garden deteriorated during this time, including the controversial removal of almost 100 mature Mountain Ash trees from the entry to the gardens. Three acres of the garden were leased during 1971-73 to the Robson and Koslowski families who ran a miniature village known as ‘Kindyville’ on the lawn beside the front driveway. In August 1973 this part of the property was transferred to the Forests Commission of Victoria (now Parks Victoria) who maintain the garden to the high standards evident there today. Although subdivided and under separate ownership, a connection between the Norris Building and the original extent of the landscaped garden of Burnham Beeches (now the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens) is still evident. The current plan with council, as with some earlier development plans, have proposed to re-establish this important connection pictured here by removing the wire fence at the top of the stairs. In November 1981 the property was put up for auction. Restaurateur John Guy bought the property, subsequently holding a clearance auction of furniture and equipment in 1982. His $3 million development of the site into a luxury hotel has been the blueprint for a number of proposals for the site since then. Works undertaken at the property at this time are the most substantial alterations to the Norris building to date, largely through construction of a luxury wing of guest rooms, known as the Forest and Garden Wing (or Annexes). The extension saw the demolition of the original pool and the tennis court. Constructed in a “sympathetic” Art Deco style imitating the mansion, to the untrained eye this wing may appear to be part of the original extent of the property. The Norris Building on the day of the public auction, 27 November 1981. Photographer: John T. Collins, courtesy of the State Library of Victoria. This image from the 1934 feature on Burnham Beeches in The Australian Home Beautiful shows the extent of the original pool and tennis courts demolished for the Forest and Garden Wing which was added in the early 1980s. The original extent of the Norris Building is still evident, particularly in views from the east, as pictured here. The lower form of the staircase here is echoed in the staircase directly behind this viewpoint, which leads down into the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, however is currently fenced off. The Norris Building shortly after completion, pictured here in the 1934 feature on Burnham Beeches in The Australian Home Beautiful.While this imitation of the Art Deco style may not be seen as best practice in heritage extensions today, there appeared to be little objection to these works being undertaken at the time and the subsequent offerings of the hotel were praised in the contemporary press. Between 1983 and 1990 it is understood that the property changed hands two more times, once to Aman Resorts operated by Adrian Zencha (a Hong Kong company) and subsequently to Raymond Hall and Michael Wilson in 1989, whose management of the property continued to be praised by the local press. The National Trust classified the property in 1987. In October 1990, the Historic Buildings Council (now Heritage Victoria) examined the property, resolving to hold a hearing into the architectural and historic significance of the place in December 1990, placing an Interim Preservation Order on the property in November of that year. The property was formerly added to the Victoria Heritage Register on 27 March 1991. The following is a brief overview of the various permit applications and planning scheme amendments we are aware of since 1990: 1991 Planning Permit Application 2471 (Sherbrooke Shire) for “Development, Modification and Demolition of Buildings, Works and Changes to Existing Uses (Hotel/Restaurant/Reception Rooms and ancillary facilities)”. The National Trust at this time made a submission supporting the restoration of the property, raising concerns about the location of the proposed tennis courts. Permit granted by Sherbrooke Shire and Historic Buildings Council in 1991 with a series of conditions, with a further permit application for amendments lodged with the Shire of Sherbrooke in February 1992. The property was unoccupied and closed to the public from June 1992, following an auction of fittings and plant. May 1998, Yarra Ranges Shire Council Planning Scheme Amendment L94 approved by Minister without advertising. This inserted the following site specific control: “Site Specific Control – Major Tourist Facility, Burnham Beeches Estate, Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke.” These controls are maintained on the site today, and are subject to the current proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C142 currently before council. The previous limitations on the site were still aligned to its use as a tourist site (Tourism and Recreation Zone under the former Sherbrooke