Writers On Reading Blog Series: Fleur McDonald, Author Of Crimson Dawn
This week I welcome to the blog Fleur McDonald who has just released her fifth Rural Fiction novel Crimson Dawn, following the success of Red Dust, Blue Skies, Purple Roads and Silver Clouds. Fleur is the real deal when it comes to Rural fiction - she lives and works on an 8000 acre station in Western Australia.
CRIMSON DAWN
Fleur McDonald
Laura Murphy will need to call on all her grit and determination to retain her beloved farm... But will her fierce independence close her off to the possibility of love?
Since inheriting Nambina, the property that’s been in her family for generations, Laura Murphy has worked wonders. Rather than just focusing on farming, she has set up a successful school teaching women the basics of managing a property.
But the notoriously self-reliant Laura is lonely and still scarred by a tragedy from her past. She’s also grappling with the hostility of her former best friend, Meghan Hunter. The fact that Laura’s ex-boyfriend Josh is Meghan’s brother only makes thing worse.
When a solicitor contacts Laura saying he’s representing clients who may have a claim over Nambina, Laura’s entire world is turned upside down. In holding on to the property she’s worked so hard to build, Laura realises she needs to reach out to friends and family, or risk losing everything...
Celebrating strength in the face of adversity, as well as the enriching power of love, CRIMSON DAWN is Fleur McDonald’s fifth novel with Allen and Unwin, since being discovered via Friday Pitch.
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1.Which books do you most vividly remember from your childhood?All of the Enid Blyton books. The Sweet Valley High series was another favourite. I had shelves of both. James Herriot was also another favourite – I can quote spiels of his books! 2.Who are your three most favourite literary characters? Tell us what you love about each of them.George from the Famous Five. I used to think I was very much like her when I was a kid – I was such a Tomboy! I LOVE Harry Bosch who was created by Michael Connelly. In fact I’m pretty sure I could marry him, if he asked. He’s flawed but with such a sense of truth, warped as his vision of it maybe. Beattie Blaxland from Kimberley Freeman’s Wildflower Hill. She was a strong and independent woman, not caring what anyone thought of her back in the 1920/30s. She was successful and although I am nowhere near being a feminist I ADORE these types of characters and wish I could be like them. 3. Who is your favourite literary villain? Why?I think Harry Bosch also fits this category. Like I said before, he’s flawed – massively so, but he’s a good villain! 4. If you could invite any five writers to a cosy dinner party who would you ask and why?Ooh, I think my answer to these types of questions change every time! Michael Connelly as number one. He’s my all time favourite author and I’d love be able to pick his brains. John Grisham – he’s such a private person and I think his books, especially The Pelican Brief and The Firm were amazing works. I’d love to learn from him. Dannielle Hawkins. I reckon we’d get a long like a house on fire and we’d need someone to make us laugh in amongst the seriousness of it all! James Herriot – he was such an incredible story teller. And lastly, although he isn’t a writer, Richard Fiedler – host of ABC’s Conversations, who I find so incredibly interesting. I think he would take control of the whole night and have us telling stories there was no way we could have imagined sharing. 5.What book has made you laugh out loud?Danielle Hawkins and Jennifer Crusie books. Just love them; they make me feel good and they both write with a vivid senses of humour. 6. What book, or scene from a book, has made you cry?Love Anthony by Lisa Genova. Her writing is so real. 7. Where and when do you do most of your reading?Oh I read anywhere! I’ve always got a book with me. But the kids have been known to slide notes under the loo door when I’ve been in there too long, caught up in a book! 8. Is there a genre of book you’d never read? Why?I’m not that keen on Sci Fi. Can’t really tell you why, just not that interested in it. See, I also have to admit I’m not a Dr Who or Star Trek fan, like so many, so that might explain it. 9. Can you give us a mini-review of a book you’ve recently read and enjoyed?Chocolate Cake for Dinner by Danielle Hawkins. An hysterically funny, down to earth read. 10. What are the top three books in your TBR pile? Tracking North by Kerry McGinnis Safe Harbour by Helene Young The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon
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Thanks Fleur and have fun on the book tour.
Further details about Fleur can be found at www.fleurmcdonald.com Connect with Fleur:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FleurMcDonaldAuthorAnd on Twitter: @fleurmcdonald