A cuppa with Meredith
Welcome!
Well hello gorgeous
Season’s Greetings and Welcome 2023!! I hope that wherever you are right now, it involves long cool drinks, good books, yummy snacks and not a care in the world. I’m doing exactly that, although only for one more day then it’s back to work for this little black duck.
In case you’re idly wondering what to read next, then I have excellent news. One, a fantastic giveaway of a book that is not quite out yet. And two, my ten favourite reads of 2022. This year was surprisingly easy. I read fifty or so books in the past twelve months and almost half of them were four or five star-ers, which I think is amazing. How lucky are we that there are so many good books to choose from?
This is also the time of year I like to reflect on the previous twelve months. Sometimes, it’s easy to get dragged down by the stuff-that-was-out-of-our-control and the things-that-didn’t-go-to-plan and, the worst of the lot, things-we-really-wish-hadn’t-happened-in-the-first-place. My state of mind improves immensely when I focus my attention on the well-wasn’t-that-unexpectedly-wonderful and the gosh-that-turned-out-wells. If you’re curious, have a look at my 2022 Success Audit. I wonder how many items we have in common.
But first, let’s kick off with the giveaway!
Summer Giveaway
I'm very excited to get my hands on the new novel by Lisa Ireland. It’s so new, it’s not even out yet! BUT it will be on 10 January and one lucky subscriber is going to win it on the day.
Here’s the blurb:
In the 1960s, Dolly Jamieson was an international star of the stage, the acclaimed lead in shows on Broadway and the West End. Now, at 78 years old, Dolly is homeless and spends her days keeping warm at the local library. So how did she end up here?
When Jane Leveson, a well-to-do newcomer to the library, shows an interest in Dolly, the pair strike up an unlikely friendship — and soon Jane is offering to help Dolly write a memoir telling of her rise and fall across seven decades.
Thoughtful, inspiring and nostalgic, The One and Only Dolly Jamieson is a compelling, feel-good novel for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and The Single Ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village. It is a book about human connection, the pain of invisibility and the power of being seen.
None other than international Bestselling author, Sally Hepworth, said:
“This novel had me from the first page. It’s been years since a book made me feel like this.”
What a recommendation! It sounds like the perfect summer read. Lisa’s publisher has very kindly offered one copy for me to give away to my subscribers. All you need to do is email me the answer to this question:
Where does Dolly hang out these days?
Drop me an email here with your answer. The winner will be picked at random. Please folks, you must live in Australia to enter (postage!) I will announce the winner on Tuesday 10 January. Good luck!
I don’t know about you, but life’s had plenty of ups and downs in 2022. I guess, doesn’t it always? I like to sit back and reflect on the year because it’s easy to lose sight of the good stuff when you’re distracted by the other stuff. Here are the things I am most grateful for in 2022.
Writing and publishing The Tricky Art of Forgiveness — I can’t even believe that was this year, it feels like forever go. We had a wonderful party and thank you to everyone who has bought or borrowed my book (s), reviewed or recommended. I wouldn't be here without you.
Seeing The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison voted into the 2022 Better Reading Top 100. I mean like, wow!
Seeing The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison voted into the 2021 Booktopia Favourite Australian Book Award Top 50. Double wow!
Selling the film/ TV rights for Dressmakers and then spending way too much time wondering who they’ll cast and day dreaming about how much fun it will be
Doing loads of live events in libraries from Parkes and Peak Hill to Kiama and Nowra, as well as interviewing other authors at festivals, and for podcasts and even my first workshop. I love nothing more than meeting readers IRL. Thank you to everyone who invited me to their local library and to everyone who came to see me. Thank you too for all the lovely cake and chats along the way!
Moving to writing full time. It’s such a luxury and any time I don’t feel in the mood, or my back hurts from sitting for so long, I remind myself how fortunate I am that I can follow my passion. Also, to be frank, I no longer think I’m qualified to do anything else!
And speaking of backs, getting back into yoga. I love my Wednesday class. Once I’m a bit more flexible, I plan to add another class in 2023. Who knows, I might end up as loopy as a noodle.
On top of meditating practically every single day this year, I’ve added a gratitude practice, because sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of what you have. This is my way of reminding myself that when life gets a bit too real (which it has this year but that’s not the focus of this list) then I still have plenty of the good stuff to see me through.
Last, but by no means least, seeing my eldest daughter for the first time since BC. Her and her partner live in Edinburgh, and he’s never been to Australia. Thank goodness the kangaroos were out in force down our way :-) It’s so, so lovely to see everyone in real life.
So, what about you? What have been the highlights of your 2022? I'd love to hear your good news.
My 10 Favourite Reads of 2022
I know, I know, who doesn't enjoy reflecting on what they read over the year? What I find completely fascinating is seeing which books have stuck with me. There have been plenty of great reads (and yes, you can see all my favourites over on my Goodreads account) but the ones that make this list are the ones that I keep thinking about long after I’ve turned the final page. Often they’re books I wish I’d written or I am in awe of the writing but whatever the case, they are books I enjoyed losing hours with.
I wonder how many we have in common? Is there a book not here that you would press into my hands? Feel free to drop me an email and I’ll add it to my pile.
Upcoming Events
Here is a list of my upcoming events. Full program details are on my website (time, place, etc.) I try to keep this list updated, 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.
Goulburn-Mulwaree Library
12.30pm to 1.30pm Tuesday 31 January, 2023
I’ll be chatting about the inspiration behind The Tricky Art of Forgiveness, the writing life and my latest projects. There will also be books for sale. And I'm sure there'll be cake :-) So if you have an hour to spare, do come join us!
FREE but it is ticketed, so pop over here to secure your booking.
Keep an eye on my socials and website for further details.
The end of the cup...
Well, my friend, my cup is empty. Have an absolutely cracker of a summer. I know it’s not holidays for all of us but I hope you get some RnR and time with the people you love. May 2023 brings good health and peace for all, especially the people you love.
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
Do you have a friend who might enjoy this newsletter? Then feel free to share it with them. And, if this email has been shared with you, subscribe and it will turn up in your inbox every second month.