Planning Scheme), with 54 accommodation suites and 100 restaurant seats. November 1998 Planning Permit Application with Yarra Ranges Shire Council (PE/98/01526) and Heritage Victoria (4031) for “Refurbishment & Redevelopment including construction of tourist accommodation, function room, health club, removal of vegetation, demolition of buildings, provision of landscaping and car parking”. Lodged by owners Lustig & Moar Group of Companies with proposal including construction of 59 villa units. At the time the National Trust and our Dandenong Ranges branch raised concerns regarding the scale of proposed works including the demolition of Percy Trevaskis’s cottage, size of a ballroom addition and internal demolition of the Norris Building, as documented in our Trust News in early 1999. In February 1999 Heritage Victoria granted a permit for “Restoration, refurbishment, adaptation and redevelopment works for a hotel, leisure, spa, resort and function center” with a set of permit conditions. The Yarra Ranges Shire Council approve the permit in early March. In late March 1999 Lustig & Moar lodged an appeal with Heritage Victoria against Condition 18 on the above permit 4031, which reads “the large east-facing window panes in the Ground Floor Lounge shall not be modified” (pictured below). A hearing was held regarding the matter in June 1999. As reported in the Trust News August 1999, “a modifed proposal involving moving one window slightly and installation of doors unobtrusively on the side was presented and accepted by all parties on the spot”. Permit 4031A granted in July 1999, is extended in August 2000 (5059) and again in July 2001 (P5587) Two of the three windows subject to the permit condition that was tested at a Heritage Council hearing in 1999. By September 2001 Lustig & Moar put the property back up for sale with an asking price of appropriately $4 million. As far was we know, none of the $10 million approved works had been undertaken. Later this year the property was purchased by Burnham Beeches Retirement Village Pty Ltd (Andrew Venn and Dale Harrison) for $4M. In March 2002 it was reported that planning approval was underway, and in 2003 the rezoning of the property for use and development as a retirement village was unsuccessful. This application was reduced and revised to become the permit application below. In early 2005 a concurrent Planning Permit Application was made to the Yarra Ranges Shire Council (YR2004-2028) and to Heritage Victoria (P9132), proposing the same renovation of the Norris building and outbuildings as approved in the permit granted in 1998 (PE/98/1526 and 4031) excluding works for a conference centre and health club. The main purpose of this application was reported to get the building ready for accommodation, prior to the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Yarra Ranges Shire Council subsequently grants this permit, but we are unsure of the status of the Heritage Victoria permit at this time. This permit is extended over subsequent owners, and is the permit under which the most recent development of the Piggery cafe was undertaken (YR-2004/2028B). This permit for works, which includes the Norris building has now expired. In October 2007 a Section 173 agreement was placed over the property by the Yarra Ranges Shire Council. By December 2007 it was announced that Select Hotel would be the new operator of the hotel at Burnham Beeches in the lead up to a $15 million refurbishment In January 2009 a Planning Permit Application was lodged with Yarra Ranges Shire Council (YR-2008/1787) for “Use and development for sixty (60) dwellings (to form part of a major tourist facility) and subsequent subdivision of the dwellings”. This permit application does not appear to have been approved, with the development on the site reported to be halted in April 2009. In February 2010 Burnham Beeches was back on the market following the development company, Burnham Beeches Retirement Living (Neil and William White) being put into receivership. It is unknown when they took possession of the site, but it is likely sometime between 2005 and 2009. Current proposal before council, Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme Amendment C142 and Planning Permit Application YR-2016/105: In May 2010 the current owners, property investor Adam Garrison (whose heritage experience includes the restoration of the GPO and ‘Redcourt’ mansion in Armadale) along with restaurateur Shannon Bennett, purchased the site operating under the company Burnham Beeches Pty Ltd. In September 2012 a two lot subdivision of the site was applied for, approved by the Yarra Ranges Shire Council in October 2013. This subdivision would remove the Piggery Cafe building and Stage 1 (outlined below), approximately 1.12 hectares from the surrounding land of approximately 21.43 hectares, including the Norris Building. A common property would be retained