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Since the last time I wrote to you I’ve released my second book, gone on an interstate book tour, done around eleventy million interviews, just about finished my third book and in the meantime, my son Tom got his driver’s licence and is now driving my daughter Lara to school every day, Lara got rid of her braces after two and a half years and my husband Paul and I farewelled two staff members, welcomed three new ones and are in the process of completely rebranding our physiotherapy clinics!
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Launching BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE:
To say that launching BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE was huge would be an understatement. My gorgeous publicity and marketing and promotions team at HarperCollins made sure my book was everywhere and the launch party itself was massive with over two hundred people attending.
Lara made me these cute little videos, I hope you like them (and some of you will spot yourselves in the them!)
Here’s the video of my launch including photo booth fun and some bits of my speech -
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This little clip is of some of the lovely people I spent time with on book tour -
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And this one is of some of the amazing book shop displays and publicity that BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE had -
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I had launches in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and then came back for a final massive event in Perth to launch National Reading Hour. By the end of the book tour, I was so ready to get back into my pyjamas, sit in bed and start writing again!
For me, the highlights of my release were spending time with my loved ones over in the Eastern States, catching up with my beautiful publisher Mary and the rest of my team at HarperCollins, having my two closest Perth friends come with me interstate and be my roomies and of course I absolutely loved meeting my readers.
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Share The Dignity:
At all my events, I collected pads, tampons and toiletries for Share the Dignity to distribute to homeless women. Thank you to everyone who donated! Here’s just a sample of the generous donations!
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WHO magazine and me!!!!
The biggest thrill of all for me out of everything my publicity team organised, was having not one but two features in the magazine I’ve been devoted to as a subscriber for over twenty - five years – WHO. I cried buckets when I opened the magazine (with Prince George on the cover no less!) to find this full page feature of my gorgeous cover.
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And then two weeks later, when I wrapped up the last day of my book tour in Brisbane, I was at the pub with my best friend Sarah and I picked up a copy of WHO, even though I had a subscriber copy waiting for me at home, so that I could catch up on all the WHO celeb gossip on the flight home and I saw that I made the WHO Hot 12 List! More buckets of tears plus cocktails this time!
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I was also lucky enough to have features in Yours Magazine and The West Australian among other publications too. I love how supportive of Aussie authors our media are!
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Better Reading Live Video interview:
Like I said before, I gave dozens of interviews. Rather than bore you with all of them here, I’d like instead to share with you the one interview that’s been most widely viewed that I did with Better Reading when I was in Sydney where I talked about BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE among lots of other things! If we haven't met in person yet, then this video is the live action version of me for you :) Here's the link -
https://www.facebook.com/BetterReadingAu/videos/1649291731807933/
Radio interviews:
I had some less than ideal conditions with interviews too. I gave a radio interview to ABC on speaker phone in my bathroom while manically doing Lara’s stage make-up for her ballet concert that we were running late for. And then there was another interview to a Melbourne radio station where I was in my car waiting for Lara at the orthodontist’s while it pelted so hard with rain that I had to shout to be heard!
Mix 94.5 with Clairsy, Matt and Kimba:
By far the most fun interview I did, which is to be aired in the next couple of weeks, was with my good mate (and Perth’s most loved and well known DJ) Dean Clairs, along with his co-hosts Matt and Kimba for the Mix 94.5 breakfast show.
Paul came with me and sat in on the interview and I think we left an hour after we finished recording because of the hilarity and hijinks that ensued after we turned off the microphones! Those three DJ’s are loads of fun and laughs, let me tell you!
Kimba even gave me a storyline about how she learned to let go and fall in love that I’ve included in the current book I’m writing, LOVE AND OTHER BATTLES, which will be released next year. Here’s a snap of me with the Mix gang.
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And guess what? After attending my Perth book launch, Clairsy found the motivation he needed to write his memoirs in a book. He's written several thousand words already and it's all about what went on behind the scenes with all the famous people he’s interviewed from his 25 years in showbiz – think KISS, Sting, Debbie Reynolds…. You heard it here first folks!
