Be careful what you wish for

The launch of a new book is something any author will savor. After the fun of first writing the story from pencil drawn ideas, plots and unexpected twists that were carefully schemed to bring out the most interesting attributes of the much loved imaginary characters that fill the pages, the hard work that pours into the months of editing that follows tends to erase the initial enthusiasm. I think the more work spent on editing, the more important it is to give the book the recognition it deserves when it finally comes into print.

Last Wish of Summer has been a four year journey, that first began when I relocated my family from Brisbane to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. When we first moved here, I thought I had everything I could wish for. The big house, the perfect desk to write at, the writer's lifestyle by the sea and the V8 Ford sports car parked in the two car garage, (I know that has nothing to do with writing, but I'd wanted one just the same). But everything you wish for comes at a price. In life, you don't just get things. There is always a flip-side. In this case, the upkeep of everything I just mentioned involved being stuck in a job I hated with no time to write. After wishing for a change of jobs, thinking that might be the answer, I quickly found myself sinking deeper into the same set of circumstances with even less of a possibility of being able to write my next novel. That was when the thought hit me, I'd best be careful what I wish for.

That was when the Pastor of our Church at the time, Dan O'Farrell said to me over coffee one day, just a few words that changed my perspective on everything. It was nothing profound. It was nothing that required an intense period of interpretation, and it wasn't anything of biblical proportions. He simply said; 'if something in life isn't working for you, give it the flick and find something that does'. What followed was an adjustment in thinking that went much deeper than the simple notion of we need work to live, but we don't live to work.

Last Wish of Summer became so much more than just my next book. Although the story was largely sketched out, the next year would see me channel so much energy, re-awakening and personal discovery into each of the characters that grace its pages. If you want to portray a positive message in a book, then it is important to surround yourself in a positive set of circumstances. And just how do you know when something is finally working for you? The answer is simple. You have something in life to show for it. So here it is, enjoy my new book, but be careful what you wish for.