to allow access to each lot from Sherbrooke Road. The administration of this subdivision has not yet been completed, including being certified and registered with Land Victoria. On 13 December 2016 an extension of one year was granted to the owners by Yarra Ranges Shire Council to complete this subdivision. We note that this administration process includes a requirement for a “Management Plan that demonstrates how the site will continue to operate as a single entity”. We strongly support this requirement which will protect the cultural heritage values of the site as a whole should a situation arise where the property has multiple landowners. Across 2013 -2014 the media quickly picked up Adam Garrison and his business partner Shannon Bennett’s plans for a “gastronomic village” at the site, with articles about the hotel project, the trufferie and emu farm featuring in Gourmet Traveller, The Age, Broadsheet, The Australian and Vogue Entertaining and Travel. In mid 2014, The Piggery cafe opens, with acclaim in the local press. In August 2015 the current owners put forward a request for a Planning Scheme Amendment to allow staged development of the site, following discussion with the council for well over a year. As noted in the agenda for this council meeting this three stage development was documented in a masterplan. Stage 1, already partially completed at the time, included developing the outbuilding on the site for 2 restaurants, brewery, shop/cafe, a spa (wellness) centre, cooking school, group accommodation, outdoor cinema/concert facilities and agriculture. Stage 2 proposed 80 new dwellings (villa units) ranging from 1-5 bedrooms and 20 camping pods. Stage 3 proposed a 46 suite hotel and function facilities in the Norris Building. The proposed amendment would create a new schedule in the Special use Zone to accommodate the various uses above (some of which are excluded from the current zoning of the site) and increase of patron numbers allowed on the property. The National Trust’s main concern regarding the documentation provided to the council for this request, was the density of new development on the site, and the fact that Stage 3 of the development, restoration of the Norris building, was advised to be undertaken pending the financial success of Stages 1 and 2. As the council minutes for the meeting note, the council resolved to provide in principle support for a planning scheme amendment for the redevelopment of Burnham Beeches, but that it was not prepared to support an amendment with “intense residential development.” The council requested that further information regarding the development of the site be provided before the amendment was further considered. In response to the above, the owners put forward to a Yarra Ranges Shire Council meeting of 26 April 2016 a revised Masterplan without Stage 2, the 80 villa units. As documented in the minutes, a motion was carried to request the preparation and exhibition of a planning scheme amendment, as well as a draft planning permit application to be produced by the owners. Yarra Ranges Shire Council Planning Scheme Amendment C142 and Planning Permit Application YR-2016/105 were subsequently advertised in November 2016. The National Trust’s submission to the exhibition of this amendment and application is documented on our blog post of December 2016. A large number of community concerns were made to council with regard to the above amendment and permit application, largely regarding amenity and noise, fire risks and traffic. As a result the council asked the owners to provide further documentation, which is to be considered by Council on Tuesday 26th September 2017 (see below). As Burnham Beeches is on the Victoria Heritage Register, before works begin on any building (including the outbuildings) a permit will also be required from Heritage Victoria. This process will require full details of the proposed work, including a detailed project description. Alongside this description the permit application will require existing and proposed site plans, floor plans, landscape plans and proposed elevations, a subdivision plan, a Heritage Impact Statement, a materials and colour schedule. Photo montages and a site plan with the extent of heritage registration may also be required. In May the National Trust was invited by Adam Garrison to inspect the Burnham Beeches property. We had a complete run through of all buildings on the property affected by the planning permit including the Norris building and associated outbuildings.This provided us an opportunity to view current state of the Norris building, which has been largely unoccupied for the last 25 years, and for us to get an understanding of the scale of works ahead across the property more broadly. The National Trust was pleased to see that the building is in a fair condition, with minimal water damage to some isolated sections on the top