Why I'm an author who has no books:
I took loads of photos of my home for my dear friend Maureen Eppen for her Shelf Awareness blog. Read this to find out where I store the books I’m about to read (you might be horrified!) and to find out why I’m possibly the only author in the world who doesn’t keep books I’ve read (not even the signed ones!) You’ll also see how cool and bookish my kids’ rooms are, down to the floating bookshelves, Harry Potter shrine and book bedside lamps. Here’s the link:
https://maureeneppen.com/2017/07/17/shelf-awareness-tess-woods/
The ten books that changed me:
This is my favourite blog post that I’ve ever, ever written. It was for my beautiful friend J’aimee Brooker, who I finally met in real life in Brisbane last month. I still consider myself a reader first and a writer second so blogging about the ten books that have influenced me the most was an exercise in self-indulgence for me. Do we have books in common? Read the article to find out. Also, can you help me track down a long lost teacher? Read on to see if you can:
https://ausromtoday.com/…/ten-books-that-changed-me-with-t…/
A Day in my life on book tour:
Ever wondered what it's like being on book tour? I kept a diary for the gorgeous and very talented writer Jodi Gibson of one of my days on tour when I was in Sydney a few weeks ago.
Here's the link -
http://www.jfgibson.com.au/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-writer-tess-woods/
When I look back on that day, I can’t believe how much I packed into it. It’s certainly not a typical day for me!
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What makes someone a real writer?
In contrast to all the smiley photos of me you’ve just looked at, here’s a bit of a walk in the dark side of my psyche. I struggled emotionally, physically and mentally on book tour. The massive build up and exposure that came with the release of BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE took its toll on me and while I was smiling for the cameras, there was a serious internal struggle going on. I’ve been amazed at how many writers have reached out to me since this article was published by my gorgeous friend Louise Allan earlier this week.
Click here to see why my self-doubt nearly unravelled me last month:
https://louisejallan.com/…/tess-woods-what-makes-a-real-wr…/
By the way, the lovely Louise has a highly anticipated new release coming out early next year with Allen and Unwin – keep your eye out for THE SISTERS’ SONG! Here’s the cover. Isn’t it just divine?
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LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT hits number one on the Australian Romance Charts!
I was pretty stoked when BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE hit the number one spot in Australia for all pre-orders on the Booktopia charts but I was even more blown away when just this week, LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT topped the Amazon charts for romance novels and was also the second highest selling book in the country across all genres – all because it went on sale a year after release! I kept checking the charts during the day in total disbelief as it zoomed past Marian Keyes newest and even THE BAREFOOT INVESTOR (which by the way, Paul and I swear by!)
So a huge thank you to EVERYONE who has bought either or both of my books, I love you to the moon. Look here’s my screen shot proof of my two Aussie chart busters for me to remind my children forever!
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WRITING TIP - How to find a story hook:
I wrote this piece for my bestie Vanessa Carnevale. It's all about how to hook potential publishers and readers with your story.
Here's the link to the article, I hope you find it useful if you're a writer needing help to find the hook that makes your story stand out:
http://vanessacarnevale.com/blog/2017/7/16/how-to-find-a-story-hook-with-tess-woods
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Rockingham Writers' Convention:
I was very nervous running my first ever workshop on writing for writers. Over fifty writers packed the small room when I presented at the recent Rockingham Writers’ Convention. My 90-minute workshop was “Twelve Ingredients all Page Turners Have in Common.”
My audience was receptive, warm and full of questions and they made the experience a joyful one for me.
I had lots of great feedback but the best part was meeting some gorgeous writers for the first time who had followed me on Facebook and Instagram.
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Newsletter Subscriber Winner:
Congratulations to Deborah Bray who has won this month’s newsletter subscriber prize. These beautiful emerald coloured earrings were handmade by Molly Moo and Me. Molly Moo and Me is an Australian owned small business by a Melbourne mum. Check out her Etsy store for more gorgeous jewellery. I hope you love your earrings Deborah and I’ll be emailing you for your postal address today!
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My Famous friends!
As well as celebrating my own book release, four of my beautiful wonderful author friends released new books too in the last few months. I read, adored and bought signed copies of all of these new releases that I gave away in Facebook competitions. I have more famous friends signing books for me in the next month or two so if you aren’t following me on Facebook, you should!!
You can find and follow me as Tess Woods Author on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I’m pretty hopeless on Twitter, I use Instagram to post lots of personal photos and Facebook is where all my competitions are!
But back to my famous friends - congratulations to the brilliant Sara Foster (THE HIDDEN HOURS), Monica McInerney (THE TRIP OF A LIFE TIME), Alli Sinclair (BENEATH THE PARISIAN SKIES) and Fiona Palmer (SECRETS BETWEEN FRIENDS) on your fabulous new books!
