A tourist in London

I did several of the usual tourist things.
Went to see a show in the West End – Billy Elliot – excellent.
Walked to Buckingham Palace, along The Mall, round Trafalgar Square and visited Westminster Abbey.
It’s amazing to see the tombs of Elizabeth 1 and Mary Queen of Scots among so many others.
I particularly enjoyed a boat trip down the Thames to see the Thames Barrier and visit to The National Maritime Museum and Observatory in Greenwich.
Photo: The building designed by Sir Christopher Wren was originally the Royal Hospital for Seamen

National Maritime Museum - Greenwich

The magnificent group of buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren was originally the Old Seaman’s Hospital.
It is set on the banks of the Thames and I have used the setting for a scene in my Age-of-sail novel.
Today the Maritime Museum houses a brilliant section on Admiral Lord Nelson.
One display is the uniform he was wearing when he fell at Trafalgar with the bullet hole in the shoulder.
His stocking are stained with the blood of one of his men.

One feature of the old building is the Painted Hall.
It is in this hall that Nelson’s body was laid in state for several days before he was taken upriver to be buried at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Photo: Nelson at Trafalgar (well a London pub by that name!)
Photo: Part of the Painted Hall

The Golden Hinde

The full size replica of The Golden Hinde is tucked away on a small dock on the Thames near London Bridge.
Sir Francis Drake was knighted by Queen Elizabeth 1 for his voyages of discovery from 1577-1580.
When you look at this 16th Century galleon, it is hard to image how it stayed upright when it was at sea.
It appears very topheavy but this replica galleon has sailed over 140,000 miles including sailing around the world.
Photo: MM London 2008

Visit to International Scripts

When I visited London two months ago, I spend two hours with my literary agent, International Scripts.
I have been dealing with them for four years but always through brief emails only.
I was made to feel most welcome.
If I ever feel bogged down as a writer with a manuscript to read, I should think of the agent’s desk stacked one meter high with prospective novels.
Although the next Harry Potter could be amongst them, the pile probably represented a lot of writing, much of which will go unrewarded.
As I said before – writers deserve full marks for perseverance - but they also must be little mad!!
Photo: London. Me and the Thames Barrier - built to stop the Thames from flooding the city. An amazing project

The Condor's Feather

A historical novel set in Patagonia in 1885Having just returned from South America, I had to produce another book quickly (for contractual reasons).
After eight weeks of burning the mid-night oil and nearly burning myself out, I’ve succeeded.
THE CONDOR’S FEATHER is set in Patagonia.
The idea for the novel come from ‘{Riding} Across Patagonia’ published by Lady Florence Dixie in 1881.
After reading Lady Flo’s book and ‘Wanderings in Patagonia’ by Julius Beerbohm (1878). I must admit that true life adventures are more thrilling to read that any ficiton.
My agent will receive the manuscript of The Condor’s Feather this week and I am hoping that publisher, Robert Hale will accept it.
Pic: M Muir – Criollo horses on an estancia in Argentina. Note the gaucho's belt studdied with silver and the felon (dagger) held behind it.

Age-of-sail adventure novel

When I was in London, I handed my agent an Age-of-sail adventure set in 1802.
This nautical adventure is quite different to anything I have written before.
It is written for a male readership and the story is on the lines of the Patrick O’Brian and CS Forester novels.
This manuscript had not yet been presented to any publishers but if accepted for publication, it may be published under a pen-name.
Therefore at the present I will not divulge the title or any of the details.
Photo: Stained glass window at Maritime Museum (Naval Academy) Valparaiso, Chile
Features Lord Thomas Cochrane who served in Chile and Peruvian waters in early 1800s.

Writing children's picture books

Last week I attended a writing for children workshop run by Christina Booth, Tasmanian children’s author and illustrator.
Children’s picture books reputedly pay very little - about $3000-$4000AU for the author for a 500 words picture book.
Compare that with $1000 for writing a 70,000 word novel.
People who write for small publisher like myself and never make the big time are either mad or have a psychological need to write!
Photo: Kids at Greenwich straddle the line of Zero meridian with one foot in the Western hemisphere and one foot in the East. (I did the same and photoed my feet)!

Writing to create and alternative world

It can be like an addiction once it grabs you.
I sometimes spend all day at the computer and forget mealtimes exist.
One quote I like is: “Writers need to create an alternative world”.
I do that, and when I am writing, I am totally engrossed in my characters and the situation they are in.
Photo: Ice, snow and mountains of the Andes and the Antactic Peninsula were the world I entered from my last two novels. Photo: M Muir 2004

Writing to heal

Whether you are a writer or not, putting words on paper is a great way to ease long standing personal pain suffered through loss of a loved one.
Hurt, anger, guilt can also be from loss of job, loss of body part, house, rejection etc.
Some of the deaths/misadventures/traumas in my books, even though well veiled, are my way of writing out some of my personal grief.
I don’t aim to do it. It just happens.
And sometimes I don’t even recognise it until after the book is published.
Last week I attended a one day workshop on healing through writing.
Since then, I am seriously considering writing a non-fiction book on ‘Writing away the pain’ or similar title.
There are numerous books on the subject, but most are written by psychologists and are cold and clinical.
I’d like to have a go.
Pic: Sunset over the Tamar Valley, Tasmania.