floor. Conservation work to the reinforced concrete exterior and a complete fit out of the interior are major projects that will be subject to a Heritage Victoria permit. As far as we understand, based on the exhibited plans accompanying the joint C142 Amendment and planning permit, no major alterations to the layout of the Norris Building are proposed, with minimal demolition across the outbuildings more generally. Visiting the property and taking in the stunning interior spaces of the Norris building, with their connection to the surrounding landscape, reinforced our position that the site requires use and activation to ensure its conservation into the future. The C142 Amendment and planning permit is to be considered by Yarra Ranges Shire Council at their Council Meeting this week, Tuesday 26th September 2017. The agenda for the meeting can be viewed here along with an outline of public submissions and site history in the agenda attachments. The Council will be considering the recommendation that the Minister for Planning appoint an independent planning panel to consider the combined application. They may also consider changing the amendment in accordance with submissions or abandoning all or part of the application. We support the recommendation made in the agenda that the combined application go through a panel process allowing for a full independent consideration of submissions received. The National Trust statement of significance for Burnham Beeches highlights integrity of the place: “a property renowned for its completeness and attention to detail: Burnham Beeches comprised extensive residential accommodation, large garden, sufficient rural land to enable self-sufficiency and a complete range of complementary outbuildings.” The proposed adaptive re-use of these heritage outbuildings features a provedore retail space, and the focus on produce throughout the proposed uses for the outbuildings provides an interesting link to the self-sufficiency model Alfred Nicholas had in mind when he established the estate in the 1930s. The current owners have experience working with heritage properties with sensitive outcomes, and on balance, their proposal, as currently exhibited, presents an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage of the property in a form that will allow ongoing public access into the future. Based on the advertised plans for the joint C142 Amendment and planning permit we are generally comfortable with the heritage outcomes proposed for the place with any issues expected to be resolved in the detailed design process required as part of any Heritage Victoria permit. The long history of failed and frustrated development plans at Burnham Beeches illustrates the challenges inherent in the management of complex historic sites, and the need to balance conservation outcomes with a viable commercial use. In this context, from a heritage perspective, we believe the current proposal strikes a balance between the need to raise capital for conservation, and providing for an ongoing use that will see the property restored with the introduction of relatively minimal new development, opening up parts of the site that have not been publicly accessible for decades. We consider that the planning amendment and permit processes will provide an opportunity to examine heritage issues in detail, but also recognise that heritage is just one of many issues to be resolved during the planning scheme amendment and permit process, including bushfire, traffic, and sewerage issues. The advertised plans referenced above for the current joint C142 Amendment and planning permit at Burnham Beeches can be viewed here. Our annotated photo gallery below highlights the features of the Norris building interior, a stunning space, which still maintains a dominant focus on the surrounding landscape and garden, heightened by the Moderne architectural style. Lounge room of the original Norris building, with sweeping views to the east toward the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden. The windows facing east (on the right) were subject to a 1999 Heritage Victoria permit condition limiting the extent of modifications to these windows, although these works were not undertaken. The lounge room as pictured shortly after completion, pictured here in the March 1934 feature on Burnham Beeches published by The Australian Home Beautiful. Artist impression of the lounge room, proposed in the advertised plans to be used as the Hotel reception. We believe that only minor changes will be made to this room. As with the works generally across the property, the changes to the east facing windows pictured, to open onto the terrace, would be subject to approval from Heritage Victoria. An excellent example of the connection between the Norris Building and the surrounding landscape garden is the balcony off the lounge room, proposed to be a garden terrace accessible off