I am more than excited to head to California shortly where I’ll be meeting readers in Los Angeles on Sunday June 21 at Fables & Fancies bookstore in the beautiful neighbourhood of Sierra Madre in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena.
I’m so humbled to have readers in more than 50 countries, most in the US, and I treasure the opportunity to meet any of you who can make it. I’ll be signing my books and answering any questions. Warmest thanks to Ana and the team at Fables & Fancies for making this possible!
You and your friends and family are more than welcome to join us! We’ll be at Fables and Fancies, 50 W Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, between 11am and 1pm.
Meet me in Sydney!
Those of you closer to my own home might like to save the date of Friday July 17 when I’ll be interviewing historical fiction author Mary-Anne O’Connor at the Willoughby Literary Festival from 2pm to 3pm, in Sydney, NSW, Australia.
A feast of inspiring leaders
As Sydney dips into cooler weather, we’ve welcomed the bright lights of Vivid, along with visits from inspiring international leaders, some associated with the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
I’ve been fortunate to witness extraordinary former First Lady Michelle Obama interviewed by Leigh Sales, and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern interviewed by Holly Wainwright.
Jacinda, widely admired for being only the second prime minister in history to give birth while in power, is also remembered for the humble humanity she showed at times of crisis.
Jacinda has dedicated her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, to “the criers, the warriers and the huggers”. She said people who are optimistic are often treated as if they are naive. Instead, she sees them as brave.
“Optimism is a courageous choice,” Jacinda said.
Her police officer father, adept at dealing with hostage cases, taught her that “words will be the most important tool I ever have”.
She said the world needs more thin-skinned leaders, people who are empathetic, and that she had to get used to being disliked.
“I could disregard the things that were from a different values set. It’s not personal. It’s politics.”
Jacinda Ardern
Michelle Obama’s interview ranged from the importance of believing in young people to the power of “wading through fear.”
“We are afraid of the unknown. It keeps us separated and isolated and keeps our world small.”
Michelle Obama
“We are afraid of the unknown. It keeps us separated and isolated and keeps our world small.”
In her experience, we adapt to the new within six weeks. “Time is an important tool… Be patient with yourself.”
“I had to go through the discomfort, stay in, and find my footing. With that came the understanding I could get through really hard things and be successful on the other end. It prepared me for the White House.
“My biggest tool is just stepping into the moment and not backing down. You get used to the new.”
Her interview was reassuring at a time that world events can seem overwhelming. However:
“Millions upon millions of people all over the world are doing absolutely what they are supposed to be doing, That’s the thing we have to stop and remember.”
“I see the vast majority of goodness in the world.”
Michelle Obama
More sweet reads
See if you can spot my books as your browse these offerings!