This Newsletter was Written by a Human
Pink Ink: Quokka selfies, typing THE END, events, recommendations and more!
Hi Book Besties
I’m writing this month’s update from Rottnest Island where I’ve had the privilege of speaking to writers at Holly Craig’s Write Club Retreat - Holly and fellow author Deb Jordan (her debut book released last week) interviewed my self and
about all things writing. The only thing I like better than talking about books and writing is talking about them on an island on a perfect autumn day with a wine in my hand and the sea breeze wafting in the window. A cute little quokka (or two) just outside!The other exciting news is that I FINALLY finished writing THE LUCKY SISTERS and as it’s out October this year we’ve already dived into the edits. I have a love/hate relationship with the editing phase. It’s the time to iron out any inconsistencies, remove redundant words (and paragraphs), and make the sentences sparkle. It’s the time to really deepen the characters and make sure the story rings true. My editor provides such valuable feedback to enhance the story but it can be REALLY tough. I LOVE cutting and rewriting but it’s hard being SO close to your own work and at this stage, I tend to start wondering if it’s actually any good at all.
Ah the ups and downs of life as a writer.
One of the other downs lately has been the news of META using pirated copies of my novels (and almost every other author out there) to train their AI. I wrote a post about how I felt about this a couple of weeks ago, but here are a few more below that I ask you to PLEASE read if you are a reader who loves books! We really need to educate ourselves on how the publishing industry is at threat! And as writers, resist the temptation to use AI for our creative work. Sure it can be good as a research tool, but remember that if you use it for your actual words, you’re quite likely going to end up plagiarising someone else without even realising it.
This presents quite an ethical problem for authors as we use Meta platforms (Insta, FB and WhatsApp) to connect with readers and let them know about our latest releases and events. I don’t know how much longer I can maintain my relationship with Meta, which is why I’m encouraging readers to follow me here. I’ve also joined with a group of other authors to brainstorm ways to keep the connection with friends, family and readers without feeling like we’re in a toxic relationship. If you’re keen to contemplate your relationship with Meta, follow
!I know how much readers care about authors and the publishing industry and I thank you all who let us know this often. Below is a picture of one of my long-time readers, Brenda from Canada who was stoked to be able to buy my latest book there and another of Chez’s beloved dog and BOTH her copies of THE PATTERSON GIRLS. Love love love it when I get sent such special photos!
Hope you’re all having a wonderful start to May.
Love
Rach!
May Book Sale
ICYMI - The Patterson Girls 10 Year Anniversary edition released last week! It’s in stores now with a brand new cover and a bonus epilogue!
✨14th May 2025✨
CAMBRIDGE LIBRARY
In Conversation with Anthea Hodgson
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✨25th May 2025✨
THE YORK REGIONAL WRITERS WEEKEND
Meet the Author - Up Close With the Writers Who Inspire Us
LEARN MORETHE YORK REGIONAL WRITERS WEEKEND
Workshop - Writing Commercial Fiction That Hooks Readers From Day One
LEARN MORE
✨3rd - 5th May 2025✨
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival
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✨1st - 3rd August 2025✨
Kimberley Writers Festival
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✨15th - 17th August 2025✨
Romance Writers of New Zealand Conference
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✨5th September 2025✨
Beverley Public Library, WA
10:30am - 12:30pm
Please book by calling the library on 9646 1600
✨7th - 9th November 2025✨
Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival
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EVENT with Anita Heiss tomorrow night! I’ll be chatting to her about her new novel, Red Dust Running on Tuesday 6th May at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, at Beaufort Street Books.
I’ve mostly been reading for Book Club and
(and I can’t talk about the RBD books here in case Anthea reads this) and I’ve been madly working on THE LUCKY SISTERS so I haven’t been watching much at all! However, I do have a few things to share with you.Sister Act The Musical - took the hubby to see this musical for his birthday and it was spectacular. While I found some of the bits in-between songs a little slow (I do think perhaps this story works better on the screen), the acting, singing, stage lighting, back drop and costumes (OH the costumes at the end!!!) were fabulous and I do think it’s worth seeing if it comes to a city near you!
My re-caps on Facebook of Farmer Wants a Wife - for the fourth year (I think), I’m watching FWAW and recapping my thoughts on my FB page (yes, I know I spoke about how much I hate FB above). While I’m not loving this season as much as the last couple, I am feeling invested in one or two of the relationships and chatting about it with others on the page is the BEST!
READING BETWEEN DEADLINES with guest author Natasha Lester - honestly, this was SUCH A fun and informative chat. If you haven’t listened or watched yet, I highly recommend. You can watch here or listen on Apple Pods or Spotify.
If you LOVE romance and quirky WF I’m currently reading IN THE LONG RUN by Emma Mugglestone (doesn’t she have the BEST name) and THE LIFE EXPERIMENT by Jess Kitching. Both out later this year!
For creatives - this episode of DEAR RACH AND SOPH with
is a must listen to (even if I do say so myself) or you can watch it here.I’ve recently deleted my Goodreads account where I recorded my books read. To keep up to date with what I’m reading you can follow my 2025 Reads on Pinterest.
Hi Rachael, just wondering why you deleted your Goodreads account? Intentionally or accidentally?