Barefoot is the name of my book due out in November. I had real trouble finding a title for it, I swear it was easier naming my kids than giving this book a moniker but I’m very pleased with the name and the way the book has turned out and will post the cover and an excerpt closer to the publication date. Barefoot is Sherry Jackson’s and Glenn Brogan’s story. If you’ve read Bonkers you will have already met them and yes, you’ll get to see how Lisa and Dan Brogan are doing, and Ben Jackson, Lisa and Sherry’s brother. Hope that makes sense. Sorry if it doesn’t, but it’s Friday night and I have been working on my fifth book all day (more about that later). Continuing on the theme of pets in my last post, two of the characters in Barefoot are cats – there’s a bit of a feline upstairs/downstairs thing going on. Otto, a one-eyed tom with half a tail, is definitely “downstairs” and will never be a SNAC – Sensitive New Age Cat. Custard belongs “upstairs” but can’t get enough of her tom/man. Glenn, and Sherry and her neighbours would like to get their hands on both of them so they can get a decent night’s sleep.
Book #5 is coming along nicely. It even has a name. I’ve had a wonderful time researching this book and will tell you more about that in my next post. In the meantime, back to Chapter 1…
Best Wishes,
Michelle
June 8th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
I have read Bonkers and absolutely loved it! I picked it up off the shelf at the library and have not been able to put it down untill i finished the last page. I really hope your other books are as good as Bonkers! Keep up the good work!
June 8th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Thanks, Sarah.
July 9th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Have read all three of your books. Thoroughly enjoyed them. Can’t wait for the next two.
Carol
July 9th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Barefoot is out in November, Carol. Hope you like that too.
July 16th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Oh Michelle, check out your website with a blog even!! I tell all my girlfriends they should read you. I love all your books, stumbled onto bonkers at the te awamutu library just after it was published and fell in LOVE!! Fab reads all of them, i have three under five and i read while feeding someone, walking with a kid on the hip, keep it in my bag for the moments when i have a peaceful three minutes and twenty five seconds in the park before my two year old throws himself off the swings in an attempt to emulate superman. you know how it goes. def stay up at night to see whats happening, wonder what they are up to when im away (not reading lol). Keep up the awesome work, i get your books the day are come out (and do some creative regigging with the household budget so the hubby doesnt actually know i have a secret book stash going on) ha ha! all books best enjoyed with a toffee pop and hot chockie!!!
August 7th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
It is good to hear that the Bonkers story is going to be carried on. Looking forward to a great read in November.
August 9th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Hi Mandy,
Ah yes, I remember those days (and nights) very well. I used to look forward to going to work because when I got a break and sat down one of my kids didn’t pop up wanting some part of their anatomy wiped. I wasn’t as busy as you, though – three under five! Sorry, I haven’t replied sooner but I only just saw your message, I’ve got no idea where it went or why but thank you, it made me grin when I read it. The release date for Barefoot is November 1st and we’re having our usual launch party that night at Wrights Bookstore in Cambridge. If you can make it, come along, we provide exactly what mothers of small children need – time out, a glass of wine and some nice food. I’ll post some info closer to the date on my website and Facebook. I’m currently writing the book for next year, I might employ the toffee pop and hot chocolate therapy to help things along.
Cheers,
Michelle
August 9th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Thanks, Yvonne. I’m really pleased with the cover of Barefoot – it’s Sherry Jackson to a T.
August 19th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Hi Michelle, I LOVE your books and like many others have attempted to read them in one sitting – however it is hard to hide from a child and husband, they track you down and distract you!
I have read all your published books and will be waiting impatiently for the 1st of November to arrive! I live in Hamilton so I think the launch party will have to go onto the calendar as a ‘must attend’
Keep up the great work! Megan
August 19th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Megan! You’re from the ‘tron!I Your website looks great – interesting work. Please do try and come to the night at Wrights Bookstore, I’d love to be able to say hi in person. It’s a perfect night for mothers of young children – they are at home with the husband while you’re in Cambridge with a glass of wine in your hand and some nice nibbles. Wright’s just need a confirmation of who’s coming so they can order enough wine and food. You need to tell your husband you’re taking up writing and get yourself a laptop (don’t worry if it actually works). When I wrote Bonkers in 2006 it was a rule in our house that if I was sitting down with my laptop on my knee I wasn’t to be disturbed. Sometimes I sat there with it just for the hell of it. Probably not so useful if you’ve got a little one but I’d recommend it from six years and up. Hopefully, I’ll see you on November 1st.
Cheers,
Michelle
August 21st, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Hi Michelle,
I really enjoyed the evening at Paper Plus in Morrinsville last night. You are an inspiration and I am in awe of you. I bought Knotted last night and started it when I got home! As a proofreader I couldn’t help noticing that in the ‘Acknowledgements’ ‘form’ was printed instead of ‘from’. (But I guess lots of people have told you that and it can only be corrected when reprinted.) Anyway, I have read the first ninety pages and am loving your characters. Will look forward to finishing this and reading your others books. Well done and congratulations.
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 am
Hi Chris,
Yes, so did I and what a great turnout on such a horrible night! We have just finished eating the “feet” Louise made me – my daughter nabbed the toes with the pink icing nailpolish and I got the heels. Thanks for the kind words and hope you enjoy the other books.
Best Wishes,
Michelle
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Finished ‘Knotted’ last night. Really loved it, you clever girl! After you telling us on Friday night that you thought of the idea when you were hanging socks on the line, I appreciated the sock references popping up in the story. I agree with what Kerre said….’our own Marian Keyes only better!’ Long may your creativity continue.
Kindest regards
Chris
September 5th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Roll on November, looking forward to another great book. Might have to ration myself to a few pages a day – just to make it last! Otherwise it’ll be all finished within a few days.