the reception in the advertised plans. Main internal staircase in the original part of the Norris building, leading up to a circular ambulatory on the first floor and a room of similar oval orientation overlooking the garden on the third floor (pictured below). This staircase is to be maintained in the advertised plans. The stunning ambulatory space, set to be maintained in the exhibited plans, provides excellent views to the west, toward the outbuildings associated with the historical use property. Oval room on third level, which is the same level as the roof top space. On the advertised plans this room is set to be a shared office or board room type space. The original dining room on the ground floor will maintain a similar purpose in the advertised plans, becoming a dining space for the restaurant. The exhibited plans maintain the circular west facing window, enclosing the space behind the pillar to become a private dining room. Even the kitchen has a view of the gardens! The original kitchen pictured here is to be maintained as a service kitchen in the advertised plans. The 1980s Forest and Garden Wing contains references to the moderne architectural style evident in the original Norris Building. Swimming pool built as part of the 1980s Forest and Garden wing extension. The exhibited plans make minor changes to this pool room, with the footprint of the pool remaining. Artist impression of the swimming pool One of the sunrooms in the original Norris Building, set to become a suite in the exhibited plans. Artist impression of one of the suites. Rooftop space providing high vantage points with full 360 degree views across the Burnham Beeches property and adjoining Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. The Koala and Possum motif, a unique decorative feature repeated throughout the Norris Building is featured here on the rooftop. The rooftop space is the full footprint of the original Norris Building, providing amble open space, set to become an relaxation space in the advertised plans. Artist impression of the rooftop terrace which will provide excellent views over the property to both the east and west. Making this space accessible will give visitors the opportunity to take in the unique Dandenong Ranges landscape and appreciate the buildings details such as the decorative Koala and Possum motifs picture above. The current Calfery is proposed to be converted to a small staff accommodation suite. The silos attached to the Piggery building are to be adapted into a tasting space for the proposed brewery to be constructed in the space in front of the silos. Heritage Victoria have made a submission regarding the proposal, raising concerns regarding the impacts proposed to this silo (surface openings) and the green roof on the above Calfery building. The existing caretaker’s house will be converted into a provedore. On the northern side of the current Piggery Cafe, the remaining buildings will become a restaurant. Tags Burnham Beeches Dandenong Ranges significant garden significant landscape Comments Add yours 1 Paul graffin on February 27, 2019 at 1:29 am Reply Not having visited Burnham Beeches for some time, I was very saddened to find that this significant piece of Australia’s built history, has remained vacant for the past 20-25 years. With several ill fated visions, concepts & plans littering its past, one hopes that a amicable result can be achieved , where this National Treasure can be restored to its deserving beauty . 2 Lola Finacre on March 23, 2019 at 8:34 pm Reply Let’s hope that the latest plans for this historic property don’t fall by the wayside as so many other plans did over the last 40 years! It’s a rare treasure: a well executed Art Deco home in Melbourne. I have faith that the trust will ensure the modifications will remain sympathetic to the property’s original intentions, and those of their architect. But some accommodation will be required on both sides lest Melburnians suffer another 50 years of bogged-down plans for this home, one of Melbourne’s few ‘stately’ homes left in a sea of low-quality box-shaped, cheaply constructed developments. 3 Jennifer Barnett on March 27, 2019 at 6:48 pm Reply I was the Sales Manager for Burnham Beeches Country House Hotel in its heyday under the ownership of John Guy. It was truly a magnificent building that provided many wonderful memories to anyone who was fortunate enough to stay or enjoy a fabulous meal or afternoon tea from our restaurant. It was the first true country house hotel. John was a superb hotelier and he has one heck of a visitors book to remember who came to enjoy the hotel. It is a significant building with lovely gardens and every effort should be made to bring it back to its former glory. It was the first home in Australia to have a lift installed. I have many wonderful memories of my time working there. 