Archive for March, 2007

Rouseabout roundup

Here’s the Burnie bunch of Angus & Robertson booksellers today at my very first book signing event for The Rouseabout!

It was great to hang out in sunny Burnie before we sail tomorrow for the mainland to release The Rouseabout to the world.

Thanks to Kevin, Leigh and the rest of the gang at A&R for a great day and for the folk who travelled into Burnie to see me!

Book-signing: Sale, Victoria

I’ll be at Collins Bookshop, Shop 6, Spotlight Plaza, 216-228 Raymond Street, Sale, from 11am on Thursday, April 8.

I look forward to meeting those who can make it.

Rouseabouts en Route!

I’m off — two kids, two kelpies, a husband and a ute!

We’ve shifted the sheep, drenched and moved the horses, put the cows in a fresh paddock.

We’ve hosed out all the dog runs and fed the chooks and the ducks. And dad is now sailing solo with the farm for the time being.

We’re off on the first leg of my publicity tour. Keep watching this site for more details of my publicity tour and for some larks along the way!

Burnie book-signing

Just found out I’m doing a book-signing session at Angus & Robertson in Burnie on Saturday morning, March 31. If you’re in town please come round and say hello.

Jillaroo meets Lassie

A lot of people say my books should be made into movies. Yes, they’d make great feature films — but careful what you wish for …

I’ve already been approached by producers to option the rights to the books. But they’re not up for grabs to any old joe-blow.

I’ve seen how our rural culture can be misrepresented and turned into mush.

If the person driving the project has no empathy or understanding for this rural life of ours, then my film rights ain’t for sale!

The conversation I had with one producer left me laughing, but at the same time feeling horrified at being so misunderstood.

His spin on my book was to turn it into an Australian version of Lassie cum Bryan Brown saga. (No offence Bryan).

Wanting to alter the plot for more drama, he asked if a Kelpie would save a girl from being gored by a bull?!

What!? I said none of my female characters would be stupid enough to be gored by a bull — they are capable stockmen and would never let themselves get in that position. Plus a Kelpie worth his/her salt would get out of the yard, rather than take a bull on. Smart dogs!

So until I’m approached by a film person who has empathy and understanding for our culture, the rights remain right here.

I know there’s someone out there. Integrity means the journey will be a little longer.

Cutural Divide

When I was studying communication at uni my special thesis was “city reporting of rural events and issues”.

My study focused on how rural issues were oversimplified, stereotyped, and misunderstood by city-centric journalists.

Over ten years on, I’m now on the receiving end of the urban based media. It’s enough to give you the scours!

Numerous times I’ve cringed at interviewer’s questioning because they only have a predictable, blinkered view of what it is to be a country person.

“Are you a real life McLeod’s Daughter?” Cripes … how do I deflect that question and get back into a meaningful conversation about my culture?

Despite the increase in communication technology, the cultural divide is bigger than ever and city-centric media are still missing the effing point!

That’s why I was thrilled to hear that my old stomping ground, Orange Agricultural College — renamed several times — but now affiliated with Charles Sturt University, is proposing a course specialising in rural media studies. Hallelujah!

It’s up to us country folk to get as many of our brightest young stars into that course so we can channel more skilled communicators into the main stream media.

It’s high time every media agency employed a specialist reporter who understands the complexities of rural culture and industry.

No more condescension thanks!

Casterton Kelpie Muster

I’ve been in touch with the crew at the Casterton Kelpie Muster and 2007 and they’re planning a big one in their town on the Queen’s Long weekend in June.

John and I are headed to the auction with Rousie to sell and my new book, The Rouseabout.

We’re also planning to party at the Kelpie Black Tie Ball and catch up with friends.

So put it on your calendar now, get off your bum-cheeks and come and support a terrific little town!

Regional Australia has been so hard hit by drought that the least you can do is come and enjoy the best in country entertainment.

Bring your dog along! There’s plenty for you both to see and do!

Check out their website or read The Stockman for my fictionalised version of the whole event.

Big Day Out

Getting your dog used to different situations is very important.

We were lucky enough to be asked to do some dog training demos at the recent Bream Creek Show.

Rousie got to strut his stuff in front of a couple of thousand people. Despite the distraction and the noise he worked really well on his sheep.

He also went in the grand parade and handled the bagpipe band, steam engines, goats, gyrocopter and bush whacker band.

It’s all part of his training for when he demos at Casterton Kelpie Auction in June. We’re hoping he’ll mature mentally by then.

He’s a big dog on the outide, but on the inside he’s still a goofy little pup.

Some more road trips and real life work on the farm will help him grow up.

Pup at work

Its in their genes. Here’s one of our six-week-old pups facing off a small mob of sheep.

My mobile saddler man

Since I’ve had kids, getting to the post office has been hard enough, let alone traipsing into town to drop off horse rugs to be stitched and then picked up weeks later.

Enter the people who have changed my life — Rick and Lesley Allen, Mobile Saddlers.

They live up the road from us and stop by regularly to stitch or fix anything. Rick doesn’t stop at saddles, he’s even mended my friend’s cricket pads.

And I’ve ordered other leather goods like covers for my flyshears. He can custom make anything.

So if you live in Tassie, get them round to your place. All Rick needs is a power outlet, and then he’s off stitching rugs in a flash.

No waiting. It’s done on the spot.

Find our when they’re in your district by emailing Rick or Lesley or phone 0409 543 900.