What joy it was last Sunday to catch up with kindred souls at the Historical Novel Society of Australasia 2017 conference at Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia.

My time was limited but everyone was kind, considerate and understanding.  To be surrounded by supportive authors made me feel as if I belonged to one big family and I began to reflect on how important they had all become in my life.

 Dr Wendy J Dunn, author of three books, the latest published was Falling Pomegranate Seeds: the duty of daughters has walked beside me for many years and sent so many opportunities my way.

Dr Dianne Murray, author of Printed Ink was down from Sydney and I  couldn’t wait to talk to her face to face.

Elisabeth Storrs, another prolific author, of the Tales of Ancient Rome, an historical fiction series set in the early Roman Republic and the little known civilization of Etruria, met me off the train and took me to where I could sign in.  And so many others too numerous to mention here. It was a great life-affirming day of fun and companionship with like minded people. I was delighted to be part of this supportive group of talented authors.

As writers we all know how health issues and family can quickly take all our time and energy. We put our lives on hold for a little while until things improve. During that time it is the kindness and support of family and others that carries us through

I thank you all