Pick the Dragon?

The day our dragon boat took to the water was one we will not forget.
Apart from the water spirits being kind to us, so was the weather.
After the event we celebrated with families and friends.
And already plans are afoot for a Dragon Boat Regatta on the Tamar.

For me, its quite a change from sailing a tall ship!

Dragons on the Tamar River

Once the launch was over, the Devonport crew joined the new Launceston dragon for a friendly race at the Sea Port.
This will be the first of many events for the Tamar Tittilaters.
A very enjoyable memorable day!!
Photo: The Devonport boat if in the foreground as the Launceston paddlers head off (Barbara of Beaconsfield)

Drumming up the water spirits

After the ceremony, the Launceston Dragon Boat took to the water.
Aboard are 20 paddlers and a drummer in the bow and sweep in the stern.
The paddlers keep time to the sound of the drum.
It is the drum which ensures the water spirits know that the dragon boat if coming.
On our second paddle, our distinguished monk was delighted to take his place in the bow to drum up the water spirits.
Also on board are the paddles invaluable coaches - the two Pauls.
Photo: Coutesy of Barbara or Beaconsfield

Waking the water spirits

As the 'dragon' ladies listen to the ceremony, a traditional Tibetan bowl is sounded.
This is to wake up the water spirits and receive permission to enter the water.
A pround moment for the first crew of the Tamar Tittilaters of Launceston' Dragons Abreast Inc.
Photo: MM paddler nearest camera

Opening the Dragon's Eye

The dragon's 'third eye' is located on its forehead.
As part of the traditional ceremony it is opened (a painted line in red). This gives the dragon (and its team) clarity and focus.
The two other eyes of the dragon are dotted in white to allow it see more clearly.
It is a tradition that all new dragon boats are blessed by Buddhist monks as the dragon is a symbol of the water.

Dragon Launched on Tamar

Yesterday was a Pink-Letter day on the Tamar River in Launceston.
It marked the launch of the Dragons Abreast latest Dragon Boat.
Dragons Abreast is a world wide association whose members are survivors of breast cancer or their survivors.
Hobart and Devonport already have their own dragons.
The aim of the dragon boat association is to promote both fitness through paddling and fun for all the participants.
The blessing of the 'dragon' (a creature of the water) was conducted by a Buddhist monk whose gave a traditional blessing in Engligh and Sanscrit (the ancient and sacred language of India).

A naval adventure set in 1802

It's two months since I updated my blog - the reason - I have been flat-out writing my latest manuscript.
I won't quote its title yet as two of my previous novels have had their titles changed (much to my disappointment).
As I mentioned below, with the death of Bob Tanner, my agent, I am not sure where I will be sending this work but I'm hoping International Scripts will be able to place it for me.
As a brief insight into the latest novel - it is a naval adventure set in the pre-Trafalgar years of 1802/3.
It is written primarily for a male audience, though anyone who enjoys the adventures of Horatio Hornblower (CS Forester) or Captain Jack Aubrey (Patrick O'Brian) should hopefully relate to this one.
I'm still debating whether to use my own name or a pseudonym.
Do men read naval adventures written by a woman?
Photo: HMS Victory - Portsmouth MM

Bob Tanner dies

Last week, Bob Tanner, my literary agent in London died.
He was 88 and still working.
Though I only ‘met’ Bob through our email conversations, I soon came to realise he was a man of few words, astute and had a vast knowledge of the book business in the UK.
Bob accepted me into his stable of authors (which includes many distinguished writers) in 2005.
At the time I was a raw beginner and it is thanks to him that my first novel ‘Sea Dust’ was published.
Subsequently I have had two other books published thanks to International Scripts.

Recently I had been polishing up my latest manuscript to send to Bob and was hoping he would like it.
My hope now is that Bob’s daughter, Jill Lawson, a fellow director of the company, will take over where Bob left off.
RIP Bob

Happy New Year from Tasmania

I wish you all a very happy, safe and prosperous New Year.
In 2007 I did a few things - in 2008 I know I can achieve a lot more.
As they say in the movies, 'Bring it on!'
Photo: At home in the Tamar Valley 15 km from Launceston, Tasmania

Boxing Day Tsunami

When the Tsunami swept across the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day (2004) and hundreds of thousands of people died, I was on board a cruise ship visiting the Antarctic Peninsula.
For about three days the vessel was out of contact with the world and when the news of the catastrophe filtered through it was sparce and limited.
Last night on TV I watched a documentaries about the Tsunami and through home videos taken at the time, I witnessed something of the full horror of that event.
The power of the sea, when unleashed, is a force to be seen to be believed.
I take this opportunity to spare a Christmas thought for those who lost so much, and those who still carry the mental scars of that event.