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Book Review: I AM, I CAN, I WILL: Bianca Plunkett Gooley
When LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT was an eBook in 2015, somebody tagged Bianca on Facebook into a post I wrote sharing some writing tips. And I’m so grateful they did because this extraordinary woman has been an inspiration in my life since then. She’s a breast cancer survivor who has used her struggle to benefit others. Her story has already given hope and comfort to countless people and I’m sure she’ll continue to inspire others for many years to come. As well as being an author and a mum and learning support teacher, she’s also a small business owner. Her jewellery line Bella&Reg (named for her kids) sees her hand-make stunning jewellery from fabric with indigenous design where she always honours the artist and gives money from her sales to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Look up Bella&Reg on Facebook! She’s an angel here on Earth. If you know anyone with cancer or you have struggled yourself, I know Bianca’s book will be a huge source of comfort
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Blurb:
"Some days I see the 40cm scar across my chest as the most repulsive and saddest line I have ever seen; other days it's like an instant adrenalin and strength reminding me that I am one of many Wonder Women and Men out there who have put up a fight."
'I AM... I CAN... I WILL - A YOUNG MOTHER'S JOURNEY THROUGH TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER & LIFE' is based on Bianca's journal kept from 2009, just prior to being diagnosed with cancer. It chronologically describes the highs and lows of having a toddler, a newborn and being diagnosed and treated for TNBC. It is a very raw account of her journey through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, rehabilitation and life in general, up until my 'finally being three years cancer free' milestone.
'I AM... I CAN... I WILL' is about being diagnosed with cancer and then working out the best chance of surviving it. Mixed with humour, compassion, hope and resilience, the author's wish is for her autobiography is to be of support to people who may find themselves on a similar yet unwanted journey, and to know they are not alone.
Here’s where you can buy the book: http://www.vividpublishing.com.au/iamicaniwill/
About Bianca:
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Bianca G. Plunkett Gooley is a 38 year old primary school teacher by trade, a wife and mother to two young children, and a writer by night.
Just over seven years ago, whilst being on maternity leave, Bianca was diagnosed with an extreme and rare form of breast cancer: Triple Negative. She has always wished to write about the highs and lows of her journey through the disease, especially from a young mother’s perspective. Bianca wished to write her life story (pre and post cancer) for her children to read had she not survived.
When first diagnosed there were not any books written from the perspective of a young person with a young family suffering from TNBC. Bianca's story has ability to help and inspire fellow cancer sufferers and show them the positives as well as the ‘not so good’ times they may face .'I am... I can... I will ' is written in a frank, open and often humorous way.
For further information and to contact the author, please visit her website by clicking here.
An interview with Bianca Plunkett Gooley:
How did you come up with the title? Did you have alternative titles?
When I was diagnosed, I covered one of the kitchen walls with family photos and inspirational quotes so I could be encouraged every day if needed. I came up with the quote, ‘I am… I can… I will’ as a mantra for me to use throughout the journey. When I used to send emails to update family and friends of my situation, I would sign off with it.
I did have an alternative title, ‘Bluer Skies and Greener Grass’ because when I left hospital the surrounding colours seemed so much brighter and clearer than ever before, and I think being diagnosed really opened my eyes to seeing the world differently and prioritising as to what is important in life.
Why do you write?
I have always wished to write about the highs and lows of my journey through the disease, especially from a young mother’s perspective. I also wished to write my life story (pre and post cancer) for my children to read had I not survived.
When I was first diagnosed there were not any books written from the perspective of a young person with a young family suffering from TNBC. I believe my story could have the ability to help and inspire fellow cancer sufferers and show them the positives as well as the ‘not so good’ times they may face. I was able to write about the whole journey in quite a frank, open and often humorous way. I like to keep things real and believable (even with my current rom-com writing) so the readers can connect on some level. Just before May last year, I had three women I know be diagnosed within days of each other, and they all asked if I had finished my book. So, I stopped thinking about publishing it and made it a reality to help these ladies and also found it quite therapeutic for myself as well.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently writing a novel titled, ‘I’m Wearing that Smile You Gave Me’. It is a sweet, believable romantic comedy about the lives of a group of friends told through the eyes of the main character, Millicent Jayne. I really like the plan of how this story is taking place and, although I have a definite plot plan of attack, it has deviated a little throughout the writing of the story. I have enjoyed touching on various issues and themes and I like the way the characters are responding to them. I like authors like Alexandra Potter and Lindsey Kelk who write realistic rom-coms, and I have used this inspiration to write my own story and make the audience connect to it. The story is believable and makes you feel like you are reading about some of your own good friends. Side note: Some ‘real life’ people may find themselves being written about or semi quoted! Many of my own (and friends’) embarrassing, lovely etc experiences have snuck into my writing! Ummm, should I say sorry now?!
