A cuppa with Meredith
Welcome!
Well hello
Huzzah! The Tricky Art of Forgiveness is out in the world. Publication day was on Wednesday 2 March. Yes, we anointed its little bookish head with champagne. Already, the reviews are flowing in and I can breathe a sigh of relief. I’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s always this dreadful moment between finishing the book and the day of its release. Moments of feeling very Emperor’s New Clothes-ish. Waiting for people to go, ‘who wrote this rubbish?’ So yes, super relieved that, so far, that’s not the case.
I’ve got to tell you, this is a bumper issue. I have so much news to share! So I won’t take up more of your valuable time gossiping. Let’s get down to business.
Onwards!
The Tricky Art of Forgiveness
First of all, a big thank you to everyone who put their hand up for a pristine fresh-off-the-press copy of The Tricky Art of Forgiveness as part of my Goodreads giveaway. I hope you all have your copies and are enjoying the read.
The reviews are starting to come in. And there’s been some lovely posts from some of you already as well as from Bookstagrammers too. I’ve popped a couple up on here so you can see how much trouble people go to to promote Australian authors. These days, with shrinking newspaper column inches, word of mouth is critical to promoting a book. I’m super grateful to everyone who gives my books a shout out, especially when it's brand-spanking new.
Quotes so far:
The Tricky Art of Forgiveness was a delightful read, that I happily and greedily read... often sneaking in another quick chapter!
Kylie
There’s much truth, honesty and credibility with Meredith not shying away from the raw and integrity. A very up close and personal and intimate conversation between writer and reader. The book as a whole gives off a very powerful and painfully exposed energy. One I thoroughly enjoyed and can highly recommend. Craig from @happyvalley_booksread
It’s an easy read, with a thoughtful cast of characters. Anyone who has read Meredith’s earlier books, particularly The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison, will know she writes a great story. Karen
We even made a video for BookTok! (Actually, I had very little to do with it. Full credit goes to Nikki from Croft Creative Studio for her amazing work.) One thing I’ve learned though, soundtracks are really hard. You have no idea how many hours were wasted listening to music and trying to find the right mood-capturing soundbite. I hope you enjoy it.
The Tricky Art of Forgiveness Launch Party
We had a ball last year launching The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison into the world. So of course, I have to do it all over again. We’re going bigger and better for the launch of The Tricky Art of Forgiveness. Here’s how it’s going to work.
We’re meeting at Altar Bar in Milton. Doors open at 6pm. We’ll start the night off with a glass of champagne on arrival. There will be trays of delicious nibbles to munch on. One lucky person will be holding the Golden Ticket, which means at the end of the night, someone will go home with another Gift Box. Whoot! Whoot!
My dear friend Wendy Harmer is tootling down the coast (although at this rate, she might be floating down on her Lilo!) She’ll be interviewing me about my inspirations for writing the novel, we’ll chat about some of the big issues and whatever else takes our fancy. I’m prepared to be grilled 😊
Did someone say cake? Yes, there’s cake as well. And last but not least, I will be signing copies of The Tricky Art of Forgiveness, thanks to the good folk from Harbour Bookshop Ulladulla.
See? It will be so much fun. Tickets are on sale now, either via my website here or directly from Eventbrite. Now, numbers are limited because we don’t want to get overcrowded or anything, so don’t leave it too late to book.
But what if I’m not local?
If you are not a local, do not despair. I am hitting the road. See under events below for a list of some of the places you might find me lurking, oops, I mean spruiking, The Tricky Art of Forgiveness.
Better Reading Top 100
Have you seen this fabulous Better Reading Campaign? In case you haven’t, I thought I’d share the news here. I have been spruiking this on social media and but I know not everyone has been sucked into the vortex of socials so it’s worth sharing again. And maybe you missed my special edition newsletter. Who knows? We’re all busy people, these things happen.
Here’s the deal. Jump onto the Better Reading website and vote for your Australia’s Top 100 Favourite Books of 2021. To make your life super simple, here’s the link. Now, I’m going to be honest with you and say that if The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison just happens to be your favourite read of 2021, then I would be over the moon if you voted for it.
And if you’re thinking, can I really be bothered? Think again. Everyone who votes goes in the running to win the whole 100 books. That’s right. Seven (7!) lucky voters will win the entire collection. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
What it’s in to for me? Well, those Top 100 books have their own special spot inside every Big W store across the country for a whole entire year. It’s exposure an author can only dream of. It’s a way to connect with a whole new bunch of readers who are yet to discover the joy of spending time with Derek and the lads. Simply, it would make my day.
Voting closes 13 March 2022 … So get voting!
2021 Booktopia FAB Awards
When I asked you to vote for me in the 2021 Booktopia Favourite Australian Book Awards, not for one moment did I think The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison would make it onto the Top 50. Quite frankly, I was pretty excited just to be shortlisted.
To be really honest, I didn’t even know there was a Top 50, I thought it was just a Top 10. I was time wasting on Facebook when I noticed a friend of mine post about her book making the Top 50 and thought, ‘ooh, I wonder who else is on that list?’ Blow me down, there was Dressmakers.
I owe you big time. I know it’s a popularity contest and if it was about me personally, I’d be backing away at a million miles an hour but when it comes to books, popularity is what it’s all about. So thank you, thank you, thank you for your vote.
It just goes to prove, that every vote really does count.
Winner of the Gift Box Giveaway
Congratulations Christine Reid!! This lucky munchkin is about to indulge herself with all these lovely treats from our local stores plus score a free signed, personalised copy of The Tricky Art of Forgiveness.
Thank you to everyone who answered that oh-so-difficult question. I wish I could send each and every one of you a box of goodies. Truth is, I’d need to sell a bucket of books before I could indulge you all 😊 Maybe next book!
Upcoming Events
Here is a list of my upcoming events. Full program details are on my website (time, place, etc.) This list will be updated on my website, so do jump on over there for any new events that might be being held in your neck of the woods. I'd love you to come and say hello so that we can meet IRL.
April 6 Bowral Bookshop Morning Tea
April 30 The Big Belated Book Launch at Shoalhaven Library
June 4 South Coast Writers Festival. I’m going to be interviewing the fabulous Jane Caro about her new novel The Mother at Wollongong Town Hall AND I will also be in conversation with author and friend Pamela Cook about The Tricky Art of Forgiveness at Wollongong Library
June 11 I’m spending the day between Parkes Library and Peak Hill Library. I may or may not also be doing terrible Elvis Presley impersonations :-)
The end of the cup...
And now, my friends, my cup is empty. Stay dry and stay safe. Honestly, between bushfires, floods and everything else in between, the only true escape is between the pages of a good book.
You can check out updates on events at www.meredithjaffe.com or you will always find me chatting on socials on either Instagram or Facebook @meredithjaffeauthor.
See you in May where I have a truly fabulous giveaway for you. It's hotter than hot! (And no, not something I've written.)