We recently created a new website that incorporates our author blog – go to randomhouse.com.au/blog for all the latest news and bulletins, essays, features, opinions from our bestselling authors.
Find out what’s being said, debated, and discussed in the world of books and ideas.
Day 9 – Thursday 22nd April
Today started with a visit to Nova 93.7, what a fantastic fun team. A couple of newspaper interviews, then a visit to 5AA am radio studios. I enjoy being live in the studio. At Midday we went to Rundle Mall where a stage was set up outside Borders to sign books. It was meant to be a one hour signing, but I was there for two, which was fantastic! So many wonderful people came by and lots of mothers’ Day presents were sorted. For the first time since the tour started there was then a bit of time for some shopping, so I made the most of that. In the late afternoon we headed out to the beautiful Glenelg to visit Dymocks. It was a smaller crowd and I enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time chatting with each person. I’d like to have more time in Adelaide. I was here a couple o years ago with the family and we had a really great time – it’s a beautiful city.
Day 7 – Tuesday 20th April
After a few radio interviews we headed into Myer in Perth city to sign some books and meet yet more lovely people. I even met some folks from the Central Coast!
The most asked questions include, am I busy (answer is yes, but happily so!), how are my family coping (very well, they are awesome, but I do look forward to seeing them on the weekend) and has my life changed. (Yep! In the most wonderful ways.)
From Perth we went to Dymocks at Garden City, Booragoon. I am so grateful to all the people who queue up to chat and have their books signed. The kids especially are amazing – so patient. I love meeting everyone, it’s such a privilege and a pleasure.
Tuesday night we went for dinner with some people who won a competition to have dinner with me – Penny and Alex, Sarah and Steve. Happy birthday Penny! The meal was catered and we had a lovely night. Thanks Penny and Alex for welcoming us into your home, it was a great night.
Day 8 – Monday 19th April
After a lovely day at home we jumped on a plane to Perth. It’s a glorious day here and a beautiful city – I haven’t been in about 18 years and it’s good to be back.
Dinner was at Capricci’s in Rockingham, my Masterchef buddy Trevor’s restaurant. We were treated to an amazing number of dishes off the menu, with matching wines. My favourite was the Reef and Beef, which has been voted the best in Australia. This is the only Reef and Beef I have ever eaten which had a mussel and a scallop on top of the rib eye fillet, as well as huge tender prawns in a garlic sauce. Delicious! Thanks Trev and Marianna for a great night.
Day 4 – Friday 16th April
Bidding a fond farewell to Bendigo we headed to Scoresby, where the Random House warehouse is located. I had the privilege of meeting the guys responsible for receiving the books from the printers, then warehousing them and sending them out to the stores around the country. Besides being shown the whole amazing operation, I got to sit in a forklift for the first time ever! I wasn’t allowed to drive it – my reputation had obviously preceded me.
Ready to move some books!
Thanks to the lovely crew at the warehouse, I enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing the way it all works.From Scoresby back to Melbourne to get ready for the 7pm project – it was heaps of fun, they’re a great bunch of people.
After 7pm project Emma and I went to Adrian Richardson’s bistro, La Luna. Beautiful atmosphere, impeccable service and food to die for – I’ll be coming back here for sure.
Day 5 – Saturday 17th April
I love Saturdays! And today especially as I get to visit two big shopping centres.
First port of call is Werribee, where Collins’ Booksellers hosted a book signing event in the centre. So many people lined up for a chat and a signing that the store ran out of books! I ran into some old friends and made plenty of new ones. It was great to talk to you all, thanks so much for waiting around to see me.
From Werribee to Geelong, where I had a brief radio interview then off to Big W to meet some more new friends! I met lots of very lovely children and some too-cute babies – thanks to the mums who let me have a hold.
It’s really a pleasure to chat with everyone, thanks to you all for coming along.
To the airport – time for a day at home before heading out west.
Day 3 – Thursday 15th April
After radio and news interviews in the morning, and an amazing lunch at Movida, we drove to Bendigo. What a pretty town – and perfect weather too. We headed to Big W to meet people and sign some books, it was just lovely. I enjoyed meeting all the wonderful people. I received a beautiful necklace, hand crafted from vintage buttons fromThe button Lady’s Daughter – what a thoughtful gift, I love it. Not even a fire alarm going off could dampen the spirits, there was a minor fire in a bin in the basement but by the time we thought we should get moving the crisis was averted.Thanks to the lovely people of Bendigo for your warm welcome and hospitality, I’d love to come back and visit with the boys.
Day 2 – Wednesday 14th April
Today I spoke with a large number of radio personalities and newspaper journalists, in amongst travelling to Melbourne for the next leg of the tour. Best moment of today – taking a phone call from Random House – Our Family Table has gone to number 1 on the bestseller list. I am in a state of mild shock – over the moon – and so grateful to everyone who bought the book.
The Random Blog 