4 Walter Runciman on March 29, 2019 at 2:50 pm Reply My wife and I have just visited the “Empire” by Rone. It is an amazing installation making great use of the rooms and bringing many visitors most of whom, I expect, would love to see this once great home brought back to life. To let this building continue to deteriate through too much bureaucracy would be a terrible shame. 5 Barbara Ellard on July 17, 2019 at 3:38 pm Reply Barb. The man who designed this building did a magnificent job. It could have been a gem in the crown of Victoria. But the little men with small minds have lost it. 6 Paula Herlihy on November 29, 2019 at 8:21 am Reply Yes. I visited the recent ‘Empire’ Exhibition there, and while I did enjoy many of the installations in their own right, it was the house that was the main attraction for me, and I was sad indeed to see it treated like a decaying background instead of the central important feature it was to me. I’d have preferred the installation set up in temporary shells rather than risking further damage to the house and in some nebulous way, disrespecting its very real allure in favour of a cinematic experience. I do not think the road that passes Burnham Beeches can carry the heavy traffic successful businesses require, and the expansion of that road would destroy much of the attraction of that part of the hills, and the bulk of other businesses. The bid to kill the very Beeches in order to widen the ‘back’ entrance which is now the main entrance has been averted yet again, but we are looking at a version of the Caucasian Chalk Circle here, and I for one National Trust member am on the side of history, charm and mesmerising allure, rather than that of supporting a business to make a buck. Landscaping the Piggery car park would be an inexpensive first step Mr Owner to improving the site! Located as the Piggery and Bakery are at the ‘tradespeoples’ entrance’, the car park is depressing compared to the vision of the original house and garden. The beeches there are some consolation! 7 Vince Bagusauskas on January 20, 2020 at 9:59 am Reply What is the latest? Having visited the Gardens yesterday, I noted no action on the building. Would like to see that this place reverted to a stately home for a family. Reference Books.
*Car crash the Flight love paperback and Roan. *Magnolia Inn for renovating. *Home Maid for Rae trying the earn her way. *Roan for drama & sexual tension, keeping away from each other. *Ghost of a Chance for bringing a ghost into the building Bring in more danger. Introduce the dog and cat early. Look up history of Alfred Nicholas. Read Water for Elephants for old persons part. Read book on writing humour and humour characters is Kindle. Characters Mr and Mrs Patel Grandma Angela Rae and Michelle and Damien. Uni students. Angela’s Aspen Spa Series?: Book One. The Chemistry of Love Series: Book Two. 3 20 x 2750 word chapters in 20 days = ten spare days. IDEAS: Opening scene or sequence of story; create empathy with characters by showing how they lack for something * Introduce H1 in a way that makes that character compelling. Show your character’s slice of life but throw a hitch in it. Give or introduce your character’s external goal. Introduce or hint at what your character needs. * Shows us what the hero’s world is like, it introduces all the main characters and it introduces the hero’s flaw or flaws. * A scene or sequence identifying the exterior and/or interior conflict (i.e., unfulfilled desire), the “what’s wrong with this picture” implied in the protagonist’s (and/or antagonist’s) current status quo (Mernit, 110). * FIRTST DISASTER The First Disaster comes at the end of Act 1, roughly 25% of the way into your story. The First Disaster is something bad that forces your lead Character to commit to the story. As an example, in the original Stars Wars Movie (Episode 4), Luke's aunt and uncle are murdered by storm troopers. This drives Luke to agree to leave the planet with Obi-Wan Kenobi. He's now committed to the Rebellion, and he can't turn back. A. Disclose the crime and mystery to be solved. The crime must capture the imagination. It should have been committed in an extraordinary way and either the victim the perpetuator, or both, should be unusual. Give the reader enough information about the victim to make them truly care that the perpetrator is found out and that justice is served. B. Early in the story, clues should be revealed which suggest both physical and psychological aspects of the initial crime. Those clues should point to suspects and motive which will cary the sleuth to the end of Act I. Some clues should point the sleuth in the right direction, others may not be obvious or be recognized as actual clues unto later in the story. C. Introduce the sleuth who will solve the crime early, and have him or her do or say something very clever or unexpected which will establish that person as unique. Create this character with care. His or her personality