Everyone has a place of rest – a spot to go to when you need a break from the stresses of the world. For some it’s a cosy corner of the house where they can sit and read. For others it’s a golf course, a shopping expedition, or a quiet corner in a coffee shop. But for me it’s the ocean.

I grew up on the beach, so the constant thud of pounding waves, and the film of salt spray formed the mainstay of my childhood. I awoke each morning to the yellow heat of the sun and the fresh breeze floating off the water. I went to sleep each night to the whistling wind and the high pitched cries of coastal birds. Having this seaside influence day in and day out has had a very significant effect on my psyche.

Whenever I feel the heaviness of life, I take to the beach and to the Pacific ocean of my childhood. For me it represents so many securities. And although I grew up on a beach, and live at the beach, my very first preference for a holiday destination is still an island.

With this affinity, is it any wonder that the settings for my stories are on our Australian tropical coastline!

Today I am offering you a snapshot from my holiday album. These were taken on my last trip to Daydream Island Resort and Spa – my favourite holiday destination. http://www.daydreamisland.com/

I hope these photos provide you with some escapism.

For your chance to win two nights on Daydream Island Resort and Spa, please go to: http://www.koorong.com/estore/rosedee.html

Please jump on link below and support my online launch with Koorong. 

Purchase my new release ‘Beyond Resolution’ to go into the draw to win 2 nights on Daydream Island Resort and Spa. (conditions apply) 

Things to see on the launch page; 

Trailer to ‘Beyond Resolution’. 

Interview with Caleb winner Paula Vince. 

http://www.koorong.com/estore/rosedee.html

http://www.daydreamisland.com/

New author Andrea Grigg is set to launch her first novel ‘A Simple Mistake’ this weekend. The one major thought that kept popping up throughout my reading of this book was: ‘I wish I had read this when I was younger’. This is more than a story of love gone wrong. The themes will linger long after you finish reading this book. It is my opinion that this is a very valuable read for young Christian women. Andrea was kind enough to answer some interview questions. I hope you enjoy. 

When teenage sweethearts Nick and Lainey meet again after more than a decade, so much has changed. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind. As a member of a highly successful band and with an emerging acting career, Nick can have any girl he wants. Now he wants Lainey back.

Despite Nick’s promise to keep in touch when he left to seek fame and fortune, Lainey never heard from him. Now that time has passed, she has moved on from what she felt. Or has she?

After discovering what kept them apart for so long, they tentatively rekindle their past romance. The feelings are just as strong as before but can Lainey accept Nick’s lack of faith? And can their new relationship survive Lainey’s secret?

In your debut novel ‘A Simple Mistake’, you explore many themes from teenage romance to the concept of a soul mate. What do you want readers to take away from this story?

Apart from the ‘feel good’ thing?J Seriously though, I want readers to be reminded that they can trust God with their lives because He loves them. As ‘simple’ as that.

2.    What was your inspiration for writing ‘A Simple Mistake’?

A few years ago, the teenage son of a friend was in a band which was ‘discovered’ on the internet. It started me thinking about how his life would be completely changed by this event (which it has) … and that’s all it took. Incidentally, my hero, Nick, has no resemblance to Tim whatsoever. His mother can vouch for that – she’s one of my book buddies who read my chapters as they emerged.

3.       Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia in 1983. I met my husband in a church in Sydney, and then we moved up to the Gold Coast in 1985 when I was pregnant with our first child. Two more children and many years later, we’re still here! I teach part time at a local primary school, (currently Grade 5 children), and try to write on my days off. I do get distracted though.

Apart from thinking up characters and plots, I love to read, hang out with family and friends, and listen to music. I also sing and play keys, although not as much now I’m into writing. Another thing I really enjoy doing is encouraging people in their walk with the Lord. Words are so powerful, whether they’re spoken or written.

4.       What’s next for Andrea Grigg?

More books published, I hope. I have so many ideas it’s ridiculous, enough to keep me going until I’m ninety. I’ll need to be able to ‘speak’ the words onto a bigscreen by then – my eyes are bad enough now.

I also would like be invited to speak to groups about the writing process and my journey to getting published. I’ve learned so much, and would love to pass it on to those who share a passion for writing, or are even just thinking about it.

I’ve got a few ‘life experience’ stories up my sleeve too, including my own adoption story. ( I’m one of 7 siblings; we have the same parents, we were all adopted out… I’ve got your interest now, haven’t I!)

5.       Where and when can we get a copy of ‘A Simple Mistake’?

‘A Simple Mistake’ is now available from Koorong www.koorong.com.au and Word bookstores, on Amazon, and Even Before Publishing’s website. Myown website, http://www.andreagrigg.com will be up and running very soon, and my book can be ordered from there as well.

A few days ago, my son told me to keep all his drawings and; ‘Don’t throw them away. Because I have no doubt that when I am an adult, people will pay big money for them.’

Trying to conceal my humour, I told him that under no circumstances would any of them be put in the bin. Having overcome my amusement something very powerful struck me about this exchange. That is: My son’s overwhelming confidence in his abilities.

I started to think about the confidence he had in his future success. I loved that he didn’t just sit back and say ‘maybe one day’ but said ‘absolutely one day’.  And since then he has worked hard and produced many, many more drawings. I may even have to buy a new shed to house them all. He is willing to work hard towards his goal, believing and knowing his success will come.

Now, I know that my son may not become a great artist. At six years of age he does have a lot of growing up to do. But his attitude will get him far. I have decided to harness this and be an example to him.

My son’s attitude has given me a renewed strength as I press on towards the launch of my second book ‘Beyond Resolution’ on the 23^rd of April. It will be a week-long event consisting of a very special online launch, a photo trailer presentation of my new release ‘Beyond Resolution’, and a video trailer presentation of the ‘Resolution Series’, AND a local Mackay bookstore launch. It’s a lot of hard work, but I KNOW it WILL be worth it. 

 

In ‘Back to Resolution’ Bay resolved to find her father. Keep and eye on this website to find out what Samara is searching for. ‘Beyond Resolution’ – the second book in the ‘Resolution Series’.