Billy Ruffian

"Billy Ruffian" (The Bellerophon and the downfall of Napoleon - the biography of a ship of the line 1782-1836) by David Cordingly.
The Bellerophon's career spanned 50 years.
She was launched on the Medway in 1786, a 74 gunner which fought at The Battle of the Glorious First of June, The battle of the Nile, and at Trafalgar.
But one of her finest hours was when she transported Napoleon, with due dignity on his 'surrender', from France to England.
The Bellerophon's ignominious end, like that of so many other proud ships, was as a prison hulk, before being condemned to the breakers' yard.
This is a non-fiction, well researched account which reads like the pages of a sea story.
Billy Ruffian is the affectionate name given to the ship by the seamen who sailed on her.
For lovers of books of naval heroes, I would highly recommend the biography of the Bellorophon.
Available from Amazon UK

Merry Christmas

".....So to all of you at Christmas, I wish you Yule-tide cheer
As I read my Mr. Dickens there’s one true voice I hear
That dear old man, that Mr Scrooge, astute – no not a mug
He, only he, had got it right, Christmas is - Humbug!"
These are the last few lines of a poem I wrote and posted in December 2006.
Well, a fair bit has changed in my life since then.
My new life in Tassie is looking good.
Perhaps next year I will write a poem and leave out the 'Humbug'!
Happy Christmas to one and all.
Marg

Riding in Cradle Mountain country

I've never ridden a horse before (if you don't count the donkeys on Scarborough beach), so the idea of a half-day ride in the Cradle Mountain foothills appealed to me.
Having my grandson, Jake, visit me, was a great excuse to do something I had wanted to do for a long time.
It was great!
The horses were placid and walked most of the time.
I was suprised how steep the gradients were but we made it and the views were magnificent.
Haing done it once, I must do it again one day.
And it will all help if I ever get back to writing my Patagonia story.

Photo: Jacob and his mount taken when we stopped for morning tea

The Ben Lomond experience

No, I am not in Scotland!
Ben Lomond is in the north east of Tasmania and this was my first visit.
I was told there were snowfields at the top (in winter), but didn't realise the road to the top of the mountain was a zig-zag gravel track with a sheer drop at the side.

Not being a braveheart when it comes to heights, I only made it to the first bend (you can see where I left the car).
Just as well, as the road ahead was shrouded in cloud and there had been a minor rock fall higher up.
Not to be outdone, my grandson and I climbed to the top.
Wow! what a view!
Photo: The road up Ben Lomond
Photo: "It's neither at the bottom and neither at the top..."

Cuckoo and peacock - an odd couple

I've previously mentioned the flowers growing in my English-style garden here in Tasmania.
At the moment I have black poppies, blue cornflowers, masses of red valerian,
forget-me-nots, jasmine and various varieties of honeysuckle, and of course dozens of different roses.
But the sights in the garden are not the only things which differ from my garden in Western Australia.
In the evening, instead of listening to the trucks rolling along on the Great Eastern Highway, I listen to the night sounds.
The thump of the feet of the tiny Bennet's wallabies, the call of a cuckoo and, just recently, the cry of a peacock high in tree.
I was told the male bird (who used to be part of a pair) visits every spring.
None of the neighbours know where he comes from. But the calls of the the cuckoo and peacock are most distinctive - and beautiful.
Photo: Peacocks at Cataract Gorge in Launceston (within walking distance of the city). MM

Bad Ground - a must read!

There are not many books which grab me to the extent that I will sit all day glued to the pages.
Bad Ground written by Tony Wright is one of those books.
It’s not fiction - it's a true story - but it reads like an adventure. It has everything - tension, raw emotion, unreal setting, honest dialogue, conflict and above all human drama.
Bad Ground is the retelling of the Beaconsfield mine disater where one miner died and two were rescued. Where the odds stacked against their survival were enormous.
But it’s not just the story of Brant Webb and Todd Russell, but it’s the story of their rescuers – the men who came from the length and breadth of Australia; it’s the story of the families – and the heartwrenching wait for news which went on for days and days; it’s the story of a trajedy unfolding when Larry Knight’s body was discovered; and above all, it’s the story of joy and celebration when the recue was finally completed.
I compliment Tony Wright – journalist and author - for his narrative and the supurb way in which he related this event.
(Page-down to read of some of the visits I have made recenlty to Beaconsfield)