should be interesting enough to sustain the interest of the reader to the very last page. (or through an entire series of books). It is not necessary to disclose all aspects of the sleuth’s personality at the onset. Let the description unfold gradually to sustain interest. Do reveal enough background to let the reader understand the world in which the protagonist functions. (Small town sheriff, Scotland Yard detective, Pinkerton agent in the old West, country squire, investigative reporter in New York City, etc.) D. Ground the reader in the time and place where the crime occurs. It is often useful to include some sort of symbol, an object or a person, in the opening scene which serves as a metaphor for what occurs in the story. The reappearance of this symbol at the conclusion of the story will create a certain organic unity. E. Begin with a dramatic event. Some writers offer a prologue, describing the execution of the crime in detail, as it occurs, possible from the point of view of the victim or perpetrators. The same information could also be revealed by a character, through dialogue. Sufficient details should be furnished to allow the reader to experience the event as though he or she were actually there. Another good opening would be to put the sleuth in a dire situation and allow detail of the crime to unfold in due course. * CONFLICT The thing that yanks your protagonist out of his ordinary life. Yes, it’s that simple. The term “Inciting Incident” is often used in screenwriting and movie production as well as novel writing, but we chose to call it “conflict” because it’s more specific. This single event does not necessarily need to be tense, dramatic, or a life-or-death situation—the nature of the inciting incident will depend on your genre. However, it does need to force the main character into changing, which then “incites” the act. Without change precipitated by conflict, there is no story. Example from Star Wars: Act 1 Conflict: Luke buys the droids (R2-D2 and C-3PO) from the Jawa traders, even though he probably shouldn’t. This simple decision kicks off the first act. Fill these out for each scene: In three sentences or less, explain what is happening in this scene. What are you trying to say about life? What does the protagonist want (external pursuits)? What does the protagonist need (internal desires)? What does the antagonist or force of antagonism want (external pursuits)? What does the antagonist or force of antagonism need (internal desires)? What’s wrong with the protagonist’s personal world? What is the disruption? What single moment or circumstance pushes the protagonist out of the status quo? Tip: It must be “on the page,” not something that occurred before the beginning of this scene. What choice must the protagonist make in this scene? Tip: Label it as a Best Bad Choice or an Irreconcilable Good and list all possible outcomes. What event(s) occur as a result of the protagonist’s decision? Tip: Use the consequence of this scene to set up the conflict of the next. It’s about the Lead character, taking a long, hard look at himself (as in a mirror). He asks, Who am I? What have I become? Who am I supposed to be? An example is the classic film Casablanca. In the dead center is that moment when Ilsa comes to Rick after closing time, to explain about why she left him. He’s drunk, and basically calls her a whore. She cries and leaves. And Rick buries his head in his hands. The rest of the film is about what kind of man Rick will be. Or, the mirror moment is when the character realizes that the odds are so great he’s probably going to die. This is the very middle of The Fugitive. Dr. Richard Kimble realizes every police officer and fed in the country is after him. He can’t possibly survive. Now, if you are intentional about what this moment is in your own book, it will illuminate everything for you. The writing will be more unified and organic. If you’re a panster, you’ll be guided on what to pants next. If you’re an outliner, it will help you revise your outline. In this book, I explain how to do that, no matter what kind of writer you are—pantser, plotter or tweener. Also included in the book are five of my best tips for becoming a more productive and effective writer of fiction. Think of those tips as the “Just wait! There’s more!” part of the infomercial. If I could include a juicer with this book, I would. Or that thing that makes bacon bowls. Instead, I offer to you, my fellow writers, the Write From The Middle Method. It works for me and I do believe it will for you. James Scott Bell lives and writes in Los Angeles. His website is www.jamesscottbell.com You can find him on Twitter and blogging every Sunday at The Kill Zone. |
AuthorI don’t “churn” out books (max 3 releases a year) nor do I run ads - apart from the occasional spot in a paid newsletter for my First in Series Free Book. I’ Archives
March 2023
Categories
All
|