How do you usually communicate with your readers/fans?
Even though I have gone back to work four days a week, I try my hardest to post little snippets of writing on my facebook page, In My Hand – Bianca Plunkett Gooley Writer, and update my Instagram (bellaandreg) and website with happenings of my autobiography when I can.
www.biancagpg.wixsite.com/writer
Do you have a day job? What is it?
I have gone back to work at a Learning Support teacher this year. I have been thrown in the deep end but I am absolutely enjoying the experience and I am learning every day. So far this year, there has never been a day that I have not wanted to go to work, and I feel more confident with every week that goes past. I am loving the role, the students and the school!
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Apart from hanging out with my little family and watching my two cherubs grow into little people in this big world of ours, I like to be a bit arty and create things. I have a little creative outlet on the side called Bella & Reg (named after my two children), and I hand make fabric button pendants on chains, earrings, brooches, varying sized hair bobbles, hair clips, and bookmarks. I use a variety of unique fabric, including retro, vintage and contemporary Australian Aboriginal fabrics as well. My handmade products are really pretty and sweet, and I have raised a lot of money for various people, animals, events etc who can benefit from my help. It’s my way of paying the kindness forward which was shown to us during my sickness.
www.facebook.com/BellaAndReg
www.instagram.com/bellandreg
www.bellaandreg.wix.com/thecollections (only Aboriginal wares)
Who would play you in the movie about your life?
Ashley Judd. I have always thought she was pretty kick arse, strong, and got things done. Plus, in the 90s she used to have a sweet pixie hair cut and wear an oversized grey jumper really well, and I feel if she could channel this again for when she plays me in the ‘kicking curls post chemo’ part, I think she may be in line for an Oscar. Just saying...
Chocolate or cheese?
Chocolate dipped cheese perhaps? Oh dear. There are equal amounts of love for both of these foods. Sometimes, certain things have to come into play when choosing one or the other: weather, child or spouse love, periods, fireplace, beverages, books etc. I could justify either one 100 percent.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Alive.
Loving, living, writing and creating. If I am lucky to continue using all my senses, I will be content and happy.
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You're never too old to chase your dreams, by Savannah Blaize:
The very gorgeous Savannah Blaize has written an inspiring piece for me about how she's had her first book published at 66 years of age.:)
Read her wonderful story about how she came to writing later in life and let it inspire you to go after what it is that you want! Here's the link to the article Savannah wrote:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/savannah-blaize.html
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A couple of photos to finish off this photo fiesta newsletter with:
Firstly, in case you didn’t already know how much I love my HarperCollins squad, here I am with my local WA Manager, Theresa, on my left as well as Head of Sales Manager, Karen- Maree, on my right who took me out for a celebratory drink a couple of weeks ago when Karen-Maree was visiting Perth from Sydney. And she surprised me with this stunning print of some of the bookshop window displays of BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE around the country. That smudged eyeliner I have on? You guessed it, more tears from me!
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And finally, in case you were wondering….
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I’m sending huge hugs to everyone who has supported me and my book release in the past couple of months. THANK YOU!! If you read BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE and enjoyed it, did you know that the number one factor affecting sales of books over and above everything else is word of mouth? So please tell your friends about it or post a review on Goodreads or Amazon so others can discover it and make me rich!! It’s available in all good book shops, online and as an audiobook (with four characters narrating!)
I’m going to drop you all a line before we leave for Europe in December for my Winter in Wales Writing Retreat, followed by our white Christmas (I bought the four of us matching Christmas PJ’s, I totally did!)
Until then, lots of love to you all and take care,
Tess xx
P.S. Writers – you guys are the first to know I’m currently hatching Winter in Whistler Writers Retreat 2019, stay tuned next year for details and start saving for a snowy retreat in Canada!! Yeah baaaby! If you want to be on the first to know list when I make the spots on retreat available, send me a reply email and I'll add you to the list.
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Love at First Flight and Beautiful Messy Love are in stores now.
You can also order them online as paperbacks or eBooks here:
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