The Himalayan Express

No - this is not the train I am talking about!
One of the new great train lines of the world was only completed and opened recently.
It runs for 4000 km from Behjing (China) to Lhasa (Tibet).
And because it travels into the Himalayas and to very high altitudes, the train has to be oxygenated to compensate for the rarified air.
When I got a flyer from my travel agent about a tour going next year, I couldn't resist the opportunity to sign up.
Apart from the 3 day train journey, there is time in China to see the Great Wall, time in Nepal and Tibet to see the great monastaries and shrines, time to visit the base camp of Everest and time to sightsee in Kathmandu.
I remember as a child learning the peom which goes something like: there's little wooden idol, to the north of Kathmandu....
Who ever thought that one day I would be visiting that part of the world!
Photo: Steam engine at the Don River Museum in Northern Tasmania. MM

Alias the Cat - Random House request review

Imagine how excited I was when I received an email from Random House, UK.
But it wasn't what I could have wished for.
The email read: I’m getting in touch about Alias the Cat : the latest weird and totally wonderful graphic narrative by Kim Deitch, who has been creating comics since 1967. It’s a kaleidoscopic read; full of mistaken identities, disguises, explosions and insidious plots, and is of course rendered in Deitch’s inimitable style.
Random House asked if I was interested in writing a review.

I said yes, but on receipt of the book found myself in unfamiliar territory.
Here is my review:
I’m not a comics reader, so reading Kim Deitch's graphic narrative, Alias the Cat, was a new experience for me.
Unlike a standard novel, where the reader’s mind is allowed free-rein to conjure images of scenes, characters and events, Deitch’s black and white artwork depicts each and every setting and action in infinite detail.
When reading Alias the Cat, the reader’s imagination quickly becomes redundant.
Furthermore; Deitch’s characters resemble cardboard cut-outs which are replicated from page to page and the faces look like duplicated copy-and-paste postings. Though some characters carry smiles, most of the faces wear troubled, shocked or pained expressions.
For me, Deitch’s artwork, though interesting in its sheer volume, lacks vibrancy, and carries a negative overall impression.
As to the storyline; Alias the Cat is a hotchpotch of weird events loosely connected by the appearance of feline characters/dolls and/or a skin-tight cat costume. The narrative rambles between seeming fact, fiction and psychedelic imaginings.
The story-line comes from nowhere and goes nowhere. It lacks punch and verve and tends to repetition and the dialogue is sadly dated reflecting the voice of an ageing writer.
Alias the Cat is devoid of subtlety and it completely misses the boat to my (Australian) sense-of-humour department.
Although the book’s jacket could be misconstrued as the cover of a comic book for kids, Alias the Cat is certainly not a children’s book.
Deitch’s themes are definitely adult and this graphic publication could only appeal to the unimaginative reader.

The craft of writing missing at Deloraine Fair

Deloraine on the Meander River Valley in the north of Tasmania is home to one of the best craft fairs in Australia.
This year it held its 27th Annual event. It ran for 4 days early in November and being new to Tasmania, I couldn't resist a visit.
On display at the 200 stalls, I saw no shortage of local and interstate crafts plus a display of Japanes themed attractions.
But for me, however, there was one thing lacking.
There were no writers present (to my knowledge). And no signed books to purchase.

My point is: if writing is a craft then surely it should be represented.I realize writers don't make much money, but there are many crafts people who don't get rightly rewarded for the time and effort they put into their work.
I also know that the cost of stalls is not cheap.
Perhaps, however, there is a group of writers who would like to showcase their writing and share a stall next year at Deloraine.
Worth a thought - isn't it?
Photo: Main street, Deloraine - Quamby Bluff in distance MM

Mini-field of Pink Ladies - Breast Cancer Fundraiser

I was back in Beaconsfield about 10 days ago to support their Breast Cancer Mini-field event.
This type of event is held throughout Australia and the money raised goes to Breast Cancer research.
The ideas is that Pink Ladies are purchased/sponsored and then 'planted' in a local park or field.
I 'planted' my pink lady in memory of my sister, Barbara Boasman.

And I was back in Beaconsfield again today to give a talk on my inspiration for writing to the Cancer Support and Social Group.
I now find myself signed up for the Launceston Relay for Life - another cancer fundraising event.
The relay is a 24 hour walk/run around an oval.
Teams from various groups and organisations throughout the region compete.
Although this is a baton event and no one has to run for 24 hours, it's just as well it's not on until next March as that gives me a few months to get fit!
Photo: MM at Beaconsfield mini-field day

Beaconsfield - the town built on a gold field

Today most folk have heard of the Beaconsfield in Tasmania - mainly because of the mine rescue which happened here over a year ago.
I never realised I would be living only 25 minutes away.
Just recently the gold mine reopened for production and I visited the town and the local Grubb Shaft Museum with my son.
If you are touring Tasmania, the museum is well worth a visit.
Photo: Rob Dunn with main shaft in the background.